PLASTIC

Dear Plastic,

I hope this letter find you well.

Plastic, you are incredibly attractive. You are mostly clear and crystal. Your charm is strongly radiated by your clearness and transparentness. Most or even all people are enchanted with you due those properties.

Plastic, I acknowledge your flexibility. You have the capability of being shaped easily so that you serve as the container for my food, the bottle for my mineral water, the wrapper for many items I have, and the bag for the goods that I buy from either a traditional market or supermarket. You cover and wrap most of my belongings I have. No space without you, Plastic. You are everywhere.

Plastic, your other appeal that appeals me is your generosity. How much do you cost, Plastic? You are almost priceless. One food container is just Rp 1.500, one disposable spoon is less than Rp 1000, one piece of plastic bag is just around Rp 500. Priceless. Due to the pricelessness, you get affordable for anyone, and people rush to utilize you in all situations and conditions.

Plastic, you look so modern. Despite your low price, modernity embeds in you. Your physical appearance in various shapes, sizes, and colours suggest that you are not traditionally processed, rather you have gone through modern-and-high-technology process. Your physical appearance could ‘beautify’ anything you cover and wrap. The mineral water seems more crystal and fresher as it is in a plastic bottle, and some rice and soup look more hygienic as the container is made of plastic.

Plastic, due to your physical performance, flexibility, generosity, and modernity, many people, including me, fall in love with you, and they get hegemonized. People, regardless of their age, gender, and social status are so dependent on you. No days without utilizing you. No space without you. No one is free from you. You truly hegemonize us.

Plastic, I highly appreciate your contribution to my life. I am so grateful for everything you have contributed to me. You ease me in many ways. You lighten my burdens. You make my life bright. Despite your countless contribution to my life, I feel that I need to minimize my dependence on you.  Being too much dependent on something or someone, including on you, is not wise. Let me minimize the use of you, and I will utilize reusable bottles, dishes, bags, and others. You are not annoyed, are you?  

OK, Plastic, thank you again for everything.

Tulungagung, Indonesia, October 28, 2022

Sincerely yours

Nurul