Save the World? Nah, can't be bothered!

The effects of pollution and plastic on our world and the natural habitat have been much in the news recently and the picture is not pretty; it is, quite frankly, horrifying. Major new initiatives are being discussed and put into place in many parts of the world, with the more developed countries usually taking the initiative. The problem is that all these initiatives are destined to fail - or, at least, not succeed properly - if we the public do not embrace and support them properly.

It really is as simple as that.

I beg each and every one of you to rethink our behaviour with and usage of plastics in our everyday life and limit it significantly. It is not just a good thing, it is ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL for the future of the planet and all the species that are struggling to exist on it. For we are co-tenants of planet Earth, not sole owner-occupiers, and our actions affect not only the present but the future. And not just the future of the human race, though that alone should make us stop and think - but does it?

More years ago than I care to remember I attended an MBA program at one of the best such schools in the world, based in London. As an alumnus I am now able to use the school's Alumni Centre facilities without cost including computers, printers etc. on a 24-hour basis in buildings also used by the current generations of students. Like any other respectable and responsible organisation the school has facilities for separating stuff to throw away and to recycle, in clearly marked bins more often than not placed side by side. It even has a special recycling station for the notorious paper (but lined with plastic) coffee cups that cannot go into normal recycling as they need a special procedure to separate the plastic film from the paper before they can be recycled.

And what happens? Most people don't bother to throw the recyclable materials in the recycling bin but throw it in the rubbish instead - why? The bloody bins are next door to one another and it takes no special effort to do the right thing, so why not do it? And why is half the stuff thrown into the bin specially marked for coffee cups simply plain rubbish or materials to be placed in a normal recycling bin? Why when the appropriate bins are situated only a short distance (less than ten metres) away? Most people in the building are educated well-to-do people, so the only explanation has to be that, despite wanting a better world, they cannot be induced to do even the minimum required to achieve this. It makes me absolutely furious!

Please don't be like that, showing contempt for our Earth. In order to be more proactive you need to also do the following:

1. Cut down (the ideal would be to eliminate) on usage of plastic, especially everyday items like carrier bags, drinking straws and the like. When you use them please try and use ecologically sound alternatives.

2. Carry long-life bags with you (preferably not made of plastic) for when you go shopping and, if you are forced to use store-provided plastic bags, use them again and again before recycling them. The hassle to you is minimal, the cumulative effect on our world is huge.

3. Use the recycling facilities provided even if you may suspect the local authority of not necessarily being diligent enough with recycling, and even if it adds a tiny bit of hassle to your life.

4. Stop using your car unnecessarily - walking is good for you - and switch off the engine when not needed.

5. Try and shop avoiding plastic packaging and excess packaging of any kind; paper is a better alternative but can still be avoided.

6. If you have to throw plastic things away never do so in nature, NEVER in the sea and never if they can be reused or recycled.

Make the effort, learn, spend the time - nobody is too short on time to bother with the state of planet Earth - and make a difference. There is no better thing you can do with your time, believe me.