An Anthropology of Waste: The University of Texas’s Zero Waste Goal

This is an examination of how we define waste and, subsequently, how waste is used as a weapon by the power structures in place. First, this paper provides a definition to the broad term “waste” and continues on to examine who creates these definitions, who these definitions aim to serve, and how these definitions affect people. I argue that there is a link between race, socioeconomic standing, and one’s visibility of and proximity to waste. I take these ideas and situate them within the city of Austin and more specifically at the University of Texas’ home football games. My research looks at the zero waste policy being pursued by Texas Athletics and who shoulders the burden of such an ambitious goal.