A Hanoian girl and the idea of a ​​'plastic-food restaurant' to replace seafood restaurants

This young girl's idea of ​​a "plastic-food restaurant" when witnessing marine life being seriously threatened by plastic waste has made many people pay more attention to the environment.

The problem of environmental pollution, including marine plastic pollution, is one of the great worries of all mankind. There have been many contests and launching ceremonies on reducing plastic waste for the young generation, thereby forming and raising the awareness of the future generation about the healthy survival of marine species. 

Typically, in the "Plastic Talk" contest, Bui Van Anh (born in 1999, Hanoi) won the second prize in the category of Comics, paintings, posters and photos with the work "Plastic-food restaurant”. Representing the country's future generation, Van Anh shared with us the aching problem of plastic waste, which is "eroding" the life of marine species.

- What inspired you to create the work "Plastic-food restaurant" with so many meaningful messages?

The work "Plastic-food restaurant" is created based on what we are witnessing every day, which is a countless amount of plastic wastes being discharged into rivers, streams, and seas, and accidentally becoming food for aquatic creatures, especially those in the ocean. Plastic waste not only pollutes the living environment of marine life, but also makes them poisoned or dead when eaten.

The special thing about our work is the combination of humorous elements and interesting puns. Specifically, some popular dishes such as Pizza, Spaghetti, Beefsteak, etc. are combined with plastic products: Pizza + Plastic = Plastizza, Bỉm (diaper) + Beefsteak = Bimsteak, Spaghetti + Straws = Sponghutti ...

Recently, scientists have discovered microplastics in our bodies due to the common abuse of plastic. The purpose of this work is to propagate the sad situation of marine plastic pollution, as well as urging people to limit the use of plastic as much as possible to protect the environment as well as marine life.

- In your opinion, what are the causes of ocean plastic pollution?

There are many causes of marine pollution, but the main reason is our awareness. For example, everyday people are carefreely littering the environment and into rivers; a large amount of wet towels and cotton pads are flushed down the toilet; and there is also waste from tourism or fishing activities...

- When doing this project, what did you wonder about?

I used to wonder whether we have ever asked ourselves questions like "Do these animals have thoughts and feelings?". I choose to believe in good and positive things, even though they are not necessarily true. Therefore, I think not only animals but also plants have thoughts and feelings.

If we try to put ourselves in the position of sea animals, beings with feelings and thoughts, we can feel a silent suffering as we are unable to speak out to protect ourselves. Every day, we have to see how the big ocean house is destroyed little by little, how pitiful is it that our friends, brothers and sisters have lost their lives because of plastic waste produced by humans. 

Perhaps, marine species will feel bewildered and afraid when they cannot distinguish what is food and what is garbage, because according to research, under the influence of bacteria, the smell and taste of some garbage are biologically changed, causing marine life to mistake it for food.

- How does plastic waste affect marine species?

According to published studies, an average of 2.1 pieces of plastic are found in each fish. Birds, turtles, mammals etc. often "mistake" plastic waste as food and swallow them.

If this situation continues for a long time, the life of marine species is definitely not guaranteed.

- In addition to marine life, in your opinion, how does plastic waste affect people?

Every year, about 8 million tons of plastic are dumped into the ocean worldwide, and by 2025, there will be 1 ton of plastic waste for every 3 tons of fish.

Plastic waste not only directly affects marine life, but also indirectly affects the health of the current and the next generation.

Some types of plastic waste are dissolved into microplastic particles and enter domestic water sources, or are absorbed by aquatic animals such as shrimp, crabs, and fish, and then consumed by humans. In the long run, it can lead to serious diseases such as cancer or lower immunity.

Besides, the irresponsible dumping of garbage into the marine environment makes the natural landscape unsightly, causing discomfort to tourists and adversely affecting Vietnam's marine tourism industry.

- With such harms in mind, how do you and your peers use and limit plastic waste?

Nowadays, with the development of technology and the media, most young people have knowledge of the harmful effects of environmental pollution in general, and plastic waste in particular. Therefore, everyone is more aware of the issue, and those who litter plastic waste will be criticized and condemned.

Young people who love drinks such as milk tea, coffee, etc. are now bringing their own cups to limit the amount of waste generated through single-use plastic cups. Besides, the use of starch and bamboo straws is also popular today.

I'm an office worker. Instead of ordering lunch to the company and creating plastic waste from the packaging for that food, I choose to cook rice at home and put it in porcelain or glass boxes to take away every day.

If I have to use plastic bags or plastic spoons, I will wash and store them for future uses.

My best friend is major in culture and sociology, and she is a person who cares deeply about the environment. Therefore, me and my group of friends are heavily influenced by her actions and daily living habits. And gradually, we form thoughtful thoughts and actions every time we do something related to plastic utensils.

The daily use of plastic include ordering food, drinks; using foam boxes or plastic packaging to store food when going to the market or supermarket, using plastic gloves in cooking, and wet wipes and filter paper tea bags in daily life, etc.

To reduce the use of single-use plastic, we can prepare food from home and store it in porcelain and glass containers to reuse many times. When going to the market or supermarket, bring cloth bags or wash old plastic bags and reuse them. Buy stainless steel filter bags to store tea instead of using filter tea products in paper bags.

Let's imagine a day in the future, when we can no longer breathe comfortably in the fresh air, and everyone has to wear an air filter mask because the level of pollution is already beyond human tolerance. Or the later generations will never know the joy of going to the beach and enjoying the cool water in the sun because the sea water is too polluted and full of garbage.

The young generation is the owner of the future, we must keep the Earth green - clean - beautiful, contributing to maintaining and prolonging life for all mankind. Let's call on everyone on this earth to protect our common home while we can, right now and right here.

- Thank you for sharing!

Source: VTC News