A bigger picture: The culture of plastics

I did not create our culture’s plastic dependency, and neither did you. But, we cannot just ignore this seemingly overwhelming issue, even if we would like to. We’ve all seen plastic bags blowing across parking lots, plastic cups traveling down a local stream, or even the short life of a plastic container tossed into the garbage after transporting food from a restaurant back home. 

We are creatures of convenience, consumed by what we are accustomed to. I am an environmental studies major at Gettysburg College, and I confess, I do in fact use plastics quite frequently. Plastics persist in modern society because they are a technology that works to address a variety of needs. However, if you do not realize or acknowledge the hazards of plastics by now, then you are dismissing, maybe even denying, a global crisis. We are all a part of this issue. 

At times it is possible to feel discouraged or overwhelmed when thinking about taking action at the individual or local level. Things that we can do right now to ameliorate problems with plastics include (1) picking up trash and litter to keep our communities beautiful (2) tying a knot in plastic bags to prevent them from blowing away after they are discarded (3) providing incentives for those who choose to utilize reusable bags and (4) encouraging our friends and local groups to become involved in changing the social norms surrounding plastics. 

But ultimately, the problem with plastics is much larger than limiting the use of a modern technology that is so practical and functional in our society. Rather, our energies are better focused on creating effective environmental management policies and systems that address the misuse and improper disposal of plastics in our communities; policies that address a moral and fundamental shift in the culture surrounding the manufacture and use of plastics. I urge you to question the systems of our culture’s “throw-away” mentality. Write to commissioners, representatives, and those who influence these policies. Better yet, vote for legislators interested in making environmental degradation a non-partisan, top priority issue. We can all agree that plastics are devastating to the environment, but as our population continues to grow, and our demand for resources continues to surge, it is time we think more critically about the bigger picture, the culture of plastics.

Emily Kurtz is a student at Gettysburg College (Environmental Studies Major (B.S.) | Biology Major (B.S.), Writing Minor).