Ask Your Elders

Many years ago, before plastics were everywhere in our lives, people were exceptional at reusing what they had to stretch resources and save money. We can learn a lot from our grandparents, elders and those who still remember a time before “disposable” was a common word.

1. Have a conversation with someone from an older generation about what they remember about a time with less plastic and how they reused things.
2. Record your conversation (with permission) or take notes.
3. Summarize what you learned.
4. Try one of their reuse ways that you haven’t tried before.

Read this excerpt from “Plastic Ocean” by Capt. Charles Moore, founder of Algalita to hear his story about the switch to disposable culture.

• Show your respect and curiosity when having any conversation. This will help you both connect, trust, and learn from each other. 
• In many cultures, reuse is or was a way of life, often deeply connected to traditions, history of the community, and to people’s identity. 
• Be sure to acknowledge the person you talked with in your short story. But make sure to get their permission to use their name or any other personal information.  
• Ideas for questions to ask:

• • How often did you buy clothes, did you learn how to mend things?
  • Did you ever go on a picnick, go camping or on a road trip? What did you take with, and how did you pack food?
  • How did you store leftovers at home?
  • How did packaging at the store look different from now?
  • How did you reuse things at home?
  • What was it like to go out to eat when you were young?

To submit your work and get recognized for your contribution to the movement, complete the form below. If we approve your submission, you’ll be awarded 3 Action Hours.

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