Why zero waste is bad?

Zero waste has negative aspects, as every other thing. Some of the “bad” things about zero waste are: 1. Focusing just on the physical trash is good, but there is more to it. The reality is that waste comes in many forms. For example, your energy consumption generated greenhouse gasses from traveling or your food choices, etc. Focusing on merely buying things without plastic isn’t always the most important thing. 2. Furthermore, many people critique the “zero” in zero waste. We can’t be genuinely 100% zero waste, as we figured that we need always to consider other “waste” streams and the energy we use. So, the term can be a bit misleading, which can be a negative aspect. 3. Zero waste can be more expensive and definitely more time-consuming. Often, you will spend more time searching for plastic-free products, DIY-ing things, etc.

Why zero waste is important?

Zero waste movement is important because it promotes values that are beneficial and good for our planet. It is essential because it doesn’t matter how perfect someone is. In the world we live in, being completely zero waste is hardly possible. And that’s okay. The goal is to do anything we can, live more sustainably, and be kinder to our planet. Slow and gradual change will positively impact our environment, even if we are not perfect.

Are there other ways to live a sustainable life (which doesn’t include being zero waste)?

To live more sustainably means leaving fewer carbon emissions. This doesn’t always have to include ditching packaging or plastic. There are other great ways of lowering your carbon emissions or/and reducing the amount of waste you create. Some ideas include: 1. Contact companies/stores: Write them an email and let them know that you love their product, but you are trying to lower your waste. Ask them if they plan to switch their packaging to a more sustainable one. 2. Shop secondhand: Fast fashion is having a substantial negative impact on our planet. Consider shopping second hand. 3. Ask for less package: When you are ordering something, send an email asking them to avoid plastic/extra packaging. 4. Pick-up trash: Organize a local garbage pick-up or do it with a few of your friends in an area that needs a bit of cleaning! 5. Consider flying less: If possible, think first of other ways of traveling, such as a bus or a train. 6. Try to lower animal products’ consumption: This needs a whole separate post, but animal agriculture leaves one of the most significant impacts on our planet. Try to look at and incorporate plant-based alternatives

How to be zero waste without a bulk shop?

Unfortunately, the majority of products we want or need in our everyday life are sold in packaging. Sometimes, it can be a hustle to get it package-free, especially if you don’t have a bulk shop nearby. In that case, there are still some things you can do. 1. Always choose loose. You probably have bigger supermarkets, where they offer loose veggies. Get reusable produce bags, and buy your fruits and vegetables from there. 2. Get reusables, if you can. This includes a reusable water bottle + container, a bag, utensils, maybe a coffee mug or a metal straw, etc. 3. Farmers market. Most cities have a market, at least once or twice per week. That’s an excellent opportunity to get fresh, local produce. 4. Find the best available option. Try to find the things you need in more sustainable packaging, such as glass, aluminum, or recycled paper. (reuse + upcycle the containers if you can) 5. Look for places with a small bulk section. I was walking through a big supermarket in a regular shop, and I was happy to see a small, bulk section with different nuts and legumes. (see the picture below!) You don’t need to find an exclusive bulk shop with a massive range of products. Try to see if there is a conventional supermarket close to you, with a small bulk section.

Does Zero Waste Make a Difference?

Q: Does zero waste mean no recycling?

Zero waste doesn’t exclude recycling. However, it is essential to remember that recycling comes AFTER waste prevention – it is the last resort for living a zero waste lifestyle. The idea behind this is to lower the waste you create, taking into different consideration factors in your individual life. Don’t forget that the idea is to pursue the goal of “zero” trash, but that will always depend on your options. For example, if you don’t have a bulk store, and your only option is to buy canned beans, that’s perfectly fine. Just find the best option you have, and then recycle the packaging.

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When we talk about the zero waste movement, one question always seems to come up:

Does zero waste actually make a difference?

The short answer: Yes, it does.

But the truth is more nuanced – and worth exploring in full.

The zero waste movement challenges the way we consume and discard. It calls for rejecting disposable culture, prioritizing long-lasting, ethical alternatives, and rethinking our role in a world overflowing with waste. While “zero” may sound extreme or even impossible, the essence of the movement lies in mindful progress, not perfection.

Below, I’ll walk you through what zero waste really means, how you can start, and why it matters more than ever.

What is the zero waste movement?

At its core, zero waste is about minimizing trash – ideally sending nothing to landfills or incinerators. But it’s also a mindset and a lifestyle rooted in the belief that our everyday choices matter.

The zero waste philosophy can be summed up by these core principles:

Rethink what we truly need and how we consume
Refuse things we don’t need (freebies, unnecessary packaging)
Reduce our overall consumption and waste
Reuse and repurpose what we already own
Repair instead of replacing
Recreate or DIY when possible
Compost organic waste
Recycle what’s left

Notice that recycling comes last – because it’s not the solution, but a last resort after all other options.

Does zero waste make a difference?

Absolutely. People who embrace zero waste habits intentionally reduce their environmental impact by choosing sustainable, ethical, and reusable alternatives.

Even in a world that’s far from perfect, our small daily actions add up. It’s not about achieving a waste-free life overnight – it’s about doing what you can, where you are, with what you have.

When millions of people make imperfect but meaningful efforts, the collective impact is powerful. Progress is better than perfection.

[Read: Can Individual Actions Make A Difference On Climate Change?]

Zero waste tips for beginners

Getting started doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are a few beginner-friendly tips:

Don’t aim for perfection & start small. Focus on one area of your life, like food packaging or personal care, and work from there.
Apply the 80/20 rule. Try to go package-free for 80% of your purchases, and give yourself grace with the remaining 20%. Even 60/40 is a great start.
Avoid comparison. Everyone’s journey is unique. Accessibility, finances, and availability all vary. Do what works for you.

FAQs

Is ZERO waste even possible?

No, and that’s okay. The term “zero waste” can be misleading – it’s rarely about literally zero. It’s about minimizing waste as much as realistically possible.

Why do some people say zero waste is not worth it?

Like anything, zero waste isn’t perfect. Some common critiques include:

It can be time-consuming. Finding plastic-free alternatives or making DIY products takes effort.
It’s not always accessible or affordable. Sustainable products often cost more or aren’t widely available.
It sometimes overlooks other impacts. Reducing trash is important, but emissions from travel, food, and energy use matter too.

That said, these challenges don’t outweigh the benefits. And solutions are emerging every day.

[See: Common zero waste disadvantages and how to tackle them here]

Why is zero waste important?

Because it pushes us to live more consciously, reduce our environmental footprint, and rethink the systems we support. Even if you never reach “zero,” you’re helping build a better future just by trying.

[Explore: 16 benefits of going zero waste]

Can you live sustainably without going zero waste?

Sustainability comes in many forms. Here are a few low-waste (but not necessarily zero waste) ideas:

Buy second-hand to reduce demand for fast fashion
Pick up trash in your community
Fly less and explore alternatives like trains or buses
Eat more plant-based meals to lower emissions from animal agriculture

[More tips: How to live sustainably beyond zero waste & The benefits of reducing meat consumption]

Does zero waste mean no recycling?

No, but recycling is the last resort. It’s often inefficient and resource-intensive. The goal is to reduce the need for recycling by preventing waste in the first place.

What if I don’t have access to a bulk store?

You can still reduce waste without access to zero waste shops:

Choose loose produce and bring reusable produce bags
Stock up on reusables like water bottles, food containers, cutlery, and coffee cups
Shop farmers’ markets for local, package-free options
Pick better packaging like glass or aluminum, and reuse when you can
Check supermarkets for small bulk sections

Final thoughts

Zero waste isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about doing what you can to live more sustainably and make choices that align with your values.

So, does zero waste make a difference?
Yes. Your actions matter. Even if you’re not “zero,” you’re still making an impact.

Focus on progress, not perfection
Do what’s accessible to you
Avoid comparison. This is your journey

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you tried going zero waste? What’s worked, or not worked, for you? Drop a comment below, I’d love to chat.

One Comment

Lauren says:

April 6, 2023 at 7:48 pm

I’m not new to the zero waste concept and yet this was the first time I learned about the 80/20 concept! I loved the positivity and lack of judgement in this post…something I needed considering I’ve been struggling with the reality that I live rurally and don’t have major bulk stores near me. This makes getting things like cereal and rice extremely difficult and I was just resigning myself to going without. With your encouragement, I’ll do the best I can until I can find maybe an online alternative or something. Thank you for sharing your tips and knowledge!

Does Zero Waste Make a Difference?

What is the zero waste movement?