# Everything You Need to Know About Eco-Ableism

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/08/everything-you-need-to-know-about-eco-ableism/
- Published: 2021-08-27T00:53:40-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

You might have come across many pictures on the internet where disabled individuals’
have difficulties eating with standard utensils or cups. And, for that reason, plastic
utensils remain the best choice for those with different needs. Simply put, eco-
ableism is a type of ableism or prejudice against individuals who do not have a 
disability.

It seems like the world has been constructed to neglect disabled people’s needs 
and existence, facilitating a never-ending cycle of struggle. Buildings, essential
household items, and the people’s behavior serve as reminders to those who have 
suffered severe injuries that the society, constructed by capable individuals, ignores
their presence. 

The term “eco” refers to environmental activists who fail to consider others who
are less fortunate in their efforts to preserve the [environment](https://greenlivingguy.com/2006/03/the-suburbs-unplugged-nypathink-clean-commute-program-ny-times/).
It highlights a broader problem within the ecological movement: people need greater
diversity in their leaders’ views. You can easily find many disabled people on the
internet who are marginalized for their unique plastic needs.

There are even blogs by some activists attempting to shame people who use disposable
cups or single-use dishes into altering their wasteful habits. But who is in the
wrong? How can the problem of eco [ableism](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/08/reducing-the-amount-of-waste-your-business-produces/)
be tackled in such circumstances? Read on to know more about how [eco-ableism](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/04/asbestos-tips-5-green-living-awareness-ideas/)
makes the lives of disabled people more complex and confusing.

![Everything you need to know about eco ableism](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.
com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/karsten-wurth-0w-uTa0Xz7w-unsplash.jpg?resize=780%
2C520&quality=52&ssl=1 "Everything You Need to Know About Eco-Ableism - The Green
Living Guy")

## How Is Transportation a Major Issue?

Transportation is just another instance of how eco-ableism has infiltrated the sustainability
movement. Walking, riding a bike, or using public transit are essential methods 
for ordinary people to [travel](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/05/what-is-sustainable-travel/).
However, some individuals with [physical impairments](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/disability-and-health)
are unable to use these modes of transportation.

Instead, one of the most influential and valuable modes of transportation is driving
or utilizing a vehicle designed for people with particular physical impairments.
Wheelchair-accessible cars, such as [3 wheel mobility scooters](https://www.scooterdirect.com/3-wheel-travel-scooters.html)**,**
are available for such people.

Individuals may enter, drive, and leave the bike on their own thanks to the front-
loading option, which saves time and offers the driver greater flexibility. Even
though many of these vehicles may emit CO2, they improve the lives and health of
thousands of disabled people.

## Why Is Eco-Ableism a Big Deal?

Many companies and countries have implemented single-use plastic bans to meet the
increasing acceptability of a [zero-waste](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/05/9-awesome-things-you-can-learn-about-cbd/)
environment. [Seattle imposed](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/seattle-plastic-straws-ban-law-violation-fines-restaurants-code-environment-utensils-a8427361.html)
a city-wide prohibition on all disposable utensils and straws in July 2018.

This meant that any company in the city, such as bars, cafes, or clubs, had to stop
utilizing these single-use products. Consequently, many of these places are now 
inaccessible to disabled people who rely on flexible, single-use plastic straws,
forks, and plates to eat.

![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/josh-appel-0nkFvdcM-
X4-unsplash.jpg?resize=780%2C585&quality=52&ssl=1 "josh-appel-0nkFvdcM-X4-unsplash-
The Green Living Guy")

## How Does One Classify What Is Essential?

Many events raise the issue of how the world may reduce waste while yet accommodating
everyone. The solution resides in the perceptions of what is “important” and “non-
essential.” Many people believe that single-use plastics are unnecessary. They may
utilize reusable or biodegradable alternatives. Some people, however, have physical
limitations that need the use of special straws or utensils.

It’s impossible to make washable metal straws that don’t bend or biodegradable straws
that don’t stay dry. Cars are often seen as non-essential, particularly in large
metropolitan areas, where individuals may have short journeys or connections to 
public transit. They may, however, be critical for people who are unable to utilize
public transport without assistance. Overall, people may strive to remove only non-
essential and unnecessary waste while assessing zero waste policies, initiatives,
and lifestyles.

![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/thoa-ngo-FWrvze4cqu4-
unsplash.jpg?resize=780%2C625&quality=52&ssl=1 "thoa-ngo-FWrvze4cqu4-unsplash - 
The Green Living Guy")

## How to Tackle This Problem?

Taking on [eco ableism](https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/how-climate-change-disproportionately-impacts-those-disabilities)
requires a commitment to systemic change. This entails tackling the roots of the
climate problem and social injustice rather than simply the symptoms. It means creating
a whole new future rather than making minor adjustments to the current schedule.

How can groups create a new future that satisfies everyone’s wants while also addressing
the climate crisis? By working together to imagine and dream up new systems and 
solutions.

To do so, the climate movement must prioritize access and inclusiveness. In addition
to wide access choices as standard in all places and roles. We must hear and value
the voices of people with disabilities. People on the margins shouldn’t be treated
as an afterthought, contacted after the fact on plans. Everyone must establish the
program, shape expectations, and develop solutions that satisfy everyone’s requirements.

Climate justice is a phrase in the climate movement to describe climate change as
a moral, social, and political problem rather than simply an environmental concern.
As people are starting to deal with other issues, they need to begin placing ableism
within their climate justice stories. They must also recognize it as a fundamental
problem and focus on how it affects modern society. People need different places
for learning and debate that center on handicapped voices and education and empathy
from non-disabled people currently involved in the climate movement.

## In Conclusion

While environmental preservation is critical, the world must also consider the needs
of people with disabilities. For people with challenges, ableism in prohibiting 
plastic straws is only the tip of the iceberg. It is wrong to assume that those 
who are physically able can contribute in every manner possible to reduce adverse
environmental effects.

So, unless you specifically request it, you may keep disposable cups out of your
café and make them available whenever people need them. It’s beyond time to start
thinking about the needs of the disabled. Both visible and invisible, while also
preserving the environment.

_**Author:** Lisa Dinh_

![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641?
s=300&d=monsterid&r=g)

 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
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