Literacy

Welcome to the Literacy page of the OLSC newsletter. This week, we read two extremly well-written persuasive letters composed by two of our Year 6 students. They were tasked with... 

'Writing a persuasive letter to Bakers Delight to encourage them to sell more products with packaging that can be recycled.' 

Dear Bakers Delight, 

I am writing to you because I want you to start using recyclable packaging on your products. Our beautiful, safe and lush earth is dying slowly and we have to change that before it's too late. There is so much plastic everywhere that not only humans are suffering but the poor animals and the environment too. Research proves that microplastics can easily get into the food which you then consume, therefore leading to cancerous cells sneaking into your body. More people might purchase more food from you if you change your packaging because then they know that you want to help our dying earth. When our earth suffers, we suffer. Could you really live with yourself if you know that you didn't do anything to try and save your earth? So stop the pollution, and be a part of the solution.

The first reason you should make your packaging recyclable is because studies prove that all the microplastics in plastic can go inside of our bodies causing cancer. In Australia, an estimated 52,700 people died from cancer in 2024. Microplastics are also inhalable and are found in foods which can accumulate in human tissues because of the toxic chemicals they carry. Microplastics are also harmful because they are physically ingested by marine and terrestrial wildlife, causing internal damage, and then lead to inflammation and harm in organisms and potentially the food chain. The leading cause of death in Australia in 2024 was ischaemic heart disease and dementia. Studies show that microplastics have a growing link towards both of these conditions which is a significant risk factor.

The second reason you need to change your packaging to make it reusable, is because plastic is killing our earth and we need to do whatever we can to stop it from dying. Plastic problems are pestilentially progressing and it is a threat to not only us, but future generations too. Reducing plastic and pollution will protect agriculture and the environment. It takes 1000 years for a plastic bag to degrade in landfill, while paper only takes 2 years. Sir David Attenborough lends authority to this cause with his well-known and trusted statements about plastic pollution in Blue Planet 2. Plastic production releases greenhouse gases (which include carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide) which isn't good for the environment because excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere enhances the greenhouse effect. While rising carbon dioxide levels will not entirely eliminate earth's oxygen, it will warm the planet, leading to global warming. Climate change can severely disrupt ecosystems—such as forests and oceans—that regulate oxygen production and absorption. These disruptions pose serious risks to environmental stability and to human health and survival. 

In conclusion, to save our planet, we have to reduce plastic all around the world or both humans and animals will keep suffering. It is our responsibility to look after the earth we live in and to stop all these diseases and medical conditions from happening because of plastic. Changing your packaging isn't impossible so it should be done. Imagine how much more amazing our world would be if we cared for it properly. Not as many microplastic related deaths would occur which means our population would thrive! Plastic is not something we need, it is something that we chose to use.

Shayna Shukla (6 Orange)

Dear Baker's Delight, 

I strongly believe you should ignore the rude protesters and continue with your current plan, which is already environmentally friendly. Let me outline the reasons: Firstly, you have already taken steps to change it and have enough sales. Secondly, plastic is sleeker and increases shelf life, and thirdly, plastic is easier to transport and is sometimes environmentally friendly. These are the reasons why. Let us delve into the reasons in more detail. I want you to continue, not change your already good plan. 

First of all, sales are already high and you are financially doing well. Data shows you had $120 million in revenue last year. Boise State University released an article about the downsides of recycling: ' One of the primary drawbacks of recycling is the cost. Recycling programs can be expensive to implement and maintain!'. Do you want to waste money? You have tirelessly endeavoured to move with the times, already getting rid of certain harmful plastic packaging. If you stick with your current genius and intellectual plan, you will maintain your well earned profit, as plastic is comparatively cheaper!

Another point to consider is that plastic looks better and is more effective to preserve the food. This can be seen as if you switched to paper packaging, it would be worse because The European Environmental Board says: ' The analysis revealed that paper-based packaging is the largest source of packaging waste in the EU.' Conversely, when you use plastic packaging, your food will not have been affected by unhygienic dirt or harsh damaging UV rays, which is very harsh down under. If you use plastic, you will be the cleverest, smartest and the most cunning company in regard to sales. From this we can conclude that plastic can be effective. 

Thirdly, plastic is easier to transport and can even, in some cases, help the environment better than paper. For example, Zero Waste Scotland, when talking about the pros and cons about plastic, said :' Plastic is durable, weighs less than other materials, is very versatile and can often be recycled, many times'. Plastic also takes up less space in warehouses. You can save your sweet, precious and already limited space. This means, because of the extended shelflife that plastic brings about, it means less waste and food that is thrown away. We can therefore see that plastic can also help the environment.

Thank you for reading my letter. Together, we can continue your success. You should not make further changes because you have success in the bakery industry already, plastic is sleeker and more effective in design, and it is easier to transport and also can help the environment. I wish all the best and I express my utmost hope that you will continue on the path you are on, and not risk losing your wonderful bakery. Protect your business and tradition. In conclusion: Plastic Packaging Protects Pastries!

Rohan Suby (6 Orange)

Kristina Morrissey

kmorrissey@olscwyn.catholic.edu.au

Literacy Leader