Maurice SkinnerWith the threat of climate change to our civilization and the Earth’s environment, many people have begun shifting their mindset, lifestyle, and perspective toward zero waste. In order to understand zero waste, it is important to grasp how to transition our ways of living in order to make this a sustainable, better world for everyone.
The obstacles to adopting a zero waste lifestyle
First, let’s focus on the difficulties and arguments in relation to transitioning into a zero-waste lifestyle. Although having a zero-waste mindset lifestyle may seem like an obvious choice for all of us, making the transition may not be as easy as some might think.
One issue facing most people is the ideology that waste or garbage is often thought of to be a management problem. Many people unfortunately feel as though garbage and waste problems can be solved by using advanced technology, which is not always the case.
Many argue that zero waste is also dependent on access to specialty stores and time. For example, many places, especially in Japan are without specialty stores that would make it possible to reduce buying goods which are not wrapped in plastic, as well as options to make purchases in bulk.
Furthermore, trying to live a zero-waste lifestyle might also mean that it could take more time out of someone’s day; many lifestyle alternatives require a DIY approach, which some people might not be able to carry out within their daily lives.
Instead of zero waste lifestyle, how about zero waste mindset
Although there are challenges facing moving toward a zero-waste mindset, it is also important to know that modifying one’s lifestyle so as to become more aware of how much waste is generated will help us reduce how much we throw out.
Moreover, although a zero-waste lifestyle may be impossible, having a zero-waste mindset will still promote a reduction in how much waste is produced by an individual. In order to have a positive impact on the environment, there are plenty of steps we can take to move forward in the right direction.
There are many things one could do in order to alter their outlook in order to cut down on waste. Doing things such as foregoing meat will help drastically; accordingly, eating less meat would help to significantly lower damage to the environment, deforestation, and ocean dead zones from agricultural pollution. Moreover, skipping plastic and using glass or aluminum, as well as shopping local, would also help to reduce waste. Japan is also doing it’s part to invoke a zero-waste mindset, and one town is even going above and beyond to reduce waste.
A Japanese town proves a zero waste mindset is possible
Kamikatsu, a town in Tokushima Prefecture, became the first municipality in Japan to implement a “Zero Waste” policy. After setting a goal to eliminate waste by 2020 without the help of incinerators and landfills, this small village is still on their way to achieving its goal; at the same time, this is done by sorting their garbage into 34 super-specific categories. The town also has a store where residents can leave their furniture and clothing and where people can trade unwanted items.
This initiative has also saved Kamikatsu approximately a third of its costs from incinerators. When this policy first came into effect, residents found it difficult to change their lifestyle habits. However, a zero-waste mindset has become normalized and most residents don’t even think twice when carrying out garbage disposal and recycling.
How we can push for zero waste
There are varying opinions when it comes to zero waste. One opinion is that the zero waste movement has increased, but there still hasn’t been a significant impact. Many people have also been vocal in saying that this movement tends to single out lower-income individuals.
It is often said that only those who are wealthy or well off can afford to make the switch to a zero waste lifestyle. Lower income individuals might not be able to afford reusable items, and the rich have the financial means to easily make the transition. At the same time, buying reusables might would be cheaper in the long run for all individuals, since there it is not necessary to purchase the same items over and over again. It is also important to understand that this movement is not yet a global phenomenon. This might be true, but there are still options in order for not only individuals, but for cities and countries to move in the right direction.
Implementing policies on a local and national scale might be a solution to helping expand this movement. As seen with Kamikatsu, this is all but impossible. If cities and countries enacted stricter policies in order to make this dream a reality, there could be more of a push to create places that are not only sustainable, but also better for the environment. There are also NGOs, such as the Japan for Sustainability, that are also making great efforts in order to spread and educate citizens within the country and provide information to add momentum in order to create a world where zero waste is the norm.
Creating a zero waste mindset on a national and global scale still has its challenges. It is necessary for individuals to become aware of how much garbage is generated and what they can do about it. This also includes rallying businesses, cities, and countries to create and protect implemented policies that will help make our world a better place to live. Although there are criticisms and difficulties in relation to changing the collective consumer mindset, it will be imperative to change our habits and seriously consider what sort of impact we are having on our future.
