Plastic Panic vs. Real Solutions: Rethinking Environmentalism

 “Plastic Panic vs. Real Solutions: Rethinking Environmentalism” 

From Fear to Solutions: Empowering the Next Generation to Tackle Plastic Pollution.

I grew up in the mountains of Córdoba, Argentina—a beautiful place filled with trees to climb, rocks to throw, and nature’s wonders all around. Back then, plastic was hardly present, especially in our food. Most containers were made of glass, and we used paper or wax paper for wrapping. Today, however, plastic has become one of the greatest threats to our planet and humanity.

When my son was growing up, he developed anxiety about the environment. While his concern was valid, I found that such anxiety could be harmful, sometimes leading to feelings of helplessness or even the opposite effect of indifference. As an artist, I also became a passionate environmentalist, and my projects centered on the environment and science. I wrote a thesis that explored art, science, and humanity, focusing on the language of symbols—geometry, letters, musical notes—that shape our world.

I collaborated with various environmental agencies and painted numerous pieces depicting marine life and coral reefs. But over time, I became disillusioned. I realized that many of these organizations were more interested in profit than in true change. The experience left me disappointed, and I began to question my own obsession with the environment.

One day, it dawned on me that Earth is resilient. It has adapted and transformed for millions of years, and it will continue to do so—perhaps even “resetting” itself if necessary. Humanity’s obsession with controlling and preserving the environment at all costs seemed misguided to me. While plastic is undeniably a major problem, some of the actions taken by environmentalists—like staging protests that increase pollution through idling cars—seem counterproductive.

The real issue, I believe, is the pervasive presence of plastic in our daily lives, especially in our food. Plastic is toxic and non-recyclable, despite claims otherwise. It’s all part of a money-making machine. Sometimes, I fantasize about loading up a truck with all the plastic I’ve saved—out of fear of simply discarding it—and dumping it at the doors of every supermarket. If people everywhere did this, I imagine the industry would quickly find solutions to eliminate plastic, like returning to glass bottles that require a deposit, just as it used to be.

We know that alternatives exist. For example, hemp can replace plastics, and supermarkets could use it instead of packaging vegetables in plastic, which only accelerates spoilage. At home, I remove plastic immediately and wrap vegetables in paper, which helps them last longer.

The power and profit behind the plastic industry, along with society’s laziness, keep us trapped in this cycle. To see real change, we need to involve the next generation—high school and university students—in developing new inventions and alternatives. Instead of instilling fear and panic about the future, we could empower students through school competitions that focus on finding real solutions. Problem-solving brings about real change and helps channel anxious thoughts into productive action. Competition is a natural human drive, and by harnessing it, we can inspire students to create sustainable alternatives.

Resources and innovative minds are out there, but they are often overlooked due to the machinery of profit and convenience. It’s about finding hope and encouraging a culture that is not just reactive but proactive—one that fosters thoughtfulness, innovation, and genuine sustainability.