Source Notes #1

Summary:
• This source is an article about the city of Portland, Oregon putting a ban on all single use
plastic bags. It is the first city in Oregon to ban plastic bans and other cities are following suit.
Title:
• Portland Mayor Sam Adams pledges ban on plastic grocery bags
Publication Information:
• It’s on the OregonLive website but it was written for the Oregonian.
• It was published Wednesday, July 14, 2010.
• It was published in Portland, Oregon.
Author:
• It was written by Janie Har, a reporter for the Oregonian covering state politics and
government.
Location:
•
<http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2010/07/portland_mayor_sam_adams_pledg.ht
ml>
• It was found on the web but was originally printed in the Oregonian
Accessed:
• I accessed it Wednesday, October 13, 2010.
Support:
• Support comes from the American Chemistry Council, Environmental advocates, state
legislators, and the sources listed below.
• The main sources used are: Sam Adams, Mayor of Portland; Joe Gilliam, President of the
Northwest Grocery Association; Brock Howell, Environment Oregon advocate; Stiv Wilson,
former Surfrider Foundation chairman.
• The point of the article is to inform readers that Portland has put a citywide ban on plastic bags.
It shows the amount of support it has and what the state is doing to make this ban statewide.
Source Analysis:
• This source is a journalistic source.
• According to the OregonLive website, it partners with the Oregonian and they offer news
throughout Oregon. The news is posted throughout the day and reports breaking news.
Usefulness:
• Portland is the first city in Oregon to successfully put a ban on plastic bags. Other cities see the
progress that Portland made and apply it to their own homes and put a successful statewide ban
into action.
• This source was created to provide news, sources and evidence behind Portland regulations.
• It’s trying to reach a public audience, mainly local because it is a regional newspaper.
• The Mayor of Portland decided to declare a ban on plastic bags and it passed in Portland. The
article argues that the ban keep the city green and clean.
• The article references oppositions but does not give them a clear argument. It also does not
quote businesses who will be effected by the ban.
• Works cited:
• Information on the author found at <http://blog.oregonlive.com/politics/about.html>
• Information found about OregonLive at <http://www.oregonlive.com/aboutus/>
Source Notes #2
Summary:
• This is an introduced measure presented by Senator Hass and Senator Atkinson of Oregon. This
bill supports banning single use plastic bags. It is an introduced measure up for consideration.
Title:
• Senate Bill 1009
Publication Information:
• 75th Oregon Legislative Assembly--2010 Special Session
• There is no published date on the document, but it was introduced in the year 2010.
• It was published on the Department of Environmental Quality’s website.
Author:
• This is a Legislative document. It has no author but was written by a record keeper.
Location:
• It was found at <http://www.leg.state.or.us/10ss1/measures/sb1000.dir/sb1009.intro.html>
• It’s physical form is a proposed measure written proceeding a Legislative Assembly meeting.
Accessed:
• I referred to it October 25, 2010. There is no publication date.
Support:
• Senator Hass and Senator Atkinson have proposed that Oregon ban single-use plastic bags
retail store and replace them with reusable paper bags and cloth bags for a fee. Sections of the
law are being referred to and revised in this document with accordance to the proposed measure.
• Senator Hass and Senator Atkinson of Oregon.
• This is a proposition for a new measure and states all the new regulations that would be put
forth if this were to pass. The government would need to mandate measures to fit the measure.
Source Analysis:
• This is a government source.
• It’s audience is the public in the state of Oregon, and it is funded by the Oregon government.
Usefulness:
• Senators Hass and Atkinson proposed a new measure banning single-use plastic bags statewide
in an attempt to decrease pollution and increase environmental measures in Oregon.
• Senators Hass and Atkinson came before the Oregon Legislative Assembly with their
proposition and new regulations in an attempt to gain support and press.
• It is mostly aimed at voters because they vote on measures and sign petitions.
• It is not making an argument but proposing that plastic bags be banned statewide. Senator Hass
is a democrat and Senator Atkinson is a republican. This is an issue that all people are aware of
and effected by, despite political parties.
• This document does not state current laws in reference to this issue and it speaks in a very
formal style so it is hard to understand. It also refers to some sections of the government but does
not list what the current sections state, just how they would be changed.
• Most of the documents I have are journalistic sources or institutional sources that take a side on
the plastic bag ban. This source proposes mandated measures but does not take sides. It is for
government and the public to understand what is being introduced to the legislature.
Works cited:
• “Department of Environmental Quality”: <http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ/>
• “Oregon Legislative Assembly”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/75th_Oregon_Legislative_Assembly#Senate_members
Source Notes #3
Summary:
• This is a study by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) showing the
amount of municipal waste produced by the United States in the year 2007.
Title:
• “Municipal Solid Waste in the United States: 2007 Facts and Figures”
Publication Information:
• This is a study and report with facts and figures.
• It was published in November 2008
• It was published in the United States. There is no publication city.
Author:
• The United States Environmental Protection Agency put this document together.
• There is no author listed, but it was a joint effort by members of the EPA.
Location:
• <http://www.epa.gov/osw/nonhaz/municipal/pubs/msw07-rpt.pdf>
• This document is provided on the web, but it was put into print and published by the EPA.
Accessed:
• I referred to it on October 25, 2010.
Support:
• The study is conducted by the Franklin Associates, a division of the Eastern Research Group.
The ERG is a consulting group that works in a variety of different areas to research, analyze and
report back to their clients about specific subjects. The Franklin Associates is a division of ERG
that specializes in Solid Waste Management and Life Cycle.
• There are facts, figures and statistics produced by the Franklin Associates division of ERG.
• The point of this document is to provide information on how much municipal solid waste is
produced by U.S. citizens.
Source Analysis:
• This is a government source because it is produced by the EPA, a sector of the government.
• The publication is put out by the EPA to show Americans how much we pollute and throw
away on a yearly basis. It is to a general American audience because it relates to all Americans
who throw away or recycle. It is funded by the government because it is a government source.
Usefulness:
• The EPA is a government agency working to protect the environment. They produced this
document to show how much Americans are throwing away and how it effects us and Earth.
• This document was carefully researched by the EPA and the consulting group it hired, ERG.
They wanted to accurately research and display their findings to the public and the Legislature.
• It is trying to reach a general public as well as the executive and legislative offices in charge of
creating and carrying out laws.
• The EPA is making an argument that we produce a large amount of waste and damaging earth.
• It is leaving out the percentage of products that are recycled compared to thrown away. It is
focusing on waste that harms the environment because the EPA wants to protect the
environment.
• It is the first document that has a great amount of statistics which can be used as evidence.
Works cited:
• Information on ERG “Projects”: <http://www.erg.com/projects/index.html>
• “Solid Waste Management”: <http://www.fal.com/solid-waste-management.html>
Source Notes #4
Summary:
• San Jose published a Draft Environmental Impact Report to propose that they ban plastic bags.
Title:
• First Amendment to the Draft Environmental Impact Report: Single-Use Carryout Bag
Ordinance.
Publication Information:
• It is a government document.
• It was published October 2010.
• It was published in San Jose, CA.
Author:
• There are no authors, but it was prepared by the City of San Jose.
Location:
•<http://www.sanjoseca.gov/planning/eir/SingleUseBagBan/Single%20Use%20Carryout%20Pla
stic%20Bag%20Ordinance%20-%20First%20Amendment%20.pdf>
• I found it on the web but its original form was print.
Accessed:
• I referred to it October 26, 2010.
Support:
• This is a draft of an amended law published so the city of San Jose can receive feed back. The
draft includes letters from concerned and supportive citizens and responses for these citizens.
• Many of the concerned and supportive citizens belong to environmental groups or plastic bag
advocates who have written letters in response to this draft. These letters often quote the New
York Times, LA Times, youtube, blogs and many other sources.
• Sources are used in response letters to the measure and in the document.
Source Analysis:
• This is a government source.
• This is directed at those who will be greatly effected by the Environmental Impact Report. The
audience is the city of San Jose and businesses, advocacy groups and other stakeholders. This
document was funded by the Department of Planning, Building & Code Enforcement.
Usefulness:
• San Jose felt that litter was enough of a problem to ban single use plastic bags.
• The draft was created to gather input so the Department of Planning, Building & Code
Enforcement could make revisions and create a measure aware of its effects on the public.
• It is for the City of San Jose, including businesses, environmentalists, plastic bag advocates,
and government agencies.
• San Jose needs to make steps to improve the litter problem by banning plastic bags.
• It is fairly one sided, although it does include response letters which oppose the new measure.
The response letters provide facts against banning plastic bags. The wording on this document is
also fairly confusing so it can be unclear to a common citizen what is being said.
• I could compare Oregon’s efforts with its west coast neighbors, and see how these strategies
could work or not work for Oregon.
Works cited:
• “Environmental Impact Report” San Jose: <http://www.sanjoseca.gov/planning/eir/EIR.asp>
• “Single Use Bag Ban”:
http://www.sanjoseca.gov/planning/eir/SingleUseBagBan/bag%20EIR%20NOA.pdf
Source Notes #5
Summary:
• This is a debate between Brock Howell, an Environment Oregon advocate, and Shari Jackson,
the director of the Progressive Bag Alliance (PBA) of the American Chemistry Council (ACC).
Title:
• Head-to-Head: Plastic Bag Bans
Publication Information:
• This was published in the Salem Weekly and online at WillametteLive
• It was published Wednesday, September 22, 2010
• It was published in the Salem Weekly and online at the WillametteLive website.
Author:
• This is by the Salem Weekly Editors.
• It does not say there is a specific author but that it was written by Salem Weekly Editors.
Location:
• <http://willamettelive.com/story/HeadtoHead_Plastic_bag_bans141.html>
• It was originally published in the Salem Weekly but it was also put online on WillametteLive.
Accessed:
• I accessed this on October 26, 2010.
Support:
• Brock Howell is the spokesperson for Environment Oregon and Shari Jackson is the Director
of the PBA of the ACC. Both quote facts from research studies done by the ACC as well as the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association.
• Brock Howell is from Environment Oregon. Shari Jackson is from the ACC.
• This is a crossfire debate. Howell is an advocate for banning plastic bags, while Jackson is an
advocate for plastic bags. Their debate provides a clear argument for and against this issue.
Source Analysis:
• This is a journalistic source.
• Salem Weekly is a democratic and liberal newspaper in Salem (strongly related to the Eugene
Weekly). It’s views are very liberal and right sided, with many opinion pieced articles. This is
directed at liberals, environmentalists and democrats and is funded by them. The
Usefulness:
• The newspaper wanted to publish a debate on an issue each edition and for this particular
edition they chose banning plastic bags. They published Shari Jackson’s arguments and Brock
Howell’s arguments to show the two opposing sides to this issue.
• It was created as a crossfire piece in a newspaper. It was to allow to opposing sides to an
argument share their views with the public.
• This is a liberal and democratic newspaper so its target audience is just that.
• It is making the argument why plastic bags should be banned and why they shouldn’t.
• The Salem Weekly is a liberal newspaper. However, it did not favor one side, but equally
presented both of them. It did no writing of its own, but published the words of spokespeople
for each side of the issue. However, the publishers may have omitted parts if they wished too,
although no complaints have arisen from either side of the argument stating this.
• This is the first debate that I’ve come across, and it’s helpful to see what opposing advocates
believe about this issue. Both have strong arguments and cases for their sides.
Works cited:
• Information about Salem Weekly: http://www.willamettelive.com/
Source Notes #6
Summary:
• This source is the Progressive Bag Alliance (PBA) of the American Chemistry Council (ACC).
Title:
• There is no specific article but the site provides information on plastics in different areas.
Publication Information:
• This is not a published article or document. It is a website with a variety of information on
plastic.
• N/A
• N/A
Author:
• There are no authors, but the director of the PBA is Shari Jackson
Location:
• The home page is <http://www.americanchemistry.com/s_plastics/index.asp>
• This is a web page for a group of plastic advocates.
Accessed:
• I referred to this website on October 26, 2010. It is constantly being updated and changed.
Support:
• The ACC is a group of chemists who conduct their own research and experiments. The PBA
division of the ACC has its own set of specialized scientists to conduct research and experiments.
They are also the leading manufacturers of plastics.
• The primary sources are plastic manufacturers and scientists.
• The point of the website is to promote plastic production, use, and efficiency. The PBA of the
ACC do research on how plastic effects the environment, safety and sustainability.
Source Analysis:
• This is an institutional source.
• The website is a conglomerate of the leading plastic manufacturers and is funded by these
corporations to promote plastic use by consumers. It is for the general public convincing them to
buy and use these products.
Usefulness:
• The ACC works with modern day products to promote them while trying to work to protect the
environment and produce safe products.
• This website was created as an advocate for plastic production and use. It was put together by
major plastic producers and lobbyists promoting for these large companies.
• It’s trying to reach a general audience to convince them that plastic is safe, useful and
necessary.
• It is arguing that plastic is useful and should not be banned. They claim that it is more costly to
the environment to produce paper bags and that they do not pollute as much as paper bags.
• It is an advocate for plastic so it is only promoting plastic. It is not taking into consideration the
other side of the argument. It leaves out the downsides and harmful effects of plastic and the
plastic industry on the environment.
• This website is an advocate for the plastic industry. It is the first document that I have speaking
for the use and production of plastic, rather than advocates for banning the bag.
Works cited:
• “Who we are”: http://www.americanchemistry.com/s_plastics/doc.asp?CID=1106&DID=4642
• “Overview”: http://www.americanchemistry.com/s_acc/sec_about.asp?CID=6&DID=9
Source #7
SUMMARY
• This is a magazine article from the American Recycler Newspaper which discusses alternatives
to banning plastic bags, but also helping to reduce litter problems.
PUBLICATION INFO:
Title: Common sense trumps bag ban
Publication Information:
• The newspaper is called American Recycler Newspaper
• It was published in November 2010
• There is no publishing location.
Author:
• The author is Mike Breslin. He is a writer for the American Recycler Newspaper.
Location:
• http://www.americanrecycler.com/1110/520common.shtml
• Its physical form is a newspaper but it was also published on the web.
Accessed:
• I found this on November 8, 2010, and the article was written in November 2010.
SUPPORT
• Primary sources used were: Rudy Underwood of the American Chemistry Council (ACC),
Shari Jackson of the Progressive Bag Affiliates of the ACC, Kathy Hogan of account services at
Newark’s Recycled Products Division, and Johnny Gold Newark’s senior vice president.
• Secondary sources are: the ACC surveys, bills and measures passed or denied in other countries
or states, New York’s plastic bag reduction, reuse and recycling law.
• The article says that there are other options to reducing the amount of plastic in our landfills.
This article believes that banning plastic bags is inconvenient for consumers and shoppers who
require plastic bags for groceries. The author uses quotes from others who oppose plastic bag
bans, and evidence that people support mandated recycling laws over bans.
SOURCE ANALYSIS
• This source is a journalistic source.
• Its funding comes from it’s subscribers and advertisers.
• This is a monthly trade newspaper targeting recyclers and recycling companies. Most of its
advertisements are for recycling bins or products that are made of recycled materials.
• Plastic bag bans are an option, but there are other options to reducing the amount of plastic
littering our earth and filling land fills. Implementing plastic bag bans and fines for paper bags is
inconvenient to people who reuse plastic bags or can’t afford to pay fines every time they shop.
• This article leaves out how much it would cost to require stores to recycle plastic bags and how
much it would cost to enforce recycling.
• The writer works for a recycling magazine who specializes in reusing recyclable products for
other products and for promoting recycling.
USEFULNESS
• This source provided different options for solving the plastic problem, while also working with
a common goal in mind. It provided evidence that people support recycling over bans.
WORKS CITED
• Ulrich’s website “American Recycler”:
<http://www.ulrichsweb.com/ulrichsweb/Search/fullCitation.asp?navPage=1&tab=1&serial_ui
d=508266&issn=>
Source #8
SUMMARY
• This source is called the Plastic Bag Ban Report and is an organization that monitors plastic
bag ban efforts worldwide in hopes that plastic bags will be banned to reduce waste.
PUBLICATION INFO:
Title: This is not a specific document or article but I’m using the entire site as a source.
Publication Information:
• The organization is called the Plastic Bag Ban Report
• There is no publishing date because I am focusing on the site as whole, not a specific article.
Author:
• There are no specific authors because I’m using the whole website and not a specific article.
Location:
• http://plasticbagbanreport.com/
• It’s a website.
Accessed:
• I accessed this site on October 30, 2010.
SUPPORT
• This site has news articles from around the world about places that are banning plastic bags,
which ones are not passing bag bans and what measures are being considered about plastic bags.
• There is no specific article with specific sources.
• There is no specific article with specific sources but they repost news articles worldwide.
• This website is a compilation of current issues regarding plastic bags, former issues, policies,
and other articles from around the world about plastic bag bans.
SOURCE ANALYSIS
• The Plastic Bag Ban Report (PBBR) is an institutional source.
• It was very hard to figure out where funding comes from. Their information page did not
provide much information and they didn’t have an advertising section or much advertising. It
could be funded by other organizations related to plastic bags.
• The targeted audience is a general audience. The PBBR is available to anyone who wishes to
access it. It only provides archives for eight countries, which could limit its audience slightly.
• This website says that it brings the facts about plastic bags from both sides of the argument and
compiles them where people can read about everything they want to know about plastic bags.
• The website says it provides information on plastic from both sides of the argument but I did
not find these facts or arguments from either side on the website. This website only archives
articles about plastic bag bans.
• They are just compiling miscellaneous news articles from eight countries around the world
about whether plastic bag bans are passing or not.
USEFULNESS
• This would be a good site to come and try to find out where plastic bag bans are passing and
where they are failing. This would not be a good source to gather any information on plastic as a
substance, but it would be good to note what areas adopt plastic bag bans over others.
WORKS CITED
• PBBR “About” page: http://plasticbagbanreport.com/about/
• “Back Door Ban Archives”: http://plasticbagbanreport.com/category/back-door-bans/
• “Bans” page: http://plasticbagbanreport.com/category/bans/
• “Battles” page: http://plasticbagbanreport.com/category/battles/
Source # 9
SUMMARY
• This is a study conducted by a consulting firm on the effects of paper versus plastic bags on the
environment.
PUBLICATION INFO:
Title: “Life Cycle Assessment for Three Types of Grocery Bags-Recyclable Plastic;
Compostable Biodegradable Plastic; and Recycled, Recyclable Paper”
Publication Information:
• This is a report published by Boustead Consulting and Associates for the Progressive Bag
Alliance, but I found it on a website for the Save the Plastic Bag Coalition.
• It was published in 2007.
• It does not say where it was published.
Author:
• It was written by Chet Chaffee and Bernard R. Yaros.
Location:
• http://savetheplasticbag.com/UploadedFiles/2007%20Boustead%20report.pdf
• It was originally a written report but can be accessed on the internet.
Accessed:
• I found this website on November 10, 2010. It was written in 2007.
SUPPORT
• The report uses other sources who have conducted research, as well as conducting their own
research e.g. tables, charts, facts, figures, studies and research.
• There is a peer review by Dr. Michael Overcash, professor of chemical engineering and
professor of biological and agricultural engineering at North Carolina State University.
• This report uses numerous secondary sources such as the Office of Solid Waste, European
Centre for Plastics in the Environment, and California EPA.
• This study shows that paper bags cause more waste, use more energy to create and transport,
and create more green house gas emissions than plastic bags.
SOURCE ANALYSIS
• This source was created for an organization, so it is an institutional source.
• Funding comes from the Progressive Bag Alliance who wanted this case study done.
• Boustead Consulting specializes worldwide in life cycle analysis so it has a targeted audience
of scientists and researchers studying life cycles and specialized products.
• This document is arguing that paper bags cause more waste, use more energy to create and
transport, and create more green house gas emissions than plastic bags.
• The amount of plastic bags that are collected from litter programs and, information on plastic
bags that do not contain compostable components to them are left out.
• Boustead Consulting was hired by the PBA and ACC. The PBA and ACC are made up of heads
of plastic corporations who lobby to keep plastic bags in circulation.
USEFULNESS
• This source provided me with a platform for other sources. It had a lot of useful statistics to
look at when regarding my issue.
WORKS CITED
• Information on Boustead Consulting: http://www.boustead-consulting.co.uk/
• Information on the Save the Plastic Bag Coalition:
http://savetheplasticbag.com/ReadContent486.aspx#Blog709
Source # 10
SUMMARY
• This is an article reporting that other publications have been publishing false information about
the dangers of plastic bags to the environment.
PUBLICATION INFO
Title: “Series of blunders turned the plastic bag into global villain.”
Publication Information:
• The Sunday Times (London).
• It was published on March 8, 2008
• It was published in London, England.
Author:
• The author is Alexi Mostrous, a writer for the London Times.
Location:
• http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article3508263.ece
• It was originally printed in the Sunday Times in London but can also be found online.
Accessed:
• I found this website on November 10, 2010
SUPPORT
• The author used quotes from scientists and experts and some facts for support.
• Primary sources are Lord Taverne, chairman of the Sense about Science; David Laist, author
and researcher; David Santillo, marine biologist at Greenpeace; Geoffrey Cox, Tory member of
the Commons Environment Select Committee; Professor Geoff Boxshall, marine biologist at the
Natural History Museum; and Charlie Mayfield, chairman of retailer John Lewis.
• Secondary sources are a 1987 Canadian study in Newfoundland, a report done in 2002 by the
Australian Government, and a 1968 study of albatross carcasses.
SOURCE ANALYSIS
• It is a journalistic source.
• It is the London Times so much of it’s funding comes from subscribers. It is published by the
NI Syndication, the leading publisher of newspapers worldwide.
• The London Times is a leading reporter of news in the UK. It tries to reach a general audience
but is more widely available in England. Some of its major articles are reprinted worldwide. It is
available online but requires subscription to gain access to its site.
• This article is reporting that previously printed facts about plastic bags are false and has not
received the required research; plastic has been made a villain under false pretenses.
• The author is printing facts that he is reporting as false and backing them up with quotes by
experts. However, he does not give quantitative data about what plastic does to earth.
• The author believes that plastic bags have been misrepresented and are blamed for causing the
death of marine life and polluting the environment; they have been reported on falsely without
proper research done by other journalists.
USEFULNESS
• The article is reporting that plastic bags have been made the villain. The author backs up his
argument with quotes by researchers and experts in the field, who also believe that these
accusations are false.
WORKS CITED
• Information on the London Times: http://www.nisyndication.com/news_publishers.html
Source # 11
SUMMARY
• This source is a publication about the harmful effects of plastic on marine life.
PUBLICATION INFO:
Title: The title is “The Pollution of the marine environment by plastic debris: a review”
Publication Information:
• It was found on Science Direct.
• It was published in 2002
• It was published in Wellington, New Zealand.
Author:
• The author is Jose G.B. Derraik. He works at the Ecology and Health Research Centre in the
Department of Pubic Health at the Wellington School of Medicine and Health Sciences at the
University of Otago.
Location:
• http://www.derraik.org/Publications/Derraik%202002%20-%20Plastic%20pollution.pdf
• It was a Marine Pollution Bulletin but can also be accessed on the web.
Accessed:
• I found this source on November 10, 2010
SUPPORT
• The author gathers all the previous research done on the topic and puts it all together on tables
and charts to compare data. He also uses facts and research done by other researchers and
scientists.
• The author uses no primary sources but draws his own conclusions from secondary
• The author uses hundreds of secondary sources dating back to 1975. They are researchers,
scientists and leading experts in marine biology and debris. It is known as the leading university
of research in New Zealand is funded by the school and alumni.
SOURCE ANALYSIS
• This source is an academic source
• The funding comes from the University of Otago in New Zealand.
• It is trying to reach an academic audience. It is research done by experts in the field. The author
has a medical and science degrees and is writing this document to inform other academics and
scholars who are studying similar topics.
• The article is making the argument that plastic creates a large amount of debris that kills marine
life.
• The author is leaving out the other kinds of debris that affect marine life. The article is
particularly about plastic because it is one of the leading pollutants.
• The writer wants to protect marine life because he has received his studies in marine biology.
He wants to protect the ecosystems.
USEFULNESS
• This is important because it shows just what kinds of plastic effect marine life and what the
exact effects are on the environment. I have some other sources with similar information but this
will compliment those other publications with more research.
WORKS CITED
• Information on the author: http://www.derraik.org/info.html
• Information on the University of Otago: http://www.otago.ac.nz/about/welcome/index.html
SUMMARY
• California legislature did not pass a plastic bag ban earlier this year due to major plastic
companies spending just over one million dollars lobbying to prevent the ban.
PUBLICATION INFO:
Title: “Grocery bag bill drew heavy out-of-state lobbying.”
Publication Information:
• The article was published in The Sacramento Bee
• It was published Nov. 9, 2010
• It was published in Sacramento, California
Author:
• The author is Susan Ferriss, currently a reporter for the Sacramento Bee.
Location:
• http://www.sacbee.com/2010/11/09/3170011/grocery-bag-bill-drew-heavy-out.html
• The article was originally printed in the Sacramento Bee newspaper.
Accessed:
• I accessed this article on November 10, 2010
SUPPORT
• The article has information from the California Secretary of the State’s office.
• There are no primary sources quoted, but numerous parties are mentioned. Helix Poly Co, the
American Chemistry Council, the California Secretary of the State’s office, California Grocers
Association and Safeway-Vons were all mentioned.
• Much of the data Susan Ferriss collected came from state record offices about the amount of
spending received from lobbyists.
• The article is to inform readers how much major lobbyists spent to keep the plastic bag ban bill
from passing in California.
SOURCE ANALYSIS
• This is a journalistic source.
• This publication is the largest publication in the Sacramento metropolitan area. The Sacramento
Bee has been in circulation for 150 years, and is owned by the McClatchy Company, the third
largest newspaper corporation in the country. McClatchy Co. specializes in newspaper and
internet publishing.
• The Sacramento Bee is circulated in northern California, and online. The Bee is a daily
newspaper reporting top news from around the world.
• This article is arguing that major plastic companies spent just over a million dollars lobbying
for plastic bags to remain in stores.
• This article has no quotes from Hilex Poly Co. or from the California legislature.
• The writer is showing the reader the large amount of money major plastic corporations are
willing to spend to keep their products from being banned.
USEFULNESS
• This source tells me who the major stakeholders are and what they will do to keep plastic bags
around. California is a neighboring state of Oregon and one that did no pass the plastic bag bans.
It shows the power and money the plastic companies have.
WORKS CITED
• Sacramento Bee history: http://guide.sacbee.com/2006/12/04/3/history.html
• Infomration on McClatchy: http://www.mcclatchy.com/
• Information on Susan Ferriss: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/susan-ferriss/a/6a2/b30
SUMMARY
• This source is a blog by GreenAnswers.com, a website which answers questions submitted by
readers about the environment, sustainability, recycling, etc. This blog is about why plastic bags
are bad and what people can do with the ones that they still have. PUBLICATION INFO:
Title: There is no title to this blog. It is started with a question that the blog answers. The
question: “why are plastic shopping bags so bad and what can I do with the ones I have?”
Publication Information:
• The website or weblog is called GreenAnswers.com
• This question was asked nine weeks ago, but does not give a specific date.
• It was published on the blog GreenAnswers.com
Author:
• The blog user’s name is natricine3. According to natricine3’s profile, he/she just completed
their PhD in Ecological Sciences and is working on starting a community-based project in central
Panama dedicated to conservation of the environment.
Location:
• http://greenanswers.com/q/191916/recycling-waste/other-recycling-waste/why-are-plastic-
shopping-bags-so-bad-and-what-can-i-d
Accessed:
• I found this blog November 10, 2010
SUPPORT
• This is a blog so the author did not use sources to support their opinion, but he/she does have a
PhD in Ecological Sciences so they must have some knowledge of the issue.
• The article has no evidence or support to back up their argument. He/she is writing a blog
which is just opinion on the issue. Their degree in Ecological Sciences does allow for the opinion
to be more widely accepted.
SOURCE ANALYSIS
• This is a citizen source
• This is a blog so the funding comes from the GreenAnswers.com. and the bloggers.
• The blog is trying to reach those that are environmentally conscious or environmentally aware.
It also aims to reach those that have questions about the environment with the intent on
informing them.
• The blog is arguing that plastic isn’t good for the environment but there are things that you can
use plastic bags for if they are still around.
• This is a blog so there are no sources or quotes, just opinion.
• The writer has the intention of answering the question posed to them and to teach someone else
about this environmental issue.
USEFULNESS
• This site is a blog. It is useful because it allows for concerned citizens to submit their opinion
and to share it with others. This particular person does have a PhD in Ecological Sciences so they
have credentials. Not every citizen source will have credentials and therefore won’t be very
reliable; however, it is helpful to see what everyday people say about an issue that will effect
everyday people greatly.
WORKS CITED
• Information about GreenAnswers.com: http://greenanswers.com/about
• Information on the author: http://greenanswers.com/member/natricine3
Source #14
SUMMARY
• This publication looks at the harmful effects of single use plastic on the environment through
its production process, distribution, and then after its single time use. This article looks at how to
solve and fund these problems.
PUBLICATION INFO:
Title: “The Prevalence and Environmental Impact of Single Use Plastic Products”
Publication Information:
• This is a case study that was published by Case Western Research University in Cleveland.
• There is no date on the publication.
• This was published in Cleveland, Ohio
Author:
• The author is Tarique Zaman, a student and researcher at the Case Western Reserve University.
Location:
• http://www.cwru.edu/med/epidbio/mphp439/Single_Use_Plastics.pdf
Accessed:
• I accessed this website on November 10, 2010.
SUPPORT
• The author uses various references such as a variety of environmental and health researchers. It
also cites the Environmental Protection Agency.
• The author is considered a primary source because he is an environmental researcher.
• R.C. Thompson, scholar; S. Jobling, scholar; N. Benachour, scholar; A. Aris, scholar; P.
Alonso-Magdalena, scholar; EPA; B. Paigen, scholar.
• The author gathered a variety of sources and other research to compile for this article.
SOURCE ANALYSIS
• This is an academic source.
• CWRU is ranked 26th in the nation in federal research funding which contributes to its
research. According to the CWRU, they receive an endowment of more than $1.4 billion and
almost $400 million in external research awards annually for research and studies.
• This is an academic source and its aimed at informing other scholars of the research that has
been compiled and conducted on the environmental effects of single use plastic products.
• This article is making the argument that plastic causes harm to the environment and to human
kind by polluting and creating green house gas emissions which contribute to global warming.
• This article does not include any information about plastic that contains recyclable material,
and it does not include any information on other pollutants to use for comparison.
• The writer is trying to inform the reader that plastic is harmful but that problem can be solved
with research, funding, and advanced recycling methods.
USEFULNESS
• This article is about all single use plastic products, what they are, what they do to the
environment and how it can be reduced or fixed.
WORKS CITED
• Case Western Reserve University “About” page: http://www.case.edu/stage/about/
• “Case Western Reserve jumps 18 spots, to 26th, in federal research funding” :
http://blog.case.edu/case-
news/2010/09/30/case_western_reserve_jumps_18_spots_to_26th_in_federal_research_fundin
g
Source #15
SUMMARY
• The article talks about what plastic is used for; how plastic ends up in the environment; how
plastic effects the environment and humans; solutions for plastic pollution; policy measures and
what’s in store for plastic in the future.
PUBLICATION INFO:
Title: “Plastics, the environment and human health: current consensus and future trends”
Publication Information:
• The website is called Philosophical Transactions of The Royal Society: Biological Sciences
• It was published in 2009
• It was published in London
Author:
• The authors are Richard C. Thompson, Marine Biology and Ecology Research Centre, Marine
Institute, University of Plymouth; Charles J. Moore, Algalita Marine Research Foundation;
Frederick S. vom Saal, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri; and Shanna H.
Swan, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester.
Location:
• http://rstb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/364/1526/2153.full#aff-1
• It’s physical form is a science journal that is printed every two weeks.
Accessed:
• I found this site on November 10, 2010.
SUPPORT
• The authors used a number of secondary sources to compile previous research as well as
conducting some of their own.
• The primary sources are the four authors, Richard C. Thompson, Charles J. Moore, Frederick S.
vom Saal, and Shanna H. Swan.
• There are nearly a hundred secondary sources sited including the Environmental Health
Perspective, the UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and other articles
published by Philosophical Transactions of The Royal Society.
• These sources work together under the various sections of this article. They refer to previous
studies done by government agencies and other scholars and contribute their own research to
clearly inform us of the dangers of plastic on the environment and human health and how plastic
will look in the future.
SOURCE ANALYSIS
• This is an academic source.
• This journal has been in circulation for nearly 350 years. The journal has its own publishing
company behind it and is funded by subscribers and the publishing company.
• It’s an academic source targeted at other researchers who are studying similar subjects or who
are interested in researching such subjects.
• This article is arguing that plastic is a harmful substance that is bad for the environment and
humans. The article proposes solutions and possible policy measures to regulate plastic waste.
• This article does not include other wasteful materials to provide a comparison.
• The writers agenda is to inform the reader about the harms of plastic on the environment and
what can be done to solve these problems.
USEFULNESS
• This article is more reliable because it is written by experts. It’s also useful to see how plastics
fit into our future and what kind of future impact they have on us.
WORKS CITED
• Information on Philosophical Transactions of The Royal Society:
http://royalsocietypublishing.org/site/misc/contacts.xhtml;
http://rstb.royalsocietypublishing.org/
• Information on the authors:
http://rstb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/364/1526/2153.full#aff-1
Source #16
SUMMARY
• Single-use plastic is created from non biodegradable substances that will not decompose. Other
plastics which are partially biodegradable can’t be recycled because local recycling facilities do
not offer the means to recycle such plastic. This article looks at these challenges and offers
solutions to the problem.
PUBLICATION INFO:
Title: “Plastic recycling: challenges and opportunities”
Publication Information:
• This magazine is called Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society Biological Sciences.
• This article was published in 2009 but the exact date is not listed.
• This article was published in London.
Author:
• Jefferson Hopewell, Eco Products Agency; Robert Dvorak, Nextek Ltd; Edward Kosior, author
of correspondence and managing director of Nextek Ltd.
Location:
• http://rstb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/364/1526/2115.full
• The physical form of the publication is a science journal
Accessed:
• I accessed this site on November 11, 2010
SUPPORT
• The source uses a variety of secondary sources from a journals, websites, and books.
• The authors are primary sources for this article. They do not quote anyone.
• “An analysis of plastics consumption and recovery in Europe,” Association of Plastic
Manufacturers Europe; “Good practices guide on waste plastics recycling,” Brussels, Belgium:
Association of Cities and Regions for Recycling; and “Environmental implications of plastic
debris in marine settings—entanglement, ingestion, smothering, hangers-on, hitch-hiking and
alien invasions,” Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society Biological Sciences are a few
of the secondary research references used.
• The article is written by scholars. They are bringing their own information and research from
other studies together to create an analysis of plastic recycling problems and solutions.
SOURCE ANALYSIS
• This is an academic source.
• It’s a journal that is published every two weeks and has been in circulation for nearly 350 years.
The journal has its own publishing company behind it and is funded by subscribers and the
publishing company.
• It’s an academic journal so it has a specialized audience of other scholars. The authors are from
two different recycling and plastic companies who specialize in this field.
• This article is arguing that there are certain waste management issues concerning different
societies. Plastic is a major contributor for this. The article looks at an overview of different
recycling systems from around the world, targets the problem and then offers solutions which
can be adopted in different cultures to decrease plastic waste.
• This offers solutions for the plastic problem and how to fund it. This article does not leave
anything out because it covers a variety of cultures, problems, solutions and the funding needed.
• The writers want to inform the reader that plastic does not have to be a challenge. It can be
recycled and there are options for how to do this and have it be effective.
 USEFULNESS
• Other articles I’ve read do not look specifically at different problems and different areas. This
article offers solutions that relate to current times and economic statuses.
WORKS CITED
• Information on the authors is found on the articles page “Plastics recycling: challenges and
opportunities”: http://rstb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/364/1526/2115.full
• Information on partnered research foundations “Programmes” page:
http://www.research4life.org/programmes.html
• Information on the authors “Edward Kosior: Managing Director”:
http://www.nextek.org/Data/CV/Edkosior_cv.pdf; “Robert Dvorak”:
http://www.nextek.org/Data/CV/Robert%20Dvorak%20CV.pdf
• Information on the authors “Eco Products Agency home page”:
http://www.ecoproducts.com.au/
Source #17
SUMMARY
• The site is called WRAP, is managed by the UK government. There is a section for this site
entirely about plastics. The website has general information about plastic and mixed plastic,
including what it’s used for.
PUBLICATION INFO:
Title: “Plastics”
Publication Information:
• This is a website called WRAP run by DEFRA
• This website is constantly monitored and updated daily.
• The website headquarters is located in the United Kingdom
Author:
• There are no authors. This is a website with various links regarding plastic.
Location:
• http://www.wrap.org.uk/recycling_industry/information_by_material/plastics/
• This is a website.
Accessed:
• I accessed it on November 11, 2010
SUPPORT
• The site is managed by the government so they receive much of their information from various
parts of the government such as DEFRA and other environmental agencies.
• The site does not list primary sources.
• The website does not site other sources but because it’s a government agency it receives all its
information from various reports and documents submitted to the government.
• The article is a government agency reporting on various waste products. The site has general
information about how much plastic the UK uses in a year and how much is for packaging,
automotive, and construction markets.
SOURCE ANALYSIS
• This is a government source.
• It’s a government source so funding comes from the government and the taxation of citizens.
• This agency is part of the United Kingdom’s government so it’s main target audience is the
people of the United Kingdom and possibly surrounding nations.
• This website is not an argument. It is simply informing people about plastic. It lists basic
information about plastic, what it’s used for and how it can be recycled.
• This website is not arguing a side. It is just reporting what plastic is and how it’s used. It does
not leave anything out except maybe more specific information such as what plastic is made of.
• The agency is providing basic and general information to inform the reader.
USEFULNESS
• This site provides basic information about recycling and plastics overseas. This will provide
information from other leading nations in the world and what their statistics are on plastics.
WORKS CITED
• “Plastics: General Information on Plastics”:
http://www.wrap.org.uk/recycling_industry/information_by_material/plastics/plastic_in.html
• “Plastics: Types of Plastic”:
http://www.wrap.org.uk/recycling_industry/information_by_material/plastics/types_of_plastic.
html
Source #18
SUMMARY
• This source is a blog written about plastics we come across every day. Toys, toothbrushes,
bottles, food containers and various other products are plastic and seem necessary; however,
most plastic items can be avoided.
PUBLICATION INFO:
Title: “Deplasticize your life”
Publication Information:
• This blog is called The Chatelaine’s Keys.
• This blog was published on Tuesday, March 4, 2008
• It was published online but the blogger lives in upstate New York.
Author:
• The author is Sharon Astyk
Location:
• http://sharonastyk.com/2007/06/25/52-weeks-down-week-9-deplasticize-your-life/
Accessed:
• I accessed this on November 11, 2010
SUPPORT
• The other referenced an article about plastic in the oceans
<http://www.bestlifeonline.com/cms/publish/health-
fitness/Our_oceans_are_turning_into_plastic_are_we_2.shtml> and has the link to another blog
of a woman who is trying to live an entire year without plastic
<http://plasticfree.blogspot.com/>.
• The blogger does not use primary research. She is writing her opinion.
• The blogger mentions the article listed above.
• The blogger does not mention many sources. She is posting her opinion about plastics.
SOURCE ANALYSIS
• This is a citizen source.
• The blogger lives on a farm in upstate New York. She is also a writer who has published three
books about sustainable living and preservation that have won awards. She writes for her own
blog and scienceblogs.com. She funds her own blog.
• Blogs are for the general public. This blog has the specific theme of being environmental and
sustainable. This blog is also published on scienceblog.com which has a science based
audience. This article is driven towards environmentalists and people who are living a
sustainable lifestyle.
• The blog is informing readers that there are ways to avoid plastic products, even at stores.
• There is no data or research included in this document. The blogger simply states that plastics
are bad, don’t biodegrade and end up in our food, but does not provide evidence to back it up.
• The blogger lives on a sustainable farm and believes in being environmental. Her agenda is to
convince others that plastic is bad and to avoid plastic products.
USEFULNESS
• Citizen sources are useful because it provides the opinion of a “real” person, rather than
someone who studies and researches these topics for a living.
WORKS CITED
• Information on the author “About the Site”: http://sharonastyk.com/about2/
Source #19
SUMMARY
• This source is where my “should” question stemmed from. Environment Oregon is behind the
Ban the Bag effort in Oregon. This particular document is “The Great Pacific Cleanup Fact
Sheet.” It provides a number of facts regarding plastic as debris.
PUBLICATION INFO:
Title: “The Great Pacific Cleanup Fact Sheet”
Publication Information:
• This was found on Environment Oregon’s website.
• There is no publishing date.
• It was published in Oregon.
Author:
• There are no authors.
Location:
• http://www.environmentoregon.org/great-pacific-cleanup/more-info/factsheet
• It’s a web article.
Accessed:
• I found this site back in October when we first received our assignments.
SUPPORT
• The fact sheet uses a number of statistics. For example: 90% of trash is plastic; off the coast of
Oregon is an island of trash twice the size of Texas; and a dead whale was found with 20 plastic
bags in its stomach.
• There are no primary sources quoted. Senator Mark Hass is listed at the bottom as the man
behind the proposed measure to ban the bag.
• All the facts listed above (and more) are secondary sources, but there are no references listed.
• The article is a fact sheet. The facts listed inform the reader that plastic is dangerous to the
environment.
SOURCE ANALYSIS
• This is an institutional source.
• According to the website, Environment Oregon is “a state-based, citizen-funded advocacy
group.”
• Environment Oregon has over 35,000 members that it reaches out to and informs. It also targets
those who are environmentally conscious, sustainable and wanting to make a difference.
• This fact sheet has information about why plastic is bad and what it does to the environment by
giving facts about how much damage it does.
• This document is a fact sheet but it does not state where it gets these facts from.
• The fact sheet is only about the damage that plastic does. It only gives facts about how harmful
plastic is, which is what its agenda is.
• USEFULNESS
• It’s a fact sheet, which means that it has a some feasible information that can be included in my
paper about what kind of harm plastic does on the environment, to marine life, and how it
ultimately ends up back to the humans.
WORKS CITED
• Information about Environment Oregon “Welcome to Environment Oregon” about us page:
http://www.environmentoregon.org/about-us
Source #20
SUMMARY
• This is an article in National Geographic News about plastic bag bans gaining support
worldwide. The article looks at a number of different counties implementing these bans and how
it is successfully leading to less usage of plastic bags. The article also mentions the plastic
companies and how they want people to recycle rather than ban bags altogether.
PUBLICATION INFO:
Title: “Plastic-Bag Bans Gaining Momentum Around the World.”
Publication Information:
• This was in National Geographic in the news section.
• It was published April 4, 2008.
• It does not say where it was published.
Author:
• The author is John Roach, a journalist who contributes work to National Geographic News,
MSNBC.com, MSN and SwitchYard Media.
Location:
• http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/04/080404-plastic-bags.html
• National Geographic is a magazine.
Accessed:
• I accessed this source on November 11, 2010.
SUPPORT
• Mike Rann, South Australia’s state premier; Vincent Cobb, founder of Reusablebags.com; Lisa
Mastny, consumption project director for Worldwatch Institute; Keith Christman, senior director
of packaging at the American Chemistry Council and Progressive Bag Affiliates; and Ashley
Hawkins, spokesperson for Whole Foods Market.
• The author mentions a number of bills, taxes and measures put in place by nations across the
globe such as this link for China’s plastic bag ban:
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/01/080110-AP-bags.html
• The document was illustrating how globally popular plastic bag bans are becoming. It speaks to
both sides of the argument, those supporting plastic bag bans and those supporting better
recycling methods of plastics.
SOURCE ANALYSIS
• This is a journalistic source.
• National Geographic is a highly published magazine about science, life and culture. It has been
around since 1888. It is distributed globally. National Geographic is a brand name that offers a
TV show, numerous products such as clothing, books, DVDs, maps, etc., to be sold globally.
• National Geographic has a global audience. It is a cultural magazine that highlights different
parts of the world and introduces them to other parts of the world. They have a large
demographic of readers and are published in other languages.
• This article is discussing plastic bag ban’s global popularity and what nations are doing to
implement plastic bag bans in their culture.
• The writer is trying to illustrate to the reader that plastic bag bans are not just a small trend,
they are picking up enormous momentum all over the world, including in third world countries.
USEFULNESS
• This article does a good job of presenting both sides of the argument. One the one hand, while
taxes have lessened the amount of plastic being distributed, it only motivates people to buy
plastic bags for some household usages such as lining garbage cans or picking up after dogs. On
the other hand, banning plastic bags allows for customers to bring in their own reusable bags and
lessen the amount of plastic being thrown away.
WORKS CITED
• About the author “Bio”: http://www.byjohnroach.com/bio
• About the publication “home page”: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/about/