Letter to the editor: Defining contradiction and hypocrisy

Through ingenuity, we have developed systems that offer efficiency and greater ease. Technology has become increasingly sophisticated. Along the way political systems have been established, and these systems reflect differing aspects of human nature - some systems embrace personal freedom and independence while others also consider the collective.

I've written in the past about the absurdity of categorizations, but such is the norm. We categorize class, gender, belief systems, jobs (blue/white collar) and life stages, for example - words that address only the tip of a categorical vernacular. Because my nature is to consider the collective, politically I fall in the category of a Democrat. One aspect of its political ideology is to embrace the research of environmental science, most specifically climate change and global warming. Environmental scientists have concluded that many contributing factors affect both the planet and life: pollution and pollutants, extinctions, forced migration and displacement, air quality - to name a few.

Science has also proven the harming effects from plastics and Styrofoam. It is undeniable how these two elements have made life easier for the average person. However, there are alternatives. In the mid-'80s I lived in Germany and while there participated in a Christmas event held at a church. Afterward it was time for the traditional "coffee und kuchen" - coffee and cake. We all pulled out our personal cups, saucers and plates brought from home. But today, in most social settings, if food and beverages are being served, plastic and/or Styrofoam are used. And when we have completed our meal, a trash can serves the purpose of "out of sight-out of mind."

The political category of which I am part oftentimes uses polluting items during social events - we drive gas-guzzling vehicles and provide plastic water bottles to quench thirst. The average daily use of plastic bottles wraps around the world around 32 to 52 times every day. If this does not define contradiction and or hypocrisy, I don't know what does.

Is the primary goal for humanity ease? If so, I am embarrassed.

It was no trouble to pull out a cup, saucer and plate of my own. Nor was it troublesome to place my used dishes in a cloth bag to take home. And what about the reusable thermos? - no trouble at all!

MICHELLE ROSS

Sumter