Malcolm Wood, co-founder and group managing director of Maximal Concepts, goes head-to-head with Heidi Spurrell, CEO and founder of Future Green, in this month’s great debate
Is it possible to live in a zero-waste society?
Heidi Spurrell: YES
“It is possible for an individual to live a zero waste lifestyle with the right mindset and action. This involves reducing the amount of waste generated by making conscious choices every day. This includes choosing reusable items instead of single use plastics—for example, buying toothpaste that comes in a glass jar, instead of toothpaste tubes; composting food waste; buying food from markets instead of stores; and repurposing materials.
Minimalism also plays a key role in reducing waste when individuals opt to have fewer possessions and focus instead on buying high-quality, long-lasting products. Surroundings play a big role in determining whether zero-waste choices are available, accessible and affordable. A true zero-waste society needs systemic changes to be implemented, such as improving waste management infrastructure and the promotion of sustainable business practices [in order to thrive].
Each individual has the power to make a positive impact through their choices and actions, and collectively, these actions can drive change and contribute to a more sustainable future. A zero-waste lifestyle is achievable for an individual, and it has benefits such as a reduced carbon footprint and cost savings.”
Malcolm Wood: NO
“Unfortunately, I don’t believe it’s possible to live in a zero-waste society. There is waste created at every level of our existence, and even in a circular economy, there will always be waste. For example, everything we use to live, move, work and travel has a cost to the environment. Even growing vegetables uses up nutrients in the soil. We are designed to consume, but this doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t strive for [zero-waste]. We must learn to live with the lowest impact on the environment and figure out where we can replenish or reduce our impact.
If we consistently strive towards a zero-waste society, we can help reduce our [harmful] impact on the world, which could give us more time to innovate and find solutions. We need to really consider our carbon impact. Buying a Tesla may seem to be carbon neutral in regard to emissions, but we need to take into consideration the carbon cost of manufacturing. When it comes to luxury goods, if you can’t afford to offset [the purchase] with carbon offsets, you shouldn’t be buying it."