In The Economic Injustice of Plastic by Van Jones he enforces the effect plastic has on impoverished people. I enjoy this talk because I am aware of my plastic waste and carbon footprint. Giving me another perspective, he not only focuses on the effect plastic waste has on animals but the damage it causes the poor communities .The problem is simply overlooked because we are clueless of where to start. It emphasizes the ignorance individuality creates. Teaching me that every issue is connected and what proceeds the “Blue bin” is worse that the initial issue.
Jones explained the ignorance obtained by American’s toxic ideal of individuality. Focused on false health and fabricated “good”, ignoring the following global consequences. “No, I’m going to be virtuous. I’m going to put it in the blue bin.” Jones said. Blind with pride, ignoring the issues overriding our accomplishments, making them disappear. He believes that the root of the issue “...in my view is the idea of disposability itself.”, we are a throwaway society. Jones established a connection with the issue making us feel guilty for our lack of knowledge. His approach was effective inspiring the viewer to take action.
As an environmentalist and a humanitarian I am aware of the footprint I leave behind and the lives I touch. Even I wasn’t aware of the consequences plastic presents on our own people. Unaware of how the so called “recycling” of plastic produces a toxic environment to the extremities of “cancer valley”. How our society revolves around the ideal of disposability and ignorant convenience. Those who are poisoned contributing to their death, because it’s all they can afford. Jones inspired me to look at the lives being affected as well as the environment. “Pick. Are you going to hug a tree? Or are you going to hug a child? Pick. Well, when you start working on issues like plastic, you realize the whole thing is connected. And luckily, most of us are blessed to have two arms -- we can hug both.” Jones said.
Van Jones presented a valuable argument, representing our collective thoughts and leading us to a deeper issue. Teaching the audience that every issue is connected.