The hidden story of waste
The story of waste starts long before it becomes visible and is deeply embedded in the choices we make. Here are 10 situations that deserve a second thought.
The real story of waste starts long before the waste becomes visible.
When we talk about waste, we talk about waste management, repurposing and recycling. But that’s the just the tip of the iceberg. What’s beneath the water is the crux of the problem, a story that starts much much earlier.
It starts when products are designed.
What purpose do they serve, how long should they last, how many people can use them, what happens at the end of life
It builds up when products are manufactured.
What materials are used, how easily can they be recycled
And the finale is what we buy and how we use it
What products we choose to buy, what quantities and how often, how we use them, do we try to repair
The rest - what we do after we are finished using, whether we try to recycle, what waste management practices get followed is honestly just the postscript.
So today, to celebrate the #InternationalDayOfZeroWaste (March 30) I want to talk about the finale - what, how much and how we choose to buy and present to you 10 situations where we should be asking the tough questions way before ‘waste’ comes into picture!
Food waste
#1: When you are the supermarket/ ordering groceries
Does this fit into my meal plan for the week?
Is this the quantity I need or am I buying it because there's a good deal?
Will I be actually able to use it before it goes bad?
#2: When you are ordering food for yourself/ guests
Do I really want the large fries or am I getting it just because it’s a good deal?
Am I over-ordering just to be safe?
Plastic waste
#3: When you are travelling/ going to a conference/ just stepping out anytime!
Can I carry my own water bottle and avoid picking up bottled water?
#4: When you are planning a get-together/ inviting friends over
Can I use reusable cutlery instead of single use cutlery? (Think paper/ plastic glasses, disposable plates, spoons, tissues)
#5: When you're ordering a drink
Do I really need a straw or can I actually just drink from a glass? (Very valid question if you are more than 5 years old)
Packaging waste
#6: When you're placing an E-commerce order
Can I avoid the disproportionate packaging waste by buying at a local store ? (e.g. when you order 1 bulb on Amazon, it comes wrapped in 3 ft of bubble wrap)
#7: When you're shopping at the supermarket
Can you carry your own bags to avoid getting more bags?
Can you choose items that come in refillable packs?
Can you buy loose veggies instead of plastic wrapped ones?
Fashion waste
#8 When you're thinking of buying new clothes
Do I really need new clothes?
Am I shopping cause I am bored or need a ‘pick-me-up’?
Can I borrow it if it's going to be a one-time use?
Can I buy second hand or repurpose something I already have?
#9. When you are actually buying new clothes (after having gone through #8)
Will the garment I am buying last long?
Is this a new trend that I will have to dispose in 3 months or can this be something to keep?
Can I choose a material that can be reused/ recycled more easily?
Am I buying this cause I need it or cause its a good deal?
Electronic waste
#10. When buying a new personal gadget
Do I need to replace the gadget now? Am I buying something that will become obsolete in a year again?
The story of waste is the story of consumption and a story of choice. Every choice we make at the point of consumption shapes the waste we generate at the end of the products life. By pausing to ask these simple questions, we shift from being passive consumers to conscious decision-makers. Waste isn’t just what we throw away—it’s what we allow in. So the next time you are in one of these situations, take a moment to rethink—because the best waste is the one we never create.
Are there are other questions you’d like to add in here? Drop a comment!