4 ms·

I see a lot of discussion about recycling and burying/burning, but I think more effort should be made to reduce usage of plastics and re-use where necessary. I

I see a lot of discussion about recycling and burying/burning, but I think more effort should be made to reduce usage of plastics and re-use where necessary. I have gone plastic-free this January and it has been far more challenging than I thought. Despite having some very ethical shops on my doorstep in Bristol (UK), it takes a lot more time to do my shopping now and there are still many foods which I just cannot find without plastic packaging, most of which really do not need it. It has been a great eye opener to just how bad the supermarkets are and I think change needs to come through regulation, as a simple small tax for them may be enough to tip the scales and move things in a better direction.

cptskippy 7y ago
> I think more effort should be made to reduce usage of plastics and re-use where necessary. More specifically we need to change the narrative away from recycling and disposal being the consumer's responsibility. The package choices are not the consumers and if manufacturers are unwilling to shift towards reusable or responsible packaging then we need legislation and regulation to force the issue. > I have gone plastic-free this January and it has been far more challenging than I thought. I would not think that's even possible without making significant lifestyle changes. There are just basic things (e.g. Toilet paper) that I'm not even aware you can purchase without plastic packaging. Good luck with your journey.
- fooblitzky 7y ago
  I buy toilet paper from Who Gives A Crap: https://us.whogivesacrap.org/ https://us.whogivesacrap.org/ The toilet paper is made from bamboo, and comes wrapped in paper in a cardboard box. They operate in USA, Australia, and the UK.
  - dhimes 7y ago
    I almost had a spontaneous need for their product when I saw the price was $52; but then I clicked the image and discovered it was for 48 rolls.
    - cwkoss 7y ago
      I'll sell you one of their rolls for $52, if that'd make you feel better.
    - njarboe 7y ago
      Toilet paper as a veblen good? I have not seen that yet, but I bet it already exists.
      - dhimes 7y ago
        No, it was my try at humor: I almost crapped my pants when I thought it cost $52 a roll.
brenden2 7y ago
I agree, recycling just gives people a free pass to waste and pollute. There should be more emphasis on reduction and reuse for non-biodegradable materials.

cptskippy 7y ago

> I think more effort should be made to reduce usage of plastics and re-use where necessary. More specifically we need to change the narrative away from recycling and disposal being the consumer's responsibility. The package choices are not the consumers and if manufacturers are unwilling to shift towards reusable or responsible packaging then we need legislation and regulation to force the issue. > I have gone plastic-free this January and it has been far more challenging than I thought. I would not think that's even possible without making significant lifestyle changes. There are just basic things (e.g. Toilet paper) that I'm not even aware you can purchase without plastic packaging. Good luck with your journey.

fooblitzky 7y ago
I buy toilet paper from Who Gives A Crap: https://us.whogivesacrap.org/ https://us.whogivesacrap.org/ The toilet paper is made from bamboo, and comes wrapped in paper in a cardboard box. They operate in USA, Australia, and the UK.
- dhimes 7y ago
  I almost had a spontaneous need for their product when I saw the price was $52; but then I clicked the image and discovered it was for 48 rolls.
  - cwkoss 7y ago
    I'll sell you one of their rolls for $52, if that'd make you feel better.
  - njarboe 7y ago
    Toilet paper as a veblen good? I have not seen that yet, but I bet it already exists.
    - dhimes 7y ago
      No, it was my try at humor: I almost crapped my pants when I thought it cost $52 a roll.

brenden2 7y ago

I agree, recycling just gives people a free pass to waste and pollute. There should be more emphasis on reduction and reuse for non-biodegradable materials.