I have played with an orchestra for 20 years occasionally, but fairly regularly for the last 2 years. When I first went back to it 2 years ago, when it came to the break, there were the Polystyrene cups which tea and coffee was served. This was when I had decided that I would always carry my reusable mug with me and didn't want to use a disposable cup. I took along my cup and made a point of mentioning that my other orchestra has a bag of enamel mugs that we've used for the 16 years I have been playing with them. Then, I started taking along a pair of enamel cups for me and CBC to use and then an extra one for my friend Izzie or Hazel. I always made a point of saying, "I'm trying to avoid plastic/polystyrene," when I had my tea poured into it and various people said to me, "Ooh, you are good, what a great idea! I must remember to bring one.". Over the time, I've seen a few more people with them. I mentioned a couple of times to members of the committee and the tea makers that my other orchestra have mugs but the lovely lady who brings the things and does the teas doesn't drive. My friend Izzie, who is on the committee, told me, after I'd mentioned it to her at the last rehearsal we were at together, that it had been brought up in a committee meeting. This week, I went along with four spare enamel mugs (CBC now has his own glass portable lidded mug that I remember to pick up for him if he doesn't) and offered them to various people (including someone I hadn't chatted to. One person said he'd stick to polystyrene and a another said he didn't want to dirty my mug but I said, "I'm happy to take it home and wash it." and so he took it. Anyway, at the end of the rehearsal, the Chair of the orchestra stood up and said, "We're really trying to do our bit for the environment so we are going to phase out the polystyrene so please bring your own mugs along." I can't tell you the absolute beam of pure sunshine on my face as he said this. I felt utterly buoyant! I may have only been a commenter and cog in the wheel of change, but I truly felt that my persistence had had a hand in this decision perhaps.
In 3 assemblies this week, (one Year 3-4 singing assembly and 2 class worship sessions on National Smile Day), I've taken the opportunity to share the story above beginning with the opener, "You all know how I feel about disposable plastic..." (greeted with sage nods by all the children) and I linked it to our song, "Believe" which is about achieving anything you can if you try, you'll find a way. In the class worship, I linked it to the aim for National Smile Day (which was 3/10) being, "Do a random act of kindness to make someone else smile." (I linked this to taking along mugs for other people.). Always willing to share eco stories
CBC said they had an eco-assembly this week which gave his teens practical ideas to make changes.
On Wednesday, I went up to the staff room and saw two members of staff get up from the table, One of them said, "I don't want anymore," about her dinner. The other said, "Me neither, but I'm not going to chuck it yet so I can see if Kerenza wants to eat it,". I then said, "Ooooh, what is it!??" and she turned and saw me and smiled- it was Instant Noodles which I have not allowed myself to buy for months because of their plastic wrapping. However, if it's going in the bin.... Then the other lady said, "Do you want some Cajun chicken and Macaroni cheese?" to which I excitedly agreed and cleared both plates. It meant my carrots, cucumber and tomatoes with dips kept for Thursday's lunch instead.
Speaking of colleagues' rejects....I confess to a bit of bin diving. On Monday, I was chatting to our equally environmentally conscious IT guy and as I went to the bin, I noticed a virtually complete paper bag loaf of bread in the bin. Somehow, in my head, I thought, "Someone's left this in the fridge all weekend." I said to IT guy, "I know this is disgusting but... I've got to see." I took it out the completely clear bin and indeed, it was a perfectly good condition, even felt soft, loaf of bread. I then told IT guy I was putting it in the freezer to use when I want bread. He agreed.
My reputation as the Dustbin grows. My colleague told me that another colleague had a yoghurt in the fridge which was going out of date today but she didn't want it and they'd all said I would eat it. I actually forgot to eat it but I know it will be fine on Monday!
I took bags of carrots that were left over from school to orchestra and to my friend's house and managed to give away 6 bags of carrots going to waste.
I confess to a plastic binge. I was feeling really miserable and despondent on Wednesday after school and I really felt like I needed crisps (I've been trying so hard not to buy them because of the plastic) so I gave in and bought two bags of Kettle crisps and a chicken samosa in plastic. Feeling bad about it but will make sure I take the packets to the Terracycle collection at the library.
Things I've read this week:
Great new blog I discovered: The Zerowaster https://thezerowaster.com/about/
Sign this petition to Protect Ginnie Springs from Nestlé's greed
https://actions.sumofus.org/a/protect-ginnie-springs-from-nestle-s-greed/?akid=61847.10909212.8F8p2_&rd=1&source=fwd&t=11sWant to know if there is a Zero-waste shop near you?
https://thezerowaster.com/zero-waste-near-you/
What have you been up to
That's a great step re the polystyrene... people are coming around, albeit very slowly.
ReplyDeleteThat's really positive about the cups and I think probably there was a feeling there that they wanted to change, a nudge was all they needed. We've been saving crisp packets for a friend who has been recycling them (I think, I'm not quite sure of the story, just saw a pile sitting in the kitchen). I wonder why someone binned perfectly good bread?! I'm iffy about saving/eating chilled things.
ReplyDeleteThe most important thing we can do is make an effort, not be perfect. Cut yourself slack for slips when you're heading in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteI think the orchestra phasing out plastic/polystyrene cups has everything to do with you! It's so easy to feel helpless as an individual in the face of such a huge task, but imagine all these little acts slowly mounting up, creating a big change. The tide is definitely turning, change is happening now, and you, me and everyone who makes even the smallest change is contributing to it. I feel really optimistic that we're on the cusp of major change, industries are waking up to the fact that public demand is changing and they have to respond. There is still a long way to go, I can't deny that, but the change has started and the momentum is growing.
ReplyDeleteI feel bad that I can't get my cats to tinned cat food. They won't touch it, so I'm still using pouches. But I found a Terracycle place locally so at least they'll be recycled. It's not perfect but all I can do for now on that score.
xx
I can imagine how proud you must have felt when the Chair did that announcement. It can only have been because of your perseverance! xxx
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Kezzie! Every success is a step forward for our planet. And I like that you are speaking to your students about the plastic problem. Sometimes I get discouraged about the little things I do for the environment ~ I'm an avid recycler. Then I remind myself that although this envelope (for example) is just one envelope, if one million people each recycled one envelope today, just think what a difference that would make. Carry on!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat an achievement, you're such an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteWhy on earth would somebody throw a loaf of bread away? It beggars belief. x
You are so creative in thinking of all the ways to avoid waste.
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