How to Be a Conscious Eater

40

#STOPSUCKING

O

ur decades-long relationship with single-use plastics—

straws, lids, bags, take-out containers, bottles, stirrers,

single-serving snack packs—now seems rather abu-

sive. Like a one-night stand, we get our quick fix, then kick

the poor thing to the curb, paying its later whereabouts little

mind. So, it’s time for a breakup. If, like me, you’ve ever made

a pros and cons list to drum up the courage to call it off with

someone you know isn’t right for you (sure, that high school

boyfriend was cute and smart, but rude to my friends and way

too clingy . . . ), now seems like a good time to practice the old

two-column tally.

PROS FOR USING SINGLE-USE PLASTICS:

Convenience. Ziplock sandwich bags sure are handy during the

morning rush out the door, as are disposable stirrers when you

don’t have a spoon for the milk in your coffee, as are plastic

take-out containers when you’ve got screaming kids in the

backseat and need dinner to-go.

Portion control. For items like yogurt, bottled beverages, trail mix,

chips, or other snacks, single-serving containers or packs help

us consume only a healthy amount in one sitting.

Low impact on your budget. A whole crate of forty bottled waters

costs a mere $4. Straws come free with your smoothie. And

so on.

Light weight. Glass is a heavier vessel for any food or drink you’re

carting around in your backpack or purse.

Stuff that Comes from Factories 167

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