The theme for Earth Day 2024 is Planet versus Plastic. And it is a significant and worthy theme for a year where we've become immensely more aware of how pervasive plastic pollution has become in our oceans, our foods, and even our bodies. It's also a year when another study has revealed how deeply we've been led astray with our hopes in plastic recycling.
My favorite infographic ever - Find it here.
Let's get practical and to the point. Plastic recycling is not a viable approach as a long-term solution. Plastic is deeply embedded in almost everything we produce and consume. Continuing to rely heavily on plastic will continue to make the environment in which we live more toxic and will make it continually harder for humans to live.
Please take a minute, look around you, and see what in your immediate surroundings contains plastic. (It can be a little overwhelming.)
Now, look over that list and see where you could use another (more sustainable) material/item.
Our spoon infographic is a great place to start. We already have a plethora of non-plastic spoons in the world. How can we move forward with our existing spoons? For starters, you can carry one with you. Then you can refuse the plastic spoon you'll be offered with your next meal or beverage. Or you can take it further. You can seek out places that will offer you a non-plastic spoon to use. You can use it and leave it behind for them to wash and serve to another customer.
Is this a sustainable solution? Yes, but it has to become consistent and widespread. So teach/encourage your children, your parents, your friends, your co-workers, and even the well-meaning people who try to give you a plastic spoon to try a similar approach.
And explain why you're doing it.
Be specific in telling them why. To get personal, I started Mesquite Hugger because I love nature and wanted to promote a healthy environment; however, I consider people to be part of that environment. So, I can look people in the eye and truthfully tell them I carry my own spoon (or whatever thing I'm encouraging) because I love people and want them to thrive.
For some reason, it's a lot easier to argue with a tree hugger than it is with a people hugger. I guess it's because we have a lot more in common with people than trees.
To be truthful, I hug a whole lot more people than I do mesquite trees. If you're reading this, I love you more than any tree. Period. That's it. So, try to cut back on plastic. It's killing us!
A few more places to you can start:
- Carry your own: cup, grocery bag, water bottle, etc.
- Recycle plastic yourself! If you have a toaster oven or heat press, you can recycle #2 plastic at home - but please be careful (and share pics of your success)
- Buy recycled products!
PS. Recycled toilet paper is not recycled toilet paper. It's regular paper recycled into toilet paper. (People get grossed out when I encourage them to purchase recycled toilet paper.)
PPS. Please continue to recycle items like paper, cardboard, tin metal, and aluminum. Let's keep using what we have in the system rather than digging up more minerals or cutting down more trees.
As always, thanks for stopping by! Please know that I am praying for you to be well and better!
(and give yourself a hug from me ;-)
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