Full name: Văn Khánh Huyền Class: 17E10

Course: Intercultural Communication

Essay: How something changes you?

On March 2019, I accidentally read news about a young whale found dead in the
Philippines as there were more than 88 pounds of plastic waste jammed into its
belly. The plastic pulled out of his body included 16 rice sacks, four banana
plantation bags, and multiple shopping bags. I found it deeply shocking. How
could that whale live with these things? I could not imagine how he struggled in
his last breath. He must have been in excruciating pain due to the plastic hindering
his ability to eat or drink. He must have cried for help in vain. Ironically, what took
his life is not new to us. Plastic items we use and we throw away. Everyday. Many
marine species, namely whales and dolphins die from plastic digestion. I couldn’t
believe that plastic, an inanimate object yet convenient to humans, adversely
affects animals, and even causes them to die.

Obsessed with the image of the dead whale, I decided to change. In that March, my
going-green journey was on. Living green, to me, is an environmentally friendly
lifestyle in which I make every attempt to curb plastic waste and 4Rs (Reduce,
Reuse, Recycle, Refuse) is fully utilized.

There is no denying that reducing plastic items is extremely challenging. However,

I am still determined for changes so that I will no longer see any heartbreaking
scenes like that of the whale. There are a few actions taken and habits changed
from then on. Whenever I go shopping, I refuse to buy or use plastic bags; instead,
I prefer carrying the products on my own. I also say NO to disposable plastics
including straws, water bottles, etc. In case I have to use one of them, I will take it
home and keep it for later using or recycling. Plus, I have developed the habit of
bringing my water bottle to class and using my ceramic cup rather than the paper
one at my workplace. Additionally, I collect all the plastic packaging from cakes,
snacks, and milk cans, etc. After washing them, I put them in a box to recycle or
reuse if needed.
On the other hand, my creativity in the re-using of plastic bags has been
encouraged a great deal. For example, yogurt containers are employed as flower
vases and pen or cosmetic holders. More importantly, I truly appreciate all my
possessions now. I try to treat my items with care so that they can last longer,
which undoubtedly saves me money in the long run and significantly reduces my
household waste. Gradually, they have become part of my life.
Change is weird. However weird it may be, my life has changed for the better.
Living green is not that easy; nevertheless, I always believe the smallest changes
can make huge impacts. The Earth is in desperate need of such individual changes
to be green again. So, if not us, who? If not now, when?