skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Saturday, June 21, 2025

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Trump can keep National Guard in Los Angeles for now, appeals court rules; Experts warn of normalization of political violence; FL shellfish industry, communities push governor to ban Apalachicola drilling; Utah weighs cost of repealing clean-energy tax credits.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

White House says decision on Iran strikes will come in two weeks. Conservatives in Congress demand answers on former President Biden's mental acuity, and a new lawsuit could change Maryland's primary election process.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Giant data centers powering artificial intelligence want cheap rural land but some communities are pushing back, Hurricane Helene mobilized a North Carolina town in unexpected ways, and Cherokee potters make ceramics that honor multiple generations.

Tariffs hit OR plastic alternatives market

play audio
Play

Wednesday, May 14, 2025   

Tariffs are disrupting supply chains from China, making it harder for reusable alternatives to compete with single-use plastics.

Jeffrey Delkin, president of Bambu, an Oregon-based company which has been making plastic-free home goods for 20 years, said the Trump administration's 145% tariffs forced the company to lay off their staff in China and make their U.S. staff part-time. Though Chinese tariffs will now drop to 30% for 90 days, Delkin noted it is still a huge jump from the usual 3.5%.

He fears the tariff roller coaster threatens the company's future as well as the market for plastic alternatives.

"Unfortunately, this is a time where we need more small, right-minded, responsibly operated businesses," Delkin contended. "The current conditions are not helping."

Data show even before the trade war, plastic products faced much lower tariffs than their alternatives. This keeps plastic prices low and makes it harder for alternatives to compete. Delkin added since the oil industry receives large government subsidies, plastic producers are better able to absorb extra costs.

Research shows plastics contain harmful chemicals which leech into food, water and the environment. Emissions created during plastic production also contribute to climate change.

Delkin pointed out the public is still learning about the effects of microplastics on overall health, adding more than 90% of plastic produced ends up in landfills.

"It's that kind of stark reality that encouraged us to do what we do and to really promote renewable materials," Delkin explained.

The plastic market continues to grow despite its harmful effects. In 2020, about 370 million tons of plastic were traded, valued at $1.2 trillion.


get more stories like this via email

more stories
Apalachicola Bay used to be the historic epicenter of the U.S. oyster industry, once producing 90% of Florida's oysters and 10% of the nation's supply. (Margaret Burlingham/Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

A critical decision now rests with Gov. Ron DeSantis, as Florida coastal communities and shellfish farmers urge him to sign a bill permanently …


Social Issues

play sound

By Jonathan Feakins for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Judith Ruiz-Branch for Illinois News Connection reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News S…

Social Issues

play sound

By Frankie (Amy) Felegy for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News Servi…


The U.S. agriculture sector includes farms and related industries. Together, they account for 5.5% of the country's gross domestic product and provide 10.4% of all U.S. jobs. (Anastasia Knyazeva/Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

With more than 95,000 farms, Missouri ranks among the top farming states in the nation. Now, a national agriculture group is warning that bills …

Social Issues

play sound

A new lawsuit is challenging Maryland's closed primary system. If the lawsuit is successful, nearly a million Marylanders may be able to vote in …

Environment

play sound

Supporters of public lands will gather in Santa Fe next week to oppose pending legislation that would sell off millions of acres in 11 Western states…

Environment

play sound

Workers and families in Indiana could feel the impact of the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" moving through the U.S. Senate. The legislation would roll …

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021