Today, I found a large white envelope in my mailbox. It was from my city council and had the word "IMPORTANT!" printed on it in a large font. I tore it open and found...a brochure explaining that I can now separate my plastic from my other trash.I don't about you, but when I get an envelope from my city council marked "IMPORTANT!" I assume it relates to some kind of tax that I have to pay ASAP or maybe it's a warning that a serial rapist is active in my neighborhood.
I feel cheated. I read the brochure and this isn't even such big news because, apparently, containers for plastic trash have been available for some time. The program is just being expanded. And, of course, I can already separate out my clear glass, colored glass, paper and fruit & veg.
The cover features a massive smiling, orange Gumby-like creature "Plastic Hero 1" wrapped around the tower of the Dom church. At first glance, this image makes sense since that tower is the most distinctive feature of Utrecht's skyline. But if you scrutinize the image more closely, you notice that Plastic Hero 1 dominates 3 church towers. I find that disturbing.
I will try to separate the platic trash. I really will. (By now, I certainly know all about it!) But come on, let's keep things in perspective. Plastic Hero 1 is not more "IMPORTANT!" than notifying me about serial rapists or even about taxes. And he's no substitute for the kind of love for God that originally built those churches.
Thoughts? comments?
