In an earlier post, I wrote about Why I reject some zero waste swaps, especially those that could be harmful to my health. Today, I’m looking at the zero-waste movement, and why it sometimes turns people off. In addition, I’ll provide some tips on how to encourage others to adopt a greener lifestyle.
This post was originally published in June 2020 as “Why the zero-waste movement is its own worst enemy” and updated in March 2023.
When I first decided to make reducing waste a priority, I joined several zero-waste Facebook groups with a goal of learning and exchanging ideas with like-minded people. While I did get some tips, I quickly learned I had little in common with many of these people.
A year’s worth of trash in a mason jar?
Most of us have seen the posts of people claiming to fit a year’s worth of trash in a mason jar. I have to admit I am skeptical but, if it’s true, I can’t imagine the effort it would take to make that happen. I did manage to fit a month’s worth of waste in a mason jar during a Waste Reduction Month challenge and it was really tough. You can read about my experience in this post.
My issue with the zero-waste movement is some of the purists set an ideological standard of perfection. As a result, people get discouraged thinking they can’t live like that so why bother.
How the zero-waste movement turns people off
I recall a particular exchange that turned me off so much I left one of the Facebook groups I had joined. It all started when one of the group members posted a picture of a bag of frozen avocados. The poster commented about people being too lazy to cut them up for themselves. I commented that avocados don’t grow natively in many areas and, for those of us who live in colder climates, the nutritional value of frozen fruits and vegetables is superior to the “fresh” fruits and vegetables we buy in the winter that have travelled thousands of miles from the field to the supermarket.
Well, did I get attacked! From reading the comments, anyone would think I had confessed to being a serial killer. After that, I was told living in a cold climate didn’t give me an excuse and I should grow/buy enough fruits and vegetables in season and freeze them to eat all winter. Certainly not a bad idea in theory, but who has a big enough freezer for that? Not me, that’s for sure.
Anyway, after a few more back and forth comments, I found the Leave Group option and got the heck out of there!
Don’t be discouraged
This experience didn’t discourage me from my waste reduction efforts, but it could have. It did make me consider better ways to get people onside with the cause.
Ultimately, each of us can only control our own choices and our own behaviour. If we really want to get people onside, there are positive ways to do it. Nagging people and making them feel bad is not the answer.
Even at home, I sometimes get eye rolls from my family when I make some changes and that’s okay. I believe in what I’m doing and will continue.
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Better ways to get people on board
When you’re passionate about something, you want to share your excitement with others. Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind.
What to do
- Focus on your own efforts and lead by example. You’ll be surprised how many conversations start from someone seeing something you are doing.
- When people ask, take the opportunity to educate and explain your motivations and how eco-friendly living has helped you save money, be healthier, or other benefits.
- Celebrate small victories. Although my husband isn’t always on board with my efforts, he has started to wrap my Christmas and birthday presents in newspaper. Result!
- Look for ways to introduce small, simple changes. A couple of years ago, a co-worker and I were organizing a team lunch. Instead of ordering bottled water, we suggested everyone bring their own water bottle. No one complained and we saved a dozen or more plastic bottles.
- Give eco-friendly gifts like reusable bags and metal straws. It might just inspire someone to act. My waste reduction journey started with a Christmas gift from my sister-in-law from a local bulk soap supply store.
What NOT do to
- Preach. Nagging people is rarely the way to get them onside.
- Judge. You don’t know the reasons why people do or don’t do anything.
- Try to guilt people into changing
- Expect perfection. The last thing you want to be is one of “those people” that made me run screaming from the Facebook group.
Find a positive community
Since that early exchange, I have joined a couple of other local zero-waste Facebook groups. The discussions are much more helpful and friendly. These are the like-minded people I was looking for. That’s what the zero-waste movement should be!
What do you do to get people on board with your waste-reduction efforts? Tell me below.
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Love the article! I tend to be a ‘lead by example’ kind of person. I do my part in striving towards zero waste though I know I have a long way to go and there are some extreme changes I’ll never make. However, I do wrap gifts in reused boxes and sometimes brown paper or newspaper, I use a reusable water bottle and try to buy products with less packaging. I know our waste bin doesn’t fill up nearly as fast as our neighbours’ and even our compost has barely anything in it when emptied due to our policy to not waste food. As far as encouraging others I will share my methods if the subject comes up and certainly don’t preach or nag anyone to do what I do.
I have never joined any zero-waste groups for exactly the reason you experienced. I’m not interested in being an extremist or arguing my point with those who are but just want to do better, always better. Thank you for bringing this post back to the forefront.
Hi Roze. It sounds like you’re doing all the right things. I agree that it’s best to lead by example. Arguing with people who aren’t interested, or who will never see your point of view, is a waste of time and precious energy. Thanks for dropping by and reading.
Great advice Michelle. The first thing I learned is to simply try. I won’t ever be perfect but I can continue to make conscious efforts to be better every day.
I think that is the key, Deb. If everyone did even a little something, it would add up to a lot. Thanks for reading and commenting.
I really like your do’s and don’ts. It is crazy how mean people can be online sometimes. Just keep putting out your positive messages and don’t worry about internet trolls.
Thanks Brooke. Yes, we all need to ignore the haters and do our thing!
This is a really interesting post. I agree with you about some communities not being so positive / helpful, when I first went vegan I would find a lot of people in support groups quite pendantic. I don’t think people realise they are actually putting some people off x
I agree. I think people are so passionate about the cause that they don’t realize they are scaring people away. I believe positive, gentle nudges in the right direction are the better way. Thanks for reading! 💖
Really love your tips on how to not be discouraged and focus on your own efforts. Nagging and pressuring people never help!
Thanks Jenny! Ultimately, all any of us can control are our own actions. I try to lead by example and hope others follow.
I hadn’t heard of the jar video, but I did watch the documentary “No Impact Man” in which a man convinced his wife to join him on a quest to reduce their footprint on the earth. Some of the things they gave up in their experiment were extreme and didn’t work out well, like giving up refrigeration for a homemade cooler using only water and a couple of clay pots. The movie illustrated how hard it was to make some switches, especially because they were used to using disposable products. Interesting post, thanks for sharing!
I haven’t seen that documentary but it does sound extreme. Like anything, it’s easy to go overboard and get discouraged. Common sense should prevail in eco-friendly living. Just giving up disposable products is a great way to start.
Love this post! You’re so right, eco-warriors seem to have an in-built thing that that they MUST convert people to their cause, by whatever means possible. But small swaps are definitely possible so using metal water bottles and metal straws is definitely something nearly all of us can start with. Good luck with your continued journey! lisa
Thanks Lisa. That’s one of my key messages on my blog. Do what you can and don’t get discouraged. Progress not perfection!
This is a really well thought out post. I agree that the complete zero waste movement can be off putting. I think leading by example and not preaching is definitely what we should be doing instead 🙂
Thanks. I think that’s true of a lot of things in life. Set an example that others want to follow, and they will follow.
Interesting stuff as usual, Michelle! I love that you encourage everyone to do their best – zero waste is so intimidating in a world where everything is wrapped in plastic.
It is intimidating. Pre-COVID, we were making progress with reusable container programs. I really hope we get back to that because those programs have the potential to make a huge difference. One small step at a time!
Great tips there on how to get others onboard going green. I’ve been trying to reduce my waste as well and have also joined several groups on Facebook about zero waste movement to leaen from them. As long as the community isn’t toxic, I stay put and engage with them.
Thanks Liz. There are definitely some good groups who are very supportive. Just my luck to find a bad one and get off on the wrong foot. Good luck with your waste reduction efforts!
I’ve always found it difficult to avoid plastic products, especially being a poor student, but I try my best. Absolutely everything is packaged in plastic it’s so mad to me! But you’ve reassured me for trying my absolute best x
Thanks Tara. Honestly, that’s all any of us can do. I am doing a plastic-free challenge in July and I will be writing about my progress. I expect to fail miserably but even if I use a little less than usual and create some new habits, I will consider it a success!
I love this 💕 When I first saw the jar video I thought to myself there’s no way I could do that. So I felt discouraged on where to even start. Now, I have made a lot of swaps. One thing I noticed too is a lot of beginner zero wasters buying a lot of new zero waste items, but they could just use what they already have (like utensils and cups). Maybe there’s a reason for that that I’m missing. 🤔
Thanks! I agree with you. I’ve never understood why reducing waste means you have to buy stuff. In fact, I wrote a post on that very topic! https://boomerecocrusader.com/15-things-i-no-longer-buy-and-probably-never-needed/
I love what you say about a picture of perfection leading to discouragement, because I have felt that feeling before! I love your ‘do’ list; that is the kind of positive thinking I am learning to see.
I often wonder if people realize how much of a turn-off it is. I sometimes think they are so focused on the perfect end-state that they don’t acknowledge that every step in the right direction is moving us closer to that goal. There’s an old saying that you catch more flies with honey than vinegar. I always find the positive approach works better.