Talking to relatives about zero waste
Fall break is finally here. Many of us are probably planning to travel home for the holidays and may face the difficult task of teaching our relatives about the zero waste ideologies that we have grown to love here at CU. This is a very tricky topic to bring up with relatives who simply do not care about recycling or producing less waste as a whole. There is a very thin line between educating, sharing your passion for living sustainably and sounding like a know-it-all.
Implementing recycling into one’s lifestyle takes time and practice, and is most successful when someone cares about the impact they are making and can understand the role they are playing in our society’s fight against the climate crisis. Drawing from online resources and my own personal experience, I have devised a list of tools that I think are most effective in discussing zero waste living habits with family and friends.
Explain the impact
Okay, I understand that going home for six days may not transform your parents and grandparents into climate activists. But it could be the start. When you are traveling home, consider a few goals that you want to emphasize while you are around your family. Maybe teach them to always recycle glass and aluminum. Or convince them to bring a reusable bag to the grocery store every time. Even the smallest step of having them bring a reusable mug to work instead of buying Starbucks everyday can save thousands of cups from ending up in the landfill. Small actions have huge impacts and these actions can domino into bigger impacts. Everyone starts somewhere.
Offer resources
YouTube videos and online articles are a perfect way to share resources without being too overbearing. Create a list of your favorite facts, articles, videos, Netflix documentaries or social media accounts to share with your loved ones. Most towns also have access to common recycling guidelines. Printing a guide to recycling helps new recyclers, since zero waste practices are constantly changing and there is a big learning curve!
Lead by example
As I learn more about zero waste living and sustainability, the most inspirational people to me are the ones who care and act silently. Convincing your loved ones to care about the environment doesn’t always have to be a conversation or argument. We notice small things that others do and mirror actions of people that we love. If you want people to take your advice, the best thing you can do is hold yourself accountable and strive to do better each and every day. If you do have a conversation, here are some tips:
- Avoid being condescending
- Be careful not to come from a place of privilege
- Don’t be a know-it-all
- Try to avoid politicizing topics
- Don’t preach
- Be mindful of cultural differences
The climate crisis will not be beaten by anyone alone, but by a joint collaboration amongst many people. We are all in this together.