Gen Z loves to call out Boomers for their wasteful habits—but are they really doing better?

Boomers grew up in a world where convenience was king, and environmental concerns took a backseat. Disposable plastics, gas-guzzling cars, and a “bigger is better” mentality shaped their way of life. Now, Gen Z is leading the charge on sustainability, calling out older generations for habits that harm the planet. They shame Boomers for not recycling properly, overconsuming, and ignoring climate change warnings.
But some of these so-called “bad” habits aren’t as simple as they seem. Boomers may have relied on disposable products, but they also mended clothes, cooked at home, and didn’t replace their phones every year. Meanwhile, Gen Z is guilty of its own eco-contradictions. Still, the generational divide on green living is real, and younger voices are making it clear that wasteful habits need to go.
Here are 14 environmental offenses Boomers are frequently called out for.