William McCallum
2019
Penguin
pp. 224
The part self help, part planet help book focuses on exactly what the time tells you- changing the world one plastic bottle at a time. It is this idea, that it is not a big step but one bottle that can help you make a difference, that makes you pick up the book. It seems doable, within reach.
However, that is where the simplicity seems to end. While many of the things in it are relevant and they come from a person with credibility. It was definitely inspiring to read about the work of Greenpeace as well as of other organisations and individuals. The context did seem alien at many places. It did seem incredibly distant to think of a vast majority of middle class Indians eating lunch everyday in styrofoam plates or similar utensils. It also seemed far fetched to think of the larger public in India or other developing countries taking on more expensive alternatives. Some of the ideas may appear new for those who haven’t yet taken the first step towards a more eco friendly life. Anyone who has started the journey already and has done a casual search on the internet, would know most of these. For the more advanced nature lover, the book will provide links to what you can do. Besides alternatives, the book also gives ideas for campaigning and advocacy. Basically the book is a one stop guide for starting of a change in yourself and those around you.
I do find the idea of asking the corporate world to take responsibility. While consumers can change the world one bottle at a time, the corporate world has to change it millions of bottles at a time. And just like we found an alternative to damaging nature extensively and protecting trees from felling for paper, I am sure the resulting damage that came through the use of plastic can also be found alternatives to.
Accepting that we are living in a world where online purchase is fast replacing going to the local market, I do believe that it is the packaging alternative that needs to be thought of. And big corporate houses need to take responsibility for it. In the meantime, let’s try to ditch the single use plastic bottle that we can.