Does Zero Waste have a Gender Problem?

The Gender Representation Issue

With zero waste week, I wanted to take a look at the elephant in the room when it comes to environmental efforts and the zero waste movement. The movement has exploded in recent years; more and more people are making the move. This is fantastic! It is amazing to see so many thinking twice about how they handle waste in their home, workplace and life in general. This is a tremendous net win for environmentalism. However, there is a problem though; one that affects the movement, eco-friendliness and the future of our planet. The zero waste movement has a gender problem.

Sadly, zero waste adoption is one with a primarily female public presence and participation. Whilst it is good that so many women are embracing the lifestyle and publicly promoting and pushing the cause; the lack of male representation is alarming. Though, the thing that bothers me is that appears to be by choice. Ultimately this suggests a deep-rooted problem societally that needs to be addressed.

Where Culture and Zero Waste Collide

Whilst the zero waste movement and environmentalism has a gender representation issue, they most certainly are not the issue itself. This is down to men opting not to publicly participate and the blame exists with cultural perception of gender roles (i.e. what is considered masculine or feminine), a patriarchal political system and the continued societal adoption of toxic masculinity.

Is Environmentalism Inherently Feminist?

There is no doubt that environmentalism is a feminist issue. Worldwide, women in oppressed communities suffer because of global warming. When a drought hits in regions struggling with poverty; it isn’t the men that walk further to get water. Yet, climate change affects all people and all living things.
So, whilst it is a ‘feminist issue’ it equally a humanitarian issue (among other collectives too). We all share this world and we all share responsibility.

Is Environmentalism Inherently Feminine?

Environmentalism is an issue that affects women and the feminist movement, it also affects everyone else. We’re talking about an undeniable global issue. One that men and women should be working together to rectify. However, there is a question as to whether taking an eco-friendly stance is inherently feminine. Culturally, I’d argue it is perceived so.

Eco-friendliness has ties to nature and greenness; which societally many men will stereotype with things such as femininity, fertility, flowers and such. Participation in which might lead to peer ridicule and feelings of emasculation. Of course, whether or not it is the reality that these things are exclusively feminine (I believe they aren’t) becomes irrelevant at this stage because the mindset is in already in place that this thing is masculine and that thing is feminine and it self perpetuates over generations.

The Role Patriarchy Plays in Zero Waste Efforts

In the UK, as of 2017 parliament’s female representation sat at only 32%. An all-time high but still predominately male by an unacceptable proportion. There is a strong argument for our government and society still firmly being a patriarchy.

A proportion of men (and even some of the women) in a position of power in the UK are of backgrounds where they are more likely to support corporate and business interests over personal and environmental ones. At least without voter intervention. There are exceptions and some very prominent ones at that. Numerous MP’s and even former Prime minister Theresa May have spoken in favour of Zero Waste and environmental efforts.

What it all comes down to though is left alone, the current system and mentality continues as is. Nothing changes and a largely male representation with a cultural perception in need of changing will make the wrong decisions. Meaning that education and awareness coupled with an increased female presence are the most obvious solutions.

On a more house-by-house level; managing the home still falls primarily with women. Although these numbers are changing and for the better; it is still common in heterosexual familial situations for the man to work and the woman to stay at home. What this can lead to as an almost dismissive attitude towards the management of what products bought are used; as it is ‘her’ domain. Meaning, that the household faces of home based environmentalism and zero waste solutions, tend to be female. As patriarchy things them this way.

How Toxic Masculinity Delays Zero Waste Progress

Toxic masculinity refers to traits associated with patriarchy that are inherently destructive. Traits such as aggression, lack of emotional depth, indifference or critical attitude towards femininity.

If we take the stance that going ‘zero waste’ (as an act of environmentalism) is in some way feminine. The ongoing cultural continuation of toxic masculinity would be extremely damaging towards that.

Unfortunately, I believe this is a factor.

Culturally, we have created an attitude where men should behave in a very narrow way. According to a definition of masculine that limits emotional capacity and promotes peer hostility. Talking about what rubbish goes where, about who gets hurt and what affects the planet and how does not fit into this. Fortunately, neither do all men.

Zero Waste Does Not Have A Gender Problem, Society Does!

Going forward, this is something that I think the zero waste movement needs to take on board. Improving gender politics and cultural acceptance of what is (pointlessly) considered masculine or feminine detracts from the message, mentality and end goal we (as zero-wasters) are trying to accomplish. The fact that it impacts us, says how big an issue is. Truth be told, vegetarianism and veganism have the same issues.

From a ZW point of view, I believe it has become important for male participants to step forward. To blog, to talk about their efforts on social media and to put their faces out there. Much like with the mental health movement, a few men doing so will lead to others and it will build. This will require support from other zero-wasters (regardless of gender) to promote, to point out the rareness and offer encouragement. I realise how bad that sounds, I don’t mean for gratification but making a point of it makes others aware and likely to encourage other men in their lives too. From an organiser point-of-view, being active in supporting, encouraging and sharing is vital too. Though, I already know this is the case.

As a species, we need to accept that gender differences aren’t all biological. Some are cultural and these need to change. Much in the way that as a species, we need to accept that we all have a responsibility to this planet. Gender, race and class are irrelevant.