What Our Trash Problem Says About Our Culture

Sarah Newman, a University of Chicago anthropologist, argues that achieving true sustainability requires a systemic overhaul of product design and valuation. Speaking on the Big Brains podcast, Newman states that society must move beyond recycling to a model where waste is systematically “unmade,” contrasting modern disposable culture with ancient civilizations like the Maya.

Newman discusses these findings in her book, “Unmaking Waste: New Histories of Old Things,” published by the University of Chicago Press in 2026. She claims that the current cultural habit of throwing items away to be forgotten forever represents a departure from how previous societies functioned.

Why is current waste management insufficient?

According to Newman, relying on the recycling bin is an inadequate solution for the trash problem. She argues that genuine sustainability cannot be achieved through management alone but requires a radical change in how products are designed and valued.

Newman suggests that the systemic issue lies in the creation of a “disposable culture.” She claims that the process of dismantling products must be integrated into their initial design to prevent them from becoming permanent waste.

How did ancient civilizations handle objects?

Newman, who is an archaeologist by training, points to the ancient Mayan civilization as an example of a society that valued objects more deeply than modern consumers do. She states that these earlier societies utilized innovative methods for reusing and recycling items.

This historical approach contrasts with the contemporary model where items are discarded and lost to history. Newman argues that the Mayan example demonstrates a “zero-waste mentality” that prioritized the longevity and utility of materials.

What does it mean to “unmake” waste?

Newman proposes a shift toward “unmaking” waste rather than simply managing it. This concept involves a systemic redesign of the product lifecycle, focusing on how items are dismantled at the end of their use.

She challenges current cultural norms by asking if society can return to a state where objects are not viewed as disposable. According to Newman, reshaping the future of garbage requires a fundamental rethink of the human relationship with physical objects.

The discussion took place during an episode of the Big Brains podcast, where Newman detailed the intersection of anthropology and environmental sustainability. Her research focuses on the history of trash across different time periods to identify viable paths toward a sustainable future.