First in a series. 

On the eve of next week’s City Council debate over a polystyrene ban, a minority voice is heard.

“I am really willing to say this,” said Steve Rose.

His audience braced.

As Culver City’s (a) only surviving or (b) best known conservative, Mr. Rose, chief of the Chamber of Commerce, zeroed in on the environment.

“For those who have been living in California more than 15 years, we can remember when the environmentalists wanted to do away with paper bags.

“They wanted to go to one-use plastic bags because they were afraid of all of the trees that were being cut down.”

However, the environmentalists have switched sides of the table, Mr. Rose noted.

“Now they have found out their solution of 30 years ago – single-use plastic bags — is a bigger problem,” said the Chamber chief.

Environmentalists would prefer a ban on them.

The diplomatic Mr. Rose, however, chose to pass on what offered a delicious opportunity to scold or to mock.

What does The Conservative say? He exhaled and cleared his throat.

Were environmentalists wrong the first time? Second time? Neither time?

“Solving an environmental challenge has to be taken out of the emotional ring and be replaced by a comprehensive business plan,” Mr. Rose said, sounding like a true Chamber leader.

“A lot of businesses, in their packing, have gone to recyclable or sustainable packaging.”

In being environmentally sensitive and as a sign of changing priorities, he said that “major companies, such as Apple, are using cardboard in their packing instead of foam products.”

(To be continued)