30.09.2018. Totally Wasted

The time is ripe for my first proper rant. We can call it a comparison for political correctness and whatnot, but it is going to be a rant. Specifically, my culture shock regarding the wasteful lifestyle they seem to nonchalantly live here.

1. Plastic bags.
In Latvia, supermarkets do have plastic bags, sure. They are mostly located under the register for one to take, or one can ask the cashier if one needs a bag. Here, they have an open bag ready for the cashier to bag away - there is no question whether you need it, the cashier just starts putting the stuff in the bags. I have to LOUDLY indicate that I have my own bag and I can bag the stuff myself (that's another bizarre thing: it is either the cashier who bags, or they have a separate bagger. As if bagging was such a major inconvenience.) Then, they also ask 'Would you like it double-bagged?' If only mankind could invent a material that doesn't rip easily to prevent producing as much plastic... (end of sarcasm). And don't think they reuse the plastic bags. I've seen people unload their groceries and throw the bags in the garbage. Yes, not even as a garbage bag, but IN the garbage.

Some grocery shopping.

2. Plastic containers and cutlery
The university cafeteria. Full of foam containers. They do ask whether you'll be eating here or is it to-go. No, they won't put the food on a plate if it's dine-in. The only difference is that the plastic container will have foil inside if it's to-go. Absolutely mind-boggling. Genius idea: PLATE. And proper cutlery. I'll never understand this. Ever.

3. Food
Latvians do have a history of starvation and not wasting any food, even a bit excessively. Mold on top of the jam jar? Take a spoonful out, eat the rest. And suchlike. Here, I've seen half a pizza or a full box of popcorn thrown in trash. Why? Because it got cold. Let that sink in.
Also, a lot of food expires and gets wasted because of the huge packaging. I buy the small yogurt tubs. Which are over a kilo. I haven't bought a single loaf of bread because the smallest one is around 600 g. In Latvia, the biggest one would be 500 g... wonder where it's going wrong?

The size of a small yogurt tub and loaf of bread, onion for scale

4. Recycling habits
We do have recycling containers on-campus. However, the one we have in the dumpster is plastic + paper together. Now everyone knows that in order to be recycled, these have to be separated. So, we're making the job at recycling factories more difficult because we can't be bothered to add an extra container? Where is the logic in that?

5. Driving

Of course, I appreciate a ride to the grocery store. It is around 8 km away and such. But it seems that the Americans do drive everywhere. I'm talking a drive down from housing to campus (it's a 10 minute walk max). Plus, most people have huge cars or trucks that devour gas. 

We prefer walking.

6. Lights
A lot of lights are left on all night. The excuse I hear? 'Oh, but we're not paying for it here'. Sad to see people unable to see further than the tip of their nose.


Rant over. Blood has been boiled.