Is Zero Waste REALLY Possible?

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Zero waste. It sounds extreme, maybe even impossible, right?

When I first heard about it, I thought: “Yeah, right. There’s no way that’s possible.” Still, I was curious about living more sustainably, and that curiosity pushed me to explore the zero waste lifestyle further.

So, is zero waste possible?

Short answer: 100% zero waste isn’t realistic for most people. But getting close to it? That’s somewhat doable.

In this article, I’ll break down:

• When zero waste might be possible
• Why zero waste is not always achievable
• My personal 30-day zero waste experiment
• Why perfection isn’t the goal
• How you can still make a massive impact – even imperfectly

When is zero waste possible?

To be truly 100% zero waste, you’d need to live completely off-grid – collecting rainwater, generating your own solar energy, growing all your own food, and even cultivating fibers to weave and sew your clothes.

You’d also need to reuse almost everything, DIY your personal care products, eat a fully plant-based diet, compost everything biodegradable, and walk or bike everywhere (since you wouldn’t be using a car).

Technically, yes – zero waste is achievable.

But in real life, it’s a different story. For most of us, living that extremely sustainably simply isn’t possible. And that’s okay.

Why zero waste is not possible (for most of us):

1. Our economy is linear 

Our current economic system follows a simple but harmful pattern: take, make, dispose.

We extract raw materials, turn them into products, use them briefly, and then throw them away. This linear approach prioritizes convenience and profit, not sustainability.

The alternative is a circular economy. It aims to keep resources in use for as long as possible through things like sharing, repairing, reusing, and recycling. Ideally, it runs on renewable energy and minimizes waste by design.

Sounds great, right? But while the concept is promising, in practice it’s not widely adopted, and even when it is, it’s far from perfect.

Until we shift our systems on a broader level, is zero waste actually sustainable for the average person in today’s world? Not really. But we can advocate for change, lead by example, and support businesses and policies that align with circular values.

2. Zero trash isn’t possible

When I lived in Barcelona, I shopped at a bulk store built around the zero waste concept. Curious, I asked the owner how they received their goods.

His answer? Large single-use plastic bags.

They tried paper packaging, but it broke and caused food waste. Reusing plastic bags wasn’t an option due to hygiene regulations.

Even that “zero waste” shop wasn’t fully waste-free.

That experience taught me a valuable lesson: we often contribute to waste indirectly, even when trying our best.

3. We create “invisible” waste, too

Zero waste isn’t just about what fits in a mason jar. It also includes:

• Emissions from cars and flights
• The environmental cost of new electronics
• Imported food
• Meat and dairy production

This kind of “invisible waste” includes greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, and resource depletion.

Sometimes, the most harmful part of a product isn’t the packaging, but how it was made and transported.

4. Not everything is in your hands

No matter how hard you try, you’ll still encounter waste:

• A plastic straw you didn’t ask for
• Restaurant meals sourced from plastic-wrapped ingredients
• Lack of package-free options in your area

You’re not failing. You’re existing within a broken system.

Don’t let those moments make you feel guilty or discouraged. We need systemic change, and it takes time.

5. Not all package-free items are sustainable

You might find unpackaged meat or dairy products, but that doesn’t make them eco-friendly. I once debated:

What’s better?
A plant-based, local food item in plastic?
Or a meat or dairy product with no packaging?

For me, the first option is better. Why? Because animal agriculture is one of the most environmentally destructive industries.

Sustainability is complex – and going “package-free” isn’t the only metric.

6. Zero waste is a personal journey

Your version of zero waste won’t look like someone else’s. And that’s okay. Realistically, most people can’t:

• Always shop at bulk or farmers’ markets
• DIY all their food and personal care items
• Avoid every single piece of plastic
• Never fly, drive, or buy imported goods

Trying to do it all can be exhausting. But progress matters more than perfection.

If you’re reducing waste, learning, and adjusting – you’re already doing great.

My 30-day zero waste experiment

I decided to track all my trash for one month. I collected everything – plastic, paper, metal, and glass. I wasn’t obsessive, but I was mindful. I:

• Shopped in bulk (beans, oats, nuts, spices)
• Used veggie bags for produce
• Choose glass, paper, or aluminum over plastic
• Baked homemade treats instead of buying packaged ones
• Thought carefully before every purchase

Here’s the truth:
I still created trash. But less than usual. And that’s a win.

This experiment showed me where most of my waste came from, and gave me ideas on how to reduce it further.

If you’re curious, I highly recommend trying this for yourself. It’s eye-opening.

Final thoughts

So, perhaps zero waste isn’t 100% possible for most. But getting closer? Yes. And that’s what matters.

Focus on what works for you. Start where you are. You don’t have to be perfect; you just have to care.

Because every effort counts. And the more of us trying, the bigger the impact.