The Plastic Bully Playbook | Andy Keller | TEDxGreatPacificGarbagePatch

Industry Problem & Analysis - The plastic bag industry's system is designed to create waste and then blame consumers for it [3] - The industry uses tactics similar to big tobacco, including blame, scare, confuse, and influence [11] - After 40 years of recycling efforts, making plastic from virgin oil is still cheaper due to subsidies for the oil industry and a lack of support for recycling [16] - Corporations externalize costs, passing the bill for environmental and health impacts to future generations [17][18] Industry Playbook - Blame: Shift responsibility to consumers, labeling them as "litterbugs" [11] - Scare: Make alternatives seem less appealing by claiming reusable bags carry germs or that bag bans will kill jobs [12] - Confuse: Fund studies and create front groups to disseminate favorable facts to the public [13][14] - Influence: Use money, lobbyists, and lawyers to influence policy at local, state, and federal levels [15] Proposed Solution & Counter-Playbook - Shift incentives to reward companies that take responsibility for their impact with tax breaks and subsidies [18] - The counter-playbook consists of clarity, courage, and collective action [19] - Clarity: Question who benefits from the narrative and follow the money [19] - Courage: Stand up even when afraid [19] - Collective Action: Unite to make change unstoppable [20]