Let's Make Sustainability Inclusive

Culture
Written By Aida Mercado

by Aida Mercado

We all have good intentions in advocating for a healthier planet, but when doing so we can unintentionally look past a part of our community that lives with their own set of gifts and challenges… There is not a one size fits all for sustainability and having a disability only means that our strengths and weaknesses vary. The focus should not be on eliminating what may be essential to some. The focus should be in educating all to do the best our bodies and situations safely allow and to respect those that do it differently.

 

Straws should not be banned

Disabilities like muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy require the use of plastic straws. Reasons may include muscle weakness or paralysis, difficulty swallowing or involuntary movements. Reusables may not be flexible. As a matter of fact, bendable straws were created in the 1930’s by Joseph Friedman and by late 1940’s they gained popularity in hospitals because it allowed patients to safely drink while laying down. Metal straws can get too hot or cold and can represent a safety risk for those with limited jaw control or a facial tic. Additionally, washing reusables properly without assistance can be a challenge.

 

Not everyone can be vegan

Allergies like soy or nuts, which are staples in a vegan diet, may make it more difficult for someone to transition. Also, those that have a wheat allergy or celiac disease and need to keep a gluten free diet or have IBS and must consume what their body can safely digest. Additionally, when you take into consideration that some patients have multiple medical conditions, following a vegan lifestyle could represent a financial burden for the family. On the other hand if a person relies on a caregiver for assistance when preparing dishes, they are limited to consume what is offered to them. The caretaker may not always provide a vegan meal; they may express cultural reasons, insufficient time, or not fully comprehending what creating a well balanced, healthy plant based menu entails.

Pre-chopped vegetables and fruits are important

Patients with arthritis and chronic pain or those with limited hand function may rely on pre- chopped produce to maintain a healthy diet. Instead of advocating to eliminate food accessibility, let’s shift our attention to the corporations. We should contact them, ask them to do better; to consider an alternative lightweight material that can be infinitely recycled, like aluminum. Let’s concentrate on the manufacturers, instead of adding another inconvenience and the responsibility on the consumer.

 

Mobility is required from some sustainable practices

Purchasing in bulk, making your own products, and cleaning a beach or park require mobility. They may require independence, a privilege that many with disabilities do not enjoy. A way to ensure everyone equally participates in sustainable practices is by voting, by holding politicians accountable and advocating for inclusivity when we create new regulations. Simplicity, a more minimalist mindset is also something many of us can enjoy regardless of our physical limitations. Let’s spend more time appreciating nature, less time hiding in a cluttered apartment.

 

Medical waste cannot be avoided

For obvious hygienic reasons there is a lot of single use plastic waste involved in living with a disability. Medications, gloves, injections, are all made disposable which is crucial in order to prioritize someone’s health and safety.

 

As you can see, sustainability is not about perfection, it's simply about accountability, about empathy and humanity, about understanding that our ways may be different, but in the grand scheme of things they are all equally necessary.

Aida Mercado

Eco conscious, vegan, dog mom who wants to help bring environmental awareness to the Latin community. Human rights and equality advocate, who also enjoys photography, reading, traveling and thrifting.

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