Plastic ring
I avoid plastic, especially single-use plastic, in my everyday life as much as possible. As a social scientist, I understand that government and industry actions to reduce plastic pollution are important, and without them it is very difficult (and at times even impossible) to practise zero-waste. At the same time, I believe strongly in individual actions and doing what I can (naturally, within the framework of empowering and constraining structures). I avoid (single-use) plastic not only for ecological reasons, but also for spiritual and aesthetic reasons. Living this way, in combination with minimalism and voluntary simplicity, allows me to be in the world more mindfully, to consume more slowly. Adopting this consumption pattern removes many options from my life. For example, I don't buy packaged sweets in a supermarket if I want something sweet. I buy unpackaged fruits or something unpackaged from a bakery. Minimalism helps my zero-waste practice, and vice versa. As for aesthetic reasons, I prefer other materials in my home and in what I use every day. Glass, wood, steel. They look timeless and comforting. Many of my household objects look very similar to what my grandmother used to use. I try to use recycled plastic items, as I still take part in the recycling system. For example, I use brushes made from recycled plastic coming from food waste of Danish households.
Recently, I received a gift from my almost 5 year old stepchild. It is a plastic ring: a ring made from plastic beads and an elastic string. She gave a similar ring to my partner (her father). According to her, these are our wedding rings. It's wonderful to see how much thought and creativity went into these rings. They are different colours. His is red and yellow. She mentioned that she selected one, pearly white bead specifically for me because she thought I would like it. Every day, I wear a uniform, and perhaps this little girl associates me with white and beige colours. She and her friend also made a what they call nature ring, a plastic bead attached to a piece of dry grass.
Usually I don't keep sentimental items, but this ring feels special to me. I decided to keep it. Perhaps it means stepping somewhat outside my usual extreme minimalist practice. And that's ok.
