Monday, May 26, 2008

It's Really Hard To Believe, But We'd Better Do Something About It Now

There are vast swirling masses of plastic waste in the Pacific Ocean. How vast? Big enough to cover the whole of the continental United States. Twice. Holy shit.

Yesterday I was at the Sculpture Garden at the Walker Art Center playing miniature golf. At the second hole, Water Hazard (incidentally created by an architect of my acquaintance), my brother told me about this "island of garbage" four thousand miles across floating in the Pacific Ocean. I could not believe him. I refused to believe him. But while it turns out that the term "soup" is more accurate than "island," this mass's existence and size are horrifying realities.

A call to action for myself and everyone: reduce your plastic waste. Now.

7 comments:

This is Matriarchy said...

As you know, I'm a huge fan of drinking from plastic straws. I buy them to use at home! I was appalled by the "Water Hazard" display and learning about all the plastic floating around in the Pacific.

I was at a coffee shop before work yesterday and I happened upon some reusable sraws. It's a small thing, but at least I won't be tossing them out with the trash anymore.

John Gustav-Wrathall said...

I literally don't know why, but I couldn't stop laughing when I read the article you linked to. My mind was telling me: "STOP LAUGHING! THIS ISN'T FUNNY." But I couldn't help myself. Really, I want to cry though.

When will we do something? When the Pacific Ocean is literally filled brim-to-brim, from Australia to Alaska and from China to Peru with plastic garbage? This is unbelievable.

SassyMandaG said...

I'm curious to know if you've found an alternative to "poop patrol" baggies?

Knight of Nothing said...

Thanks to all for the comments. I haven't found an alternative to poop bags, but I only use one bag per walk. I've actually been doing that for quite a while. It can get a little gross :-)

This is Matriarchy said...

I was just reminded of this post of yours and had to share... http://www.dailycandy.com/everywhere/article/38528/Get+Wasted?utm_source=igoogle&utm_medium=widget&signup=1
While it's not specific to plastic waste, reducing waste in general is never a bad thing. Anything to raise awareness!

Knight of Nothing said...

I'm usually a little skeptical about modern art, but those are kind of cool :-)

This is Matriarchy said...

I think it's a pretty great!!! I mean, if I were a buisness owner I would get the 10 pack and display them as depicted in the article. EVERYONE would ask about them. Come on, how could they not wonder? If I got them at home, they'd be picked up in no time... Hmm, or maybe the trash collector would feel bad taking away something so cute :)