We're going to answer your second question before we answer your first, just so we can conceptualize the state of these kinds of produced goods in the Meadowlark world!
To clarify, paper, wood and plastic are no longer widely available, especially when there's a viable alternative, and there almost always is. As far as paper goes, since there's no need for paper due to the installation of neural implants, it's not only considered a wasteful exploitation of resources, but there is also a complete lack of production (and interest in production, on that point as there are strict government regulations against wasteful corporate practices because the world as a whole is focused on sustainability and reusability). There are very, very few producers of paper anymore, and generally those are from materials like cotton, hemp and bamboo for purely artistic purposes. That said, most single use materials (even ones that are made sustainably) have been thrown to the wayside. Chopsticks, forks and knives are other single-use materials that have also become obsolete. Anything that can be made for long-term consumption will be used as an alternative: for example most people carry around their own utensils in a convenient set when eating lunch or street food. Food wrappers, if they can't be avoided, are biodegradable.
Society's perspective has shifted from one of wastefulness to mindfulness about resources and what's used for what purpose. There are 3D printers that dictate the shape and density of certain polymers, and elaborate machinery that can pinpoint exact mathematical equations for unique framework for furniture. That doesn't mean that it's the only material used: metal, granite, and even bamboo can be used to create furniture. It's built for lasting, and generally does not come with someone once they leave their place of residence. Most apartments are fully furnished upon arrival. Once the furniture begins to wear, it's generally recycled and goes through the same process again. It's about the reliability, longevity and reusability of the material. Almost all furniture stores are consignment stores – but don't worry, bed bugs are obsolete, so a lot of the common worries we might have today about this are now gone! Something like an umbrella would be made of a type of silicone, and instead of being purchased as single-use for an individual, they'd generally come with an apartment rental. They also can be rented through the neural implant, depending on where you are!
With all that, Ginia will definitely have to get a little creative with the materials that she's looking for to create origami. Paper isn't out of the question, but it's turned into less of a single-use waste and more of an art, and getting some – which, as we said, would be made of cotton and hemp because no one produces paper like they do today – will cost quite a lot of credits. Her best bet may be finding some fabric both thin enough and willing to hold a fold. Let us know if you have any more questions regarding this. Thanks!
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We're going to answer your second question before we answer your first, just so we can conceptualize the state of these kinds of produced goods in the Meadowlark world!
To clarify, paper, wood and plastic are no longer widely available, especially when there's a viable alternative, and there almost always is. As far as paper goes, since there's no need for paper due to the installation of neural implants, it's not only considered a wasteful exploitation of resources, but there is also a complete lack of production (and interest in production, on that point as there are strict government regulations against wasteful corporate practices because the world as a whole is focused on sustainability and reusability). There are very, very few producers of paper anymore, and generally those are from materials like cotton, hemp and bamboo for purely artistic purposes. That said, most single use materials (even ones that are made sustainably) have been thrown to the wayside. Chopsticks, forks and knives are other single-use materials that have also become obsolete. Anything that can be made for long-term consumption will be used as an alternative: for example most people carry around their own utensils in a convenient set when eating lunch or street food. Food wrappers, if they can't be avoided, are biodegradable.
Society's perspective has shifted from one of wastefulness to mindfulness about resources and what's used for what purpose. There are 3D printers that dictate the shape and density of certain polymers, and elaborate machinery that can pinpoint exact mathematical equations for unique framework for furniture. That doesn't mean that it's the only material used: metal, granite, and even bamboo can be used to create furniture. It's built for lasting, and generally does not come with someone once they leave their place of residence. Most apartments are fully furnished upon arrival. Once the furniture begins to wear, it's generally recycled and goes through the same process again. It's about the reliability, longevity and reusability of the material. Almost all furniture stores are consignment stores – but don't worry, bed bugs are obsolete, so a lot of the common worries we might have today about this are now gone! Something like an umbrella would be made of a type of silicone, and instead of being purchased as single-use for an individual, they'd generally come with an apartment rental. They also can be rented through the neural implant, depending on where you are!
With all that, Ginia will definitely have to get a little creative with the materials that she's looking for to create origami. Paper isn't out of the question, but it's turned into less of a single-use waste and more of an art, and getting some – which, as we said, would be made of cotton and hemp because no one produces paper like they do today – will cost quite a lot of credits. Her best bet may be finding some fabric both thin enough and willing to hold a fold. Let us know if you have any more questions regarding this. Thanks!