What You Should Know Before Going Zero Waste

Questioning why someone would write a post encouraging a lifestyle switch like going zero waste during a pandemic? Be sure to start with this post, then come on back.

Confession: I live a “low waste” lifestyle, not a zero waste one. Oh and about that label… I made it up. There is no actual standard for low waste. I’m conscious of how much waste I create, tend to go pretty far out of my way to avoid creating it, and when I do I am very thoughtful about how I dispose of it. I think of zero waste as more of an ideal than a short-term goal, green living is not all-or-nothing, waste not or waste all, but that’s just me. That said, I love to share zero waste tips because I’ve learned a lot and I get a lot of questions from people about it. There are many inspiring guides on going zero waste for you to Google too. But I think it’s important to first consider what zero waste actually means for you. Here’s a few thoughts to help you figure it out.

You decide how zero waste works for you

There are some pretty big resources out there when it comes to the whole concept of zero waste living. It’s smart to do your research, but remember that like any ‘lifestyle’, the important thing is what it does for YOU. It’s like eating healthy. It can be a pain in the ass, but you know it’s good for you. And when you get really into it, it’s fulfilling and even kind of fun. There you are, perfecting recipes, getting excited about cauliflower rice… You know how it goes. But still, it’s not about instant gratification. It’s about doing something because it’s important to you. And when that’s the motivation you have to tailor the lifestyle to your own unique situation because otherwise it just won’t stick. So don’t worry about all of the ‘rules’. Take what works for you and build off of that.

Going zero waste is a privilege

It’s not very surprising that the zero waste movement has gotten criticism for being somewhat of an elitist lifestyle as far as sustainable living goes. (Wanna know what else can lead to a minimalist lifestyle? Being broke.) It’s important to recognize this, especially when you’re sharing your zero waste lifestyle with others. Not everyone can afford to shop in expensive natural stores where they have bulk bins (ahem, when we weren’t afraid of catching Coronavirus during our refill trips). Not everyone has access to compost or even recycle. In fact, most people actually don’t. Each of the cities I’ve lived in have had vastly different resources when it comes to living sustainably. You cannot and should not push some one-size-fits-all approach to living with less, or criticize others for not following suit. What you can do is share what you’ve learned and hope it’ll inspire those who value your opinion/experience to tune into the opportunities they have in their own lives for change.

It’s not about you

With that said, remember that this isn’t about you. It’s natural for us to center ourselves when we’re part of a movement like zero waste. We are only capable of living our own experience so it’s easy to get caught up in that perspective. At the end of the day, I do it because I want to do it, you know? At the same time, the entire concept of living with less is rooted in the desire to contribute to the greater good. It’s good to remind yourself of that!

Be prepared to do the work

Once you set out on the journey to a zero waste or sustainable lifestyle, you’ll soon realize just how many conveniences  you’ve literally never even noticed you had. It’s very eye opening and kind of embarrassing. Little by little you’ll uncover habits that can be changed for the better, and habits are much easier to break than make. It totally takes work and failing and being willing to fail to get in your new rhythm but it’s also rewarding and inspiring. But it all adds up and one day you just might find yourself wondering why you ever felt you NEEDED paper towels to accompany every meal in the first place. (Btw, need’s quite the strong word, isn’t it?)

What are your thoughts on going zero waste?