From Classrooms to Checkouts: How I Became the Grocery Store Eco-Police
Let me take you back to a moment in middle school when I officially became a self-appointed defender of planet Earth. When I was in class, a lesson about plastic pollution forever changed the way I saw the world—and my role in protecting it. We were being taught about the devastating impact plastic has on our oceans, the harm it causes to marine life, and the importance of recycling and opting for sustainable alternatives. As I listened, I felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility to make a change, no matter how small. From that moment on, I vowed to make a change—even if it meant becoming the most dramatic 12-year-old in the grocery store.
It wasn’t just a passing thought. That day in class planted a seed of determination in my heart, a resolve that I carried with me into my daily life. The very next time I went grocery shopping with my mom, the opportunity to act presented itself.
As we reached the checkout line, the cashier looked at my mom and asked the now-familiar question: “Paper or plastic?” Before my mom could respond, I jumped in, nearly shouting, “Paper!!—please.” My urgency caught both my mom and the cashier off guard, but I didn’t stop there. I proceeded to passionately share everything I had learned in school about plastic pollution and how it was choking our oceans and harming wildlife. I was on a roll, passionately pleading the case for paper bags like the fate of the universe depended on it. Spoiler: It kind of does!!
I’ll never forget the look on my mom’s face. It wasn’t just surprise—it was pride. I think she could see how much I cared about the issue, and my conviction moved her. From that day forward, she never asked for a plastic grocery bag again, always choosing paper instead.
This small yet powerful moment marked the beginning of my journey toward sustainable living. What started as a middle school lesson grew into a lifelong commitment to reducing waste and protecting the environment. Over time, I realized that saying no to plastic wasn’t just about bags—it was about embracing a mindset of stewardship and responsibility for the Earth.
Fast forward to today, and I’m still on that mission—just with less shouting (usually) and more action. That same determination from middle school fuels my art and my advocacy. Through my creative work, I aim to inspire others to make choices that honor the beauty of our planet. Whether it’s refusing single-use plastic, carrying reusable bags, or supporting sustainable products, every small decision we make adds up to a larger impact.
Looking back, that middle school moment wasn’t just about saying "paper" instead of "plastic." It was about taking a stand, even as a young girl, and realizing that our actions—no matter how small—can influence those around us. It was the beginning of a journey that continues to shape who I am today.
This story isn’t just my own. It’s a reminder that change often starts with one small, brave step. If middle school me can stop my mom from ever using a plastic grocery bag again with nothing but determination and a loud voice, imagine what we can accomplish together.
Ready to ditch plastic and join the movement? Let’s inspire each other to take small steps that lead to meaningful change for our planet. Let’s make the planet proud—and maybe give the turtles a break while we’re at it.
