Since I became a father two years ago, I’ve been more and more concerned about plastic pollution and what it means for the next generation. With microplastics now found in humans, I wonder if we are doing enough to stop it from worsening.
Every trip to the supermarket leaves me both helpless and angry. When did we grow so dependent on plastic? Now, every produce is wrapped in cling film, sometimes even individually. Then there are all the bottled drinks that we can’t seem to get enough of.
Whenever I read about volunteers picking up trash at beaches, a part of me applauds them for their dedication to cleaning up the environment, but another part wonders if the problem stems from us not realising we now live in a throw-away society, where disposable everything is the only way to attract interest.
Following the announcement of an increase in plastic tax, a lot of restaurants started charging customers for takeaway containers. While the majority was up in arms about putting more strain on their already strained pockets, a fair few began showing up at eateries with lunch boxes. It was a good sign; it showed that people could adapt to any situation.
A few weeks ago, a popular global coffeehouse chain announced that they would do away with disposable cups to make customers think harder about sustainability. It’s a step in the right direction. But can we do the same here? Some local businesses may feel that without the clutch of convenience, customers would not come. But I believe that if the authorities ordered plastic to be phased out at cafes, restaurants, supermarkets and retail stores, the public would not like it at first but they would soon accept, much like how it was with the ‘No Plastic Bag Everyday’ campaign in 2018.
We are now at a crossroads, with pockets around the world reporting that they are drowning in plastics; and it is only going to be direr.
What keeps me up at night is thinking that my little girl may have to pay for our passivity, unless we collectively confront our plastic addiction as a society and find a way out of the mess we have gotten ourselves into.
Fatherly Love
