Plastics Challenge

Trent Kuczynski
TA: Vanessa Wishart Thursday 12:05-12:55

When I first thought about doing this assignment I did not think it would be that difficult at all. I could not have been more wrong. I did this on the weekend thinking it would be a better experience than changing the way I take notes in class. I also tried to get my roommate to do this challenge with me but he quit after an hour or so.

I understand that I was not able to play videogames, watch tv, go on my laptop, listen to music, etc. I was prepared to take away luxuries like electronics for a day but there were some problems that I wasn't ready for:


The first problem I ran into was brushing my teeth and taking a shower when I woke up. I had to use my finger rather than a toothbrush (I understand it was very inefficient) and I had to wash my hair with a bar of soap because I was not able to use my plastic shampoo bottle.

Eating was also a problem. I had to go to the store and buy food that was not packaged in plastic, which proved to be a pretty difficult task. This is where my roommate gave up.

When I went to the store to purchase some adult beverages for the night I bought glass bottles but I failed the challenge with how I paid for them. I realized as I left the store that I "paid with plastic" by using my debit card. I was kind of upset that I had already failed but decided to keep trying anway.

I went to my friends house later that night and they were playing darts, foosball, and pong. The problem was darts have plastic flights, foosball has plastic guys, and pong uses plastic cups. I was not able to partake in any of these activities that night.

When we left my friends house we went out to the bars and this was also difficult to not use plastic. Plastic cups and straws are frequently used so I had to specifically ask for an alternative form. (I got some wierd looks from that)

Overall I knew what I was getting into for a day without plastics. I only mentioned a few of the things that really stood out when during the day. There were still many more things that I couldn't do. I was really bored and laid on my carpet catching up on my schoolwork for a good portion of the day. Food was very difficult to find since I am a poor college student and by cheap packaged items. It was a good experience and made me realize how difficult it would be to live without plastics. This is probably why it's such a difficult topic to debate because the different chemicals in plastics are harmful, but it would take such a complete life alteration of everyones lives to get rid of them all together.