These days, many restaurants that used to offer single-use plastic straws have abandoned the practice. Instead, paper straws have replaced plastic straws, or no straw at all. What I find strange, however, are food establishments that don’t have straws but are still using plastic cups and cup covers. Fact is, alternatives for many items are not readily available, systems are not in place and many businesses are at a loss as to how to go “zero waste.” It seems impossible to many.
During an out-of-town trip, a traveling group decided to stop by the roadside to buy fresh buko to quench their thirst. The vendor said straws were not available but placed the coconut meat and coconut water in disposable cellophane bags. If you would really think about it, what are the alternatives for this purpose? Probably the easiest option would be the customers’ personal tumblers. However, if these are not available, there needs to be another way.
It will take some effort on the part of the business establishments down to the individuals or consumers to come up with new systems and processes, new alternative materials and the resolve to fully commit to this new lifestyle. It is only difficult because we are all used to doing things the way they were always done. But since the experts are predicting that there is not much time left to save our planet, then we all must embrace the difficult task and embrace change.
In supermarkets and department stores, the baggers would always ask customers if they are carrying their own eco bags. If the customer doesn’t have any, he or she can opt to pay for plastic bags. Unlike in some places like Kenya where plastic bags have been totally banned, here these can be obtained for just a couple of bucks. And so the plastic waste continues to be thrown into the rivers, waterways and oceans, and continues to threaten our planet.
I do believe the government needs to have a stronger and very specific regulation on the use of plastics. The responsibilities of corporations have to be established, as well as the rest of the nation’s citizenry. It would be best if there would be a specific plan on how to reduce the production of plastic products, and what practical and accessible alternatives there are. Additionally, everybody should stop focusing on the plastic straw. I am not sure what percentage of the total plastic waste it represents, but I do know there are many other plastic products we all should be looking at.
It is possible that laws, regulations, and policies could be drafted under the influence of businesses and capitalists. But these same capitalists need to understand that if environmental protection is not prioritized, eventually, it would be very bad for their businesses. And we are not just talking about their corporations but also about their families, loved ones and children.