No Plastics, No Way.

The title of this post was inspired by the absence of essentials when avoiding plastics. When attempting the "Plastics Challenge" I did not even make it out of bed without using plastics. My phone which I use as an alarm clock was my first encounter of the day. I decided to let that one slide and continue my plastics challenge before giving up. As I stumbled into the kitchen to make my morning coffee, I realized I couldn't use my normal coffee maker. Luckily I had an italian coffee maker, completely made out of metal to substitute. I then opted for the coffee grounds in a bag rather then a plastic jar. I wasn't sure of the plastic content of the bag but I was sure the plastic jar was made of plastic.

My next obstacle, which turned out to be my last, was getting ready to go to class. I was not strategic in choosing the day for my plastics challenge and I could not afford to be "unhygienic". First there was the shower. My shower is not even a year old and completely made from plastics. All of my shampoo, etc, was also contained in plastic bottles.

Once out of the shower with an overwhelming encounter with plastic, I remained optimistic. However, that optimism soon faded when I realized my toothbrush was also made out of plastic. I pondered alternatives, however brushing my teeth seemed to be the only logical (and friendly) option.

Next I was faced with the decision of letting my hair turn to ice while walking to class, or yet again using plastic to avoid this problem.

At this point I realized giving up plastic is essentially impossible. Going through everyday activities requires the use of plastic. Even if I had avoided the things above, my backpack has plastic in it, my shoes, calculator, phone, glasses, computer, etc. The door that opens to the outside from my apartment building has a plastic handle. The desks in many campus buildings are made out of plastic. Going a day without plastics would require complete isolation. Moreover, a day without plastics would require extensive education on what contains plastics. At this point, I'm sure I came into contact with many more plastic-containing objects than I am aware of. For this reason, I say no plastics, no way.

Kim Gressick

Section 305