In putting what we have learned about ecofeminism into praxis, I am choosing to concentrate on the amount of plastic that is used in daily life and what other products can be a sustainable alternative. While many places in the western world recycle plastic (there are debates on the efficacy of this), the one way to truly decrease the amount of plastic is to find alternative options and more sustainable materials.
For this exercise, I will attempt to go an entire day (within the next week) without using plastic. I am excited for the awareness that this practice will elicit. I know that it will be impossible to get through a day without any plastic use (otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to record my experience via my phone, a pen, or my computer), so I will concentrate on disposable plastic use. In doing so, I will look at where I might use plastic and source out other options. For example, I find plastic utensils to be wasteful, so opt to bring in cutlery from home to keep in my office, and then take it home to wash and bring back in. What other opportunities do I have to do something similar? I will start one morning and go an entire day, trying my best to avoid convenient plastic use, especially when there are other options readily available.
In prepping for this exercise, I started to think about how plastic is everywhere. Through this one day praxis exercise, I will be more aware of where plastic shows up in everyday life, identify instances where I can lessen or eliminate plastic use, and source solutions for items that may have a more sustainable alternative. I think this will be an effective exercise, as I first need to identify the opportunities where unnecessary or excess plastic is used, and then identify alternatives. For example, a wooden toothbrush could be a good substitute for a plastic toothbrush. Instead of using plastic wrap on food items stored in the fridge, what else could I use to prevent the plastic ending up in the trash, and hence, a landfill? The options will need to be readily available to purchase and rather seamlessly be able to incorporate into everyday life as I think this will offer the most success.
The goal for me is to find out how, on an individual level, I can lessen my plastic use and also find alternative options. In doing so, I can do my part in lessening the need for plastic. I can share my findings with family and friends and see if they have an interest in adopting a few small changes into their daily routine. I enjoy writing and sharing information, so I might keep this blog and transition it to one where I can share my thoughts of healthy living, sustainable practices, and maybe even find ways to collaborate with others who are passionate about eco-friendly products and ideals. If you are reading this and have some thoughts on how I can improve upon my praxis, please share! Or, if there is a certain plastic item you’ve been wanting an alternative for, let me know and I can incorporate it into my research. Stay tuned, I’m excited to share my findings!
Christine –
I love your idea perhaps because it also ties into ocean health which I am passionate about. It is unbelievable the amount of plastic that we are inundated with in our daily lives. Here in NJ where I live (at least in my town) we are required to recycle but I am often so surprised when I see how many other areas are not required to recycle and also how many people chose not to. When recently visiting my friend in Wyoming I was shocked that they do not recycle. Perhaps it could be the fact that they are a predominantly conservative right wing state? It shocked me because there is a huge ingenious presence where she lives that is always advocating for the protection of what is left of the local resources. The locals have tremendous access to the indigenous people and their wealth of knowledge and customs and yet they honor little of it.
I think your idea of going plastic free for a day is a GREAT one! Some things will be easier than others. We omitted straws in our household a long time ago and have forgone plastic water bottles (like Poland Spring) for re-usable. My son started using metal straws a long time ago and carries them around with him! We do not purchase any plastic wear (plates, cups, or utensils) unless we are having an unusually large part (like a graduation) and even then I try to buy paper plates. Another thing we do is avoid plastic bottled beverages like Gatorade and try to buy mixes that we can prepare ourselves at home and then put in reusable bottles. We also stopped buying the hand soap disposable bottles and instead only buy the large refills now and put it into re-usable containers.
Every little bit will help! I debated switching from plastic insert tampon applicators to cardboard but my daughter was not thrilled with that idea. After reading your blog I am thinking about toothbrushes, regular hair brushes, food storage, and wraps. I have a few glass containers but not nearly enough. I am still very reliant on the Tupperware style containers. Even my hairclips are plastic!
I am very interested in seeing how you do with this! You have already brought to my attention some areas that I need to start thinking about making a change in within my own household! Good luck!
Hi Catherine!
I think that focusing on single use plastics and plastic waste is something that not a lot of people think of everyday, and I can’t wait to see how you continue on this topic’s journey. From the plastic coffee cups, to toothbrushes, grocery bags, and straws, plastic is everywhere, and has been overlooked or not cared about by the general population. Convenience seems to be made a priority instead of the lasting impact it has on the environment.
The way that patriarchal corporations have marketed single use plastics, has made it impossible to avoid in everyday life. I have always found it interesting to see plastic waste used in alternative ways. There’s this article I found about women who use plastic bags to create sleeping mats for the homeless population. Plastic bags take hundreds of years to decompose in a landfill, however these plastic bags have been repurposed to create a lasting aid for the homeless. I included the link below if you’re interested in reading more!
https://www.cleannorth.org/2021/04/06/how-local-women-are-repurposing-plastic-bags-to-help-the-homeless/