During last week’s workshop, we were tasked with gathering plastics (#1 & #2) in order to make a stool. I learned how to use different types of sheet paper that make the plastic more glossy or more matte. We also learned how to use the plastic shredder machine which turns the plastic into little pellets that then are given a new life. This gave me the idea to create a larger scale recycled product because previously we had been using the little pellets to make smaller-scale goods such as bowls.
The Beach clean up was very impactful. I had zero expectations going into the journey because living in Shanghai I am not that used to seeing waste in public spaces. Normally the government does a good job of cleaning up the streets and the parks so we never really realize how much we use and waste. I was shocked by the amount of trash but even more, struck by the variety of trash. There was so much styrofoam that the people told us to not even worry about it or pick it up. I was very confused by that because we were there to pick up trash so I went ahead with my stubborn self and picked it up everything I saw. It revealed many societal issues such as Taobao waste with the styrofoam packaging and also the problem with fast fashion because of all of the textiles and shoes that we found.
Overall, the experience was very enjoyable and informational. I liked how in the end we weighed our trash and it actually put everything into perspective. The only skepticism I had was wondering when the trash would end back up in the ocean. I want to think that we made a difference and I really do think that we did because of the lives of people who we may have impacted from beginning to see the change of picking up the trash. So maybe that will spark a change in the way that they see conservation and recycling.
Both Multiple-Helix Collaboration for the Development of a Circular Economy and Social Innovation In China discuss the importance of the contribution from all aspects of society to partake in their own role in order to protect the environment. I found it interesting that the multiple-helix collaboration was given that name because it mimics the double helix structure of DNA. The roles of organizations have a huge impact to influence the social intertwines of human society. The current model is based on consumerism and overproduction, an unethical process to take place from beginning to end.
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