Consumed by Plastic

When plastic was first invented and came into use during the mid-20^th century, it was the wonder product of our dreams. Fast forward to now, and its overuse has become the planet’s nightmare. Recycling plastic is important, but even more important is reducing our use. If we always carry lightweight reusable shopping bags, we don’t need to keep collecting plastic carriers. If we always carry a refillable water bottle, we won’t be needing to buy single use plastic water bottles. What else can you do we reduce our use of plastic? And does it really matter?

I have recently read ‘Consumed’ by Saabira Chaudhuri and it brought home to me how blind we are to the way in which plastic, which we once shaped, now shapes us. Why are children in disposable nappies so much longer than those of us who wore cloth nappies? Is it possible that this and many other changes in child-rearing has influenced by the profits of multinational companies who convince us we need these single use, non-recyclable “conveniences”? It’s a book well worth reading. 

God of creation, who loves all he has made and all that has evolved,
open the eyes of your people,
that your love might be reflected in our care for the planet.
Through Jesus Christ, who walked this earth and calls us by name.
Amen.

Rt Revd Nicholas Baines, Bishop of Leeds