[at-l] Cooling in Plastic

[icw39@ncfreedom.net (Clark Wright)]

OK, no need for a huge number of posts on this, but one of the
philosophical debates I've had in my head for years, is what is the
definition of "natural?"  If humans are part of nature, too, then isn't
the Hoover Dam just as natural as a beaver dam, with the difference
being one of degree, and not fundamental character?  And if uranium
occurs naturally, then is an atom bomb still part of nature?  I do not
ask these questions facetiously, or to defend some chemical company, but
rather to see what others think, putting aside hardened positions on
what is good versus bad.  I tend to think it is better to view it all as
natural - the consequence of natural happenings, but then that does not
let us humans off the hook, for we have the ability to cause much
greater impacts.  If we can get away from (again, IMHO) the false
dichotomy of "natural" versus "unnatural," it might help us to move
forward to more meaningful discussions that simply focus on the fact
that I, as a part of nature, have the ability to do more to change other
parts of nature - either so that they are more appealing, or a lot less
appealing, and thus I need to act in order to accomplish more of the
latter . . . lots of food for thought for the day!

Thinking On . . .

Thru-Thinker

Bob Cummings wrote:
> 
> "... so I still haven't found conclusive information on this issue . . ." says
> Jan.
> 
>  Sadly, there is never conclusive information in these matters. As a society we
>  are awash in chemicals. Most were unknown 50 years ago. Virtually none have
>  been studied to the level needed for conclusive proof of harm.
> 
>  There are always multiple confounding matters. "Is it the seepage from new
>  cars, or seepage from saran wrap? Or exposure to some other substance, or a
>  combination of substances?
> 
>  Wise folks will try to minimize their exposure. I for one would not put boiling
>  water into a plastic bag to cook food. But I use Zip lock bags to store dry
>  stuff like pasta and rice for the trail, and freeze dozens of quarts of tomato
>  puree and other vegetables from my garden each summer and fall.
> 
>  If I were 50 years younger I would be even more cautious. If these things
>  caused immediate and gross harm it would be rather quickly recognized.
>  Fortunately, like smoking, the damage is insidious and remains hidden for
>  longer than I'm apt to be around.
> 
>  weary
> 
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