What's All This About Zero Waste?

The average American produces 4.4 pounds of trash every day. Beyond our overconsumption problems, landfills are toxic. Toxins from batteries, cleaners, and electronics leak into the soil and end up running into the ocean and ground water when it rains. A lot of trash doesn't even makes it to the dump. It clutters the sides of the road and floats in the ocean. Plastic is not biodegradable. It photodegrades. Meaning it just gets smaller and smaller. Not so fun facts: for every micro-plankton in the ocean, there are thirty-six pieces of  micro plastic. Plastic breaks down so small that it's in 90% of our drinking water.  Bottled and tap water alike.

What is Zero Waste?

Simple answer- We aim to send nothing to the landfill. Reduce what we need, reuse what we can, send the minimum to be recycled, and compost what we can't.

The less simple answer- Redefining the system. The economy we have is a linear one where we take the resources on earth and then dump it in a hole in the dirt when we're done. We want to shift from the linear economy to a circular one, where we eliminate trash. Mimicking the economy in nature where no trash is produced.

Instead of throwing away resources, we build a system where all resources can be put back into the system.

"What about Recycling?"

There is far too much to process. While it plays into the solution, we depend on it too heavily. Did you know that only 9% of plastic is actually recycled?

We don't "need" as much as you might think. Many products are sold for a specific use. You don't need a separate cleaner for the floor, the kitchen, and bathroom. By reducing what we need, we are reducing what we will eventually throw out.

Linear vs. Circular Economy

The world's population is growing and this is affecting the environment. To ensure that there's enough food, water, and prosperity in 2050, we need to switch from a linear economy to a circular one.

Raw materials are used to make a product, and after its use, any waste and packaging is just tossed out! In an economy based on recycling, materials are reused. Waste glass is used to make new glass. Waste paper is used to make new paper. To ensure that, in the future, there are enough raw materials for food, shelter, heating, and other necessities, our economy must become circular. That means preventing waste by making products and materials more efficiently and reusing them.  If new raw materials are needed, they should be obtained sustainably so that the environment is not damaged.

In a circular economy, manufacturers design products to be reusable (e.g. easily repaired electrical devices). Products and raw materials are also reused as much as possible (e.g. recycling plastic into pellets to make new plastic products). 

How Do I Even Start?

There are many little ways to get started. Here are just a few!

Get a bamboo toothbrush! The handles are made of bamboo and are compostable! You just need to remove the bristles before throwing it in a compost bin! I still have yet to make the move to this one as my orthodontist is having me use a special one. I read that you should be replacing your toothbrush every three to four months! Imagine if every American threw an old toothbrush into one pile, that's a lot of plastic! Here is the bamboo toothbrush I've been looking to buy. This is pretty much a year's worth for one person.


Get Used Clothes! 

Not only will this save you some money, but it keeps things out of the landfill! I have found many good finds at the thrift store! From my favorite pair of sweatpants to a nice long coat, T-shirts to a formal dress, and shorts to three pairs of designer pants! I have found so many fantastic clothing items! You never know what you'll find! Plus when you don't want the clothes anymore, you can drop them in a donation box or even host a clothes swap.

Carry a Handkerchief!
I normally carry a handkerchief or bandana with me. They come in a wide variety of colors and patterns so there is one out there for you! Instead of using the paper towels in the bathroom, I pull the bandana out of my pocket (unless I leave it at home, I wipe my hands on my jeans) and wipe my hands. Plus some people find it romantic to carry one around.

I'll make a longer list of swaps when I write my next Zero Waste post! What do you think about the Zero Waste Movement? Do you think it's just another fad? Or do you think it's important? Comment below with your thoughts.