Column Judith Witte: On pros and cons

In a previous column, I talked about fledgling offspring and their willingness to buy second-hand items through online marketplaces, surplus stores, and thrift shops. Very noble, of course! And environmentally conscious. But let’s be honest—this sustainable mindset is also somewhat driven by cost. They simply don’t have the cash to buy everything new. And when you realize that online marketplaces offer some real gems of furniture at much friendlier prices than brand-new pieces, the choice is easily made.

That’s how decision-making works: whether consciously or subconsciously, we weigh the advantages against the disadvantages. Depending on how the balance tips, we make our choices. The pros and cons list you create won’t be the same for everyone. For some, a sense of guilt or responsibility toward future generations weighs heavier on the conscience than for others. And the sting of higher costs is felt more keenly by certain people (and companies) than by others. It’s never as simple or clear-cut as it seems.

Meanwhile, under our own roof, we had plenty of decisions to make. Sorting through all those belongings proved to be quite the challenge. Keep or toss? Within days, both our blue paper bin and grey general waste container were overflowing with discarded items. We counted down the days until collection so we could continue clearing out the unnecessary objects and mountain of paper that had accumulated over time. Good riddance!

Beyond our immediate view, the human-made waste pile keeps growing.

When it comes to packaging materials and recycling, it’s always a matter of weighing the pros and cons. The big pro of packaging, of course, is that it protects products. The big con? The ever-growing waste pile. Things must change, and most players in the supply chain agree on that. That, at least, is some good news.

But as long as virgin materials remain cheaper than recycled ones, and recycling comes with countless complications, change remains difficult. The list of cons is simply too long. Perhaps top-down pressure will help—through the new Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Unfortunately, it’s anything but simple or clear-cut, making the final balance even harder to strike.

Judith Witte
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