Oct 29

Written by: Leigh Roberts
10/29/2010 11:59 AM 

 

“I’ve found a great solution to our concern over buying plastic water bottles for use in our meeting rooms,” he said excitedly. “I’ve found a company that supplies bottled water in plastic bottles and then collects the bottles for recycling.”

Hmmm …… well, exactly how much water will it take to recycle these plastic bottles? Is this really a sensible solution for a country like South Africa that is categorised as semi-arid? (Quite apart from the fact that a recent UN study found that most bottled water was below the standard of municipal water!)  

The solution is this: Keep clear of plastic. It’s not fantastic – not for water anyway. Use glass jugs for table water at meetings.

And in the overall debate over which is better – to reuse or recycle? – surely it’s always better to reuse?

The ultimate answer, however, is just not to use resources or to reduce the use of resources. Say no to consumerism!  Do I really need that much yearned for Burberry handbag? Do I really need a new voile dress in this Summer’s hot colour of candy pink? No and no.

And may I ask you a question … where is that brightly coloured soccer shirt you were given over the World Cup?     

Tags: