The Plastic Abstention Experiment

    AND ON THE 7TH DAY HE RESTED..      This is officially the last day of my experiment reports. It has been enlightening, challenging, and short-lived. I am proud to say I pushed the idea to a point of realization and understanding. I know what it would take to make my goal a reality, but that is not something I am prepared to live wi th or capable of accomplishing on my own at this time.      I will carry the knowledge and awareness I gained from this project with me, and hopefully, one day I will be in a position to eliminate plastic from my life entirely. I think that over time, people will become more mindful of what they put in their bodies and realize just how overwhelming plastic is for both the individual and the environment. Thanks for reading and following, Caleb

     Day six was simple. I didn't buy anything and we had a good time at home enjoying the nice weather and the good groceries I bought Friday. There is a disconnect between home life and consumerism. Peoples desire to be simple and healthy is not supported by popular culture and raising children to be curious and aware is paramount. 

     Day five was a bit more disheartening than the previous days. Exhausted and hungry by lunchtime, I gave in and accepted my meal in a Styrofoam container with plastic utensils. I turned things around later by choosing coconut water in a aluminum can and a snack wrapped in foil.      Dinner was another story. Instead of eating out, I spent $90 on groceries for the family, which brought a fresh wave of plastic. My haul included two foil casseroles with paper lids, pancake mix with a thin plastic lid, plastic-wrapped steaks, and blueberry syrup in a glass jar with a plastic top.      Reflecting on these first five days, quitting plastic cold turkey feels nearly impossible—and perhaps even impractical or unhealthy. The daily reality of just how difficult this experiment has become makes it a steep uphill battle.

     Day four was very similar to day two: I didn't buy anything and brought my own lunch to work. However, I did end up consuming something wrapped in plastic. I donated blood on Thursday, which made me realize that plastic is genuinely necessary for certain things—especially in the medical field. I don't hate plastic, and that isn't the point of this post. What I disapprove of is the careless misuse of plastic that leads to excessive waste, harm to wildlife, and unsightly pollution.