I know what you’re thinking: Don’t “zero waste” and “sustainable” go hand in hand? Why yes, the two are usually synonymous.
I know what else you’re thinking: Caity, you have posted all about being zero waste! Right again.
So allow me to explain. The zero-waste movement is everywhere right now. With Pinterest and Instagram accounts flooded with perfectly styled images of what zero waste looks like. I mean, I have both accounts and I love to share zero waste inspiration!
And while I’m happy that the word is getting out and it’s inspiring people, I think it paints a rather unrealistic painting of what the movement is all about. We get so caught up in pretty metal straws and waste jars that we forget why there’s a movement in the first place.
It’s about protecting and preserving the world that we’re lucky to call home. The world that God crafted, filled with everything we’d ever need. I think that’s worth taking care of.
I find the movement has been consumed with banning single-use plastic. Something I can get behind but not the main threat. There’s carbon emissions, greenhouse gases, climate change. Just to name a few.
So I don’t think that the current movement is sustainable in the long run. It’s not inclusive and seems to focus heavily on only one issue. Please know that it’s still an important issue, it’s just not the only one.
Now all of that being said, let’s jump into 5 reasons why I think the zero waste movement isn’t sustainable.
It’s not accessible
I think a lot of zero waste bloggers live in a bubble of bulk shopping, refill stations, and package-free shops. I’m thinking of more mainstream areas like L.A. No shame to them, I wish everyone had access to these kinds of stores.
But it’s not realistic and for a lot of people, even bulk shopping isn’t an option. I know, I was surprised to hear that too. I might not have a bulk store near me but at least my grocery store has bulk options. Not a lot do.
Some places the only safe drinking water is bottled water. There are a million and one different reasons as to why shopping zero waste isn’t accessible. And if you don’t have options it’s nearly impossible.
Shame stigma
There’s a lot of guilt and shame that surrounds people who aren’t perfectly zero waste. So you forget your reusable bags or use a plastic straw now and then. That’s not the point of the movement. Doing your best to care for the planet is.
I’ve noticed that it can shame people right out of trying at all. They’re embarrassed for not being perfect so what’s the point? And don’t even get me started on shaming people who still eat meat.
We shouldn’t be putting people down who are trying to be better. We should be encouraging them.
It’s expensive to start
When you decide to go zero waste the list of things you “need” to buy seems daunting. Now it feels like you can’t even use the plastic Tupperware in your cupboard anymore because it’s plastic.
The movement seemingly wants you to throw that all away only to replace it with glass containers. Which only creates more waste and I’ll never understand it.
And then there’s reusable shopping bags and metal straws and bamboo cutlery and this and that. It’s crazy!
And one of the biggest reasons I think people are afraid to go zero waste. Like I said above we need to encourage one another. So use your Tupperware and whatever else you have on hand! You don’t need to spend money to cut back waste.
It’s restrictive
Are you trying to tell me that I can’t travel the world?? Yikes. What’s the point in saving the world if I don’t even get to see it?
I don’t mean to come off as snooty or rude but a lot of online activists seem very privileged. A lot of people don’t want to or can’t live by a set of restrictive rules. We’re going to be so busy worrying about what we can’t do, where we can’t go, what we can and cannot buy and eat that we’re going to forget to even live.
I encourage lifestyle changes all the time because I very strongly believe that a few conscious changes and decisions can make a huge difference. But I also know that not every aspect of the movement works with everyone’s lifestyle and that’s ok.
It’s out of our control
Try as we might, do the best that we can, some things are just out of our control. Don’t let this stop you from trying. But at the end of the day, for now, some things are out of our control. The movement lacks a realistic attitude. We can’t reduce plastic pollution or stop climate change overnight.
Having to use a plastic bag while shopping won’t make that huge of a difference (but don’t use that as an excuse to use them all the time)
All I’m saying is that it’s not all reusable straws and waste jars. It’s a lot harder and a lot bigger than that.
Change is possible and it’s happening. It’s just smart to be aware of the things we can have an impact on.
There is still a long way to go in the zero waste community to be attainable by all but it is possible.
I hope this post isn’t taken negatively, that’s not the intent at all. Like everything and every moment there are always areas that can be improved and these are the things about this community that I see need some work on.
Do not be discouraged! There is room for everyone who wants to make a change and together, I truly believe we can.
As always, please don’t forget to share this post and follow me on Instagram for daily low waste and ethical fashion inspiration!
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Very well said- very true- any extreme is bad- sustainability has 3 pillars to meet otherwise it is not sustainable:
Ecological- economical-social
And yes- if wealthy rich bloggers tell you to stop buying at Zara and Primark they totally forget that not everybody can afford to buy sustainable jeans for 300 USD!
Yes! Thank you! I’m so happy this resonated with you!
I live in a tiny Midwestern town, there are no options for bulk buying here or within an hours drive. So I’m doing what I can with I’ve got available. You are so right in your observation of the privilege in a lot of these “how to go zero waste” posts. Also thank you for reminding people it makes no sense to turn your existing stuff in to trash and replace it. Use up what you have first!
Thank you so much for reading! And for doing what you can. Doing something, anything, is better than doing nothing. Some people have to work harder to make it work but the results are amazing!
You hit on some good points! The perfectionism with all the shame, guilt and despair that’s apart of that, really puts a toxic twist to a very positive movement. Also the “picture perfect” aspect you mentioned had been both powerful to inspire but also with the side effect of potentially making people a little wasteful in trying to attain that perfect look. All in all, I’m glad this movement has become trendy because it has raised awareness and I think it needed to be really specific (single use plastics) in order to do that. People struggle to imagine what they can do to make an impact and at least this movement gave them something they could imagine. Of course, now it’s gone a little extreme which is typical of a trend and lost some of its original anchoring purpose. It has opened the discussion though so we can build on it! Where do you think the movement should go next?
Yes, as long as the movement is “trendy” I think it has power to do so much good. That is an excellent question and think it should go a lot of different ways. But a few things I’d like to see more is attainability and clarity. I agree that it can be so overwhelming when there are literally dozens of ways to help and when just starting out it can feel impossible to know where to start. But it’s hard to say for sure. I just hope it keeps growing and that big companies and brands catch on and do their part as well.
Thank you. I often feel inhibited when I try to make good choices because it’s so overwhelming. In some ways, admitting that many things are out of my control is oddly freeing. I never understood the “throw away what you do have and get new, sustainable stuff” part of zero-waste, either! So counterproductive!
Thanks so much for reading! I agree! That’s exactly why I wanted to write this post. No hate to the movement and what it’s trying to accomplish, I just think we can all work together better to understand each other and make a bigger impact!
Thankyou, its refreshing to see a more realistic aprroach. Every little bit counts. I talk to many people who think that their little bit won’t help and they are too discouraged to even try.
Thanks for reading! I’m glad you liked it. I really just want to encourage everyone to do as much as they can!
Well said! As you say, not everyone has access to sustainable resources. I live in rural South Africa, and whereas in some instances it is easier for me to live with less waste and less chemicals, in other ways it is more difficult. We have to be aware of propaganda too. I read an article about how it takes 20 000 liters of water to produce one kg of cotton. We have to be able to discern what is practical and what is not. Where I live water is always at a premium and I would choose options that are water friendly as opposed to eco friendly. I believe each person has to decide for themselves what is going to be their standard and not be intimidated or shamed because of what they do.
Thanks for reading! We can’t approach zero waste as a one size fits all solution. At the end of the day, I believe it’s up to each person to decide what is practical and what works for them. And most importantly, support and encourage others who are doing their best to make a difference.
Thank you for writing this! I get “eco-anxiety” because I strive to be perfect when it comes to zero-waste but it’s soooo hard. Yes, sometimes I don’t bring my reusable produce bag when I’m grocery shopping but that’s okay 🙂
Yes! We need to accept that we’re human and bound to make mistakes and it’s totally ok. Glad you liked the post! 🙂
I liked your article. I’ve decided to try to go zero waste this year. Just figure I’ll tackle one thing at a time and see how it goes. If we all do our best what more can you ask!
Thank you! That’s exactly the right approach to going zero waste! Good luck on your journey, this blog is filled with resources if you need 🙂
I agree that zero waste is too hard (for some) and that’s why i think that the best way to go is LOW waste (and thats what I am doing). Do the changes you can afford ,do not throw anything you already own and if you produce some waste it’s okey , because little waste is definitely better than a lot. The planet benefits from that ♥️
A lot of the time the movement puts too much emphasis on the individual. Yes we can make choices that help, but it’s big companies who can make the biggest change and impact.
I really believe that unless you’re looking for an aesthetic or attention you don’t need fancy mason jars. Reusing old peanut butter or pickle jars are great ways to lessen your waste. And for people living in Canada, Bulk Barn is an incredible option that’s generally cheaper than regular grocery stores, and convenient (depending on you location of course). I truly believe that if more people begin to approach this out of a responsibility to the next gen and our earth then the stigma will begin to fade away as it does with many trends like these. But don’t give up because at the very least, when your grandchildren begin to blame your generation for all their problems you can say you didn’t simply ignore the data and that you put even a little bit of effort into making it easier for them:)
I agree 100%! I love bulk barn, I can’t wait to be able to bring my own bags and containers again!
The trendy aspect is making it worse, in my opinion. There is a lot of manufacturing going on in the name of sustainability. The straws, mason jars, bags etc all need to be made. Re-use what you have until it is absolutely in tatters. Stop buying new things the whole time as then the factories will have to slow down too. Resist that cute new water bottle when you already have 3.
Exactly! True sustainability isn’t always cute. It’s using things that are old or until they fall apart. Thanks for reading!
Baie dankie, Alexandra! (thank you Alexandra) Your comment really resonated with me.
Thank you Caity for this sensible and sensitive article. If more people did the best that they can do to instead of striving for perfection we might get more done towards caring for the environment. As an academic historian I can give countless examples of where exclusivity and privilege have dealt the death knell to good/meritorious movements. All the best to you!
Thank you for reading! I’m glad this piece spoke to you.
Thank you for writing this! As a young American who has spent the last 5 years traveling/ volunteering, it is Shocking how a “minimalist” and “sustainability” trend can be another wave of consumerism.
I believe you’ve touched on an important note- if our efforts are truly an effort to be a part of something lasting and impactful, we need to look beyond what our efforts look like on social media 🙂
What a cool perspective! Thanks for sharing!
100% agree with this, well said. If many make small changes it makes a big impact. Thanks for getting the word out about realistic change.
I love this! So often it’s one extreme or the other..people aren’t sending enough encouragement that change is simple and doesn’t have to be cold turkey!
Thank you so much for pointing all of this out! I totally agree – zero-waste is expensive and inaccessible for a lot of people, and we can sometimes become so focused on one issue that we start to forget about all of the others.
So true. Not everyone has access to bulk shopping, refill stations and live in a city that will recycle just about everything. Nor does everyone have the money. Also lets not forget about how people are shamed for not being eco friendly enough.
Yes! And even a lot of so called ZW stuff doesn’t really have much scientific data to back up that it is sustainable. What do the items come in that fill bulk bins? Plastic bags. What do most people use when they shop in the bulk bin aisle? Plastic bags. The bulk bins have a much shorter shelf life and there is lots of food waste if not sold quickly. How is that more sustainable? I don’t know because there are no studies that actually answer these questions.
Good post. I’m trying to be more informed and conscious about our family waste, but we don’t do any of trends. But I got into some light prepping and DIY upcycling and there’s a lot where we save money as well as materials. I started to sew when corona craze started, but from masks I jumped quickly to baby clothing. Now my husband’s worn out sweats do 2-3 baby sweats and all it takes is electricity and a thread. My old ripped bathrobe and some cotton sheet are now our cloth dishes / unpaper towels. I sew nowadays 80 % of our stuff, either reused or from certified fabrics. Marseille soap bought as huge cubes (say bulk) grated with a washing soda (both a full spoon) and a half cup of hot water make great goo for washing everything around (laundry, dishes, windows..) and I gave three big bags (unbelievable how much there was!) of detergents to some new Ukraine friends living nearby. Everything gets reused, bone broth is cooked from carcass after chicken was eaten and then our dog finishes soft-cooked bones, vegetable base is fantastic from scraps, skins and tops of anything I cooked from. I try to look at everything new and think 1)don’t I have or can make an alternative already 2) was it made/raised ethically, eco 3) what’s the carbon footprint of it (bamboo brush delivered from China, batteries, new phone etc..) All that in an apartment in Munich, my husband works in a bank, no farm.😅 I realize my way is not for everyone, I guess I got crazy on the way. Watching my small child vomiting a blue liquid dishwasher pod speeded up my process of going natural/eco. Still I care not to ditch stuff, I rather give it away. Now with the Ukraine war we have a lot of people around who happily inherit tons of clothing, toys, half-used shampoos. Or I offered it for free on Ebay, every time some other woman happily took any stuff the next day. I believe repurpose and upcycle are the way to go. Just like my grandma lived.
Very well said! I have a masters of marine science and yes, being zero waste as much as possible is great, but it’s the larger corporations that keep being allowed to use all this plastic in their packaging and items that is the real concern. The media always likes to point fingers at the little man, when in reality, it’s the bigger fish they need to fry!
I couldn’t agree more!
This is so true I went zero waste a out four years ago and honestly was overwhelmed lucky I could find local stories to buy bulk food but why do I have to get rid of something I already use to buy a zero waste version of it. Creating waste to create a lifestyle that’s shown on YouTube Insta isn’t ideal I love this post so much! Thanks for sharing this I’m a not so perfect zero waste women!