COMMITTING TO ZERO WASTE IN A CONSUMERIST CULTURE

The zero-waste movement first gained publicity in the USA between 1998 to 2002. The movement’s main aim is the conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption and reuse.

- RADHIKA DORAISINGAM

However, for many who practice the zero-waste lifestyle do not adhere to the principles strictly, but instead choose to adopt a middle path of low waste. Interestingly, the more middle approach adopted in Malaysia where awareness and application of the main tenets of zero waste lifestyle are only now budding.

The Klang Valley alone is home to more than 15 zero waste stores selling an assortment of necessities and products such as locally bought produce, make up, handcrafted Batik bags, face masks and even food safe washing and cleaning supplies. Business Today speaks to Cheryl Tan from NUDE, on the accessibility of zero waste options to Malaysians and she had this to say.

“Zero waste does not mean zero money in your pocket. The prices are very affordable and reasonable. We source for products in bulk and it’s on par with hypermarkets and not lower,” Tan points out.

Nonetheless, money may not always be the one factor limiting accessibility as Tan tells Business Today. Although there are several zero waste stores in urban centres, rural parts of Malaysia remain underserved.

“The urban key market centres are doing pretty well, it’s the rural areas that are lacking. What’s happening is that the larger organisations that distribute products in the rural areas do not have the proper recycling programme to support what they are distributing,” Tan believes.