Questions #2

Here is the second of two blogs that present questions we have developed while working extensively with waste. If you have special knowledge, or a suggestion/solution, please do join the conversation. For our more open-ended or rhetorical, you are welcome to contribute your thoughts as well. Send your responses to anny.malama@emst.gr

Polypropylene stored in a Polyethylene bottle – photo by Dimitris Tzamtzis

Petros asks:

Does an overproduced amount of packaging correspond to a failed or distorted sense of individualism?

Why is Aluminum so shiny? Is there a specific color that describes its silverness/ tint?

New bag from old bags by Petros Tatsiopoulos (composite packaging from coffee bags-not recyclable) – photo by Dimitris Tzamztis

Nori asks:

When using paper as a material, does the ink, its words, or its previous purpose and utility matter or affect the new creation?

Does paper retain its organic, “alive” energy from when it was a plant?

Why is it so difficult to find published, independent, non-affiliated to any parties, Greek researchers speaking about the climate crisis in relation to human capitalist activity?

Paper vessel by Nori Tsouloucha – photo by Nori Tsouloucha

Nadia has some questions for waste management workers:

How does it feel to look at enormous amounts of garbage every day?

Does it feel strange to see the effects of human activity displaced from humans? To see that much waste abandoned?

New bag from old bags by Nadia Elgazar (Low Density Polypropylene) – photo by Dimitris Tzamztis

How did we go from reusable packaging to single use packaging? What were the materials used throughout time? Is there a safer and cleaner alternative that we used to use?

Jennifer asks:

Have you ever taken time to notice the different feelings produced by being in contact with different materials? How do you feel when you touch plastic packaging? Is it different touching/handling Polypropylene vs Polyethylene, for example? Could this somatic-emotional information be a useful guide to your health or behavior?

I have learned that for plastic, there is a limit to how much it can be recycled. Each time it is recycled, it is more brittle and less durable–so ultimately it will all end up as microplastic even if we recycled perfectly…. If the common language around waste is to “reduce, reuse, recycle,” why do public programs and governmental campaigns only highlight recycling, the last of the three? Is it possible to emphasize “reduce” and “reuse” within our current economic system, which seems to rely on the endless purchase of new things–needed or not? If it isn’t possible, what are we willing to do to protect our air, water, soil and the bodies of our children?

Material breakdown – photo by Dimitris Tzamztis

What is the current legislation regarding extended producer responsibility in Greece or your home country, and is it adequately enforced?

 


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