Plastics Challenge! Amanda Verbrick - Section 302

Going to bed the night before I began my day without plastics, I was dreading how much I’d have to sacrifice in the morning (and throughout the day); before the experiment even began I became intriguingly aware of how much I was dependent on the substance. Since I usually use my cell phone as an alarm clock, which has many plastic components, I had one of my roommates knock on my door to wake me up. No e-mail checking that morning. No Facebook. No computer (which actually made my morning routine go a lot quicker).

I went downstairs to make breakfast - in the dark. All the light switches in my apartment are obviously plastic. I chose Special K cereal since the box is cardboard (I unfortunately poured it out of its plastic bag inside the box, but thought I was doing a decent job of avoiding plastic). Silverware seemed a safe option, until I realized that the drawer we keep is on plastic wheels. I couldn’t use my milk carton, or make coffee with the plastic coffee maker, grounds in a plastic back, or plastic measuring spoons. I set out an aluminum can of Diet Pepsi to get myself caffeinated during class.

I just skipped a shower - I usually use a plastic shower curtain, hooks, all hygiene products, and razor. Instead, I threw on some sweatpants and a t-shirt/sweatshirt combination, both coming off plastic hangers. I was thankful my pants were staying up with the elastic waistband, but today disappointingly realized it was plastic. I needed to see during the day, so wore I contacts instead of glasses (I figured that was less plastic, anyway). At this point, I was becoming very interested in what everyday products were made of before plastic replaced it - not in a rhetorical way, I was truly interested.

I didn’t use make-up since all the powders, tubes, and brushes have plastic components. I didn’t use a rubber band for my hair, but since I didn’t take a shower my blow drying and straightener wasn’t a temptation. My bible and devotional book both have a plastic cover, but I gave myself a “free-pass” on that one. I packed my computer paper (since my notebook has a plastic cover) and recently purchased wooden pencil before heading out the door. I wore my boots (which I’m sure had some plastic) to avoid by plastic-soled tennis shoes. Off to class!

On my walk to class I followed the traffic lights and construction workers’ flags that dictated where I could and couldn’t walk. Arriving at Psychology class, I watched the Powerpoint slides on the plastic projector slides. Thankfully this was my only class of the day. On the way home, I stopped at Subway; I figured that even if they used plastics to make my 6 inch turkey sandwich, at least I could keep my fingers clean of the toxin. I came home to eat my sandwich, taking more time to get my keys out of my backpack since I took off my plastic keychains the night before. The lonely metal keys were just boring. I finished my meal and spent the afternoon reading a novel for Psychology before preparing for the bible study I lead. Again, the plastic Bible and journal cover took a toll on my conscious, but it was an obligation (I know, this day was filled with excuses).

For dinner I went to my friend’s house where she generously made me breaded ravioli, knowing my impairment for day. Coming back to my apartment was refreshing then, spending time in conversation during bible study took my mind off the constant task of avoiding plastic. Before bed, I changed into my pajamas, and caved when it came to brushing my teeth with a plastic toothbrush with toothpaste tube. I took out my contacts, and was thankful I could go to bed without setting an alarm on my plastic cell phone since the next day was Friday (and I don’t have class on Friday).

Reflecting on the day, I feel that plastics have become a lose-lose situation in my life. I believe I need them to sustain a hygienic and somewhat convenient life, but find it impossible to avoid toxic contamination of the all the products and pollutants from them being made. This experiment has been eye-opening, and, in light of Thanksgiving, I am now much for thankful for all the everyday objects I take for granted and the knowledge I am acquiring from this university.