“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: ‘In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’” — Luke 18:1-3
Persistence changes things. The parable of the persistent widow reminds us that even when power seems unmoved, consistent voices can bring about justice. Today, that justice looks like protecting creation from the chokehold of plastic. And ordinary people — not governments or corporations — are proving that persistence works.
Woolworths: Customers Who Wouldn’t Let Go
In South Africa, Woolworths faced mounting pressure from customers who demanded an end to single-use plastic bags. Shoppers spoke up, wrote letters, and kept pushing. Eventually, Woolworths announced it would drop plastic bags at all food stores, replacing them with reusable alternatives. What began as scattered complaints became a movement that reshaped a national retailer’s policy. Persistence paid off.
The Last Plastic Straw: Grassroots Power
In the United States, a grassroots campaign called The Last Plastic Straw began with individuals challenging restaurants to stop serving drinks with plastic straws. What seemed like a small ask grew into a global movement. Thousands of restaurants, bars, and cafes have since eliminated straws or switched to compostable versions. The campaign showed that even the smallest plastics can be challenged — and that one person’s voice can ripple outward into systemic change.
Plastic Pollution Coalition: Turning Advocacy into Action
The Plastic Pollution Coalition amplified these voices, sharing stories of communities and individuals who convinced local businesses to ditch plastics. From beachside cafes to school cafeterias, persistent advocacy led to real shifts. These weren’t government mandates; they were victories won by everyday people who refused to accept “business as usual.”
What Can We All Do?
The persistent widow didn’t stop asking, and neither should we. Change doesn’t come from one loud protest — it comes from consistent, everyday advocacy. Here’s how we can follow her example:
- Speak up: Ask your local shop or restaurant to consider alternatives to plastic. Don’t be silent.
- Support change: When businesses make eco-friendly shifts, reward them with your loyalty.
- Educate: Share stories of successful campaigns with friends, family, and community groups. Inspiration spreads.
- Persist: If the answer is “no” today, ask again tomorrow. Persistence is the key.
Closing Thought
The widow’s persistence brought justice. Our persistence can bring healing to creation. Every time we challenge a business to rethink plastic, we are advocating for change — not just for ourselves, but for generations to come. The question is: will we keep asking, keep pushing, keep persisting?
Because if ordinary people can convince Woolworths, restaurants, and coalitions to act, then surely we can convince the world.