What is a rebel?
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Photo: ISSA |
“A man who
says no, but whose refusal does not imply a renunciation.” Wise words by AlbertCamus (full disclaimer: I have not read TheRebel. I came across the quote long ago and remembered it while writing
this entry).
I’ve been
feeling like a rebel lately. My blog says “no” but my actions show otherwise.
In the last seven days, I’ve taken home leftovers from a restaurant in a
plastic food box, used a paper plate and plastic fork, accepted supermarket
meat from a plastic bag, and the list goes on. I have not been refusing things
I don’t need, despite my enthusiasm for being more environmentally friendly.
I have been
trying to take note of all the things I use and all the things I throw away.
I’d like to think I was pretty diligent at taking down everything on my first
day at it. I probably lasted until the early afternoon when I forgot – both to
log in and refuse. So early in the game yet already so
delinquent!
At dinner out
with some friends, there were some leftovers from our meal. No one wanted them
so I volunteered to take them home. The leftovers arrived in a reusable plastic
container in a paper bag, and of course I realized at that moment that I had
forgotten step #1, which was to refuse.
To make things worse, I forgot that I had a clean Tupperware in my bag!
I was at the
supermarket another time. I knew I brought a Tupperware for the meats, except
that I left them in the car. Imagine my frustration upon my realization! I had
to put the meats in a plastic bag, and throw it away right after. At least my
eco bag is always a staple in my purse! Phew.
I like how
people nowadays are starting to ask where things they buy come from. That’s
great and all, especially if you want to support local or make sure the ingredients
that go into your food or skincare are not made of harmful ingredients, or if
you want to know that the clothes you wear weren’t made in a sweatshop.
However, another critical question we need to ask is where does it all go? We also need to think about what happens to
our stuff when we’ve lost interest in them, or when we’re done using them.
More than
writing down what things I throw away and whatnot, it’s really getting into the habit
of refusal that will be most challenging. It also helps you think of what is really important and what is sustainable. My game plan for this challenge would be to bring around a Tupperware and a set
of utensils for a start, in case there are places I go with only disposable utensils or if
I’ll have to bring home leftovers at a restaurant. Yes, I’ll be that annoying
person bringing out my own gear from my bag. If you see me, don’t forget to say
hi (and show me your matching Tupperware and reusable utensils)!
Where does it all go? Same.
ReplyDeleteRooting hard for this blog.
Unlike time, garbage does not disappear into a black hole. Thanks for the roots. Don't let me get uprooted!
DeleteI refused a straw today thanks to your inspiring writing! Pat on my back haha :)
ReplyDelete+50 Claps for you!
Delete