Don’t Let Perfect Get in the Way of Good

Recently I had to remind myself not to let perfect get in the way of good. I was participating in the Plastic Free July Movement and initially it was going great. Little changes made over the last few years were keeping plastics at bay. Then on a trip to visit family it all fell apart. I had to remember that it’s a journey; that it’s about progress and not perfection. That all the small stuff counts even with some setbacks.

Zero Waste vs Low Waste

As a family, we have never achieved a year’s worth of waste that fits into a jar and I don’t know that we ever will. We typically have a chip size bag of waste per month. Not perfect, but certainly good in the grand scheme of things.

For the most part, the movement of reducing your waste and your impact has been known as Zero Waste. I have often found that the term is slightly insincere and even elitist. I know that Zero Waste is just a goal to strive for, but I prefer the term Low Waste. It doesn’t seem as all or nothing to me and is arguably more inclusive. Everyone needs to feel welcome. Action and progress are what count and the more people that are involved, the better. The Zero Waste Chef‘s certainly has a way with words. Her quotes often remind me about not letting perfect get in the way of good.

“We don’t need a handful of people doing Zero Waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly.”

Anne-Marie Bonneau

Don’t Let Perfect Get in the Way of Good

I see flaws in the absolute view of environmentalism, sustainability and Zero Waste. When it all comes down to it, no one is perfect and everyone can be called out as a hypocrite in some shape or form. Oops, your kid used a straw. Doh, you forgot your reusable coffee mug. Oh, you eat meat once in a while… Ah Man, you worked a super long day and got Take-Out…

Looking around I see energy being wasted when people call each other out rather than focus on action, progress, staying engaged, involved, and being inclusive. I’ve learned to ask (more) questions, and demand change. I’m choosing to spend my energy positively.

“We don’t have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in the process of change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.”

Howard Zinn

What got me thinking

Travelling and visiting family is what got me to thinking about all of this. That and failing the Plastic Free July Challenge.

Is it me, or do we learn more from failures that just getting things right? From the second a person starts travelling, single use plastics comes at you from every direction. I’ve learned to have a plan for how to fend off plastic and be well prepared. Check out my previous blog posts for helpful hints.

• 3 Easy steps to Reduce Your Waste, as Every Little Bit Counts
• Daily Zero Waste Kit and Essentials
• A Beginner’s Guide to Plastic Free July
• Top 10 + items found in coastal or beach cleanups and how to rid them from your life

We arrived at our destination and visited family. This is where things can get tricky. We have family that grew up in a time where plastic first hit the market, back when the magical word of “disposable” was invented. Back in the early days when people were convinced to give up their quality reusable products for cheap throwaway plastic for the sake of convenience. They were sold on the endless cycle of buying cheap disposable stuff while never thinking of the true cost. So many things barely get used and go straight to the trash. So, in my effort to do better, all I can do is lead by example and offer subtle tips for making small changes. Every small change is a win.

Flash Forward

Disposable has made its way into everyday thinking. From fast fashion to disposable electronics then on to disposable major appliances; the list goes on. It’s too easy to just blame previous generations with slags like “okay boomer”, but consider that so many of us are actually worse today. Can you say “Keeping up with the Kardashians!”?

How do we bridge the gap between the Kardashians and Greta Thunberg? Maybe we expend our energy on positive change, access good information, learn along the way and make better informed decisions? You can even learn so much from a simple quote.

“There is no such thing as ‘away’. When we throw anything away it must go somewhere.”

Annie Leonard

In the End

We are all in this together; we can’t ignore that the things we do, use, buy, wear and eat have a greater impact on the world around us. Our actions can have a ripple effect as we are all connected.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Margaret Mead

We can all be a part of the change that we wan’t to see.

I’m focussed on small wins, I’ll keep trying and won’t let setbacks get me down.

Live your values and know that you are making a difference. With every action you are demanding change.

Remember, don’t let perfect get in the way of good.

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Thanks for reading,

Pat