Green Junction: Plastic Pollution in the Face of Consumerism
In heavy consumerism societies, gestures of kindness and appreciation are frequently linked to waste and overuse of resources. We are “programed” to give stuff. As an example, most specialized candies are individually wrapped and now packaged in plastic containers. Not so long ago, these candies were lightly packaged in cardboard boxes. Businesses and organizations have opted mostly for the cheaper, plastic option. Plastic packaging is polluting our world and we need to address it on all levels, even with candy. A recent publication titled “The past, present and future of plastic pollution” states “plastics are a hazard to humans, impact tourism and recreation, threaten rivers, coasts and ocean life and are an aesthetic problem that reveals essential and unpleasant facts about human attitudes, foibles and behaviors.”
Consumers have choices. Instead of accepting over-packaged goods, consumers can refuse or look for alternatives. When more people reject plastic packaged goods (yes, I know there are too many instances where this is impossible), the trajectory of this problem will change. The amount of plastic that has been produced - keeping in mind we have NO real solution for plastic waste and pollution which will reside for centuries or longer - is over 9.5 billion tons, according to Our World in Data. The OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) projects this to triple by 2060, if limits are not put on plastic production. Consumers must say no to plastic, especially single use plastic, every day. It is time to ditch the excuses and pay attention to our choices.
As Valentine’s day approaches, a time of kind gestures and enormous consumerism, consider sustainable gifts or actions instead of plastic wrapped, carbon-intensive, chemical-laden merchandise. Reduce the stuff. Other gift options include donations to a worthy cause and experiences such as shows, sports events or concerts. Small acts of kindness, which often have wonderful rippling effects, have been shown to be far more meaningful than stuff. Stanford University psychiatrist and author, Dr. Anna Lembke, explains that convenience and abundance are making us unhappy, lonelier and more depressed.
“It costs zero dollars to be kind.” “The ideals which have always shone before me and filled me with joy are goodness, beauty, and truth.” ― Albert Einstein “It is in giving of ourselves that we receive..” – St. Francis
