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Office Workers Are Being Deterred From Using Plastic By These Photos Of Greta Thunberg
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.
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Some office workers in Israel think that Greta’s stare will deter colleagues from using plastic
Image credits: AllisonKSommer
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.
Image credits: Shira Makin
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
Image credits: timeout
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
What do you think ?
Jon S. 5 years ago
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 5 years ago
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 5 years ago
Same here. We've been bringing in our own dishes and cutlery for years.
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Demi Zwaan 5 years ago
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 5 years ago
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... Jon S. 5 years ago
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 5 years ago
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 5 years ago
Same here. We've been bringing in our own dishes and cutlery for years.
Load More Replies... Demi Zwaan 5 years ago
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 5 years ago
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...
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