5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Trying to Go Zero-Waste

So let's be real for a second. If you looked up the hashtag #sustainability in the early 2010s, you would find a ton of photos and videos from predominantly white women who could fit all of their trash in a single mason jar. And you know what? I fell for it. I thought that in order to be sustainable, I had to be "zero waste." I actually stopped using that word in 2021 to describe my lifestyle because I realized how dangerous it is. Being zero waste is VERY difficult in our current system. And these aesthetic photos and "how-to" videos made it feel like it was attainable without showing a lot of the privilege, access, and honesty behind the lifestyle.

In honor of Plastic Free July, I wanted to share some of the valuable lessons that I wish I had known before embarking on my plastic-free / "zero waste" journey, in hopes that I can help you approach the process with a compassionate and realistic mindset, ensuring a more meaningful and sustainable transition (and hopefully save you from years of eco-guilt, lol).

1

Living Plastic-Free is a Privilege and Comes with Responsibility

While striving for a plastic-free life is an admirable goal, it's important to recognize that it's a privilege not accessible to everyone. Certain communities may have limited access to sustainable options, and the language surrounding plastic-free actions often overlooks this fact.

I wish I knew that solely focusing on my own waste is rooted in western individualism, which is at the root of these problems in the first place. Instead, we should think collectively about how we can benefit entire communities.

If we have access to refill shops, buying in bulk, or the financial resources to purchase more expensive, sustainable options, then we have a responsibility to advocate for greater accessibility for all.

2

Focus on progress, not perfection.

I wish I had known that striving for a zero waste lifestyle doesn't mean eliminating all plastic from my home overnight. It's about making conscious choices, seeking alternatives, and gradually reducing waste. Even if some plastic still finds its way into my life, I can still make a positive impact by focusing on overall waste reduction and embracing progress over perfection. Transitioning to a plastic-free lifestyle can be overwhelming, especially when we realize the extent of the plastic pollution problem, and how unavoidable it it at times. These mason jars filled with trash made me feel like a failure when I would look at how much plastic was still in my home. Instead of becoming disheartened, I try to focus on doing my best and using what I already have.

3

Addressing the root of the problem.

While the plastic waste issue receives significant attention, I've come to realize that it's just the tip of the iceberg, and something that we love to shame each other for. The real challenges lie upstream, in the production and manufacturing processes. By shifting our focus to systemic change and advocating for sustainable practices in industries, we can address the root causes of plastic pollution. Two ways we can do this are by supporting frontline communities who are fighting against the massive petrochemical plants in areas like Cancer Alley, and using our voices to demand change from our elected officials to create stricter regulations around the plastic industry.

4

While individual actions are essential, they are just the beginning.

Living a plastic-free lifestyle is a meaningful way to align our actions with our values. However, it's important to remember that personal choices alone won't create the systemic change we need. To maximize our impact, we must extend our activism beyond our daily routines. By engaging in collective action, organizing with our community, supporting environmental initiatives, and advocating for policy changes, we can contribute to larger-scale transformations and inspire others to join the movement.

5

Embrace Positivity and Inclusivity

I was NOT fun to be around when I was in my plastic police era. I would judge my friends for drinking out of plastic water bottles or getting their food to-go in a plastic container. However, I soon realized that shaming and guilt-tripping only alienate people from the cause, and shaming won't bring ANYONE to the movement. Now, I try to foster understanding and empathy, by approaching conversations with my friends and loved ones without judgment. I try to create a safe space for open dialogue with positivity, and inclusivity, meeting them exactly where they’re at.

Embarking on a plastic-free journey is a transformative experience that goes far beyond reducing our plastic waste. It's about cultivating a deep connection with our environment and our communities, advocating for systemic change, and living in alignment with our values. By acknowledging privilege, embracing progress, looking beyond the trash, amplifying our impact, and fostering empathy, we can truly make a difference.

Remember, our movement thrives on inclusivity and empowerment. Let's celebrate the small victories, learn from our experiences, and encourage others to join us on this path towards a more sustainable future.