The zero waste lifestyle is going mainstream, but the “ zero” part of the term still scares a lot of people off.

Understandably. Creating literally no waste is next to impossible, especially in this linear economy which doesn’t cease to drop single-use materials into our laps even when we didn’t ask for them.

But zero waste isn’t actually so scary or difficult. In fact, it’s a lot less terrifying than the consequence of not doing zero waste. Here are some misconceptions that I’d like to get straight before you run off screaming in the other direction.

Zero Waste isn’t really zero waste

Yeah, we’ve all seen those zero waste influences who fit a years worth of trash into a mason jar. But the trash in those jars is responsive for even more upstream waste. Which means that even the most extreme of us haven’t actually reached zero. 

So how does this make zero waste any less intimidating? It means that you don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be conscious and do better. 

The goal zero of zero waste isn’t directed at individuals. Rather, the intent is that as individuals reduce personal waste, society as a whole is pushed towards a zero waste circular economy. And when that happens, us individuals will have better zero waste options. More reusables, better recycling programs, and a waste-free bottom line. 

Which brings me to the next misconception...

Zero Waste is too expensive

Quite the contrary. Zero Waste is about using what you already have. In fact, by saying no to things you don’t need, and by reducing food waste, you’ll save money.

If you think that refill stations are too expensive… fear not. With refill, you don’t pay for packaging. So the cost of the products are comparable - and sometimes even less than - what you’d pay at the grocery store. And, you only buy what you need. You don’t have to buy a full 16 oz bottle of shampoo if you’re only in town for a few days.

Check out how The Zero Waste Chef saves thousands of dollars by going zero waste.

Zero Waste is an all or nothing effort

You don’t have to do a lot to see big results. Just think of one example… a year’s worth of your to-go coffee cups in a trash bag. Imagine that trash bag if you had a reusable coffee cup. There’d be way fewer to-go coffee cups, right?.

Now envision life if everybody had a reusable coffee cup. The trashcans at Starbucks ~ and the landfills ~ would be a lot emptier. Every choice you make, makes a difference in some way- good or bad.

And remember… you aren’t Siddhartha. You don’t have to shun all humanly pleasures to reach zero waste enlightenment (just unnecessary packaging).

Zero waste is only for hippies

Saving the planet isn’t the only reason to go zero waste. Zero waste is for everyone, because there are plenty of selfish benefits that go along with the lifestyle.

For one, you’ll be healthier. Processed foods go hand in hand with single use packaging. So if the non-recyclable Fritos bag isn’t reason enough to turn down the snack, then the sodium and preservatives should be.

And besides all the other self centered reasons to go zero waste, let’s remember that even non hippies need a living planet. When clean air and water are no longer a given, we’ll all be on Mother Nature’s side.

Zero waste is time consuming

Any lifestyle change has a learning curve, and moving up that curve is slow at first. 

The most time-consuming aspect of zero waste is grocery prep. But then again, when was feeding ourselves not time consuming? And shouldn’t it be time consuming? I mean, at the most basic level we are what we eat, so we should eat thoughtfully.

But really, zero waste shopping doesn’t take up much more time than conventional shopping, especially when you have your go-to bulk pantry staples and an arsenal of recipes. Aside from remembering to bring your reusables, a zero waste lifestyle isn’t all that different. Except you’ll be taking out the trash a lot less.

Start with a small changes… zero waste is a cinch by the inch.