In today’s fast-paced world, where convenience often comes at the expense of the environment, it’s easy to overlook the impact of single-use plastics. However, Oyoo Quartey, a renowned food and lifestyle blogger, is urging us to reconsider our choices when it comes to food packaging. “Microplastics are killing us,” she says, drawing attention to the harmful effects of plastic on our health and the environment.
Quartey shares a simple but powerful practice she has adopted: bringing her own glass bowl when buying food outside. “I decided to take this huge glass bowl to buy Hausa Cocoa for my house because we need to be more aware of the dangers of using plastics,” she explains. The issue of plastic waste is not a new one, but it has become more pressing as we see the environmental damage accumulate.
Imagine if just ten people chose to bring their own containers when buying street food like wache or Hausa Cocoa. Quartey challenges us to think about the collective impact we could have: “Just think of the amount of plastics we’d be reducing in our environment.” This simple action, if adopted by many, could drastically cut down on the volume of plastic waste, contributing to a greener, cleaner world.
For Quartey, this is not just about convenience, but about returning to practices that were common in the 1980s and 1990s. Back then, people often carried their own containers for food purchases, and there was less reliance on plastic packaging. “We should really think about the businesses we’re supporting and the choices we’re making. We can’t keep using plastics and bank robbers to package our foods,” she says, referring to the local practice of wrapping food in plastic bags.
Her call to action is simple yet significant: “Every day, let’s be more conscious. Take a bowl along when you buy food. It may seem like a challenge, but it’s really not.” Quartey believes that small changes in our daily habits can have a big impact on the environment.
In an age where environmental degradation feels overwhelming, her message offers hope: “Let’s come together and help make our environment greener and cleaner. This is one of the first steps we can all take.”
As more people become aware of the dangers of plastic, it’s time we take bold decisions to protect our planet. Start by bringing your own container—because every little step matters.
