Methanol: Examine our addiction to plastic

I recently discussed the pros and cons with a friend concerning the proposed Tacoma methanol plant. I oppose this plant because of the use of large quantities of water and contamination of our water, soil and air.

I agree there may be a temporary boost in the economy but also more plastic when we already have way too much.

Why would we possibly want more plastic? Could I give up my plastic iPad and plastic television and acknowledge how much plastic I am using? We must start the conversation, and we must do more than just oppose methanol plants. We need to find a solution to our plastic addiction.

We need to find a renewable replacement and look at what we buy and why. We live in a culture of people wanting things, consuming things, owning things, replacing things. Isn’t it time to start living more simply?

I do not want the methanol plant in Tacoma, but I would like for us to examine the potential negative consequences of such projects. We must understand this methanol plant has ramifications that will only add to the current climate crisis and beyond.

This story was originally published February 29, 2016 at 2:57 PM with the headline "Methanol: Examine our addiction to plastic."