ASP Stuff Radio put the alleged polymeric “poster child” on center stage in this recyclable episode of stuff.  Seattle is the first city to ban the use of plastic straws in bars and restaurants in an effort to reduce the plastic pollution, and great harm of marine life, in the world’s oceans.  And soon California may become the first U.S. state to enact a similar ban prohibiting full-service, dine-in restaurants from offering plastic straws to customers unless they are requested.  Alberotle, Steveocrates, and Paulato wrap their minds around this environmental issue: What is the origin of the ban on single-use plastic straws, and how much of an impact will it have on the environment?  Are plastic straws the right polymer to pick on? Perhaps plastic-eating creatures like microorganisms, waxworm caterpillars and mealworms are the perfect solution to the plastic problem instead of government agencies infringing on our species sipping freedoms? And how well do ASP impersonate Tom Brokaw reading about plastic waste?

ASP also discuss the recent tragedy of the Mollie Tibbett missing person case as well as a very darkly disturbing (or humorous?) clip from an interview between Bob Garfield of On the Media and Cody Wilson, founder of Defense Distributed, concerning the legal issue to post blueprints for 3D-printable (plastic!) guns on his company website.

So, go grab your favorite beverage and multiple-use plastic straw (or no straw at all) and sip away while you enjoy listening to our latest episode!

Download and listen to episode #59!

Don’t worry, these old-school plastic six-pack rings are now manufactured to be 100 percent photo-degradable and will deteriorate in a few weeks.  Some rings are designed to be safely consumed by marine animals.

Plastic babies are on the loose!

Credits:  

Cover photo: https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/gallery/horrifying-images-show-devastating-impact-11589617

Music: “Plastic Glare” by Podington Bear
From the Free Music Archive
Attribution CC BY

Music: “Cue5-Dark-Sombre-Sad-Spooky-Ambient (Even In My Dreams)” by Soularflair
From the Free Music Archive
Attribution CC BY

Music: “Chainlink Melody” by Podington Bear
From the Free Music Archive
Attribution CC BY

Music: “Blossoming” by Podington Bear
From the Free Music Archive
Attribution CC BY

Music: “Clouds, Rain, Sun” by Podington Bear
From the Free Music Archive
Attribution CC BY

Music: “Worm War” by Podington Bear
From the Free Music Archive
Attribution CC BY

Music: “Sonatina” by Kevin MacLeod
From the Free Music Archive
Attribution CC BY

Music: “Get Happy Now” by Podington Bear
From the Free Music Archive
Attribution CC BY

Sources:

http://reason.com/blog/2018/01/25/california-bill-would-criminalize-restau

https://www.businessinsider.com/plastic-straw-ban-why-are-there-so-many-2018-7

https://www.mysanantonio.com/technology/businessinsider/article/Why-plastic-straws-suck-13136187.php