This is 2018, and we use 160 000 plastic bags globally every second, more than 1 million every minute.
This is 2018 and this year we will dump 8 million tons of plastic in our oceans.
This is 2018. This is the year that we have to change our habits.
This evening I watched 'A Plastic Ocean' and I realise now that I have to stop. I have to stop my obsession with plastic and take control of my single use-waste. It is estimated that by 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. If you have ever been snorkelling or scuba diving or even just enjoy swimming in the ocean, think about what that will mean for our ecosystem, for us! Our planet it chocking in plastic and the oceans are filling up. I have spent a long time reading about other people who have taken steps to become inspirational leaders for people like me and now it's time I joined them and really changed the world.
My New Year's Resolution...
So drum roll please...
My new year's resolution for 2018: I am going to be living plastic free by July 2018!
But why???
I chose the month of July as my goal firstly because it gives me plenty of time to organise my life and discover new alternatives while also providing a final date that will push me and keep me focused.
This month also happens to be one of the biggest (and by far my favourite) environmental events in the world, Plastic Free July! To me it makes perfect sense to aim to be living plastic free by July so that when this event comes around, I will be participating to the fullest. In a way it's like I'm preparing for Plastic Free July 7 months in advance!
My last reason for picking July is that after July is birthday season for my family and of course Christmas, New Year, summer, you name it. Also known as: Plastic Overload Season. For me, I always find the holiday period full of plastic; buying gifts in plastic packaging, wrapping gifts in plastic, buying food (especially lollies and chips) in plastic, it's never ending! So if I could be living plastic free by July, I can put myself to the final challenge for the end of the year.
My plan of action?
Wednesday 3rd January 2018
BREAKFAST
Cereal: Cardboard box + plastic package
Milk: Cardboard carton + plastic lid
Juice: Plastic carton + plastic lid
LUNCH
Baguette: Paper bag
Lollipop: Plastic bag / wrapping / stick
DINNER
Soup: Loose vegetables
Asparagus: Plastic glad wrap + Styrofoam board
Eggs: Cardboard carton
DESSERT
Chocolate moose: Plastic container
TOMORROW
Piece of loose fruit instead of juice
No lollipop (I really don't need the sugar anyway)
NEXT STEPS
Buying cereal in bulk without packaging
Making freshly squeezed orange juice
Making moose from scratch
As you can see it's not a great start!
These simple notes have helped me to identify how plastic was making it's way into my life and the simple things I can change for tomorrow and the things I can change a little later down the track. I think it's important to distinguish these two things because it helps to track your progress and ensure that you are always moving forward. Also, I'll admit that I am someone who doesn't mind a little instant gratification every now and then and it is really rewarding to see things that I have changed already and the positive effect I am having on the environment.
I will be sharing my journey here on my blog, things I learn and tips and tricks I pick up along the way so that you may also find little changes that you can make.
Are you with me?
I know that this is going to be tough and there might be times when it all seems too hard but it is no secret that going it together is so much more enjoyable and rewarding.
I am imagining that we could create a network of people working towards a common goal. A network in which we are able to support and help each other, share tips and tricks and find help when we come across obstacles.
If there is one thing that I find more worthwhile than succeeding myself, it is seeing others succeed with me. I know that we have the power to change the world this year and I hope that every one of you can sit down at the end of 2018 and realise that you achieved something you didn't think you could ever do. I hope that we can create a wave of change that will show the world that change is possible and that it only takes a bit of determination.
I know that I am ready to change the world, are you with me?