Plastic vs banana leaf

    From time immemorial the people of SE Asia used banana leaf as an all purpose wrapper. Banana plants are ubiquitous, the leaves broad and stable. It had one other very desirable trait; it is biodegradable. When it has served it's purpose just throw it out the window and it quickly becomes humus.
     Several years ago I was Luang Prabang,  Laos, which is about 4 hours by bus north, of the capital , Vientiane. Luang was once the place of the King's residence during Laos' monarchy. With time to explore I wandered off to a neighboring village. The small, elevated, thatched roofed houses stood with open windows that had no screens. Below the windows were piles of plastic bags, disposed of as it they were banana leaves.
     Thailand recognizes that it has a plastics problem. Until recently it was accepting plastic waste from the U.S. and other countries. Several accounts of Thai wildlife dying of ingested plastic have appeared in the press. This has moved the Thai government, rather uncharacteristically, to take action. They have significantly restricted the use of single use, plastic bags.(A little excurses re; Thai regulation: It banned several pesticides recently until pressure from the U.S. Government on behalf of American pesticide manufactures caused them to rescind the ban.) Walk into any of the ubiquitous 7-11s and see a sign prominently displayed "We proudly support the government's ban on single use plastic bags. Some funny videos have surfaced of Thai persons being creative as they seek to carry their purchases; inverted traffic cones, suitcases, etc.
    Admirable as it is, one huge segment of commerce is excluded; food stalls and carts. Purchases from theses vendors often include multiple bags; entrees, spices, and other condiments. Many Thai' seldom cook at home rather purchasing their food from carts and stalls which seem to be everywhere.
    China, too, is beginning to restrict the use of plastic. Their restrictions will be phased in more gradually and it remains to be seen how serious they are. (A little discurses re:China. It has a very serious demographic problem of plunging birthrate while lacking the relative affluence to sustain their elderly population. Chinese of child-bearing age lack interest in parenting having been raised as an only child. This has serious long-term consequences for the country. Added to that  situation is government repression of ethnic minorities who tend to be more fecund."
    Another note about banana leaf. Sweet, sticky rice in Thailand is still

sold in banana leaf.

   So, Al is living the good life in SE Asia!

Takk for alt,

Al

A mobile green-grocer on a street in BKK. Notice the plastic bags.