Letters: So much encased in plastic

I have just read Nicola Patrick's "Alternatives to plastic bags" article, Chronicle, August 20, and to a large extent I find myself agreeing with what she is saying.

I am personally in favour of the banning of single-use plastic bags by the major supermarkets, and have accumulated a number of reusable bags, which I try hard to remember every time I shop. I do, however, wonder if the major supermarket chains are paying lip service, given that virtually everything we buy there, save for fruit and vegetables, and some deli items, is encased in plastic of some description.

An awful lot of the residents of our great town, myself included, still put our rubbish out in plastic bags designed for the purpose, because, in my case, it is a whole lot cheaper than the cost of a bin. The only alternative here.

I recycle as much as I can, and use the purpose-built centre here when I have accumulated enough to make the trip worthwhile, as indeed a lot of others do. I am old enough to remember paper rubbish bags, glass milk bottles, and bread wrapped in paper, and have more than once contemplated an entirely plastic-free world. Virtually everything we use in our everyday lives either comes in plastic or is either made from, or has a high plastic component within it, which makes a plastic-free world virtually impossible.

What is possible, however, is what we do with the high amount of waste associated with plastic, which, I believe is down to the manufacturers, who could and should switch to making products that can be recycled, but also to you and I, the consumers, who need to be more vigilant with how we dispose of what is an integral part of modern life.

ROD ANDERSON
Castlecliff

Personal prejudices

Those of us who bother to write letters to editors should applaud Max Warburton's timely reminder (Letters, August 15) that thinking is an uncomfortable process. Thoughtfully, Max invokes the peerless Socrates in his support. Together they expose that universal trait to comfortably regard our personal prejudices as sacrosanct.

I worry whether a tiny element of this trait invades Max's apparently uncritical acceptance of Putin's "endorsement" of Trump. Mentally, I struggle with two more subversive possibilities:

1. Putin may have considered Trump a far easier, less Machiavellian opponent than the alternative.

2. Putin may have thought his support of Trump would surely be the kiss of death and "Hillary will love me forever".
Just thinking — thank you, Max.

ROB DAVIES
Springvale

Boxing dumb occupation

Whanganui High School has listened to public opinion and allowed Joseph Parker to speak to all students.

The so-called "misunderstanding" I will accept without further comment, but I question whether a boxer (although a former world champion) without any other qualifications is a good example of what can be achieved in this world.

Here we have a person whose profession is beating his opponent senseless. All this will do is give credence to the younger members of our society who think it's cool to go bash a dairy owner for a few ciggies.

The army, navy and air force would be good starters for inspiration and to inform students of the vast choice of trades and careers, not to mention the Maori and Pacific islands people that are already enlisted.

After all, I bet there will never be a world champion boxer come out of WHS, and I would not want a family member of mine to end up like Muhammad Ali.

How is it that in every other sport where head injury is possible a helmet is worn, or in the case of rugby, any hint of concussion and the player is taken off for observation.

The object of boxing, on the other hand, is to give as many blows as possible to your opponent's head, the ultimate aim to render your opponent senseless. In this day and age I think it is an outdated, overrated, overpaid and dumb occupation.

A BARRON
Aramoho

Old buildings overrated

I am always amazed at how 32 submitters can sway a decision that has negative effects on the 45,000 people who live here, minus the 32 submitters.

I would suggest if those 32 people plus our illustrious mayor wish to keep the so-called heritage buildings, they should buy them personally and look after them before Wanganui becomes a cot case of old buildings no one can afford to maintain.

Earthquake and heritage regulation will destroy Wanganui as a great place to live and play because you need businesses driving it for residents to have employment.

Anyone who wants to see old buildings, buy a ticket to Europe and enjoy. Ours are no more than garden sheds.

I am a third-generation resident and advocate of looking forward and not letting the past trap us from growing.

GREG COX
Whanganui

Send your letters to: The Editor, Wanganui Chronicle, 100 Guyton St, PO Box 433, Wanganui 4500; or email editor@wanganuichronicle.co.nz