Most people have problems with taking things for granted. Whether it be food, plastic, clothing, even time, the current environmental crisis calls for reconsidering priorities. Humans produce tons of trash in a single year and it is paramount that this changes.

The sustainability movement includes an array of different people advocating for the planet. Over the last few years, a “zero-waste” branch has rapidly grown from the environmentalism tree. The objective of which is producing as little waste as possible. 

An individual American is estimated to throw away five pounds of trash per day. This trash makes its way into landfills where it then uses large amounts of land waiting years to fully decompose. This destructive behavior is caused by convenience economies and the unaccountability they promote. When people desire something, they feel entitled to receiving it as fast and cheap as possible. In a capitalist society, these beliefs are viewed as inciting healthy competition between companies to appeal to more customers. The cycle of overproduction and overconsumption is then perpetuated.. 

However, these big corporate polluters are starting to feel the sting from environmentalist movements like the zero-waste initiative. A regeneration of neighborhood markets are popping up across the country, they’re more holistic and are pulling customers away from their usual grocery stores.

These shops, online or brick and mortar, sell their goods completely package free. Many include local and organic products to other earth-conscious businesses. The storefronts carry bulk ingredients and refill bins that customers have access to. People can come in with their own reusable containers, jars, and bags, or buy them inside. Customers only buy the amount they need and are charged accordingly. The prices are usually higher than bigger chains, but the carbon footprint for the company, and the consumer, is significantly lower. These prices should fall as the businesses grab more attention. 

In the digital age, online shopping can be done in a few clicks, but at what cost? Increased transportation of shipping and delivery trucks is only worsening the climate crisis. Personal greed is the prerogative without any second thought to the well-being of the planet. In spite of this, people are educating themselves in mass numbers on harmful packaging, plastic pollution, and climate change. People vote with their dollar and sustainable products continue rising in demand.