Plastics Challenge - Kate Eichman 307

Kate Eichman

IES 113 – Section 307

TA: Tiffany Grade

I tried to pick one of my most typical days to embark on this challenge, one where I would encounter an average amount of plastics. I avoided a day I would work due to the inevitable amount of plastics I would be forced to encounter. I made sure I knew what dishes, school supplies, and daily items I would use to complete this task as best as I could. I ended up deciding on regular school day, and unfortunately even with all of my foresight failed miserably.

Surprisingly the first half hour of my day began without encountering much plastic. I had asked my roommate the night before to wake me up so as to avoid contact with my plastic alarm clock. I then selected clothes without any buttons, zippers, etc. I used a wooden hairbrush and chose to not use my contacts or any makeup for the day. I had laid out metal silverware and glass plates the night before but did not anticipate my cookware. When I made my breakfast my pan had a plastic handle and I used a plastic spatula. Before I left for class I also used plastics through my winter coat, boots, inhaler, toilet, sink, and toothbrush. When packing food for the day I also used plastic bags and containers.

In classes I had trouble with the seats (due to the plastic seats or desk). I was however able to use wooden pencils and paper notebooks rather then pens or plastic notebooks. Normally I take notes on my computer but opted for a notebook instead today. As the day went on, I did eventually need to use a computer. I did the best I could not to, but at some point couldn’t resist the alluring appeal of email and writing a paper. When I came home at night my roommates already had the lights on so I didn’t have to touch any light switches.

I suppose I should admit this is not as typical of a day for me. I would normally use my water bottle (which is stainless steel but with a plastic top), shower, floss, mouthwash, a cell phone, alarm clock, ipod, headphones, elliptical machine, credit card, pens, shampoo/conditioner/body wash bottle, and makeup. It was remarkable to me that other than hiding in one’s bed all day there would really be no way to get around the use of plastic for a day . I also did not realize how many medical items are plastic. All of my medicine, vitamins, and inhaler come in plastic containers. All in all, I did the best I could to avoid as many plastics as possible but really could not have lived this way on a regular basis.