Katie Erickson - Section 307
I woke up Saturday morning, ready and eager to begin my day without the use of plastics. However, after I emerged out of my bed, I was unable to use the stool that makes the leap from my lofted bed to the floor a little less painful. After leaping out of my bed, I headed to the bathroom. Within 2 minutes of waking up, I had encountered yet another problem. The toilet paper is hung from plastic rods, so I was already forced to break my no-plastic rule. I washed my hands (unable to use soap or dry my hands, as both containers were made of plastic, and headed back to my room).
Upon entering my room, I went to turn my lights on, but was stopped in the knick of time when I realized that the light switch was made of plastic, so I was forced to rely on light from my window (which is blocked by 2 lofted beds) on a cloudy winter day that consists of few hours of daylight. Looking around my room, I began to wonder what to do. I was unable to use my computer, television, ipod, microwave, refrigerator, or chair, so I decided to eat some breakfast while I pondered my next move. I reached for my cardboard cereal box, but the plastic wrap stood between my much anticipated Golden Grahams cereal and me. I then reached for me oatmeal, but was, yet again stopped by my no-plastic rule when I realized my bowl was made of plastic.
Starving and bored, I headed to Gordon Commons to grab something to eat. I got my usual muffin and attempted to fill up my coffee but was unable to as the spout was made of plastic. I had to break my rule in order to avoid the headache, but compromised with myself by choosing not to use the plastic lid. I went to pay, and realized that I was not carrying cash, so I had to use my plastic WisCard and break the rule. I sat down with my meal, but within minutes my coffee was too cold for my liking. I began to get up to warm up my coffee but was stopped short when I realized that I would not be able to use the microwave as it is made of plastic, so was forced to unhappily gulp down my cold, unappetizing coffee.
Arriving back in my room, I decided to sit on the futon and do some homework. Seconds after sitting down, however, I leaped onto my feet upon the realization that the legs of my futon are made of plastic. I sat on the floor with a piece of paper, glooming at the 4 page paper that loomed ahead of me; the 4 page paper I would be forced to write with a #2 wooden pencil, and not my sacred Macbook. Remarkably upset at the plastic industry and myself, I laid on the floor, debating the option of discontinuing the plastic-use experiment.
After 5 minutes of intense contemplation (it could have been more, as I was not able to use my phone, computer, or microwave to keep the exact amount of time that had passed), I decided to give up. My day that had consisted only of using the bathroom and eating food had already forced me to break the rules, and in my stressed state of mind, I could only imagine the obstacles that lay ahead. The immense amount of plastics that are in my dorm room alone was shocking and quite the eye-opening experience. From this experiment, I am inspired to use other options when they are available, but have also come to the realization that in the modern and fast-moving world our culture demands, it is almost impossible to live without plastic. Because we live in a society that demands low costs and efficiency, plastic is seen literally everywhere, and through my attempts, I can, sadly, admit that I am unable to live without it.
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