Office Workers Are Being Deterred From Using Plastic By These Photos Of Greta Thunberg
One way to make people think about the impact they’re having on the environment is to show them eco-warrior Greta Thunberg’s disapproving stare. That’s what some Israeli office workers think will help save Planet Earth. Because every little bit of effort helps.
Some offices in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem now have photos of the teenager’s face placed near plastic cups and one-time-use utensils to discourage their use. Shame. Shame. Shame!
If you’d like to hear more about 16-year-old Swedish eco-activist Greta’s adventures in ecology and trying to save the world, you can read more of Bored Panda’s articles about her here, here, and here. And for those of you who are looking for some in-depth information about plastic waste, you can read our interviews with Greenpeace and others on the topic right here.
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Some office workers in Israel think that Greta’s stare will deter colleagues from using plastic
Image credits: AllisonKSommer
Image credits: AllisonKSommer
Photos of Greta sternly looking at potential plastic users were found in various Israeli organizations, including the office of the newspaper Haaretz. Greta’s face was plastered near single-use coffee cups, drink stirrers, and plastic cutlery.
Now, we don’t know if shaming people for using plastic really works. But what we do know is that this is an innovative (not to mention funny) experiment to try and reduce plastic waste.
Image credits: AllisonKSommer
Image credits: AllisonKSommer
Image credits: AllisonKSommer
Greta is an increasingly controversial figure, even among people who want to save the environment. Supporters of the Swedish teenager say that she’s doing the right thing by demanding climate justice and immediate change now. Some critics state that Greta’s ‘heated’ rhetoric gives climate change deniers more ‘ammunition.’ While others believe that while Greta’s goals are good, she offers no concrete ways to save the Earth, and actions speak louder than words.
Image credits: Shira Makin
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Image credits: timeout
The teenager keeps expanding the number of famous people she’s close with. Just last week, she was spotted riding bikes together with the legendary Arnold Schwarzenegger, who called Greta his ‘friend and hero.’
Image credits: timeout
Image credits: timeout
Image credits: timeout
Image credits: timeout
What do you think of the offices that shame people who use plastic? Do you think that offices should simply hide single-use plastic cups and utensils? What are your thoughts about Greta, her goals, as well as how she phrases her ideas? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
People reacted to the initiative in different ways
Not storage space for mugs, not permanent desk spaces. Irregular work/visitor schedules. Cannot rely on people to bring their own mugs and cutlery every day. Companies are obliged to stock some disposable stuff to cover staffs welfare needs, but they want to make it a last resort (e.g. "Please don't rely on this, only use it if you have forgotten your own") so they stick a picture of gretta on it. Works for me.
Load More Replies...My job stopped providing plastic utensils and styrofoam cups altogether long ago. Not that hard to bring your own silverware to keep at your desk.
Same here. We've been bringing in our own dishes and cutlery for years.
Load More Replies...Meanwhile companies wrap cookies individually in plastic, which go in a plastic tray, in a plastic wrap, with multiple trays in another plastic tray wrapped in plastic foil. The only choice I have as a consumer, is to not eat cookies. But yeah, let's blame the consumer!
You have the option to a) not purchase such items and b) to write to those manufacturers. Most websites have a "contact us" form and you can write a message in less than 5 minutes. I encourage you to take action. Tell them exactly what products are the problem and if you've stopped buying them, or are buying fewer, say so.
Load More Replies...This post is so stupid, sure blame the people using the plastic - not the companies selling it or the corporations that are making it in the first place. If you don't want people using plastic, why have it in the office and then complain about it? I also really hate the way that the media and people are using Greta as some kind of prop, it feels so wrong.
Not sure why dear Greta hasn't visited India and China yet! Go tell them 'how dare you' you won't leave the country!!!!
Meanwhile, Malmo gangs fight each other using explosives. Collateral deaths have already happened.
Load More Replies...I like keeping the world nice, but she is awfully abrasive.
Load More Replies...Neither Greta nor any of her followers will ever give up their own first-world, comfortable lifestyle, of course. Some people will fight to the death to save their county; the eco-warriors will fight to the point of minor personal inconvenience to save the planet. These aren't serious people, but merely a mob in the grip of the latest moral panic.
Just when I was happy because I hadn't seen this living meme for a week...
Hat off to people who use see-through plastic cups for coffee or any other hot drink... The ONLY time I've tried it, the damn cup melt.
Yep, never use thermoplastic containers for hot stuff : )
Load More Replies...Thankfully, she has a scary face. Making people think longer - no plastic.
Al Gore flies on private jets while telling us not to fly, too. It has nothing to do with doing anything for the planet. It's all about showing oneself as a superior being, unlike the hoi polloi.
Load More Replies...Printed on recycling paper with natural ink I guess? (Why not just remove the plastic cup instead?, Simple and easy)
Greta is a victim of MK ULtra mind control Her parents are being investigated for child abuse. Isn't it obvious? Why do you think she looks so angry? Wake up!!
Mind control? Are you sure you are an adult? She looks angry because she doesn't appreciate the way we are trashing her home planet very much. It's appalling and terrifying the way this comment had 3 up-votes before I down-voted it.
Load More Replies...weirdly, like when a vegan calls me a murderer, all this makes me want to do is the complete opposite. f**k that creepy soros supported garbage pail kid.
In our office we have a small space like a countertop where we put one cup or mug for permanent use, that we bring from home. It stays there as long as we are employed and people take it away when they may resign.
Population growth has been the worst thing for the planet. If only Greta and the others would protest about population control, now that would help the planet.
If you don't like the population, feel free to set the example of how to have less people on the planet.
Load More Replies...I chose my ENT clinic because they offer mugs and spoons that have been sanitized. If people want single-use, they offer paper cups and wooden stir sticks that are recyclable. There is a coffeemaker, instant decaf and tea bags. On the wall is a photo of a day's worth of Keurig pods from when that was offered: on average, around 200.
I'm freezing in Mid-Michigan today but Greta tells me it will get warmer soon. I hope she's right.
Are you an sad, unemployed american that can't figure out what to do with their messed up life, surviving on criticizing teenagers for making an effort to save your home planet?
Load More Replies...I do not see much difference between the mindset of those who shame plastic polluters with pictures of Greta and those who used to shame race polluters with pictures of Adolf. It's the same moral panic against imaginary enemies committing imaginary crimes.
Avital Pilpel: You're comparing Greta with HITLER? That is really screwed up and you're a jerk.
Load More Replies...She's become a funny meme with an angry face. She's an awful front for the environmental movement. When was the last time you changed your outlook on something because a child scowled while berating you?
Load More Replies...Meanwhile Greta is happily using most of the stuff created by 'big bad corporations', one of them being frequent flying
She didn't offer any concrete ways to save the earth. And she hasn't said anything particularly brilliant or new. She literally restates facts and people are treating her like shes the messiah.
Load More Replies...Not storage space for mugs, not permanent desk spaces. Irregular work/visitor schedules. Cannot rely on people to bring their own mugs and cutlery every day. Companies are obliged to stock some disposable stuff to cover staffs welfare needs, but they want to make it a last resort (e.g. "Please don't rely on this, only use it if you have forgotten your own") so they stick a picture of gretta on it. Works for me.
Load More Replies...My job stopped providing plastic utensils and styrofoam cups altogether long ago. Not that hard to bring your own silverware to keep at your desk.
Same here. We've been bringing in our own dishes and cutlery for years.
Load More Replies...Meanwhile companies wrap cookies individually in plastic, which go in a plastic tray, in a plastic wrap, with multiple trays in another plastic tray wrapped in plastic foil. The only choice I have as a consumer, is to not eat cookies. But yeah, let's blame the consumer!
You have the option to a) not purchase such items and b) to write to those manufacturers. Most websites have a "contact us" form and you can write a message in less than 5 minutes. I encourage you to take action. Tell them exactly what products are the problem and if you've stopped buying them, or are buying fewer, say so.
Load More Replies...This post is so stupid, sure blame the people using the plastic - not the companies selling it or the corporations that are making it in the first place. If you don't want people using plastic, why have it in the office and then complain about it? I also really hate the way that the media and people are using Greta as some kind of prop, it feels so wrong.
Not sure why dear Greta hasn't visited India and China yet! Go tell them 'how dare you' you won't leave the country!!!!
Meanwhile, Malmo gangs fight each other using explosives. Collateral deaths have already happened.
Load More Replies...I like keeping the world nice, but she is awfully abrasive.
Load More Replies...Neither Greta nor any of her followers will ever give up their own first-world, comfortable lifestyle, of course. Some people will fight to the death to save their county; the eco-warriors will fight to the point of minor personal inconvenience to save the planet. These aren't serious people, but merely a mob in the grip of the latest moral panic.
Just when I was happy because I hadn't seen this living meme for a week...
Hat off to people who use see-through plastic cups for coffee or any other hot drink... The ONLY time I've tried it, the damn cup melt.
Yep, never use thermoplastic containers for hot stuff : )
Load More Replies...Thankfully, she has a scary face. Making people think longer - no plastic.
Al Gore flies on private jets while telling us not to fly, too. It has nothing to do with doing anything for the planet. It's all about showing oneself as a superior being, unlike the hoi polloi.
Load More Replies...Printed on recycling paper with natural ink I guess? (Why not just remove the plastic cup instead?, Simple and easy)
Greta is a victim of MK ULtra mind control Her parents are being investigated for child abuse. Isn't it obvious? Why do you think she looks so angry? Wake up!!
Mind control? Are you sure you are an adult? She looks angry because she doesn't appreciate the way we are trashing her home planet very much. It's appalling and terrifying the way this comment had 3 up-votes before I down-voted it.
Load More Replies...weirdly, like when a vegan calls me a murderer, all this makes me want to do is the complete opposite. f**k that creepy soros supported garbage pail kid.
In our office we have a small space like a countertop where we put one cup or mug for permanent use, that we bring from home. It stays there as long as we are employed and people take it away when they may resign.
Population growth has been the worst thing for the planet. If only Greta and the others would protest about population control, now that would help the planet.
If you don't like the population, feel free to set the example of how to have less people on the planet.
Load More Replies...I chose my ENT clinic because they offer mugs and spoons that have been sanitized. If people want single-use, they offer paper cups and wooden stir sticks that are recyclable. There is a coffeemaker, instant decaf and tea bags. On the wall is a photo of a day's worth of Keurig pods from when that was offered: on average, around 200.
I'm freezing in Mid-Michigan today but Greta tells me it will get warmer soon. I hope she's right.
Are you an sad, unemployed american that can't figure out what to do with their messed up life, surviving on criticizing teenagers for making an effort to save your home planet?
Load More Replies...I do not see much difference between the mindset of those who shame plastic polluters with pictures of Greta and those who used to shame race polluters with pictures of Adolf. It's the same moral panic against imaginary enemies committing imaginary crimes.
Avital Pilpel: You're comparing Greta with HITLER? That is really screwed up and you're a jerk.
Load More Replies...She's become a funny meme with an angry face. She's an awful front for the environmental movement. When was the last time you changed your outlook on something because a child scowled while berating you?
Load More Replies...Meanwhile Greta is happily using most of the stuff created by 'big bad corporations', one of them being frequent flying
She didn't offer any concrete ways to save the earth. And she hasn't said anything particularly brilliant or new. She literally restates facts and people are treating her like shes the messiah.
Load More Replies...
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