Zero Waste
Throughout this class I have been amazed at the information provided. It is astonishing to me that we are so dependent upon things that are not only bad for the environment, but our own health. Moreover, most of us may never come to know that we are purchasing toxins, and distributing them throughout the world. Therefore, I have been both challenged to consider any changes that can be implemented within my life which could improve my own health and the environment's health.
The zero waste video was one such video that compelled me to consider taking actions to affect positive changes in my lifestyle habits, which could also benefit the environment. It was incredible that Lauren Singer, in the TED Talk for Zero Waste, was able to reduce her waste output by 90%, through the changes she had made in her life. Primarily, she had eliminated the use of plastics and output of waste by creating her own products, buying second-hand clothing, and composting. Not only has she been able to reduce her waste output, but she has certainly reduced her personal BPA exposure, saved money, and substantially reduced her negative impact on the environment.
However, it should be noted that such changes as as a zero waste life takes a strong commitment. As Lauren Singer mentioned in the Ted Talk, we are heavily dependent and programmed to indulge in a consumerist culture, which has us constantly purchasing products to sustain our lifestyles. To cease continuing in this consumerist culture could almost be akin to a drug addict halting there use of an addictive substance. Therefore, a thorough knowledge and dedication to a zero waste life would be necessary prior to implementing such an action in one's life. As for myself, I'm certainly compelled to continue researching how to live a zero wast life.
Overall, I have come to believe our whole culture needs a complete overhaul, in order to truly have a significantly positive impact on our environment. We are too heavily reliant on plastics, and the corporations that supply these plastics. Consequently, there is a cyclical process from consumer to manufactured products which feeds into the overall waste distributed over the entire world. Positive changes in such a system require effective policies based in science, and possibly generations of gradual changes within our own culture.
Hi Samuel,
ReplyDeleteIt is astounding that Lauren was able to reduce her waste production by 90% through the implementation of three changes: composting, buying in bulk/second-hand, and self-made products. As I previously mentioned, my five-person family reduced our waste production significantly when we started composting. Now, we only create one garbage bag a week compared to the two or three we used to produce. Even though we still have a long way to go to reduce our waste, this was definitely an improvement. What are some of the changes you could make to reduce your household waste?
ReplyDeleteHi! Samuel,
It was very impressed how much Lauren Singer has been reduced her waste. I agree with that we are heavily dependent to consumerist culture because of its convenience. We are too used to have anything that is easy and convenient to use and don’t consider the effects from it. As you mentioned, we cannot imagine to sustain the life without using plastics. There are various ways to reduce using of plastics. In particular, when we order the foods for to-go, we can bring our own containers. This is not convenient way to live the life, but very healthy way to live the life.