The #1 Thing People Get Wrong About Zero-Waste

Zero-Waste or not to Zero-Waste… is that even a question?

My involvement in sustainability and healthy-ocean movements in the past few years increased my exposure to hearing the term “zero-waste” in various circles. I’ve been accused of being one, participated in conferences on zero- waste, and attacked for not being one. Depending on the circle it can be good, bad, or ugly.

As with many other things that mean different things to different people — the more the term spread, the more it came to have different meanings, and then to be used not so accurately.

In the social media world, we hear the term zero-waste mostly referring to people. The movement targets eco-conscious people to transform their lives to living zero-waste. Essentially the goal is self-evident — create zero waste by avoiding products that have an element (either the product itself or packaging) that cannot be recycled or composted.

Living a true zero-waste approach is not possible in our modern societies. Waste management — from collections to recycling, to composting isn’t available to all. We also never know how much waste a product produced before it got to us. Even consuming something at a business or restaurant we don’t know how much waste that thing produced. True zero-waste life isn’t possible in modern societies. Plus, the problem and the solution are much bigger and require us to think BIG, really much bigger.

The target of zero waste is corporations and manufacturers rather than individual people.

There is also a different context in using the term zero-waste as applied to corporations. Under this context, the term refers to corporations aiming to send less than 10% of their waste to landfills.

This is a more achievable, and a more tangible goal with a much higher impact.

The zero-waste movement was originally aimed at industry and producers. It’s not about stopping the use of straws but stopping the wasteful production of straws, and holding manufacturers responsible for the lifecycle of straws. Straws is just one example. Today, companies are actively working together with manufacturers, waste management companies, and distribution channels to achieve their zero-waste goals. It’s an end-to-end movement that continues growing within the industry.

Do Consumers not have a role?

Oh yes we do! And a big one!

Manufacturers only respond to demand. When people stop purchasing, manufacturers start listening. That’s what kicks off the change in our capitalistic economies.

Then shouldn’t we all focus on being zero waste?

It depends on how we define being a zero-waste person. Doing what we can, avoiding the purchase and use of certain products, and then consciously disposing of all our waste and belongings. Living by example. To me, that is more on living a low-impact lifestyle-not depriving oneself of life’s necessities because there is no zero-waste option. In other words — making smart, thought out, and wholistic choices is part of the zero-waste movement. Communicating with manufacturers and writing to companies about why you chose or did not choose, to buy a product from them. Being a part of the zero-waste movement is more than living off of a product list somebody else created. And it’s far from judging everybody about their choices.

The impact of a product is contextual and very specific to a certain area. What might have a high footprint in one area is likely not the same in another. A local option might not be available in certain markets, causing a product to have a higher waste in the supply chain before it gets to a particular store or consumer. What we can do though is connect with local stores, governments, and even manufacturers to request solutions or alternatives.

It gets very complicated when thinking about the true impact product by product. Plus, the cumulative, pollution-altering impact of avoiding a certain product doesn’t come from the waste we individually prevent, but in the change we cause manufacturers and governments to implement.

The goal and the answer is in a true systemic change.

From the amount that is produced to types of products to marketing messages and campaigns to the types of waste management services provided. These goals are beyond any individual to achieve on her own. However, we can work with manufacturers and companies to support the spread of the work and message.

This isn’t a call for consumers to throw in the towel and mindlessly consume — no, it means that people need to be more aware of their habits and choices while demanding and supporting companies who are working towards a systemic change.

The burden is not all on our shoulders, it’s mostly on the manufacturers. Celebrate what you can avoid, and don’t kill yourself over what you cannot.

Key points of Zero Waste:

• Aim for a small environmental footprint — as small as possible.
• Increase your impact by contacting manufacturers and supporting zero waste companies.
• Get informed about the life-cycle and manufacturer of a product.
• Be aware and open about choices and limitations.
• Bonus: Be kind.

This is 4 on 4 of my 30 day writing challenge! Join me, I need support to meet my goal! Linda Kowalchek Desiree Driesenaar Dr. Preeti Singh Britni Pepper