The Hidden Cost of Convenience: Single-Use Plastic in Ireland’s Cafe Culture
Ever since I can remember, I’ve been super sensitive to the environment. I was recycling before it was trendy. It’s heartening to see more awareness now, but also disheartening that so many still aren’t actively doing their part. We have individuals, like myself, who diligently recycle paper, plastic, and compost. But on a larger scale, it often feels like businesses, big and small, aren’t taking the necessary steps.
This feeling was recently amplified during a viewing for my work as a trainee estate agent. Afterwards, I decided to grab a quick lunch and Googled nearby cafes. Wilde and Green popped up. I’d never heard of it, but the website suggested they might have something healthy.
What I found, however, was a classic example of an “artisan local superstore.” Delicious treats, “healthy food,” and a smattering of organic or locally produced vegetables on the shelves – all at extortionate prices, of course. Pretty standard in Ireland. I decided to get something to go, but I was immediately appalled by the sheer volume of single-use plastic. Each salad was packaged in a rigid plastic container with a separate plastic lid. Even the small bag of granola I briefly considered was wrapped in plastic. I even saw staff heating food in these same plastic containers in the microwave and then serving it directly to customers. Heating food in plastic can leach harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates into the food, which have been linked to various health problems. It was disheartening to see such a disregard for environmental concerns, especially in a cafe that markets itself as healthy and local.
This experience at Wilde and Green made me think about the larger issue. It seems like we’re often prioritizing profit over the environment, and businesses are getting away with practices that should be heavily regulated. It makes me wonder if our government, while trying to do its best, isn’t focusing on the wrong things. Instead of constantly trying to be on top, maybe they should start small and build outwards. If politicians focused on niche areas and expanded from there, we might have a much better country.
The amount of single-use plastic in our cafes is a serious problem. It’s not just about the immediate waste; it’s about the long-term impact on our environment and our health. We need stricter regulations on single-use plastics and more support for businesses that are adopting sustainable practices.
What are some ways we can reduce single-use plastic in our daily lives? Share your tips in the comments below! Have you had similar experiences? Let’s discuss how we can hold businesses accountable and push for real change. Check out my TikTok video.
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