Abstract

Perception of what is waste and wasteful, as well as what kind of waste one can and is willing to produce or not produce has changed over time and continues to change and, the author submits, is linked to cost benefit analysis undertaken by the entities that judge something as waste or wasteful. This paper introduces footprint/ableism as a cost benefit framework. Footprints are measures linking the creation and consumption of manufacturing products and the use of services to certain costs. Ableism is the sentiment that certain abilities are seen as essential. The author submits that ability desires and preferences are a main dynamic that influences whether costs are seen as acceptable and leads to the classification of certain products and actions as waste and wasteful and others not