Husbands are the Problem with Zero Waste

The Gender Divide at Home is Killing the Planet

Image courtesy Karolina Grabowska

I’m a member of a Facebook group for folks who are trying to go “zero waste.” In case you’re not familiar with the movement, zero waste is an attempt to remove all “trash” from your life by living more sustainably, avoiding plastic, and reducing waste.

Zero Waste got its start with Bea Johnson, who went viral because she managed to get her family’s trash down to a single jar in one year. Johnson’s movement uses four tenants:

• Refuse: Refuse what you don’t need.
• Reduce: Reduce use of unecessary items.
• Reuse: Reuse what you can.
• Recycle: Recycle what you must.
• Rot: Leave the rest to rot (compost!)

The movement has quickly gained popularity with women, and in particular, housewives or women who have control over family spending. Despite it being 2021, women are still the primary decision-makers when it comes to home goods in 62% of households (Gallup).