Dear Brother,
You are my brother, and I am yours. You are dearer to me than even the Panda, who does nothing but sleep all day and munch on me. I am kidding! I love him too. I love everyone who can benefit from me. We are here to support each other, come of use to each other and take the civilization forward. But you seem to have forgotten me! For many centuries, your predecessors have been using me for their regular activities. I have always been an active part of your life. But you, my dear brother, you seem to have forgotten all that. Plastic is your new best friend, your brother; your dear brother, who has kicked me aside! Well, I do not have any problem with that (I do, but I am just too egoist to accept it). But remember, plastic may be the brother you want at the moment, but not the brother you need. Although I do not want to defame anyone, he may just be the enemy in disguise.
Let me explain!
You cannot kill plastics. You bury them and dig them up after a few months. They will remain the beasts they are with not a scratch on their body. But if you bury me, I will disintegrate and become one with nature. I belong to nature. I come from her, and I will love to go back to her. But plastics are the evil beasts that refuse to even die! You burn them, and they will make you feel sorry for it. They will release toxic gases, like furans, polychlorinated biphenyls and dioxins that will choke you and others around. And you will continue using them as if you have sold your soul to them. Yes, they are the devil of the real world. I am not badmouthing my competitor, but the fact is, I do not consider someone as harmful as plastic my competitor at all. I am better off alone.
Are you still there, listening to my rant? Well, it is because your ancestors, and I had a close bond, which I cherish till date. You may have forgotten me, but I haven’t. Trust me, brother, plastic is not only your enemy but mine as well. As they keep accumulating on river beds, in the landfills, and oceans, our marine brothers and sisters, green children, and everyone around us will continue to die, a slow and painful death. Your plastic is killing us brother, but I can still offer to help you. I know you’re naïve and intoxicated to plastic, and it’s not your fault.
It is not too late to start using me again. From your mobile cases to toothbrushes, we can replace your enemy, our enemy, plastic, and come of great help. Have you heard of bamboo toothbrushes that the eco-friendly (lovely and sensitive) humans are promoting these days? Yes, I have helped them make it. I have sacrificed my freedom, sophistication and elegance to tolerate your smelly mouths in the morning, every day. And I’m ready to do it again, and again. Your stinky mouth is better than seeing my brothers and sisters being choked and killed by plastic. If I can do this for you, can’t you make a little sacrifice for me, your old friend? All you have to do is, throw that plastic toothbrush you have been using and switch to organic toothbrushes made from my body.
I’m not asking you any favour, but I’m just trying to save us all. Use me, not only for brushing your teeth but also for decorating your home, and yes, cleaning your shit. You can make so many things with my help and flaunt those in your close circle. Earn recognition and up your status as an environmentalist. I can be your status symbol and help you make a mark in society.
And when you are finished with me, throw me away. I won’t mind a bit, as I will get one with my mother, Mother Nature. I’m not as stubborn as plastic. I’m here to help you, serve you, and fulfil my soul contract. Hence, it’s an earnest request from me to my brother - Please let me into your lives to make it better.
Yours forever,
A bamboo tree