Here come the plastics ambassadors!

By Lisa Frack from Environmental Working Group's Enviroblog)

Good news, everyone! The Plastics Division of the American Chemistry Council and the Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. are rolling out a new 'plastics ambassador' program.

You'll be happy to know that this is part of the industry's plan to 'aggressively respond to the onslaught of misinformation about their industry.' Because, in their minds, the general public (yes, that's you) 'does not intuitively understand that [they] are, in fact, a sustainable industry.'

Which is exactly where the new Plastics Ambassadors come in! Their job is to help you understand that the plastics industry is sustainable and good for consumers (right, you again). The ambassadors will 'unify and amplify' the voice of the industry. I don't know about you, but I can't wait for that all that unity and volume! It'll be like the "Wonderful World of Chemistry" exhibit at the New York World's Fair in 1964, all over again (no, I wasn't alive, but it's worth checking it out - if only to see the Dupont 'Happy Plastic Family Dance.' No really.)

One of the industry's goals is to 'promote policies that allow decisions about health, safety and the environment to be based on the best-available science.' Which is funny, because we also support science-based decisions. It's just that we support the neutral scientific studies with no industry ties. The kind we hope EPA and FDA will include in their chemical assessments going forward. So naturally we are thrilled with President Obama's clear emphasis on the importance on the role of science in policy making.

If you happen to encounter a plastics ambassador in the coming months, be sure you're ready. EWG has some great resources on plastic and how to use it safely:

• Tips on avoiding BPA
• What's the best baby formula?
• Plastics 101 with Dr. Greene: Know Your Plastic
• Get Plastic Out Of Your Diet
  
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