RANT "N" RAVE
Plastic bags
 For some strange reason I feel
compelled to write about plastic bags - it's been an itch for the past five years but has
only just starting to grate on my nerves. I don't like nagging about things, and despite
the easiness of doing it in a country where I don't feel directly responsible for the
environment, as I am not a national, I still feel urged to. My gripe is of packaging in
general, especially the little plastic bags you get when you buy something from the
convenience store.
Everyone knows Japan is the packaging capital of the world, and sometimes I just want to
say "Stop there a moment," to the cashier at the store, and ask, "Do you
really think I really need a plastic bag for this JY100 pack of gum?" This summer
really did leave me nonplussed when, after having purchased an ice lolly (the kind that
melts), I was asked by a seemingly intelligent-looking cashier - in English - if I wanted
a bag. I looked at her and said, "Do omoimasuka? Hitsuyo desuka?" (What
do you think? Is it necessary?), and took the lolly, already melting, off the counter to
speed up her decision-making. If there were no plastic, no bags, what would we do?
Unimaginable!
Here's a scenario: let's suppose that we run out of space on the planet that we're on, and
colonize Mars. Something tells me that the first to be there will be the Japanese, because
they are in dire need of tatami-space. However, to keep the standard of living that they
are accustomed to, in terms of beautifully wrapped products, for every shuttle carrying a
handful of colonizers, another one would be needed to carry the indispensable
plastic-making machines.
I really do think it is time Japan woke up to its responsibilities regarding the overuse
of resources for the sake of convenience. Japan has a duty in the upcoming years in
reducing it's share of greenhouse gasses and atmospheric pollutants, and is well aware of
the protocols made on it's very own soil in Kyoto only six years ago. Why not do your bit
for the environment: When they offer the bag, say "Ii desu." (not
necessary).
Many thanks to Tom Hamilton for this Rant.
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