Scott Boyer (Section 301)

Plastics Challenge

Trying to plan a day where I would have no contact with plastic was a struggle by itself. How am I supposed to wake up for a 9:55 a.m. discussion? What should I use for a toothbrush? Is there any plastic-free food in my refrigerator? Am I planning on receiving any important emails tomorrow? As I got ready for bed and pondered these questions, I realized that this challenge was going to be a lot more difficult than it sounded.

Friday morning arrived and before I even got out of bed, I had already failed the challenge by turning off my alarm clock. I didn’t want to risk sleeping through my first class, so I decided to set it the night before. I swallowed my failure and went into the bathroom. I immediately realized every single toiletry of mine was covered in plastic: shampoo, face wash, shower hooks, toothbrush, toothpaste, electric razor, etc. I couldn’t manage going a full day feeling like a slob, so I made a few adjustments. Unlike my normal routine, I stood outside the shower to wash my hair, I didn’t shave, I put toothpaste on my finger to brush my teeth, and I used my roommate’s cologne, instead of deodorant.

I then proceeded to have breakfast, and found that a banana was the only breakfast food I had that wasn’t wrapped in plastic. I took an extra one, knowing I had three classes in a row. Next, I was off to class. Thankfully all my classes were close to my apartment, so biking or taking the bus wasn’t an issue. I walked to the lecture hall, took a seat in my usual spot, pulled out my notebook, and dug for a pen. Unfortunately, all my pens were plastic. I debated whether or not I should take notes for the day, but then realized finals were in three weeks. It wasn’t even 10 o’clock, and I had already failed the challenge at least three times.

I finished my last class and was in dire need of some food. I knew it would be hard to find any substantial food in my apartment not enclosed in plastic, so I decided to get Subway, thinking they didn’t use any plastic. As I waited to order, I noticed the plastic containers the cheese, veggies, and sauces were kept in. Luckily the meatballs were kept in a stainless steel container, so I was able to order the Meatball Marina (just without any cheese). I also ate the sub there, so they wouldn’t give me a plastic bag to carry it in.

I headed back to my apartment, and without hesitation checked my phone for any messages. I completely forgot my phone was made out of plastic. Another fail, yet again. My day wasn’t even half over, and I already wanted to give up on the challenge.

Restraining myself from calling it quits, I headed to my bedroom and opened up my statistics book to get ahead on Monday’s readings. Once that was finished, I figured I could do some biology homework. However, the only way to see our assigned readings or the discussion homework is to go on Learn@UW. I told myself I wasn’t going to use my laptop to check emails, but I completely forgot about online assignments. With guilt, I opened my laptop, checked the assignment, and started reading.

After a long session of homework, it was time for dinner. However, the only other foods I had that were free of plastic were Goldfish, beans, and oatmeal. None of those choices sounded satisfying, and with my frustration growing, I decided enough was enough. I opened up a loaf of bread, a bag of lunchmeat, and a container of cheese. I poured myself a glass of milk, took a seat on the couch, and flipped on the TV with our plastic remote. I caved.

After my failed attempt to the Plastic Challenge, I realize how dependent I have become on plastic. My phone, laptop, toiletries, and school supplies are things I use every day, and without them, my life would probably be a complete mess. It is sad to say that, but it’s the truth. In today’s society, having access to the Internet, a cell phone, a printer, etc., is vital for a college student to do well in his/her classes. And without plastic, those necessities would not exist. It is hard to imagine living a life without plastic, yet alone a day. For the students in 113 who were able to successfully complete this challenge, I applaud you.