Racism has infected environmentalism, and it definitely has reached into the zero waste movement. That must change, and we all have the power to help.
Indigenous people have incorporated sustainability into their day-to-day lives for thousands of years. Many of the habits we preach were actually created by Black people, Indigenous people, people of color, and poor people.
When someone explains the consequences of plastic pollution, you almost never hear about how most plastic ends up in developing countries like Bangladesh, Laos, Ethiopia, Vietnam, and Ecuador.
The narrative often excludes how other groups of people are directly affected by the climate crisis. The needs of BIPOC people are often overlooked. It’s almost impossible to find eco-friendly makeup for darker skin tones or low-waste haircare for curly and kinky textures.
When we need as many people as possible to live sustainably, why would the zero-waste movement want to shut someone out? Imagine the impact a vibrant sustainability community, strengthened by diversity and inclusion, could have.
Actively support creators of color, buy from sustainable BIPOC-owned businesses whenever possible, and educate yourself about intersectional environmentalism. Each person, brand, and community must always consider others’ needs.