I envision a future where we ban the production of virgin plastics and force these companies to invest in completely new biodegradable or truly recyclable packaging regardless of the cost and without loopholes. I envision harsher penalties for greenwashing and more laws dictating that they must truthfully market their products and packages. I envision a world where oceans and lands can thrive and without plastic.
I don't want my effort to separate my garbage and recycling to be in vain. I don't want to feel hopeless that there's nothing I can do at the individual level. That being said, I am hopeful that, because individuals have such a small impact each, we can work on changing the environment we live in (what we can consume, the packaging it comes in, where it can be disposed of) and instantly change the way we all live to reach climate goals. This means we need to support strongly enforced legislation that prevents big corporations that either produce virgin plastic or manage it through burning (which contributes to CO2 emissions) from doing these things and that packaging with recyclable or biodegradable logos be thoroughly checked for accuracy before being printed with these logos without loopholes or leeway to make shortcuts. I want these companies to have to invest in actual recyclable packaging AND for the infrastructure that recycles their own packaging and product.
It is completely within our capabilities. We cannot reach our climate goals such as that of net 0 carbon emissions without this action.
"Hope grows in a plastic field" is such a wonderfully poetic title! I also think you raise a really valid and important point about enforcement of environmental legislation. Do you have any ideas on how the government could facilitate that? The Office of the Auditor General of Canada has a Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, and I wonder if there could be a subcommittee or something like this that is permanently established to police green washing (if we have the legislation to do so)?
You raise so many relatable points in your post Amy!
No youre so right!! We may feel hopeless but the solution is very much within reach. Im in love with you actually. Great ideas!