Introduction

The invention of paper and plastic were milestones in human history. From having to record events laboriously on rockfaces, vellum, and papyrus with the risk of having them erased or degrade to using a medium which was easy to utilise and preserve, humans entered the Paper Age with joy. Rare manuscripts could be copied easily and, with the invention of the printing press, multiple copies could be made. Plastic, made from by-products of petroleum refining, revolutionised the human world – bags, containers, storage, covers, packaging, electrical fittings, fabrics, etc.

Paper and Plastic Facts

On an average, one tree produces 8,500 sheets of paper. Not bad, it seems. However, the average office worker uses more than that in one year (government offices are the biggest paper users!). In one year, rough estimates state that 4 billion trees are cut down for the paper industry alone – around 35% of the total number of trees axed!

Plastics are long chain organic compounds with a carbon base. Most plastics require naphtha (derived from petroleum) and are formed by the polymerisation of short chain organic compounds. The process varies depending on the type of plastic, but almost all of them are extremely difficult to biodegrade.

Reflection

The comment to the accusers in the Gospel passage is a reminder that not one of us is perfect. Each one of us is individually responsible for the collective degradation in society.

To claim ownership of that responsibility is the first step towards positive change. Rather than pointing fingers at another, each of us can take simple steps to make a difference in how we treat Earth.

Situation

Both in paper production and in paper recycling, pollution of water, air, and land occurs. While recycling helps save trees, the process adds inks and acids to the biosphere. Offices are the biggest culprits in paper wastage with most offices using paper on one side only.

Plastics have become so ubiquitous that we use them without thinking. A ban on single use plastic will help reduce plastic consumption to some extent, but we fail to account for plastic waste in discarded ballpoint pens, e-waste, wires, broken utensils and containers, tetra-paks, food packaging, e-retailer wrapping, synthetic clothing, accessories, etc.

These products are severely polluting and difficult to degrade, often end up killing animals, birds and marine life forms who ingest them unknowingly, and thus enter the food chain.

Go Green

There is much we can do to minimise our paper and plastic footprint. Using paper with care and making sure we do not waste it in the office or home, re-using envelopes, avoiding toilet-rolls and paper tissues, saying a polite no to disposable plastic water bottles and cups, introducing re-usable plates and cups at celebrations and in offices, are just some examples. Every little bit goes towards making Earth less polluted.

Sun 7 April

We are reminded that all of us need to change.

Before blaming anyone, let us examine our actions that harm Earth – overuse of plastics and paper.

Mon 8 April

Carry a cloth bag everywhere.

A small lightweight cloth bag is the ideal companion. Politely refuse a plastic bag when shopping anywhere.

Tue 9 April

Avoid pre-bottled water.

Bottled water is no better than home-filtered or boiled water. Avoiding buying bottled water prevents plastic waste.

Wed 10 April

Choose products with less plastic packaging.

When shopping, opt for products with minimum plastic wrap to minimise plastic waste.

Thu 11 April

Print what is essential. Use both sides.

Don’t waste paper printing unless necessary. Use both sides of the paper. Save one-side-used paper for rough work.

Fri 12 April

Reclaim the hanky.

Avoid paper tissues after food and wet wipes for wiping your face or nose. A handkerchief is best, and lasts years.

Sat 13 April

Go Green in celebrations.

Use non-disposable plates, cutlery and glasses for home and office celebrations. Avoid paper/plastic cups and plates.

–Suren

[Suren is involved with issues concerning the environment, feminism, and LGBTQ+ rights.]