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Rethinking environmental folklore

You've likely faced the question: "paper or plastic?" Clearly the paper bag is the better option, right? Or is it? In a TED Talk, Leyla Acaroglu has a challenge for us.

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American


You’ve likely faced the question: “paper or plastic?” Clearly the paper bag is the better option, right? Or is it? In a TED Talk, Leyla Acaroglu has a challenge for us. She wants us to rethink our environmental folklore, or how we decide what is good or bad for the environment.

We want to do the right thing, but how do we know we’re having a net positive impact? When you account for how materials are extracted, to how they’re used, and to how they’re eventually discarded. As for the paper bag, have you considered where and how the cellulose for the paper comes from, and what happens when it’s discarded?

Over time, decisions like paper vs plastic turn into folklore and many of us go along with it. Leyla’s larger point, I think, is that the “right” answer is probably not all of one thing or another. One solution might be optimal in one scenario, but not in a different scenario with different needs. Basically, avoid gross and rigid generalizations. That goes for designers and consumers.


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Watch Leyla’s TED Talk here.

David Wogan is an engineer and policy researcher who writes about energy, technology, and policy.

David's academic and professional background includes a unique blend of technology and policy in the field of energy systems. Most recently, David worked at Austin Energy, a Texas municipal utility, implementing a Department of Energy stimulus grant related to energy efficiency. Previously, David was a member of the Energy & Climate Change team at the White House Council on Environmental Quality for the Obama Administration.

David holds two Master's degrees from The University of Texas at Austin in Mechanical Engineering and Public Affairs. While at UT, David was a researcher in the Webber Energy Group, where his research focused on advanced biofuel production to offset petroleum use in the transportation sector. David holds a Bachelor's of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin, where he researched nuclear non-proliferation measurement technology.

David is a 2013 Aspen Institute Journalism Scholar, joining a select group of journalists from Slate, ABC News, and The New York Times.

David lives in Austin, Texas. Follow along on Twitter or email him at david.wogan@me.com.

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