Modern archeologists unearth all kinds of fascinating glimpses into our past when digging into the ground’s layers.
From tools and weapons to pottery and stone foundations of structures, the artifacts they discover shed light on our ancestors’ stories.
But in the future, archeologists will likely be sifting through seemingly endless amounts of plastic waste in various states of decay wherever they dig, telling the unfortunate tale of a culture that did not seem particularly preoccupied with the treatment of the natural world. One that prioritized convenience and profits over everything else, with little to no regard for a sustainable future.
According to a National Geographic article published in 2018, more than 90 per cent of the mind-boggling eight-plus billion tonnes of plastic produced around the world over the past six or so decades since its introduction has not been recycled. The vast majority has ended up either in landfills or the natural environment, with about 12 per cent of it incinerated.
Driven by insatiable demand, the vast majority of plastic has been produced over the past couple of decades alone, with projections not indicating any reversal of that trend — if anything, continued soaring growth is all that's in store at this point.
Frustratingly, many of us want to do the right thing and do try to recycle plastics. But because there are so many different kinds, the process can be complicated and any errors typically result in entire loads being discarded.
To be clear here, while recycling plastic has largely become a waste of time, with countries like China refusing to accept any more shipments, in some instances even sending loads back our way, the same does not apply to other materials. Paper, cardboard, glass, tin cans — these products should still be recycled. Of course many of us have grown accustomed to sorting and recycling plastics as well, and should arguably continue to do so.
But at this point, far more important is to reduce our consumption of plastic to begin with. Especially single-use, disposable products, which make up a large proportion of plastic-based consumer goods.
Shortsighted, convenience-driven, throw-away consumerism had a good run. But if we’re serious about passing on a healthy planet with thriving ecosystems for future generations to inherit, we’ll have to change our habits.
What we do in life echoes in eternity. Today, we remember and honour with the utmost respect the Great Generation; those who sacrificed so much during the Second World War to ensure a better, safer, freer future for everyone.
But how will tomorrow’s generations look back and remember us for what we did with that freedom, which was bought and paid for in blood, sweat and tears?
In the grand scheme of things, making a conscious effort to avoid wastefully over-packaged products that we perhaps want but certainly don’t need, carrying a durable water bottle around, and bringing re-useable bags to the grocery store seem like pretty minor sacrifices when compared with those who willingly gave their lives.
Sadly, short of drastic changes in consumer habits, as well as industrial regulations, I struggle to imagine our descendants will be keen to fondly celebrate our memory.
