A while back I was reading on someone's blog a post about really trying to change their lives by not using plastic and encouraging others to do so for the obvious reasons. One person posted asking that if the blogger's husband was ill and in the hospital would they refuse treatment that involved using plastic tubing, bags, etc. At the time it seemed like a really ridiculous question and I promptly forgot about it.
Well, in light of what's been going on around here, the post popped into my head the other night. Would I change my husband's treatment/survival because it would include the use of plastic? Well, hell, no. Do I think about how much is used? Unfortunately, yes. Does it bother me? No, because I do so much more that I think, for chrissakes, I've earned a little extra plastic consumption for a while.
A friend of ours, who is going through a similar disaster with her husband (who happens to be in the same hospital in isolation one floor above us), was commenting on how bad she felt about the amount of gowns, gloves and bleach that have been involved in dealing with her husband's illness. Well, I think she's earned it. Hang in there Rachel. We love you.
Ok. I promise the next post will be slightly more chipper. And most likely will involve wiping.
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23 Crunchy Thoughts:
Hola,
This is your crazy sister-in-law. I usually lurk but never post. I will kick in with more recycling than I usually do to help make up for your extra use. As much as I hate to admit it, you have made me more aware of what I consume. I bought my reusable bags for purchases a couple of weeks a go. With all that we buy, I'm sure I'm saving at least an acre of landfill space. I can't bring myself to use cloth wipes though. I think Medical treatment is what plastic should be use for. You know I love you guys. I'm glad you have so much support.
Love,
Krissy
I've been in hospital twice this year and the sheer volume of disposables and plastic that were thrown away just for little ol' me made me feel a bit nauseous. But as Krissy says, if all that medical treatment plastic means minimising infections, saving lives etc etc, then surely it can't be compared to the volume of plastic contained in McDonald's Happy Meal toys sold each day, for example?
Best wishes, Julie
My goodness I don't think a sick person should worry about the environmental footprint. I would have a lot to say to anyone who criticizes in that instance. There is a huge difference between blatant abuse of resources and life saving use of resources.
I am so glad to see your post. Your news the other day touched my heart is such a way. I have thought of you and your family so much and I hope that the positive thoughts and prayers help and carry you and yours through this.
I don't think you're going to be pilloried by the community for using the hospital, nor should you be.
Of course your husband should have the benefits of the state of the art. Of course.
Which doesn't mean the state of the art can't be improved- but right now is not the time for you to be worrying about that.
Hang in there. Hug everybody.
Crunch -
Years ago, when it was still experimental, my Dad had a heart transplant. One of the reasons that I am so interested/involved in environmental issues is for just that reason: I saw how many disposables were consumed by people who were really sick AND REALLY NEEDED IT. The rest of us who weren't sick didn't need to dispose of everything and should make an effort to not use as much as to leave it for people who really did, in my humble opinion. That's what it's all about. We use less so people who don't have as much or need more have it when they need it! How's it go? Live simply so others can simply live?
My dad was immunocompromised (that'll happen when they give you a new heart) and he had to have his pillows replaced daily, whether they needed it or not. We asked what they did with the old pillows (and everything else) which were usually just fine and in good shape. Maybe they washed/sterilized them and reused them, or gave them to people in need. Nope. They burned them. They had to. Laws, rules and such. I mean, OK, they had to, I understand. Linens and such. Better safe than sorry. But every day they would hand him a new plastic comb. Why? As soon as Dad got done combing his hair they had to throw the old one out. Why? Rules. At the time we weren't environmentalists so to speak, but as children of people of the Depression Era, we could NOT get over the waste. Can't we just wash the comb out and put it in the nighstand drawer? Nope. Rules. Ok. (And then we realized he was billed for every single item tossed. They tossed them because of their rules, and Dad paid for them and had no say in it. That's what got me.)
Here's the deal: it had to be done. When you are fighting for lives you focus your efforts there. You can't change the world and the hospital procedures and the beancounters minds overnight. And each and every person in that hospital deserved the care that they were getting. No one begruged them a thing. Toss out a million combs if it will save a life.
You concentrate on your family and your husband getting well. Let the rest of us pick up some slack for you.
You and your family are in my prayers.
I think 'chipper' is overrated. You've been honest and open so far, if you're not feeling cheery, then don't bother. Real life isn't always happy or upbeat.
Apropos of this blog's focus, I think your situation is a prime opportunity to highlight things like the insane use of plastic and bleach in hospitals, and perhaps alternatives? Are there any in use in other cultures? I surely don't know.
As a writer myself, I believe that writing what's closest to you makes for the best writing/reading. If your heart isn't really *in* cloth wipes right now, the topic will wait until/unless you're back there. You surely don't owe any of us anything.
You're in my thoughts.
Oh I so agree with everyone here. My dad is an insulin dependent diabetic. He does need to use more resources than the average person. And that is totally ok. No guilt whatsoever should be felt with necessary medical usage.
And no need to be chipper...
I work in the medical field and for me, it is like i have to separate the two worlds. I waste so much stuff at work that it makes me cringe. But, it is either policy or state/federal laws that require me to do so. Health is most important and this is what I try to focus on rather than to go crazy thinking of all the things that will end up in the landfill.
Balance. That's what it's all about. Plastic does have its place. But you don't need to worry about anything now except getting your husband well. Later we'll worry about plastic. I hope things go well for you and your family. My thoughts are with you. Myra
The best of both worlds is necessary. Sometimes we need plastic and disposables. Sometimes we need our arm sewn back on. Sometimes we need to integrate East and West. The best of both worlds is necessary.
Crunchy,
This is my pledge to:
-try harder to eat more local food
-give up the car except for one grocery run per week
-if it's yellow, let it mellow
-use a plastic tub to wash veggies and collect dishwater, and then pour it on the yard (I use very little water, but I'm usually too lazy for that).
-turn off air conditioners, when possible (the campus library where I spend significant quantities of time is a big sinner)
I'm not pledging this to prove anything or one-up anyone. But you get all the slack that you and Mr Chicken need right now, and you shouldn't doubt it. The rest of us can and should be so conscientious that your hospital / medicine impact is not worth noticing. Maybe this is a kind of "offsetting," maybe it's dumb. But I, 2000 miles away, can feel like I'm doing something for you besides just typing on my laptop. Sad things can make us do good, sometimes.
Also, I meant to ask: is a bone marrow transplant possible? I'd be more than happy to have my blood tested if that's the case; it must be possible where I live. I'd fly to WA for you and your family. :)
you owe us nothing chipper lady. hang in there!
Krissy is on to something...
I too will cut my plastic use to help balance out your increase. Isn't that how it should work anyway. If all of us cut the extras and the unnecessary, then there would be no problem using plastics, bleach, or disposable pillows when needed for health reasons.
I haven't been reading long, but your post struck me and I want to send you lots of support.
Chipper schmipper.
I will also redouble my plastic reduction efforts.
And husband and I are going to donate blood for the first time.
Hugs to you.
Hey Crunchy--
Maybe the hospital can do(or is doing) something in some other wing--like the cafeteria?-- that can make up for what they have to do in the other areas. But you can find that out later. Right now, take care of yourself and your husband. And chipper's OK if that's where you want to be!
Meanwhile, despite the fact that I'm over fifty and have no idea how long I'll use it, I'm going out tomorrow to buy a Diva Cup in your honor.
As Greenpa says, Hang in there!
Sally
Thank you for keeping us somewhat updated. I'm in with the others. It's not about begrudging sick people the resources but about not wasting much more than necessary.
I've been thinking of you and your family every day now and will continue doing so.
Everything is created for a reason. And we are to do our best as stewards of what we are given. Plastic, latex gloves, etc. are a wonderful thing when it comes to helping to ward off infection, a basically save people's lives. In the same way that western medicine isn't always the best route, and we mostly use herbal medicines in our family, there ARE times when western medicines are necessary, when they are blessings and miracles.
Kim
I love the idea of folks reducing their plastic waste even more in an effort to offset the plastic use if those who really need it.
Tonight, I will post a request on my blog for others to do the same. Maybe this terrible thing can have a few positive ripples in the world.
I am with the others - this is a time when the use of plastic and disposables is a necessity, rather than the convenience it usually is marketed as to consumers.
Feel no guilt - concentrate on getting your hubby better.
Crunchy Chicken,
I hope you don't give the hospital plastic use one more thought. There is a HUGE difference between useful, legitimate and necessary use of plastic vs. the grocery bags, cheap toys, ziplocks and diapers that Americans purchase daily.
You have inspired so many people to reduce their consumption that I'm sure you're farther ahead in the consumption reduction than you could even imagine. However, if it makes you feel any better, I will not buy anything plastic this week, to help make up for your husband.
Hang in there.
- 'BurbanMom
No! Don't feel bad about the plastic! This is *why* we have to conserve plastic in daily life! I think plastic really is fantastic. I'm an industrial chemist, and I think that oil is fantastic, too. That's why I try not to waste this amazing stuff by burning oil moving me and my stuff around or throwing out plastic bags and all that. If we waste it on silly uses like these, there won't be any left to make sterile disposable hospital gear (or pharmaceuticals, or lovely brightly coloured pigments for paints, or any of the myriad other petroleum-based products I'd really rather not live without).
Don't burn oil! Don't use plastic when you can use something else! Many of the good stuff I enjoy about living in the 21st century is dependent on us *not* squandering oil on such crazy uses.
Anyway, enough ranting. All the very best to you and your family in this difficult time, and please, please, don't feel bad about using petroleum to preserve your husband's life. What better use for it could there be?
I'm so sad and sorry that your are going through this trial. I will be praying for your husband, you and your kiddos. I like what your sil said about using less for you and I'll do the same. You all use as much plastic and paper that you need and I'll use a hell of a lot less in honor of your husband.
I would hope that hospitals are using plastic because it's the best material for the purpose.
About the gowns, etc., I believe in reusing, but when it comes to health, you can't risk it. Don't feel guilty. Hummer drivers should feel guilty, not hospital patients.
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