In today’s society we are regularly bombarded by all sorts of awareness campaigns, some sensible, and some just plain bonkers.
Take for example, World Kidney Day, which took place this week. Such an event might seem a little odd; after all, why do we need to be aware of our kidneys? But in reality, such a day getting a mention, as it did on BBC 2’s Chris Evan’s Breakfast Show, meant everyone listening stopped for a moment to think about their hard-working, lots-of-water-loving kidneys. It perhaps made some of those listeners drink just a bit more water that day, helping the UK’s collective kidneys be that little bit healthier. And, because of that, medics, people prone to kidney problems and the forgetful and dehydrated were thankful, even if it was just for a day.
So, most awareness campaigns, while perhaps seeming a little unusual, usually have a useful undertone which can offer value of some sort or another. And therefore, in the spirit of helping others, I propose a new awareness event, that being ‘Check Your Bananas Day’.
It sounds rude, but it’s not. No, in fact Check Your Bananas day is exactly what it sounds like – a reminder to the great and good that upon choosing some bananas from the shop, give them a good check. Not for bruises, not for bumps or too much brown or green, oh no. Check those bananas for traces of exotic spider, because if you don’t, you might find a Brazilian banana spider taking up residence in your home. Now, it’s highly unlikely that this will happen. But, according to the Daily Mail this unfortunate occurrence happens more often that you think. In fact, if you go by said newspaper’s website, there seems to be a rogue deadly spider hiding in an unsuspecting shopper’s bananas at least once every six months. So give us all a day of relief by checking your bananas. It’ll help you (you won’t get terrorised by said spider in your own home) and it will help stop the suffering of arachnophobic Daily Mail readers too. A win win all round really.