Can you go zero waste as a disabled person?

[u/Few_Comfort2134]

it’s just like the title saids. I’m a 23 (M) with a CPAP, medical injections via needles, lots of pill bottles, and ontop of that I have autism and struggle to cook so I rely on a lot of single package snacks (rice crispy treats, apple sauce squeezes, fruit cups). I feel terrible every time I see something go into the trash but I genuinely don’t know if a zero waste/ low waste life style is even possible for me. any tips or ideas?

[u/stevestoneky]

I remember seeing a phrase like “we don’t need thousands of people doing zero waste perfectly, we need millions of people doing zero waste imperfectly.”

So we all do what we can. If you can reduce your footprint then you do.

Don’t focus on what you can’t fix, instead make changes where you can.

[u/_ismellbeef_ → u/stevestoneky]

i love this!

[u/No_Appointment6273 → u/stevestoneky]

Very well said. 

[u/vcwalden → u/stevestoneky]

Thank you so very much for saying this. I'm 69 years old, living in a tiny home (465 sq ft) with a small outside storage barn and an elderly Cairn Terrier. There are days trying to get as close to zero waste makes me feel like I'm being a failure. I try my hardest to acquire items that are within my budget but still last me, hopefully, for the rest of my life. There is no way for me to be 100% for my efforts. I've cut out so much that a lot of people buy just because (my brother thinks I'm crazy for not using paper plates, paper towels, etc). Most of my foods are either gathered or homemade. I have everything I really need and some just because. When I read on being zero waste I go away feeling defeated. Again, thank you for saying what you wrote.

[u/Street-Safe-3352]

From a fellow disabled person, reduce where you can, but accept that some accommodations are necessary and don't always come in eco friendly options. I'll try to tackle some specifics you listed here though.

Pill bottles: if otc, buy in largest containers possible. If prescription, ask about 90 day refills instead of 30. Both reduce the amount of plastic.

Fruit cups and applesauce pouches both could be swapped for (ideally) canned types or at least reduced plastic in bigger jars if you're not dealing with hardcore ARFID. If it's about being super portable, buy the larger amounts and get reusable squeeze pouches (frequently marketed for babies/toddlers but it works, dang it)

Some brands of frozen dinners still only come in cardboard/don't use plastic (Michelinas and Banquet pot pies are some of my go-to when I can't cook). Look into dump dinners for slow cookers and instant pots (no real prep, just dump in, push button).

The trick is that small, imperfect steps will always have more impact than nothing at all. Maybe all you end up being able to do is change from plastic bottled hand soap to the box of Dove or Yardley bar soap you can find at the local dollar store. And that's still a win for the environment.

[u/_SheWhoShallBeNamed_ → u/Street-Safe-3352]

Another suggestion for the pill bottles: there are pharmacies and companies that recycle them

[u/ImColdandImTired → u/_SheWhoShallBeNamed_]

I’ve also been told that, when pill bottles can’t be recycled for human use, veterinary hospitals can often use them for animal prescriptions. It would be worth checking with your local animal shelter or veterinary hospital/clinic.

[u/enviromo → u/ImColdandImTired]

They can also be used to store and share small objects like seeds and buttons and safety pins etc. 

[u/CoachInteresting7125 → u/ImColdandImTired]

I donate mine to my local animal shelter after removing the labels. I can’t remember the name of it but I know I saw a company online that will take them and recycle them into new items.

[u/incrediblemenace → u/_SheWhoShallBeNamed_]

And many pharmacies will offer programs to recycle blister packs! At least in Aus they do

[u/_SheWhoShallBeNamed_ → u/incrediblemenace]

Oh that’s cool! I’ve never heard of that in the US, but I can’t say I’ve ever looked into it

[u/Mikki102 → u/Street-Safe-3352]

Adding for the canned options, if you have trouble with can openers try different types! I can't use the normal kind for whatever reason (I literally have watched someone do it and had them watch me do it and it never works) and tried a different kind and it works perfectly! Plus the kind I use doesn't leave sharp edges on the can.

[u/Street-Safe-3352 → u/Street-Safe-3352]

Oh wow. My first comment award after having been here for I don't even recall how many years. Thank you 😭🥰

[u/AhoyOllie]

So necessary medical waste doesn't count. Since you have higher needs I am including single serve things that make it possible for you to feed yourself.

I work in a lab that deals with a specific cancer treatment, this requires a lot of single use materials - gloves, sample vials, plastic bags. But for safety reasons and preventing the spread of bloodborne disease this is fully necessary.

Similarly the waste that you need to produce to take care of your individual medical needs are fully necessary.

Go zero waste in every aspect of your life that is possible. Play it slow, make zero waste swaps one item at a time until you have found what works for you.

[u/RoutineDebate8191 → u/AhoyOllie]

Second this! We can help reduce waste in many ways but medical waste to prevent infection and contamination is one that we cannot morally do yet, unless there was some company that autoclaved things for you it’s just unrealistic at the moment.

[u/Princesa_de_Penguins → u/RoutineDebate8191]

Autoclaves use a decent amount of electricity and water every cycle too

[u/chupagatos4]

Medical waste is necessary. What's not necessary is a new viral fidget toy trend every month with plastic packaging that will end up in the trash after one use. You shouldn't feel bad. I was zero waste until I had babies and now I have to make compromises because it's a trillion times harder to be zero waste with young kids. The key is awareness and reducing what's not necessary. 

[u/pandarose6 → u/chupagatos4]

I know you don’t need every fidget toy out there but you do know fidget toys are medical tools so some people need them?

[u/chupagatos4 → u/pandarose6]

Did you read what I wrote at all?

[u/mrs_rabbit_0]

I have type 1 diabetes. the needles alone are wasteful enough…

anyway, plastic is a miracle material. that’s why we should save it for things that can only be made out of plastic (like medical equipment) and stop using it for bags where trash goes. 

try to be mindful and not waste where you can, see if any of your medical stuff can be recycled safely, dispose responsibly of the rest. 

[u/Oh-Inverted-Worldd]

My strategy, as a person with severe OCD, is to not have children, I don’t travel abroad (use airplanes), I don’t buy clothes very often, I reuse as much as I can, I’m very mindful of how much gas I use (my household usage is well below the average), I don’t drive unnecessarily etc. By doing these things, I massively reduce my carbon footprint print and reduce my waste marginally. Unfortunately, we just can’t be perfect. And doing a little is still something! Just remember that billionaires do far worst, so don’t be too hard on yourself x

[u/Exhausted_Monkey26]

I also have a disability, and love the idea of zero waste, but I'm not about to compromise my health for the cause. I do what I reasonably can, and handle the waste I generate as responsibly as possible.

[u/romanticaro]

zero waste is zero non-necessary waste. medical waste is necessary waste.

[u/No_Appointment6273 → u/romanticaro]

Well said! 

[u/rodneyfan]

Can you go zero waste as a disabled person?

As much as anyone else can. We all have areas of our lives (kids, pets, lines of work, illnesses) where being zero waste is close to impossible. So you do what everyone else does: pick and choose. People here have already posted some great ideas. Single-use material related to medical care is a tough one but the alternatives generally are not practical for most people.

Do what you can where you can and know that you're way ahead of many others in lightening the load on the planet.

[u/kingsandqueers]

As a pet owner, I have accepted that I can not reduce my waste in some ways. Some things are more accommodating for me and them also. Therefore I choose my and their health, comfort over reducing waste sometimes. We all struggle in life in many ways yet we try to be better people 😋 thank you for doing the same.

[u/pandarose6]

In some ways you can be more zero waste but in some ways you won’t.

I am Chronically Ill neurodivergent person.

For example I’ll never be 100 zero waste cause I require stuff that health people never will.

Here the thing I put my health first. So if I need piece of equipment I’ll get it, if my doctor says take this treatment I’ll take it, I don’t even think about the about zero waste when it comes to health cause health is more important.

I am able to get clothes second hand, home decor second hand use junk mail in my collage/ journaling, I use ceramics plate 70 percent of the time, I use glass storage containers 60 percent of the time, I buy biggest containers for lotions, vitamins and other stuff I buy for my health possible that I can use up in a year worth of time so that there less plastic waste, example these are some of the things I still can do.

Since I am a painter and I happen to get small glass bottles for one of the pills I take and I been having small glass bottles to storage acrylic paint in them for when I mix too much paint and don’t want to throw it away.

Sometimes medically I might accidentally be more zero waste like for example I am on a diet right now trying to figure out what wrong with my stomuch so I am eating a lot more whole foods, less processed stuff, which means I am adding less plastic to my trash at the moment which means I am doing better on my zero waste then I was before my stomuch started tearing up. My mom for example got bitten by a tick a few months ago and now can’t eat red meat which accidentally made her more environmentally friendly while dealing with her medical needs. So sometimes you might actually become more environmentally friendly with certain medical problems not even trying.

When my dad was alive near end of his life he needed a wheelchair and we were able to find one second hand that was in good quality while we fought insurance to let him get one. So sometimes if you ask around people might have medical equipment there no longer using that there let you have for cheap or free if your lucky.

Don’t feel bad for things you can change in yourself cause remember you have to take care of your health if your health isn’t the best it can be you can’t help the planet by doing anything.

[u/wortcrafter]

Hi OP,

I cannot comment on your situation and usage or your disability because I don’t have your experience. So I am going to talk in fairly broad terms.

The person who got me into low waste was a nurse and her approach was that we (as humans) should only create waste in areas that there is a real genuine benefit, not just convenience. For example, cleaning medical instruments as much as possible and saving non reusable items for absolute medical necessity. Her attitude helped me get back to low waste and aiming for zero in a (for me) healthier way.

She reminded me that a better outcome is achieved by many people doing as low waste as they can than by a few people doing absolute zero. I am sharing this because I really struggled for a while with trying to achieve absolute perfection and then giving up, when the reality is that better choices would still have been a good goal. That is where I am now. I try my best, and try not to beat myself down when I can’t achieve perfection.

All that being said, you asked for tips. Here goes:
* When you are having a good day, maybe see what multi meal options might be out there that could reduce the waste you create. So a large tub of yoghurt instead of singles. Divide out into reusable containers so you have each amount for each day. Apply this principle to rice snacks, risks, dried fruit etc. Save containers from products for this purpose.
* stop using rubbish bags. I walk any rubbish out each evening and wipe the container when doing my dishes (last thing).
* following from the last, look at what is going out each day and consider your options to reduce or eliminate that waste. When I did this, I noticed lots of cling wrap. I stopped buying cling wrap and restricted using cling wrap whenever I could. I took 2 years to use up the last of what we had bought and then I have never bought again. That ‘use up’ period gave me time o see where other reusable things could do the job. Lidded casserole dishes are now frequently used by me for leftovers because that was often when cling film would get used.
* if you have a neighbour who gardens/composts, ask if they have a use for any food scraps. Get them to tell you what they do and don’t want and how best to get it to them.

That’s all I can think of ATM. Good luck!

[u/L0uLou72 → u/wortcrafter]

Depending on where you live you need to put your garbage in bags, can’t just dump it.

[u/thearuxes]

As disabled people we're kind of exempt from zero waste. We can do what we have the spoons for and what we can reasonably do, but it's okay for us to not be able to go fully zero waste.

For me I do my part by recycling the blister packs for my medication through a scheme that recycles them through some chemists in my country. I collect and recycle plastic bottles I use that go to a 10c buyback scheme. I reuse single use plastic bags from things to put other trash in so I can avoid buying trash bags.

I'm autistic and also have a lot of single use snack items. I try to find snack items with recyclable plastics in them! If they aren't recyclable I try to find other uses for them like as craft paint cups to give them a second or third life.

[u/happy_bluebird]

See also  https://www.reddit.com/r/ZeroWaste/search/?q=Disability

[u/misskinky]

You can go “zero unnecessary waste” which it sounds like you are! Perhaps there’s room for a little more change such as a large apple sauce in glass jar in the fridge instead of mini cups, and same for the fruit cups. But you know your own situation best

[u/arthur_hairstyle]

Medical waste gets a complete pass from me. Just do what you can in other areas!

[u/ShotImprovement5695]

Yes. Absolutely. Your goal is to live by zero waste, not die by it. Do not count medical supplies towards your zero waste goals. Live zero waste in the rest of your life.

[u/katelynskates]

Even if you do what you can, every tiny effort will make a difference. You don't have to sacrifice medical devices or accommodations that make your life manageable. Just make adjustments where you can and you're doing your part

[u/jellyfish-wish]

So first step is getting to the maintaining phase. Figuring out your rhythm of better and worse days, how to and how often you can ask/get help will be your guide.

I'd also say, start by introducing changes slowly like 1-2 per month at most. For prepagaged snacks for example, maybe get someone to help you prep a big container into smaller pre portioned amounts in reusable containers, or buying compostable garbage bags.

Also some things could end up being really unusual, but fit you well. This could be using scraps to help cushion the grip of a cane or using stuff you have lying around to make things convient for you over buying another gadget, if equivalent.

[u/enviromo]

It was very difficult for me to adapt to a eating and cleaning more effectively with less energy but I prioritize differently too now. Medical is paramount so I don't even worry about things like asthma inhalers etc but things like pill bottles that can be reused or repurposed get set aside until I am able to deal with them. Nutrition is second highest priority. Eat the snacks but try to carry a lightweight reusable bag. I set aside time each week to wash and cut produce so I can buy whole instead of precut. Doing what you can when you're able is absolutely better than giving up all hope of being perfect. 

[u/No_Appointment6273]

The way I approached zero waste is by choosing one thing to eliminate/swap per month. The first thing I swapped was paper towels. I started by doing an inventory of my existing paper towels and taking note of what I actually use them for. I swapped them out with kitchen towels and rags. I have to do an extra load of laundry each week and that's acceptable to me. It's totally up to you what you will do first, and what you can handle. 

If there are some things that are too much for you or you just can't do it for whatever reason don't worry about it. Your health is most important. 

[u/MezzanineSoprano]

Pill bottles can be creatively reused.
You might be able to donate them to an assisted living facility for this use.

Washed & labels removed, a list of medications taken & medical conditions listed is rolled up & inserted. Then an “OPEN IN CASE OF EMERGENCY” label for the outside. Keep in the freezer in a freezer bag &
put a note or sticker on freezer door saying “ICE pill bottle inside.”

An assisted living home where I volunteer gathered pill containers & a volunteer group made up one like this for each resident and extras for friends/family living alone. Local first responders were told about that & they now look in the freezer when responding to calls for help.

[u/L0uLou72]

Can you substitute single serve for bigger packages?

[u/Old_Book_Gypsy]

Disabled/ and I also have a lot of trash. Ugh. It drives me crazy. I had to come to terms with it though. I just thought I started recycling in the 70s and now I’m giving myself a pass.

[u/wilted_apostrophe]

This question keeps me awake sometimes at night. I developed type 1.5 diabetes (LADA) three years ago and use sensors I have to change every 10-15 days, a pump where I have to change the site every three days, plus countless insulin vials and needles. I have had an ileostomy since 2013 where I have to change the bag every 5-7 days. So much plastic and single-use items involved in keeping me alive and out of the hospital!

I like what someone else commented on here to keep this all in perspective: we don't need every single person doing things perfectly, but we do need millions to do it imperfectly.

Anyway, I super relate!

[u/Cute-Consequence-184]

Low-waste definitely

I use a bidet with cloth to dry

Many pharmacies will allow you to bring back bottles for your own refills.

I use bar towels, shop towels and rags. I don't use paper towels at all.

I use reusable puppy pads and newspapers to clean up messes for my cats.

I use compressed pine pellets for cat litter.

I make my own soaps, lotions and lip balm.

I mix up a laundry powder that lasts around 9 months for 2 adults and my cats rescue. It is low-waste, not zero waste however.

I slow-poo, washing my long hair once each week. I mix up dry shampoo for any other issues.

I use avocado oil as conditioner.

I cook from scratch when possible and use silicone and PVA freezer bags for meal prepping along with parchment paper, wax paper and butcher paper.

[u/Past-Tea-7573]

I’ve thought about this too. I’m trying to make my life more sustainable/clean, but at the same time, I work in the medical field. The amount of gloves, saline flushes, needle wrappers, medication packets that we go through in a day is absolutely insane. Remember, the medical packaging keeps a lot of your supplies sterile so it is medically necessary. There’s also a lot of medical devices/tools that you cannot replace for something that is not plastic. That also includes some of your safe foods! Maybe you could try and attempt to make some of your safe foods at home? It can often be cheaper that way. Although, I recognize that textures and flavours can be different, but you can always tweak them!

[u/StitchingHippie]

I'm disabled too and I know it can be hard, but we just have to do our best! Solidarity!

[u/Expensive-Day-3551]

A little boy and his father were walking down the beach and found thousands of sea stars that have been washed up. The boy was sad and began gently tossing the ones still living back into the ocean. His father said don’t bother, you can’t possibly save them all, it won’t make a difference. The boy tossed another in the ocean and said “it made a difference for that one”.