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Office Workers Are Being Deterred From Using Plastic By These Photos Of Greta Thunberg
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Office Workers Are Being Deterred From Using Plastic By These Photos Of Greta Thunberg

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One way to make people think about the impact they’re having on the environment is to show them eco-warrior Greta Thunberg’s disapproving stare. That’s what some Israeli office workers think will help save Planet Earth. Because every little bit of effort helps.

Some offices in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem now have photos of the teenager’s face placed near plastic cups and one-time-use utensils to discourage their use. Shame. Shame. Shame!

If you’d like to hear more about 16-year-old Swedish eco-activist Greta’s adventures in ecology and trying to save the world, you can read more of Bored Panda’s articles about her here, here, and here. And for those of you who are looking for some in-depth information about plastic waste, you can read our interviews with Greenpeace and others on the topic right here.

More info: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Some office workers in Israel think that Greta’s stare will deter colleagues from using plastic

Image credits: AllisonKSommer

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Image credits: AllisonKSommer

Photos of Greta sternly looking at potential plastic users were found in various Israeli organizations, including the office of the newspaper Haaretz. Greta’s face was plastered near single-use coffee cups, drink stirrers, and plastic cutlery.

Now, we don’t know if shaming people for using plastic really works. But what we do know is that this is an innovative (not to mention funny) experiment to try and reduce plastic waste.

Image credits: AllisonKSommer

Image credits: AllisonKSommer

Image credits: AllisonKSommer

Greta is an increasingly controversial figure, even among people who want to save the environment. Supporters of the Swedish teenager say that she’s doing the right thing by demanding climate justice and immediate change now. Some critics state that Greta’s ‘heated’ rhetoric gives climate change deniers more ‘ammunition.’ While others believe that while Greta’s goals are good, she offers no concrete ways to save the Earth, and actions speak louder than words.

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Image credits: Shira Makin

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Image credits: timeout

Image credits: timeout

The teenager keeps expanding the number of famous people she’s close with. Just last week, she was spotted riding bikes together with the legendary Arnold Schwarzenegger, who called Greta his ‘friend and hero.’

Image credits: timeout

Image credits: timeout

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Image credits: timeout

What do you think of the offices that shame people who use plastic? Do you think that offices should simply hide single-use plastic cups and utensils? What are your thoughts about Greta, her goals, as well as how she phrases her ideas? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

People reacted to the initiative in different ways

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Jonas Grinevičius

Jonas Grinevičius

Writer, BoredPanda staff

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Storytelling, journalism, and art are a core part of who I am. I've been writing and drawing ever since I could walk—there is nothing else I'd rather do. My formal education, however, is focused on politics, philosophy, and economics because I've always been curious about the gap between the ideal and the real. At work, I'm a Senior Writer and I cover a broad range of topics that I'm passionate about: from psychology and changes in work culture to healthy living, relationships, and design. In my spare time, I'm an avid hiker and reader, enjoy writing short stories, and love to doodle. I thrive when I'm outdoors, going on small adventures in nature. However, you can also find me enjoying a big mug of coffee with a good book (or ten) and entertaining friends with fantasy tabletop games and sci-fi movies.

Read less »
Jonas Grinevičius

Jonas Grinevičius

Writer, BoredPanda staff

Storytelling, journalism, and art are a core part of who I am. I've been writing and drawing ever since I could walk—there is nothing else I'd rather do. My formal education, however, is focused on politics, philosophy, and economics because I've always been curious about the gap between the ideal and the real. At work, I'm a Senior Writer and I cover a broad range of topics that I'm passionate about: from psychology and changes in work culture to healthy living, relationships, and design. In my spare time, I'm an avid hiker and reader, enjoy writing short stories, and love to doodle. I thrive when I'm outdoors, going on small adventures in nature. However, you can also find me enjoying a big mug of coffee with a good book (or ten) and entertaining friends with fantasy tabletop games and sci-fi movies.

Mantas Kačerauskas

Mantas Kačerauskas

Author, BoredPanda staff

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As a Visual Editor at Bored Panda, I indulge in the joy of curating delightful content, from adorable pet photos to hilarious memes, all while nurturing my wanderlust and continuously seeking new adventures and interests—sometimes thrilling, sometimes daunting, but always exciting!

Read less »

Mantas Kačerauskas

Mantas Kačerauskas

Author, BoredPanda staff

As a Visual Editor at Bored Panda, I indulge in the joy of curating delightful content, from adorable pet photos to hilarious memes, all while nurturing my wanderlust and continuously seeking new adventures and interests—sometimes thrilling, sometimes daunting, but always exciting!

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Restless
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why are they providing plastic to their staff in the first place?

Jon S.
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not storage space for mugs, not permanent desk spaces. Irregular work/visitor schedules. Cannot rely on people to bring their own mugs and cutlery every day. Companies are obliged to stock some disposable stuff to cover staffs welfare needs, but they want to make it a last resort (e.g. "Please don't rely on this, only use it if you have forgotten your own") so they stick a picture of gretta on it. Works for me.

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Dre Mosley
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My job stopped providing plastic utensils and styrofoam cups altogether long ago. Not that hard to bring your own silverware to keep at your desk.

Iggy
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Same here. We've been bringing in our own dishes and cutlery for years.

Load More Replies...
Demi Zwaan
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Meanwhile companies wrap cookies individually in plastic, which go in a plastic tray, in a plastic wrap, with multiple trays in another plastic tray wrapped in plastic foil. The only choice I have as a consumer, is to not eat cookies. But yeah, let's blame the consumer!

KatHat
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You have the option to a) not purchase such items and b) to write to those manufacturers. Most websites have a "contact us" form and you can write a message in less than 5 minutes. I encourage you to take action. Tell them exactly what products are the problem and if you've stopped buying them, or are buying fewer, say so.

Load More Replies...
Load More Comments
Restless
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why are they providing plastic to their staff in the first place?

Jon S.
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not storage space for mugs, not permanent desk spaces. Irregular work/visitor schedules. Cannot rely on people to bring their own mugs and cutlery every day. Companies are obliged to stock some disposable stuff to cover staffs welfare needs, but they want to make it a last resort (e.g. "Please don't rely on this, only use it if you have forgotten your own") so they stick a picture of gretta on it. Works for me.

Load More Replies...
Dre Mosley
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My job stopped providing plastic utensils and styrofoam cups altogether long ago. Not that hard to bring your own silverware to keep at your desk.

Iggy
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Same here. We've been bringing in our own dishes and cutlery for years.

Load More Replies...
Demi Zwaan
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Meanwhile companies wrap cookies individually in plastic, which go in a plastic tray, in a plastic wrap, with multiple trays in another plastic tray wrapped in plastic foil. The only choice I have as a consumer, is to not eat cookies. But yeah, let's blame the consumer!

KatHat
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You have the option to a) not purchase such items and b) to write to those manufacturers. Most websites have a "contact us" form and you can write a message in less than 5 minutes. I encourage you to take action. Tell them exactly what products are the problem and if you've stopped buying them, or are buying fewer, say so.

Load More Replies...
Load More Comments
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