Privilege In The Zero Waste Community

A concept that was very difficult for me to understand in the beginning of my zero waste journey was the fact that some friends would try to tell me that living a zero waste lifestyle is not manageable for everyone because all people are not as privileged as I am. These comments always made me very hostile and argumentative because I thought these friends who were really just trying to educate me were the problem when in reality, I was the problem. The zero waste lifestyle is something that I am so passionate about that I didn't take the time to think about the big picture before preaching to others around me. Of course, I still encourage everyone to bring their own cups and utensils but I don't order people to start this drastic change in grocery their shopping routine and I don't tell them to buy all of these jars and sustainable products because that is simply NOT my place.

I grew up in a middle class family where my basic needs were always taken care of. I never had to worry about where my next meal was coming from, if I had a place to sleep or if I had the support to live my life the way I wanted. My parents were extremely accommodating to different dietary changes, which made my life very easy. When I moved out, I worked, studied and did whatever I was passionate about without ever really feeling concerned about money which made this lifestyle a possibility for me. I honestly can't say that I would be zero waste if I had to worry about affording my groceries or rent and I think that this is where privilege comes in and where we as a community, need to step back and focus on the big picture.

As much as I love the zero waste community, I also think that we need to start understanding that this is not an option for everyone. People can change little habits like declining a straw rather than suffering to make ends meet to afford a zero waste lifestyle. There will be people who will try to argue this and say it was a cheaper lifestyle for them but these individuals typically do not have children, a job outside the online community and they typically have access to bulk food stores in their area where as a mother or father with 3 kids, full time job and a low income, can not always make it to these bulk food stores and other grocery stores to make a weeks worth of meals for their children at a reasonable price. This isn't a lifestyle that will be available to everyone unit big name brand grocery stores make it more accessible and affordable. At the end of the day, I am here for my fellow friends in the zero waste community and I'm also here for my friends and families that don't have the privilege to live through this lifestyle. I will always try to educate but I am always open to be educated. That is how I use my privilege in the right way. I would love to hear about your opinions on this topic and have a healthy discussion between subscribers and myself! Until next time, Lilian XO #zerowaste #privledge #trashisfortossers #read #blogging #newblog