Wanderlust Reduce, Reuse…Recycle? Rethinking the Waste Hierarchy

I have long hoped someone would write an article that would help people understand the links between waste and climate change, the benefits of reusing over composting or recycling, and how to recognize greenwashing. It's finally here. In Thanks for Feasting Sustainably, Ali Smith cuts through the misinformation and interviews composting experts to better understand why compostable packaging is not the green solution that many believe it is. Throughout the article, she highlights local businesses that are trying to do their best for the planet, whether by using lightweight, recyclable aluminum packaging or by getting started in the new reuse economy.

The fact that packaging is not recyclable or compostable in the way that it is labeled is a huge problem and is not really considered at the highest levels right now. The latest US infrastructure bill provides $ 75 million to fund public relations campaigns about how and where to recycle. What is the use of making sure Americans toss plastics in the right bins when the plan appears to support emission-intensive, oil-industry friendly "solutions" like chemical recycling, but * not * many of the points made in the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act ? It sounds like a lot of money is being spent convincing people that recycling works just so the oil industry can make up for its losses in the transportation sector.

Judith Enck, President of Beyond Plastics and my absolute heroine, put it clearly by pointing out that any seven year old in the United States can say the call to reduce, reuse and recycle, but "we (adults) keep skipping" the first rungs. "

Socially and environmentally damaging solutions, as complicated as they may be, are often ignored in favor of the equally complicated pseudo-solutions favored by big moneyers with a keen interest in maintaining the status quo. Enough of us have enough ambition to overcome this; The question is whether we can do this at the speed that the climate crisis requires.

Really effective solutions lie in the transition to a more circular economy.

The Circularity Gap Report

The Circularity Gap Report states, “The circular economy offers a systematic approach to achieving a safe and equitable space. By preventing waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible, and regenerating natural systems, it promises to meet people's needs without crossing the planet's boundaries Circular economy strategies could reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by 39%. The report suggests concrete measures that countries at different levels of economic development can take to incorporate circular solutions into their climate commitments.
For any measure, including water use, reuse emits fewer emissions than all types of single-use packaging, be it plastic (read how plastic production is more emissions than coal by 2030) or “compostable” (read why .) problematic here). It is comforting for me to see that other startups are working to make circular reusable solutions accessible. What I would like to see is bigger investments in these solutions so that we can capitalize on their real emission reduction potential.

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Lauren Sweeney is the co-founder of DeliverZero, a network of reusable containers that makes it easy for customers to order takeaway and delivery in reusable packaging. As CMO at DeliverZero, she brings a community-first approach to marketing. Through the connection she has established with DeliverZero customers, Lauren regularly shares a large dose of climate optimism about the links between climate change and waste. She believes that truly addressing the climate crisis will bring out the best in humanity and create a more equitable world. She lives in New York City with her daughter and practices Kundalini Yoga whenever she can.

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