Tuesday 1 May 2018

Let's Get This Conversation Started

Sometimes it feels like we're fighting a losing battle. Sometimes I want to give up, put it in the 'too hard basket' and go back to not caring. But all of you who are in this too know, that once you're aware it's just not possible anymore.

Admittedly I've been a little quiet on the blog lately. I'll be honest, at first I had a break because I had a bit of writer's block. I want to write inspiring and positive posts, but the reality of our plastic pollution problem was weighing heavily on my mind and I just couldn't pull it together to put a positive spin on the situation. 

You see, up until fairly recently my mission to live life with less plastic was mostly a personal one. Something I only really talked about to friends and family. For a year I'd stewed over all the information I'd heard and read about the worsening state of our oceans. I got to a point where I just felt stuck, immobilized by the sheer enormity of the task we face. But then something wonderful happened, I met a wonderful group of people who've been working in Miyazaki for the last ten years to raise awareness about the 5R's and the importance of waste reduction. The NPO is called Miyazaki Eco no Kai (Miyazaki Eco Group) and I'm now a member. One thing led to another and I was asked to talk about my plastic-free journey at a Plastic Waste Reduction Forum last month. Suddenly I was out of the shadows and into the limelight (something that makes me feel mildly uncomfortable to tell the truth). The forum was attended by around 30 people and all in all I think it was a success. It felt good to share all the things I'd learnt along the way, and the reasons why I had started in the first place. So far all of the feedback has been very positive and supportive and I'm so grateful for that.

Now there is no stopping me, hahaha! (queue wicked laughter). Just kidding, but seriously, participating in the forum has made me aware that there are many people out there that are thinking what I'm thinking, they just don't necessarily talk about it with anyone. But they're hungry for the information, and willing to take action. So my goal now is to get the conversation started. If every person at that forum tells another person about what they learnt then I'm certain it will make a difference, and even if just a few of those people pick up litter off the beach next time they visit it'll be so worth it. 
Striving to buy plastic free...sometimes it's hard

Plastic beach litter

So now that my picture has been in two national newspapers there's definitely no turning back!  Just have to remember the ultimate reason I'm doing this, and that's for the future of my kids. It's my job to protect and nurture them on a daily basis, but beyond that I want them to have a future without plastic pollution. I don't want them dealing with this same problem in 30 years time. 

While I've been a little quiet on the blog front (I promise there will be more regular posts), I am rather active on Instagram. So please be sure to follow me, looknopura, for everyday tips on going plastic free and the trails and tribulations of choosing the path less travelled. Most importantly, get talking. Talk to your friends, your family, the Manager at your local supermarket or restaurant about plastic refusal and reduction. Talk to anyone who'll listen. Let's get this conversation started.