Sir, – Well done to Rosita Boland for standing up against the creeping tide of fake greenery in public spaces (“Fake flowers make me sad and mad: Plastic, plastic everywhere and I can’t stand it”, Weekend, Essay, November 30th).
I just don’t buy the bland assurance of the restaurateur who told her that “Most people like the look”. Has he actually discussed his negative environmental choice with most of his customers – and what decade is he living in anyway? As your writer succinctly put it: “Even the youngest child of your acquaintance can tell you this plastic tat will go to landfill, where it will not break down in our lifetime.”
Children, and all of us, see the images about what plastic is doing to the world, so it’s not okay to go on regarding its use for these entirely unnecessary decorative purposes as just another option. Not only managers of hospitality and leisure venues but also ordinary folk who want to make their front porch or town garden distinctive need to think what message they send if they stick up this sinister rubbish. Alternative, non-polluting decor is available. – Yours, etc,
KERRY GOYER,
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Cushendun,
Co Antrim.
Sir, – I agree completely with Rosita Boland about the depressing scourge of plastic plants and foliage proliferating in our public places.
It is totally unnecessary and creates the opposite effect to life-enhancing flowers and plants.
How about starting a campaign? – Yours, etc,
HILARY CARR,
Stillorgan,
Co Dublin.
