So I had my first interpersonal conflict around plastic use with my dad. I’m supposed to be buying the groceries for my parents this month, but had let my mom know that that was with the condition that they be plastic free. So my dad was super attached to me getting a certain type of cracker, and I let him know I felt like I couldn’t do that, and he had a minor tantrum about it. It got me thinking about eco psychology and how resistant to change and inconvenience we all are. Also how emotional food is and how attached we are to certain foods. Changing habits involves a creativity and willing to change that can be hard under stress. We talked about it and I learned that he viewed it as me being ungrateful for all the things he does for me. So I got a change to thank him for all those things. Anyway, I didn’t buy the crackers, but I did buy some really nice olive rye bread today as a peace move.
That being said yesterday was a low point for me on this challenge and I wished it wasn’t making this inconvenience come up in my family. It was hard especially to have him say that individual actions like this don’t matter (I disagree) and we need a better solution to our plastic problem like dissolvable plastics (I agree). And I had to explain that for me this is like a mindfulness practice around consumption and that I think bigger level policy change IS needed. But individuals caring is what (hopefully) drives policy change.
Today I feel pretty good about it again. I went to another new bakery and asked for my bread in a plastic free bag which started a conversation with the employee there who ended up feeling inspired by my commitment and found me a paper bag (I forgot my cloth ones on this trip).
I still haven’t made the toothpaste but it looks super easy: coconut oil and baking soda with a drop of essential oil.
Next on my list today is to figure out how to order plastic free toilet paper and a razor.
At its best this feels fun. Like being a detective.