Don't Be a Dope, Use Natural Rope!
Donation protected
Feb. 14th 2020 - Love note to the Ocean! We still love you. Sorry for hurting you so badly, trashing you.
The plastic bag ban is good, but SMALL in terms of all the plastic still being made.
A return to old ways, or newer ways are the only options.
Story from CBC this week on Dr. Max Liboiron who says the most particulate plastic in local waters is ROPE!
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/ban-the-bag-first-step-1.5459420
*We've just been in the CBC, January 30, 2019.
Also On the Fisheries Broadcast January 15th - start at about 8:12 to hear our clip, thanks.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/gerard-neil-ocean-1.4984123
Don't Be a Dope, Use Natural Rope!
Please help us bring an end to the use of plastic fishing rope.
We are a boy and his dad on a mission.
We can't solve all the plastic problems, so we're bringing attention to the Plastic Rope used by fisher people the world over.
They don't break down until they break down terribly.
They've recently found plastic fibres in tiny creatures in the deepest part of the Ocean.
Most of the plastic pollution in the Ocean surrounding the island we live on is from decaying plastic rope, says the local university researcher in this field.
In the photo below, the aptly named "ghost net" adrift in the sea - in this trip, The Ocean Clean Up crew chanced upon three of them and pulled them out. Natural Fibre rope doesn't float as well and would sink and rot. It's hemp.
I have a four year old son, and I cannot bear to answer him in the future that I didn't do more to stop the over-abundance of plastic in our oceans, and in the world.
As though we have a hope in Hell of changing things, my son and I and I are starting a campaign to:
Bring an end to the use of plastic fishing rope.
"Don't Be a Dope, Use Natural Rope!"
Definition of Synthetic:
"devised, arranged, or fabricated for special situations to imitate or replace usual realities."
0r... Synthetic Rope is devised, fabricated to replace (natural fibre rope AND sustainable) usual (fishing) realities.
See what I did there?
If plastic rope were outlawed, you create an industry to make natural rope, as was here before, for thousands of years, world wide. Amen.
You also take back the power to fish so aggressively - if the rope is "synthetic" and therefor stronger, you can have a stronger motor and bigger ship to fish more aggressively, trolling and the like.
Natural fibre rope sets sustainable limitations - fancy that.
No one will want to hear this any more than they want to deal with all that plastic in their fridge, especially the industry using the plastic rope.
(That's why we set our goal here at $1 Million, as we think this may take a lot more effort than a few simple letters to Environment Ministers. We assume we'll be at this for years... please join in our efforts in your way!
Also, dear critics, stuff your money, we do it anyway - we make and sell wits to fund ourselves, regardless of cynicism and criticism. You crabs in our bucket can go forth and multiply!)
There are around 70,000 people employed in the fishery in Canada, and most use plastic rope.
As do Aquaculture operations.
We're hoping to raise funds to lobby hard for this, and to create educational materials and propaganda that sells the idea of BANNING PLASTIC FISHING ROPE, and then mail out and contact Unions, fisher people, Industry leaders, and government offices. See below for some responses we've had so far. If you have good ideas for activist projects, please advise!
We also take our campaign to the street, we have offered to present at the NL English School district (awaiting confirmation, recent contact Feb 2019), and we've been on radio three times this year, and online in the CBC (see above).
We will start small and local, but we will try to look for international avenues as well, outlaw that plastic rope globally!
We will travel, we will call, we will get in your face until we all wake up and change!
We will enlist like-minded helpers and volunteers!
We will STOP it!
Otherwise, our grandkids are screwed, if they're not already.
Natural fibre rope was used for millennia, then the more resilient plastic version came along.
We don't care that it costs more, we don't care that it's harder to make, or that it wears out faster or that it's heavier:
Natural Fibre Rope is BETTER.
Do you want fish in the future?
Then stop using PLASTICS in the ocean.
"Don't Be a Dope, Use Natural Rope!"
Plastic rope breaks down into micro pieces that end up in all sea creatures, and eventually in you.
That's not so good, it turns out.
The 'making of' rope is a re-invigorated industry in itself, so let's get back to it.
Interestingly, we recently went legal with cannabis in Canada and we're not allowed to use the Hemp by-product of the agriculture, so says, of all people, Health Canada!
What a wasted opportunity! Our wits are finished with hemp twine. Way better than jute.
If we outlaw plastic rope we create an industry of rope making and a culture to improve it.
We promise to make every effort to communicate this information in all arenas and will attempt to join forces with other like-minded entities like The Ocean Cleanup. We know they're not perfect either, but who else to turn to? Government? Sure they're in bed with big Oil and it's a corporate nightmare. Corporate won't act until it affects their bottom line. So we go with the idealistic kid who wants to save the Oceans. Shag it if he hasn't figured it out yet. He's trying.
We really appreciate any help, but ultimately you are helping yourselves, and your kids, not 'us' - we're merely making a small and hopefully sustained effort here. We don't even expect money, so cynical has the world become... this is merely our incentive to go on, and a record of our efforts.
There are millions of people ready to support this move to reduce plastic use, here's just a couple:
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/apr/16/plastic-is-literally-everywhere-the-epidemic-attacking-australias-oceans
We don't facebook, but we're real.
We're starting Don't Be a Dope! UnIncorporated.
We live in Newfoundland, where fishing gear accounts for "some of the greatest amounts of identifiable marine plastics in our waters".
Bonus!
We make Wits by hand from natural fibre Manilla rope and Hemp twine...
Wit (n). A flexible branch or root, or a rope, usually formed into a circle and used for various purposes: to hold an oar to the 't'ole pin*,' to form the entrance to a lobster pot, etc.
(Dictionary of Newfoundland English)
Basically it's a circle, a loop of rope, virtually indestructable, that anyone who was ever in a rowed dory will have seen.
It's an historical memento of the Newfoundland Fishery, Rest in Peace.
* t'ole pin - y' know, t'ole 't on
As a bonus to your generosity, we will send you either 1 Wit ($20 donation) or 2 interlocked wits (as above) ($30 donation), so you can "keep yer wits about ya!"
The interwoven pair also make nice wedding gifts as a symbol of the relationship bond.
The Wit itself is an endless loop, representing to us, the cycle of life. We want life to go on for our kids' kids and we need to get rid of PLASTIC for that to happen.
*Here's an Example of our first efforts:
We wrote to every environment Minister in Canada and introduced our Cause with this letter, the first step we have taken! Not a huge step, but we're willing to take alot of steps... some responses are below.
---
Don't Be a Dope Inc.
Dear Ministers of the Environment,
Thank you for reading the first of many of our future communiques.
By the time we have reached our goal, you will be well sick of hearing from us!
We would like to introduce ourselves, we will be fronting the charge to BAN PLASTIC FISHING ROPE, one of the greatest sources of plastic particles found in fish and in our marine environment.
We are a boy and his dad on a mission.
We have started a gofundme page to raise funds to support this cause (https://www.gofundme.com/dont-be-a-dope), and we are aligning ourselves with similar groups and individuals around the world, such as a group we volunteered with when they started up a few years ago: The Ocean Clean-up.
There IS an alternative, natural fibre rope, which was used for millennia before plastics were invented. It is NOT cheaper or more durable, but it is ultimately better for all. Not all decisions should be based on economic reasons.
We are offering interesting rewards for donations that are made of Natural rope.
Lives are not at stake, LIFE is at stake.
Please know that we will be asking all ministers to look at the idea of banning plastic rope in Canada, and ultimately by others in Canadian waters.
Eventually we will teach the world to join us.
We are today only 2 people, but soon we will be Legion.
Be prepared.
Thank you for your thoughts and consideration on this subject!
Sincerely,
Julian Neil and Gerard Neil
---
And our first responses:
Dear Gerard,
We have reviewed your email of April 20, 2018 (see below) concerning rope and at your request we have forwarded it to the office of the Nova Scotia Environment Minister to address accordingly.
Public Enquiries,
Service Nova Scotia
_______
Hello Mr. Neil
I have been asked to reply to your email and I am happy to do so. Also, thank you for bringing this campaign to our attention.
Please know there is support for your concerns with plastics finding their way into Alberta’s natural systems like our lakes and rivers. Alberta is supportive of efforts that work toward addressing the lifespan of plastics through the 4Rs (recycle, reduce/refuse, reuse, recover) and finding alternative materials. These initiatives help keep plastics in circulation for as long as possible and reduces the reliance on plastics which in turn reduces the associated issues your campaign is hoping to address.
Alberta leads the country in minimizing the per-capita disposal of waste to landfill. While several of our existing regulated recycling programs have been successful at diverting some plastics, there are other sources of plastic (e.g., consumer packaging, agricultural plastic) that continue to add to the waste stream and to Alberta’s performance with reducing and recycling waste.
Several programs exist in Alberta and in our cities that help address the concerns of your campaign,
- Alberta Recycling http://www.albertarecycling.ca/about-us
- Highway Cleanup Campaign http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/605.htm
- Alberta CARE (Coordinated Action for Recycling Enterprises) https://www.albertacare.org/
- Recycling council of Alberta https://recycle.ab.ca/about/who-we-are/
- https://www.edmonton.ca/programs_services/garbage_waste/about-waste-management-in-edmonton.aspx
- http://www.calgary.ca/SitePages/cocis/Scripts/SubCategory-RecyclingInfo-Grid.aspx
Thank you again for your passion to help address the issue of plastics in our environments and the promotion of alternative materials. All the best in your endeavour,
Bill Patterson, M.Sc.
Environment and Parks
Fisheries Management Policy
Edmonton
-------
Thank you for writing to the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change.
Due to the significant increase in the volume of correspondence addressed to the Minister, please note that there may be a delay processing your email. Rest assured that your message will be carefully reviewed.
For requests from the media, please dial 819-938-3338 or forward your request to [email redacted].
_____
On behalf of the Honourable Rochelle Squires, Minister of Sustainable Development, I would like to acknowledge your email.
Please be assured that your correspondence will be brought to the Minister’s attention.
Minister of Sustainable Development
Winnipeg MB R3C 0V8
----------
Thank you for your email. You have reached the general email for the Minister of Environment and Parks and Minister responsible for the Climate Change Office. Your email has been received by our office and we are working to provide you with a response to your requests and concerns.
Minister's Office | Environment and Parks
aep.alberta.ca
_______
The plastic bag ban is good, but SMALL in terms of all the plastic still being made.
A return to old ways, or newer ways are the only options.
Story from CBC this week on Dr. Max Liboiron who says the most particulate plastic in local waters is ROPE!
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/ban-the-bag-first-step-1.5459420
*We've just been in the CBC, January 30, 2019.
Also On the Fisheries Broadcast January 15th - start at about 8:12 to hear our clip, thanks.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/gerard-neil-ocean-1.4984123
Don't Be a Dope, Use Natural Rope!
Please help us bring an end to the use of plastic fishing rope.
We are a boy and his dad on a mission.
We can't solve all the plastic problems, so we're bringing attention to the Plastic Rope used by fisher people the world over.
They don't break down until they break down terribly.
They've recently found plastic fibres in tiny creatures in the deepest part of the Ocean.
Most of the plastic pollution in the Ocean surrounding the island we live on is from decaying plastic rope, says the local university researcher in this field.
In the photo below, the aptly named "ghost net" adrift in the sea - in this trip, The Ocean Clean Up crew chanced upon three of them and pulled them out. Natural Fibre rope doesn't float as well and would sink and rot. It's hemp.
I have a four year old son, and I cannot bear to answer him in the future that I didn't do more to stop the over-abundance of plastic in our oceans, and in the world.
As though we have a hope in Hell of changing things, my son and I and I are starting a campaign to:
Bring an end to the use of plastic fishing rope.
"Don't Be a Dope, Use Natural Rope!"
Definition of Synthetic:
"devised, arranged, or fabricated for special situations to imitate or replace usual realities."
0r... Synthetic Rope is devised, fabricated to replace (natural fibre rope AND sustainable) usual (fishing) realities.
See what I did there?
If plastic rope were outlawed, you create an industry to make natural rope, as was here before, for thousands of years, world wide. Amen.
You also take back the power to fish so aggressively - if the rope is "synthetic" and therefor stronger, you can have a stronger motor and bigger ship to fish more aggressively, trolling and the like.
Natural fibre rope sets sustainable limitations - fancy that.
No one will want to hear this any more than they want to deal with all that plastic in their fridge, especially the industry using the plastic rope.
(That's why we set our goal here at $1 Million, as we think this may take a lot more effort than a few simple letters to Environment Ministers. We assume we'll be at this for years... please join in our efforts in your way!
Also, dear critics, stuff your money, we do it anyway - we make and sell wits to fund ourselves, regardless of cynicism and criticism. You crabs in our bucket can go forth and multiply!)
There are around 70,000 people employed in the fishery in Canada, and most use plastic rope.
As do Aquaculture operations.
We're hoping to raise funds to lobby hard for this, and to create educational materials and propaganda that sells the idea of BANNING PLASTIC FISHING ROPE, and then mail out and contact Unions, fisher people, Industry leaders, and government offices. See below for some responses we've had so far. If you have good ideas for activist projects, please advise!
We also take our campaign to the street, we have offered to present at the NL English School district (awaiting confirmation, recent contact Feb 2019), and we've been on radio three times this year, and online in the CBC (see above).
We will start small and local, but we will try to look for international avenues as well, outlaw that plastic rope globally!
We will travel, we will call, we will get in your face until we all wake up and change!
We will enlist like-minded helpers and volunteers!
We will STOP it!
Otherwise, our grandkids are screwed, if they're not already.
Natural fibre rope was used for millennia, then the more resilient plastic version came along.
We don't care that it costs more, we don't care that it's harder to make, or that it wears out faster or that it's heavier:
Natural Fibre Rope is BETTER.
Do you want fish in the future?
Then stop using PLASTICS in the ocean.
"Don't Be a Dope, Use Natural Rope!"
Plastic rope breaks down into micro pieces that end up in all sea creatures, and eventually in you.
That's not so good, it turns out.
The 'making of' rope is a re-invigorated industry in itself, so let's get back to it.
Interestingly, we recently went legal with cannabis in Canada and we're not allowed to use the Hemp by-product of the agriculture, so says, of all people, Health Canada!
What a wasted opportunity! Our wits are finished with hemp twine. Way better than jute.
If we outlaw plastic rope we create an industry of rope making and a culture to improve it.
We promise to make every effort to communicate this information in all arenas and will attempt to join forces with other like-minded entities like The Ocean Cleanup. We know they're not perfect either, but who else to turn to? Government? Sure they're in bed with big Oil and it's a corporate nightmare. Corporate won't act until it affects their bottom line. So we go with the idealistic kid who wants to save the Oceans. Shag it if he hasn't figured it out yet. He's trying.
We really appreciate any help, but ultimately you are helping yourselves, and your kids, not 'us' - we're merely making a small and hopefully sustained effort here. We don't even expect money, so cynical has the world become... this is merely our incentive to go on, and a record of our efforts.
There are millions of people ready to support this move to reduce plastic use, here's just a couple:
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/apr/16/plastic-is-literally-everywhere-the-epidemic-attacking-australias-oceans
We don't facebook, but we're real.
We're starting Don't Be a Dope! UnIncorporated.
We live in Newfoundland, where fishing gear accounts for "some of the greatest amounts of identifiable marine plastics in our waters".
Bonus!
We make Wits by hand from natural fibre Manilla rope and Hemp twine...
Wit (n). A flexible branch or root, or a rope, usually formed into a circle and used for various purposes: to hold an oar to the 't'ole pin*,' to form the entrance to a lobster pot, etc.
(Dictionary of Newfoundland English)
Basically it's a circle, a loop of rope, virtually indestructable, that anyone who was ever in a rowed dory will have seen.
It's an historical memento of the Newfoundland Fishery, Rest in Peace.
* t'ole pin - y' know, t'ole 't on
As a bonus to your generosity, we will send you either 1 Wit ($20 donation) or 2 interlocked wits (as above) ($30 donation), so you can "keep yer wits about ya!"
The interwoven pair also make nice wedding gifts as a symbol of the relationship bond.
The Wit itself is an endless loop, representing to us, the cycle of life. We want life to go on for our kids' kids and we need to get rid of PLASTIC for that to happen.
*Here's an Example of our first efforts:
We wrote to every environment Minister in Canada and introduced our Cause with this letter, the first step we have taken! Not a huge step, but we're willing to take alot of steps... some responses are below.
---
Don't Be a Dope Inc.
Dear Ministers of the Environment,
Thank you for reading the first of many of our future communiques.
By the time we have reached our goal, you will be well sick of hearing from us!
We would like to introduce ourselves, we will be fronting the charge to BAN PLASTIC FISHING ROPE, one of the greatest sources of plastic particles found in fish and in our marine environment.
We are a boy and his dad on a mission.
We have started a gofundme page to raise funds to support this cause (https://www.gofundme.com/dont-be-a-dope), and we are aligning ourselves with similar groups and individuals around the world, such as a group we volunteered with when they started up a few years ago: The Ocean Clean-up.
There IS an alternative, natural fibre rope, which was used for millennia before plastics were invented. It is NOT cheaper or more durable, but it is ultimately better for all. Not all decisions should be based on economic reasons.
We are offering interesting rewards for donations that are made of Natural rope.
Lives are not at stake, LIFE is at stake.
Please know that we will be asking all ministers to look at the idea of banning plastic rope in Canada, and ultimately by others in Canadian waters.
Eventually we will teach the world to join us.
We are today only 2 people, but soon we will be Legion.
Be prepared.
Thank you for your thoughts and consideration on this subject!
Sincerely,
Julian Neil and Gerard Neil
---
And our first responses:
Dear Gerard,
We have reviewed your email of April 20, 2018 (see below) concerning rope and at your request we have forwarded it to the office of the Nova Scotia Environment Minister to address accordingly.
Public Enquiries,
Service Nova Scotia
_______
Hello Mr. Neil
I have been asked to reply to your email and I am happy to do so. Also, thank you for bringing this campaign to our attention.
Please know there is support for your concerns with plastics finding their way into Alberta’s natural systems like our lakes and rivers. Alberta is supportive of efforts that work toward addressing the lifespan of plastics through the 4Rs (recycle, reduce/refuse, reuse, recover) and finding alternative materials. These initiatives help keep plastics in circulation for as long as possible and reduces the reliance on plastics which in turn reduces the associated issues your campaign is hoping to address.
Alberta leads the country in minimizing the per-capita disposal of waste to landfill. While several of our existing regulated recycling programs have been successful at diverting some plastics, there are other sources of plastic (e.g., consumer packaging, agricultural plastic) that continue to add to the waste stream and to Alberta’s performance with reducing and recycling waste.
Several programs exist in Alberta and in our cities that help address the concerns of your campaign,
- Alberta Recycling http://www.albertarecycling.ca/about-us
- Highway Cleanup Campaign http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/605.htm
- Alberta CARE (Coordinated Action for Recycling Enterprises) https://www.albertacare.org/
- Recycling council of Alberta https://recycle.ab.ca/about/who-we-are/
- https://www.edmonton.ca/programs_services/garbage_waste/about-waste-management-in-edmonton.aspx
- http://www.calgary.ca/SitePages/cocis/Scripts/SubCategory-RecyclingInfo-Grid.aspx
Thank you again for your passion to help address the issue of plastics in our environments and the promotion of alternative materials. All the best in your endeavour,
Bill Patterson, M.Sc.
Environment and Parks
Fisheries Management Policy
Edmonton
-------
Thank you for writing to the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change.
Due to the significant increase in the volume of correspondence addressed to the Minister, please note that there may be a delay processing your email. Rest assured that your message will be carefully reviewed.
For requests from the media, please dial 819-938-3338 or forward your request to [email redacted].
_____
On behalf of the Honourable Rochelle Squires, Minister of Sustainable Development, I would like to acknowledge your email.
Please be assured that your correspondence will be brought to the Minister’s attention.
Minister of Sustainable Development
Winnipeg MB R3C 0V8
----------
Thank you for your email. You have reached the general email for the Minister of Environment and Parks and Minister responsible for the Climate Change Office. Your email has been received by our office and we are working to provide you with a response to your requests and concerns.
Minister's Office | Environment and Parks
aep.alberta.ca
_______
Organizer
Gerard Neil
Organizer
St. John's North Central, NL