23/08/2021
The Rubbish Trip have some fascinating stats in this post about just how much less waste goes to landfill in a lockdown because our economy is linear, not circular.
OK, we’re taking a break from socials for Level 4 unless we need to share something REALLY important.
Last lockdown we had no boundaries & worked non-stop. We came out exhausted & we never properly recuperated from the endless screen time.
We’re not repeating that mistake!
The very normal human response to the uncertainty of lockdown is to feel anxious, distracted & to find it hard to concentrate – all things we feel right now.
When we’re in that headspace, we find social media makes it worse.
So, we’re disappearing from these spaces temporarily. This doesn’t mean we aren’t working away on zero waste! In fact, we’re very focused on continuing our zero waste advocacy throughout lockdown, we just know we’ll do a better job if we’re not on social media during this time.
We are VERY lucky that, like last lockdown, we’re able to maintain our zero waste lifestyle again this time. We’re focusing on being grateful for that because keeping up with zero waste living is hugely important to our personal wellbeing during these times. However, we’re letting go of the sense of duty to share posts about how we’re doing it.
Also, we're aware that for many people, thinking about waste reduction right now may increase anxiety.
We want you to know that it’s OK. Do what you can, but look after yourselves! Last lockdown, even tho household rubbish DID increase a lot, overall rubbish to landfill still plummeted by over 100,000 tonnes compared to the month prior - 162,160 tonnes to landfill in April 2020 compared to 279,398 tonnes in March 2020… (Sadly it shot up again in May).
Why? Because most businesses weren't operating. So, it's highly likely it'll be the same situation this time too - overall, we'll be landfilling less than usual.
Let this be both a consolation AND a BIG reminder of what we need to do when we come out of lockdown.
Right now, we have a linear economy, so when the economy is less active, less waste is produced. If we want to reduce waste during ‘normal’ times, then we have to transition rapidly to a circular economy.
For now, trust that we’re working away on this as usual, despite the radio silence! Please join us again on the other side :-)
