49: Zero waste is a scam (solo series) - a podcast by Sara Weinreb

Okay, I know this might be a bit controversial. And I am a big advocate for reducing waste, of course. The problem is, I think the way zero waste is presented doesn’t present or allow for the complexity of the situation. We are often pigeon-holed into picking the “non-plastic” item in order to keep up with what’s presented as best for the planet, but there are so many other considerations at stake. In this episode, I break down my thoughts on the matter.

In this episode, I discuss:

• Why I think the zero waste movement is important but also reductionistic

• Other things we can do to be eco-friendly

• The complexity of the environmental crisis

• The different factors I consider when making a purchase

• How we produce waste, even if we don’t see it

• Why I don’t believe in the “mason jar” approach to documenting your trash

• Why we need a lot of people trying to do their best, not intimidated by the zero-waste movement

• How to avoid eco-anxiety

Mentioned in this episode:

• Sustainable Sabs’ piece on why the mason jar is a myth

• Sign up for my new newsletter, Sara… lately (bottom of my website!)

All the deets:

• Find all the previous episodes of Medium Well on my website.

• Tag me (@saraweinreb) on Instagram with your favorite takeaways from the episode and how you will use design thinking in your work.

Further episodes of Medium Well

Further podcasts by Sara Weinreb

Website of Sara Weinreb