Five years after New York City banned plastic bags, those ubiquitous symbols of convenience are still, well, everywhere. Like a lingering pop song or a character from a classic film, they refuse to completely disappear. This raises the question: are bans truly effective, or are we just playing a game of whack-a-mole with environmental problems?
The Persistent Plastic Problem
The initial aim of the ban was to reduce pollution and encourage the use of reusable bags. While progress has undoubtedly been made, the sight of stray plastic bags flapping in the wind or snagged on fences is still a common occurrence. It's a reminder that changing ingrained habits and consumer behavior is a long and arduous process.
One could argue that the persistence of plastic bags highlights a deeper issue: the need for more comprehensive and systemic solutions to environmental challenges. Simply banning one product may not be enough if alternatives are not readily available or if enforcement is lax.
Bezos, Blue Origin, and Feminist PR?
Meanwhile, in the realm of billionaires and space travel, Amazon tycoon Jeff Bezos and his company Blue Origin are facing scrutiny for a different kind of environmental footprint. Their announcement of the first all-female commercial flight to space, featuring pop star Katy Perry, morning news host Gayle King, and Bezos's partner Lauren Sánchez, has been met with skepticism.
Critics argue that the mission is less about female empowerment and more about generating positive publicity for Blue Origin. As Sarah Manavis pointed out, "The first all-female private flight into space funded by the Amazon tycoon’s Blue Origin company has little to do with female empowerment and a lot to do with PR."
"Is this what feminism looks like?" one might ask, echoing the sentiment of many who view the mission with a healthy dose of cynicism.
Whether it's plastic bags in NYC or rockets in space, these stories highlight the complexities of environmental action and the ever-present tension between genuine progress and self-serving PR.
The Bigger Picture
Both scenarios prompt reflection on the effectiveness of different approaches to tackling environmental and social issues. Are we truly addressing the root causes, or are we simply engaging in performative gestures that mask underlying problems?
From the mundane (plastic bags) to the extraordinary (space travel), the conversation continues.