[LINK] packaging and rubish

[Deus Ex Machina]

Kim Holburn [kim at holburn.net] wrote:

> >further to suggest that supplier be taxed for the disposal of the  
> >packaging is
> >equally nonsensical. currently packaging forms the input to the
> >recycling business. that basically means that the supply industry  
> >would
> >not only pay for the materials that are input into the recycling  
> >business but
> >actually then on top pay for its operations.
> 
> I'm sure it could be worked out.  Basically the recycling "industry"  
> is largely supported by governments because it's not really viable in  
> the current economic climate.  A disposal tax could make it work.

which really tells you something about your beleif in democracy. the
reason the recycling industry isnt viable is that people are voting with their dollars.
the recycling industry is currently a solution to a problem that doesnt exist.

its an issue of one small group with specific values wanting to inflict
them on the majority. if the majority had the same values then the
market pricing would reflect that. rather the only way to inflict that
value is through government.

if people where prepared to pay more for enviro packaging or other
suggestions in relation to packaging then that demand would be addressed
by business.  if it was such a big problem it would create a viable industry with
justifiable investments and not require any government funding.

whenever you have one group wanting to inflict a tax on people to shape
economic behavior that is really saying that the majority dont share the
same values as that group and that is a clear anti democratic position.

what problem does forced handling of packaging solve? a shortage of
supply? no if there was a shortage of supply the commodities and futures
markets would raise futures pricing which would make recycling more
attractive. there is certainly never going to be shortage of space to
dump waste.

packaging pricing reflects the fact that the current usage of resources is currently
quite sustainable. that may change, markets are dynamic and respond quickly.

Vic