Member-only story
Zero Waste? How About 20% Waste?
It is admirable to strive for zero waste. In reality, it is incredibly difficult and time consuming at this stage of our global manufacturing, sourcing and recycling capabilities. Those who make the effort, you are to be applauded. World governments would be wise to echo praises, award zero-waste achievers, special status, such as tax breaks. Make you a positive example for the rest of us. The search engine companies and, big tech could make your blogs more visible. Oscar winners could give you a shout-out.
Social platforms could operate on a similar algorithm, a search on “how to” videos could be designed to favor video makers emphasizing using non-toxic materials, or only natural ingredients.
A search for “beauty products” or “cheap sunglasses” could be augmented to include a sidebar highlighting companies who make the most eco-friendly products. Capitalism (with fair controls, versus unconstrained) is the best economic platform to move us to a zero-waste culture sooner. If large companies were economically (tax breaks, consumer awareness, etc.) incentivized, it makes sense corporations would adapt more quickly. Some may think its fool-hearted to think big tech or global conglomerates would change. They will if the masses demand it. After all, their motivation is profit. If tax incentives and consumer habits changed dramatically, so would the manufacturers.
