Everyday environmentalism is a way of life for a growing percentage of the global community as a whole, as people shift their daily habits to reflect a more earth-conscious, sustainable lifestyle. Reducing your personal trash generation, or going “zero waste,” is, at first, an intimidating undertaking. Fortunately, keeping in mind a few crucial truths can make the transition much more accessible, gratifying, and even enjoyable.
It’s Not About Perfection
It may appear that nearly everyone else within the zero waste community, especially those who have practiced the lifestyle for years, has it down to a flawless science, but even prominent figures in the movement have their blunders. Any efforts made toward truly sustainable living are not without adversity, but every effort deserves a pat on the back. Every change, no matter how small, adds up.
It’s Not Minimalism
Though minimalism shares similarities with sustainability in their emphasis on reducing consumerism, the two philosophies aren’t interchangeable. Minimalism is a concept that encourages a reduction in clutter, owning fewer possessions, and generally living more simply. The zero-waste movement aims to reduce the world’s landfills by scaling down or eliminating entirely the amount of trash and needless waste.
One can practice minimalism and, by effect, diminish the amount of trash created. However, some minimalists may use disposable utensils often, while die-hard zero waste proponents may hold on to many personal trinkets and mementos. Zero-waste lifestyles and minimalism may intersect on some fronts, but they are not synonymous concepts.
Setbacks Happen
It’s important to remember that the current culture and infrastructure systems favor convenience over sustainability. With that in mind, it simply isn’t always easy to practice a zero-waste lifestyle. Whether mix-ups are occasional or frequent, they will inevitably happen.
However, a few missteps don’t mean it’s time to throw in the towel. Just dust yourself off and try again. Until the global systems catch up to more sustainable options, afford yourself some grace. With every one of your eco-conscious steps, you’re working toward a better world.
It Takes Time
Big shifts in your lifestyle don’t happen overnight. You don’t have to go through your refrigerator only to throw out any single-use plastics or run to the grocery store to purchase an expensive reusable water bottle. Establishing sustainable practices is a process, one that involves lots of learning, experimenting, and forming new habits.
Have patience with yourself as you navigate new methods of preparation and organization. The best eco-friendly choices are not only sustainable with regard to the planet, but they need to be sustainable for you, too. A trash-free way of life is a big decision, so every slow swap and improvement helps you to solidify habits in a way that works for you on your journey.
You’ll Do Great
Comparing yourself and your efforts to others can get a little discouraging — especially when you feel you’ve come up short. Sustainability isn’t always fancy, pretty, or post-worthy, but it is impactful in other ways that matter. When you start to feel inadequate or as though you’re not doing enough, keep in mind all of your successes.
Every one of your moves made toward a more eco-friendly lifestyle demonstrates a sense of responsibility and awareness of something greater than yourself. You will have many reasons to feel a sense of pride in yourself and your efforts, and you should take any chance to applaud each one.
Eco-friendly living can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. While a strict zero-waste lifestyle isn’t for everyone, each eco-conscious action you take shows that you believe in a better world for yourself and those around you, and that’s reason enough to keep doing your best, no matter what that looks like.
