Because Green Is the Next Rainbow

I don't know when it started exactly, but the change can be felt. The city mayor's office of Makati has implemented a ban on the use of plastics in all commercial establishments. Big groceries and major convenient stores had already started doing this (and I think this led to a boost in the sales of those reusable tote bags). 

So begins the story early this morning when my guest requested for cold water. (Fast facts for background: I live in the sixth floor of a walk-up apartment, I'm overweight, and I have no fridge.) I gladly obliged. I needed the exercise.

Lo and behold, the store no longer has plastic for the ice tubes. If you want to buy ice, you have to bring your own container. (TMI alert: The thought of bringing the ice up using my shirt did occur to me. My IQ is flexible like that.) I begged, "Please, ma'am, I live up-upstairs, just this last time, sell me ice please."

"I'm sorry, but they already roamed around and confiscated all the plastics from all the stores."

"Really?"

"Yes, sorry."

Wow. I tried my luck at the mini–convenient store across the street. They didn't have any plastic as well. I begged again. The lady was adamant with her refusal, I think a little annoyed because of the inconvenience this has caused their business as well. Then I saw a bunch of plastics behind the counter. I think she figured I wasn't going anywhere, so she gave me one to get rid of me. "This one is a different plastic. I don't know if they will allow this." She didn't even ask me to pay for it. Of course, I gave my sincere thanks.

Back at the bakery that sold ice, the woman there I was talking to earlier decided to continue with our small talk. "At least they didn't make us pay, you know."

"Yeah, and at least it's effective, they just get the plastic." She nodded.

And so here I am hanging this valuable biodegradable bag to dry. I will need this soon. For when I need ice to chill some wine, before giving a toast to Mother Earth. "To life."   

the smiley is an overkill

not a spontaneous juxtaposition