20: Waste Not, Want Not - Zero Waste and Privilege

You may have heard the term before, but today [Claire](https://arenewablelife.org/) is taking us through what it means to be Zero Waste, why it matters and privilege surrounding the movement. The basis of Zero Waste is attempting to reduce the waste that you create and consume in an effort to offset the negative impacts of waste on the environment. Many popular Zero Waste advocates use mason jars to store their created waste, but Claire explains that this is not essential to being Zero Waste and that it is a learning process. Listen to Claire, Laine and Jessica talk about sustainability and what comes with a Zero Waste lifestyle in our last episode of SpeakOut253’s first season! We will be back with new episodes on October 2nd.

In the episode:

**Plastic straws** – There’s been a lot in the news recently about plastic straw bans. Many of these bans are supported by Zero Wasters and cities, [like Seattle](https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/q-heres-what-you-need-to-know/), are making city-wide bans on plastic straws. [These bans are facing a lot of criticism from disability rights groups](https://www.facebook.com/disabilityrightswa/photos/a.519865841447842/1397155980385486/?type=3&theater) as they are pointing out that this ban is not inclusive to people with disabilities and medical needs that require the use of a plastic straw, which are the only types of straws that provide the flexibility and safety that is needed. The idea behind the ban is one with good intentions but isn’t one that is inclusive to all and creates additional barriers for people with disabilities.

**Privilege and Zero Waste** - Though the world of Zero Waste does not look very diverse - an overwhelming majority of participants online are white, middle/ upper-class women – people have been living a Zero Waste lifestyle for years. Many people in different socioeconomic groups have been living thoughtfully with their money and consumption without considering it Zero Waste. Some of the practices of Zero Waste are survival methods for many families. [Other practices of Zero Waste come with a lot of privilege, like being able to only buy from sustainable sources or buying expensive alternatives to commonly used plastic products.](https://in-balance-co.com/opinion-zero-waste-and-privilege/) These experiences are especially highlighted when we look at Flint, MI, which has been without clean water since April 2014 – being Zero Waste and avoiding the use of plastic water bottles is not an option if you do not have access to clean water. Living a Zero Waste lifestyle is possible for anyone who wants to commit to lessening their negative impact on the environment, but it is important to recognize that there are many privileges that come with the ability to prioritize spending additional time and money to examine how to reduce one’s own waste.

**Five things to do today to reduce your waste:**

If you menstruate, get a menstrual cup or reusable pads – these reduce cost and waste

Get a reusable coffee cup – and use it!

Reusable produce bags – perfect for fruits and vegetables, and can be found online and in stores like Fred Meyer

Swap your toothbrush for one made with bamboo

Use solids when possible for both shampoo and soap

Links:

[Zero Waste Home](https://zerowastehome.com/)

[Being Green While Black](https://www.instagram.com/beinggreenwhileblack/)

[Brown Environmentalist](https://www.instagram.com/brownenvironmentalist/)

[Zero Waste Habesha](https://www.instagram.com/zerowastehabesha/?hl=en)

[Follow Claire’s Zero Waste journey!](https://arenewablelife.org/)