Simple Solutions the Whole World Needs to Copy and Integrate
It was only about 50 years ago where we started to choose convenience over personal accountability. Back then, plastic was the new shiny cheap thing. As a general public, we didn’t know what we know today. We now know what every piece of plastic produced, since the beginner on time, is still circulating on the planet in one form or another. We now know, soon there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. We now that it is not good for us (to eat from especially with hot foods and drinks) and that it is not for the planet. We lived without plastic before, we can do it again.
Back to Basics, just a few to start with…
“Would you like paper or plastic?” Except it would be paper only.
All grocery shops should adopt the Costco way of packing where boxes that bring in all the goodies are reused instead of plastic bags.
Grocery shops should have a boomerang bag bin where anyone can bring in their 101 cloth bags which we have all collected over the years; customers can take as many as needed on each shop when they forget and bring them back the next time.
Fruit and vegetables should be seasonally available; and imported fruit, vegetables, and animal products should come at a much higher cost when local produce is available.
Bulk food shops are the standard - all reusable bottles, jars, and bags.
Condominiums should have their own bulk refilleries stocking the most used cleaning products and staples dry foods.
More mom-and-pop corner shops near residential areas to make the inconvenient convenient; instead of smaller versions of big chain grocery shops. These shops can double up as a commonplace for people to donate foods that are near their expiry date, they know they will not be able to consume in time.
Compost centers and community gardens within walking distance to homes.
All rubbish must be washed thoroughly before being sorted and recycled properly; like in Japan, Seattle, Wales, and a few more other progressive cities. All condos and apartment blocks must have proper recycling centres, watched by someone to ensure proper sorting.
All restaurants and cafes must default to plastic-free (no straws, no takeaway containers) encouraging customers to BYO by charging money for takeaway cups, straw, containers. 50% to be donated to a related cause.
Demand Simple Systemic Changes!
Every time you say no to a plastic bag, no to a plastic straw, you are getting someone’s attention
Every time you choose a glass or canned option, rather than a plastic one, you are letting those in charge know we want better
Every time you shop small, local, organic, fairtrade, you are voting with your dollar.
