Our hospital has had fragrance free signage all over for many years but people seldom paid attention. We've just had major construction and remodeling and now, when making an appointment, they tell you. It is also on their website and literature. A friend works in one of the clinics and told me that if a patient comes in smelling like they've showered in fragrance, they gently remind them and offer a fragrance free wipe if they like. As someone who ended up in the hospital from exposure to a strong oriental cologne, I am so appreciative that they did this.
@@debbieomi I was a lab tech in a hospital before I was too ill to work. I have learned that signage is not actually a scent free policy. Proper policy needs to include informing/educating all staff, patient and visitors of the policy. What it entails, what are the consequences of not following it. I've had doctors, cleaners and porters come into the lab reeking of cologne and there was no method in place to deal with that. I had to leave for an hour so it could air out and I was behind on my work as a result. I've also had to leave. They faced no consequences, not even washing it off.
For the last 30 years I have been a stay at home mom and we have managed on one income. Most of the items in your list are things that we didn’t buy because we simply didn’t have the income. These were luxuries that I just couldn’t afford. I learned to reuse and re-purpose, My kids wore hand-me-down clothes, except shoes and underwear. I still only have four pairs of shoes. My kids went barefoot in the summer. I guess we were living a minimalism lifestyle. Back then we called it thrifty. I have enjoyed watching you minimalize your home and your life. Keep up the good work.
I actually no longer buy essential oils. The idea that they are naturally healthy because they aren't artificial isn't necessarily true, especially for our pets. Lavender, for instance, will negatively affect cats in a way you probably won't notice right away as their bodies attempt to metabolize a substance that their livers can't process. And tea tree oil, which everybody thinks is amazing, is actually toxic for pets. Anybody who uses a diffuser in a house with pets really ought to do the research.
I refuse to diffuse tea tree. I only use it on my skin because it clears up my acne but always wash my hands before touching my fur babies. I also would recommend to not diffuse “spicy” essential oils around pets & in a seperate room. Spicy EOs are like clove, cinnamon, fennel, lemongrass, look the rest up! (: heads up. I love essential oils but I’m always wary of my fur babies.
Actually that's inaccurate. Diffusing the lavender essential oil is in no way harmful to cats. Obviously don't let them lick the essential oils... Kinda common sense.
I'm allergic to fragrances, and the ones that causes me the most violent reaction are the "natural" ones. The process they have to go through from natural ingredient to essential oil is so heavily industrialized that, for the most part, there's nothing "natural" about them any more.
I am one of those people who still buys CDs and DVDs. It makes me happy knowing I can watch/listen things over and over again and not be nastily surprised when Netflix etc. has suddenly decided that they'll remove the thing I love most.
Spot on! I also have dvds that cannot be found online, or at places like Netflix. Holding on to them guarantees you can watch them, even if your local Library can't help you.
I love that all of these are mostly chemicals. I got rid of all bad chemicals years ago as a last ditch effort to clear cystic acne and it was amazing. My skin and health are so much better with no fragrance and yucky added chemicals. Just a tip for anyone that needs it... I don't buy moisturizer or makeup remover because I use jojoba oil for both purposes. I get a big container off amazon that lasts 6 months. I also use a zero waste handmade solid olive oil based soap for everything. Between the bar of soap and jojoba oil my skin is so happy.
I actually cut a little part of that section, where I mention that we've been trying our some wool dryer balls since we got them free with some cleaning products. But jury is still out for me, I'm not sure if we see a big difference or not! :) Do you feel like yours make a big difference?
@@MessyMinimalist I used to use wool dryer balls. Really didn't notice much of a difference and after a few years, they started leaving bits of their thread all over my clothes, so I threw them out. Maybe they are meant to be replaced regularly, but they are not cheap! I now use silicone dryer balls, mainly because they help to dry the laundry a bit faster. :) And they were inexpensive and they last forever!
@@judyshallstrom415 yes, but like I said, they are not cheap. I suppose you could make your own, but that's too much work for me! LOL And like I said, I didn't really notice them helping much with static. Softness, maybe a bit. :) But I also use vinegar in place of fabric softener, so that's likely what helps with the softness.
Definitely. I've been just using olive oil as makeup remover for years and it's super cheap and super easy to find in any store and leaves your skin super soft.
I don’t even have a dryer. In my family, we have always air dried (but then again, we live in a tropical country, so seasons aren’t really a thing here); we also have never had a dishwasher, we use reusable water bottles or just a glass for the water, we buy the fruit for making the juice ourselves (always have), I have never even seen a straw in my families households (it’s only a party thing)... and the thing is, this is pretty much the norm where I’m from. My grandparents don’t do these things, my parents, aunts and uncles don’t do these things, my friends’ families don’t do these things, and now that I live alone I don’t do these things and neither do my friends. But then again, we live in a tropical country, so we don’t need seasonal clothing (extra storage is not a real thing here), we have fresh fruits year round, all fruits pretty much, and we don’t even use AC, if we get too hot we use fans (electric or handheld), and people only really need it for maybe a week every four months, so yeah.... I have always been fascinated by the American lifestyle and the apparent need of people to have so much extra storage... no one in my family could fathom the idea of keeping anything but an empty suitcase underneath the bed.... anyways! Even so, I am trying to reduce my consumption and waste! The one thing I lack self control in is make up, and I really need to learn.... My mom does love bathing in perfume, thought.... learned behavior right there
On top of the coronavirus, we also had a scary earthquake yesterday here in Zagreb (Croatia). I love your videos and literally need them to stay mentally and emotionally normal. Thank you for everything you do, I hope all of us will be better soon. Love your channel! Great list! Hugs from Zagreb
We had a 5.7 earthquake in Utah last Wednesday (with dozens of aftershocks). We were ok but people minutes away from us had their homes destroyed. Plus, our neighbor passed away. Craziest week ever! Hope you’re doing ok. :)
@@lindsayashton1385 I feel you! One girl died in this earthquake and lot of people lost their homes so I am grateful to be alive and okay. Hang in there :)
Fehnryr, I agree. They should be eliminated. Perfumes all smell so chemical to me. :( And some people wear way too much. I think they believe they have to be able to smell it on themselves, but...if you can smell your own perfume, you're wearing tooooooo much! ;)
Me too! Worst is being stuck on public transport or train with someone who wears perfume :( I'm very appreciative of everyone who doesn't wear perfume!
I have so loved following you through your journey to minimalism. It is interesting to see the intersection between minimalist life and “zero waste”. So glad you mentioned the reusable feminine hygiene products... they are game changers. We have recently added reusable family cloths and bidets to lessen our purchase of tp. I am rewatching many of your older posts as I spring clean. Thank you for all of the thought you put into your videos! 🤗💕
Right? When I was starting my minimalism journey I found her and learned so much that led me to zero waste. Now is awesome to see she is in the same path.
Idea Baker we just added a diaper hose sprayer to our toilet to replace toilet paper. Contemplated the bidet attachments but went with the sprayer. Three out of four family members were instant converts. I also bought a stack of face cloths for patting dry, and a wet bag to toss this in until laundering. Much like a menstruated cup (switched to one about 12 years ago), I wish I’d switched to the sprayer years ago. We will still have toilet paper in the house for guests, and teenage daughter unless she converts, but it will be way less.
If you have stubborn eye makeup, coconut oil or even olive oil will loosen it up so it’s easy to wash off with whatever wash process you use. I just use a tiny amount on my fingers, and rub on my eyes to break up the product before washing. Doesn’t take much at all. Instead of using soap on my face, I use a microfiber cloth with warm water. I also keep a tub of coconut oil in the shower and use a small amount to moisturize before I get out.
I stopped byuying themed kitchen and bath room hand towels. I think when you first buy a house you want to decorate for the season/holiday...but you just end up with hand towels you can only use during certain times of the year. I now will use Easter bunny hand towels in the middle of winter :P
Same here!!! I found myself using the Christmas towels all year round. I found it silly to pack away kitchen towels and switch them out with every season. I now avoid holiday towels.
No seasonal towels, but I do have Halloween themed throw pillows for the couch. Thankfully, they're easy to vacuum-bag and throw in the decorations box. I don't see myself getting rid of them anytime soon. So much joy! :-)
@@candicewaller403 Doing vacuum bag or just the covers instead of the whole cushion is a great idea -- since your really enjoy and actually do the decor change! I would probably need to have a calendar reminder of where I put them 🙄
Hi Rachel! For clothes that get static, either have dryerballs in wool in the dryer (makes the fabric softer and Everything dryes faster to) or a splash of vinegar : ) in where to put fabric softener.
Hi Rachel ~ I keep watching for a new video. I do miss seeing your updates, journey, and how to’s. I hope you and yours are all keeping healthy and safe.
Since becoming an adult I have always had a few holes in my teeth and a lot of places where holes would probably develop. I brushed with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, I used mouthwash, fluoride tablets and dental floss with fluoride. Nothing worked. Until I stopped using anything with fluoride. It has been about six years. Three and a half years ago I went to the dentist and there were two holes, developed in the "would be" places. I didn't have them fixed back then and has had no problems. Went back a few weeks ago and the holes hadn't gotten worse and best of all; not a single new hole. I think for some people fluoride makes things worse for some reason. So glad I found out fluoride free works better for me. :)
I don’t buy cleaning products but rather make my own. Cheaper and healthier considering the cost of production, plus satisfaction knowing the ingredients are natural. Also, I use silicone mats and cupcake holders for lining pans and baking. No more paper and tin foil needed.
I feel you with the not buying experimental makeup. Like as pretty as a lovely multi coloured eyeshadow palette looks...i will only ever wear browns and golds and maybe soft reds, i will never wear blue or green so I don't need to buy them!
Sending you love Rachel and thinking of you at this crazy time. Hope you can still produce quirky videos that make me smile. Stay home, stay safe, save lives x
I love using the same lotion for everything and everyone in our family. We use Aveeno Baby lotion, Unscented. And I also use our hand soap as my Make up remover. I use Ivory white bar soap or sometimes Dr. Bronner's baby liquid soap (light blue) if I can get it. Actually watching this whole thing....we do almost every one of these! Glad to hear I am not the only one. Thank you for all your videos! They are wonderful! My favorite channel!
Never bought bottled water. It takes more than 200 years for the plastic to break down...I think it's a little longer, and things made from the recycled plastic also takes that long. So no plastic bottles even to prepare for hurricanes. Really, we all have plenty of items we can store water in for emergencies!
Chris I actually got a couple free with some cleaning products I bought and it not sure if I noticed much of a difference! Maybe I’ll give them some more tries. :) I mentioned them in my first cut, but then removed it to try and shorten this video! :)
Great list! Check out micro-plastics which has been found in a majority of bottled water and tap water, but not in glass bottled mountain spring water. It comes from the washing of clothing with plastic ingredients. Using water-proof mascara... nothing works except the water proof makeup remover. I think this can be summed up by what you do not buy because they have "bizarre chemicals", not recyclable/sustainable, and extra pamper products and services that you don't need. I agree wholeheartedly. I no longer buy sugary drinks.
Wow, we are very similar. ✔️are ones we've ditched too! Dryer sheets✔️ Dishwasher rinse aid✔️ (didn't have a clue about vinegar but I will give it a try) Face cream, hand/body lotion - we do use 3 different kinds Bottled water✔️ Juice - we don't often get juice either Experimental beauty products ✔️ Makeup remover✔️ (Norwex Body cloths and water 👌🏻) Artificial fragrances✔️ Straws✔️ reusable stainless steel Plastic tooth brushes & tubed toothpastes - we get the free ones from the dentist but am very interested in the ones you linked. I'd love to use BITE toothpaste but it's way too expensive. They're supposed to be in the works of making a flouride version. Baby food✔️ - last two babies were also BLW. Mani&Pedi etc✔️ Souvineers✔️ Gym membership✔️ Online parties - I have occasionally, but definitely not regularly Individually wrapped things -this hasn't even been given a thought, will need to reassess. Convience store stuff✔️ Disposable feminine products - even at this moment I have a cup in my Amazon cart👍🏻 DVDs or CDs❌✔️ - we do buy DVDs but not CDs. This was fun!!
I also don't buy many of these. However, I cannot use any soap on my face at all. I just use water when I don't use makeup. Actually, oil removes even waterproof makeup, though, so I don't think I'll be repurchasing once I use up what I have. My skin likes almond oil, avocado oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter, but you can look up the comedogenic rating of various oils and the site that comes up describes what each oil is good for.
Oh! Toothpaste tabs! Yes. I know your problem. Actually my local package free store got two options wth and without fluoride. I dont know where you get yours, but those with fluoride do exist (and are so much better than regular toothpaste I agree)
There aren't any with the amounts people are getting on the regular. Fluoride is great for tooth health and has been well researched. I don't know what other way there is to say it but the anti-fluoride theory was created by tinfoil hats.
I got a facial once because I received a gift card for a spa. Omg they poked this needle into my pours and IT HURT!!! I left with my face all red and couldn’t believe I paid money (gift card but you know) for someone to torture me 🤪. Neva again! Lololol. You’re not missing out 😝
You don’t need fluoride. I haven’t had it at all in over 10 yrs. my teeth never get cavities and the dentist always says you don’t need a real cleaning, your teeth are great. I also have well water.
My all-time favorite make-up remover is coconut oil. I just keep a tiny little container of it by my bathroom sink, smear a tiny amount on each eye to remove my eye make-up(only make-up i really wear) and then wipe my face with a warm wet washcloth. It completely, effortlessly, removes my mascara and I feel like it actually moisturizes as much as it cleans. And considering a tablespoon size amount lasts about a month it is very inexpensive:)
No longer buy paper towels! We cut a large shower towel into wash cloths and have a wicker "napkin" basket on the counter full of cloth squares. We use them throughout different meals and wash them after. We keep a separate pile for "cleaning" cloths and "napkin" cloths.
Really great to use for toddlers and young kids. They dont get born with knowing about cable or disney plus. We had vcr tapes first, then dvds then like when they were in middle school get a subscription. I slowly upgraded their items.
Fluoride is actually a poison. I stay away from it in my water and toothpaste. These are very good tips. A lot of them I already do not buy. However, I still get a thrill from shopping and I want to cut way down on that. I want to think about everything I buy, especially decor items.
I agree with everything you say in this video! And another thing I don't buy anymore is plant milk. I make my own, usually from cashew nuts - saves lots of money and waste.
Hey, ya know this was good! Wish everybody would declutter and totally stop buying frivolous things. They would be so surprised by how much junk they buy but ,dont really need. The media,TV and radio should not dictate what you buy or look like or how you feel about yourself! Good job👍😁💜
I love all of your ideas!! 💖 I’m still having a hard time giving up my Bath & Body works shower gel, body spray, lotion, and candles. 😭 Yes, I’ve seen the documentaries about artificial scents. And I love my YMCA membership so I can still go to the pool. I have lymphatic problems, so the pool is kind of like natural compression. 💖 But we don’t buy most of everything else you listed. 👍🏻👍🏻
I try to do loose leaf tea. It's not as convenient unless you have a travel diffuser, but I've heard (not an expert) that many of the tea bags have some micro plastics in them. Silk tea bags can be expensive. I like to buy bulk loose leaf teas and spices on Amazon from Frontier Co-op
I do the same! I use jojoba oil from leven rose (Amazon) which is also great to use in your hair for fly always! I also make a foaming face wash with Castile soap and a few essentials oils and water. Works great and lasts forever:)
Ms. Pants be careful with the “lasts forever”. Whenever water is added to a product, you run the risk of bacteria growth. The longer it sits, the greater the risk.
Faith Kalmoe you are so right! Make sure to use distilled water. But it really doesn’t last forever.. just longer that regular soap. Thanks for that disclaimer though ☺️
This video is stacked with good ideas, thank you! :) I can't use bodylotion, because I do poledance for sport and just then realised that I don't need it on a daily basis. For some dry skin I get during winter I just use sunscreen. So happy for the vinegar tip, will try that out!
matterment oh no! Is there? I will do some research. Like I mentioned, the toothpaste bites we use don’t contain any, so we worried we were missing out on something critical?
@@MessyMinimalist Yes it's another one of those horrible things. Find out what it's actually made from (nasty stuff) and when it was made. There is even commentary on it affecting brain IQ/us being able to make decisions. A lot of people use the miswak (wooden twig) and I'm on a journey to zero waste group and there were surprisingly a lot of people who use it and many saying their grandad used it as was always told he had the best teeth. You can get lemon ones too. But really I'd avoid fluoride as much as possible.
This always has me thinking. My dentist says I need it, and I've heard conspiracy theory-like stories about fluoride. Haven't found any definitive, peer-reviewed evidence against fluoride yet though.
MLM's can be a legitimate way of making money for people who for various reasons struggle with other types of employment. I have several friends who are single mothers who were paying almost as much in child care than they were earning at work and they rarely got to see their children because they worked such long hours. One girl was refused holiday during the summer school holidays and she had nowhere to send her son. I remember her balling her eyes out because she didnt know how she was going to afford solid childcare for the full 6 weeks, while he for this part was asking Mummy why she couldnt take him anywhere over that period. It was heartbreaking. MLM's allowed them to grow a business from home, make enough money to make ends meet and at least 3 of them managed to quit their full time jobs for good and create a life they are content with where they actually get to have quality time with their children, work to hours of their choosing and still be able to put food on the table. There are some dodgy MLM's out there that you need to be careful of, but MLM's can be legitimate businesses. I have seen them transform lives and I will certainly continue to support my friends if I think the product is worth buying and I know that it is allowing them to care for their families.
I don't buy dryer sheets either. In the winter, I do use wool dryer balls I make myself with yarn from the craft store to get rid of static. Most of these things actually I don't consume either! I do not care for tooth tabs, but I use David's toothpaste which comes in a metal tube. Instead of knick knack souvenirs, I get a penny stamped in one of those machines that cost like $.50 if I feel like I want a souvenir. I can not stand souvenir shops personally. Great video!
There are tooth tabs with fluoride, you just have to weed through all the natural ones to find it. I think Bite actually has tabs with and without fluoride but I’m not positive it wasn’t another company
There are worse people to look like. I have always felt like I would sound like you if I could speak on camera. Your tangents and mine are extremely similar. I like em.
Kalinka K I think she’s more like Uma’s prettier, younger sister. I haven’t really checked out her husband, but that’s funny because my husband has gotten Matt Damon a LOT. I guess we have similar taste, haha. :)
My list is the same as yours. Plus I don’t buy tissues (I made hankies), paper towels, napkins, wrapping paper, ribbon, paper, gum, candy, garbage bags, and probably other stuff I’m not thinking of at the moment.
I use toilet paper as tissue. No paper towels here either. I have rags made from old receiving blankets. I hemmed the edges and made my bathroom cleaning rags one color to distinguish from the others. Also made washable napkins about a decade ago. Only two of us and I made a dozen, still using the same ones! I aspire to not use garbage bags but I am so not zero waste. Would you share what you've done/are doing to eliminate the need for them, please?
The only make up I wear is blush, and I do buy face cream. No dryer sheets for me, I use wool balls instead and like them a lot more. I never drink any kind of soda pop, I haven’t for over 20 years and I don’t miss it at all. I also haven’t drank alcohol in over 30 years. I only use biodegradable straws.
I don’t buy juice or soda but if I’m out eating at a restaurant would be the only time. I buy sparkling water and make teas w/o caffeine mixed with water and stevia sugar for my family. We use natural bar soaps for daily hand washing and showers and face. I don’t buy soap for each part of me anymore. The soap I use is gentle enough and amazing. Also I don’t soap my face every day just every three days. I use warm water. No acne and tiniest pores I ever had. Also No need for liquid hand-soap. I stopped buying deodorant- I have a lot of good natural deodorants over the years but found this one by crystal that’s a anti perspirant- it was just salt water. I added a drop of lavender oil to it. From then one I started making my own with a small amount of sea salt and mostly water. I cannot believe how perfect it is. My husband and son use it and no smell whatsoever or sweating. It’s crazy. I also stopped buying different cleaners. I buy dish soap and mix different quantities for different uses. But also only clothing detergent. I don’t buy makeup much anymore. My go to is mascara and lipstick. I stopped wearing liquid foundations was always a powder girl and only wore foundation for outings. So I only use the powders for nights out. Do to everything I’ve been doing my skin is pretty flawless. I only buy produce and meat. I don’t buy boxed food too much unless like a few snacks. I don’t buy pre- prepared food like TV dinners although some ok. I rarely buy canned food but tuna and sometimes beans but that’s about it. I usually stick to produce and meat. It’s easy shopping and I like grabbing a fruit from the fridge or raw veg to snack on. The way we are supposed to. There’s so much room for improvement tho. I’m looking into using be soap for dish soap bc it’s lasts so long and just less build up waste. I used dr bronners but it’s just getting my family on it. I’ve gotten rid of so much cookware and dishes that weren’t really that necessary. I actually looking to get rid of my set bc I have a wok coming that u can do everything in. And a few oven pans but that’s it. Also I bought a pan with separators so I can cook more than one on one pan. I have jars that are also our cups and i use them to store things and even some leftovers. Honestly I just hate my whole life being about shopping for something I need and I have so many things I’d rather be doing like reading and building my writing career. Having fun with family. And sketching. You never realize how much needing complicated supplies often takes away from ur day to day. We don’t need half the things we get. I also don’t buy paper towels unless we have a party with guests and food.
Hi Rachel, i’m having trouble organizing my pantry and kitchen cupboards. Can you make a video and give us some advice on that topic please? Thanks very much!
For women who can't/don't want to use menstrual cups, you can buy or make reusable cloth pads. They are easy to make and really cute. I don't recommend the ones on Amazon that have microfiber. You want cotton
We mostly use cloth diapers and I use cloth feminine pads. Hardly any disposables of either. We make a lot of our own meals at home from our farm and garden produce and meat. We do still buy some things from the store but every year we buy less and less, and produce more on our farm.
first, i will never stop buying and drinking juice i love it and most of the time that is the only way i get greens in is my green juice. second i make perfume by mixing 3 essential oils and rubbing alcohol and i put it in an old perfume bottle i got for Christmas years ago and i love it! i love your videos and agree with most of what you said. also if you want to avoid granola bar wrappers try making 3 ingredient no bake oat bars. my family loves it!
I rarely buy new clothing for dress-up occasions. I shop at thrift stores and find things that are practically new. I also do my own tailoring so they fit. I still use DVDs lol...I get them second hand too lol.
Thanks for the vinegar tip for hard water areas. I don't have (or want) a dishwasher, but it may help to add a drop to the water when we move (soon, I hope) to a very hard water area. I come from a medium water area and hate the taste of the very hard stuff. Any suggestions? We already use a filter jug.
I use organic coconut oil in bulk from Costco, besides using it for cooking I use it, i use it to take off my make up. It very natural, mostrizes the skin very good, doesn't clog the pores because it light oil!, and takes eye makeup off very good!
just so people know, unless you have small children with baby teeth, you don’t need to add fluoride into your brushing routine! tap water in most areas has added fluoride, so you don’t need to by a special product just for that!
Lauren Shubert, unfortunately, that is not true. I have a degree in Dentistry. U need to use a toothpaste that is approved by the American Dental Association. If u have questions or concerns about fluoride, I would definitely suggest that u speak to your Dentist at your next 6 months cleaning.
Granola bars are actually really easy and fun to make! I've recently started making my own because I love them but dont love the waste haha my 1.5 year old daughter also likes to 'help' making them :)
I know a lot of minimalists don't buy bottled water, but..what do you do when you live in an area where the tap water isn't safe to drink, or even cook with? Most my life I've lived in areas like that, where either you get a massive water filter system installed, that could cost hundreds, or you always have bottled water. Are there any alternatives?
Does a Brita filter work? If so, they’re not very expensive, and you can boil the carbon filter (you might have to break it out of the casing) and reuse it so that you never have to buy replacements.
I'll do some research and see, but so far what I've found is that reverse osmosis water is best. The water quality varies in this area, so maybe on days when its not as bad, I can get by with Brita filters
We don't buy any of these either, it makes a huge difference. I make my own face cream not to be cheap but because my body likes it better. I use organic coconut oil and Olive oil (both extra virgin). I make a months worth. I use it for everything, eye's, lips, including shampoo. 😊💖 It works out very inexpensive as I get the ingredients from Aldi and I cook with them too lol. They also have period pants and these adorable products called Lilly pads. You wash them and they come is different patterns. Very sweet. 😊💖
I do not recommend using normal soap to cleanse your face. Maybe use a microfibre cloth to remove you make up and then you can use a 'soap' bar that has been designed for your face. Or use an oil. Coconut oil is also NOT a good idea. You can look it up on google, dermatologist don't recommend. Also bamboo toothbrushes are good. But either clean them in boiling water once every 3 months or replace them after 3 months. Nasty bacteria develop otherwise. You can look that up too. For the rest, great to see another video ^^
I haven't used anything on my face other than water and a washcloth for over a decade. In the winter, when it has been extremely cold and my face is super dry, I use a teeny bit of the cheap Dollar General face cream. Because I use so little of it, I do use it on my hands and elbows as needed so it isn't going to waste. Anyhow, my skin is clear and it's super rare for a pimple (I am 55 and used to consistantly get breakouts when using soaps, moisturizers, toners, masks, make up, etc).
@@debbieomi This is a recommendation for when you do use make-up. Also some people are just blessed. I have sensitive eczema prone skin, I am 25, and yes I have tried longer periods without using any products... It doesn't work for me. Also soap removes the natural oil and bacteria on your face, but if you use a gentler soap it won't clean your hands. Especially now with the pandemic :p It also depends on what we eat, if you have a great diet then one probably has better skin (not always).
I really expected to get some new ideas here, but it turns out all of these are really luxury things in my opinion anyway. I already don’t buy any of these, for some I don’t even have the devices to use them (dryer, dishwasher), and I don’t even consider myself a minimalist or downsized in any way.
I like the idea of not so many different lotions, however I think sunscreen for my face is important so I use one daily from Trader Joe’s that is reasonably priced for the amount. I would love a video on your tried and true face products... or maybe you’ve already done that?
Your videos always lift my spirit, I’ve been so down in the dumps because its been super cloudy and rainy in the midwest and we’re all isolated from eachother currently. Love your list! I do all of these. (:
I'm so glad! Gosh, if I can lift anyone's spirits - I'll consider that a win! It's been pretty dreary over here too. Thankful for any sunshine we can get.
Howdy Rachel! Always glad to see you. When I watch videos like this I always say, I’m going to see what I do compared to the person I’m watching. I did that here and we are pretty much on the same page. There were a few things you did for substitutions ,that I went to Amazon and put in my cart😊. So as always, you guys take care and be safe. God bless. Jean from Arizona 🦂🌞🌴🐍🌻🌵🦎
I support the fluoride use. I use a fluoride toothpaste every day. Every dentist/insurance I've had has said it's standard to do a yearly fluoride treatment until you're 18. I didn't ever have cavities when I was a kid. As soon as I stopped getting that fluoride after 18 I started getting cavities. Now I just pay out of pocket for a fluoride treatment and fluoride toothpaste. Worth it because I haven't had a new cavity in a few years since doing that.
Thank you. I used to love scented candles. But I can't stand them anymore. Scented anything... I have started using the Norwex dryer balls and that are awesome. Also unscented wash soap.
As someone with Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) I greatly appreciate folks that don't use scented products. Keep up the great work!
Our hospital has had fragrance free signage all over for many years but people seldom paid attention. We've just had major construction and remodeling and now, when making an appointment, they tell you. It is also on their website and literature. A friend works in one of the clinics and told me that if a patient comes in smelling like they've showered in fragrance, they gently remind them and offer a fragrance free wipe if they like.
As someone who ended up in the hospital from exposure to a strong oriental cologne, I am so appreciative that they did this.
@@debbieomi I was a lab tech in a hospital before I was too ill to work. I have learned that signage is not actually a scent free policy. Proper policy needs to include informing/educating all staff, patient and visitors of the policy. What it entails, what are the consequences of not following it.
I've had doctors, cleaners and porters come into the lab reeking of cologne and there was no method in place to deal with that. I had to leave for an hour so it could air out and I was behind on my work as a result. I've also had to leave. They faced no consequences, not even washing it off.
For the last 30 years I have been a stay at home mom and we have managed on one income. Most of the items in your list are things that we didn’t buy because we simply didn’t have the income. These were luxuries that I just couldn’t afford. I learned to reuse and re-purpose, My kids wore hand-me-down clothes, except shoes and underwear. I still only have four pairs of shoes. My kids went barefoot in the summer. I guess we were living a minimalism lifestyle. Back then we called it thrifty. I have enjoyed watching you minimalize your home and your life. Keep up the good work.
Cheri Hendrix us too! Guess we’re trendsetters!
I actually no longer buy essential oils. The idea that they are naturally healthy because they aren't artificial isn't necessarily true, especially for our pets. Lavender, for instance, will negatively affect cats in a way you probably won't notice right away as their bodies attempt to metabolize a substance that their livers can't process. And tea tree oil, which everybody thinks is amazing, is actually toxic for pets. Anybody who uses a diffuser in a house with pets really ought to do the research.
fleabitz oh this is interesting. Thanks for sharing!
I refuse to diffuse tea tree. I only use it on my skin because it clears up my acne but always wash my hands before touching my fur babies. I also would recommend to not diffuse “spicy” essential oils around pets & in a seperate room. Spicy EOs are like clove, cinnamon, fennel, lemongrass, look the rest up! (: heads up. I love essential oils but I’m always wary of my fur babies.
Actually that's inaccurate. Diffusing the lavender essential oil is in no way harmful to cats. Obviously don't let them lick the essential oils... Kinda common sense.
@@allisonk8316 Actually what I said is accurate. Shall we let Snopes weigh in? www.snopes.com/fact-check/are-essential-oils-poisonous-to-cats/
I'm allergic to fragrances, and the ones that causes me the most violent reaction are the "natural" ones. The process they have to go through from natural ingredient to essential oil is so heavily industrialized that, for the most part, there's nothing "natural" about them any more.
I would love to see an update on your garage. The old videos keep popping up on my feed and I find myself wondering what it looks like now.
she finished it just like two videos ago
Me too. I know it was finished, but have they done anything with it? 😊
Meeeee tooo
I am one of those people who still buys CDs and DVDs. It makes me happy knowing I can watch/listen things over and over again and not be nastily surprised when Netflix etc. has suddenly decided that they'll remove the thing I love most.
Spot on! I also have dvds that cannot be found online, or at places like Netflix. Holding on to them guarantees you can watch them, even if your local Library can't help you.
Me tooo!!
I love that all of these are mostly chemicals. I got rid of all bad chemicals years ago as a last ditch effort to clear cystic acne and it was amazing. My skin and health are so much better with no fragrance and yucky added chemicals. Just a tip for anyone that needs it... I don't buy moisturizer or makeup remover because I use jojoba oil for both purposes. I get a big container off amazon that lasts 6 months. I also use a zero waste handmade solid olive oil based soap for everything. Between the bar of soap and jojoba oil my skin is so happy.
i use wool dryer balls instead of dryer sheets.
I actually cut a little part of that section, where I mention that we've been trying our some wool dryer balls since we got them free with some cleaning products. But jury is still out for me, I'm not sure if we see a big difference or not! :) Do you feel like yours make a big difference?
@@MessyMinimalist I used to use wool dryer balls. Really didn't notice much of a difference and after a few years, they started leaving bits of their thread all over my clothes, so I threw them out. Maybe they are meant to be replaced regularly, but they are not cheap! I now use silicone dryer balls, mainly because they help to dry the laundry a bit faster. :) And they were inexpensive and they last forever!
Yes. And they so help with static to some degree.
@@jemma50 they do wear out, time for some new ones
@@judyshallstrom415 yes, but like I said, they are not cheap. I suppose you could make your own, but that's too much work for me! LOL And like I said, I didn't really notice them helping much with static. Softness, maybe a bit. :) But I also use vinegar in place of fabric softener, so that's likely what helps with the softness.
You can use your lotion or even oil to remove make up too, especially if it's something that isn't easily removable like waterproof mascara.
Definitely. I've been just using olive oil as makeup remover for years and it's super cheap and super easy to find in any store and leaves your skin super soft.
I don’t even have a dryer. In my family, we have always air dried (but then again, we live in a tropical country, so seasons aren’t really a thing here); we also have never had a dishwasher, we use reusable water bottles or just a glass for the water, we buy the fruit for making the juice ourselves (always have), I have never even seen a straw in my families households (it’s only a party thing)... and the thing is, this is pretty much the norm where I’m from. My grandparents don’t do these things, my parents, aunts and uncles don’t do these things, my friends’ families don’t do these things, and now that I live alone I don’t do these things and neither do my friends. But then again, we live in a tropical country, so we don’t need seasonal clothing (extra storage is not a real thing here), we have fresh fruits year round, all fruits pretty much, and we don’t even use AC, if we get too hot we use fans (electric or handheld), and people only really need it for maybe a week every four months, so yeah.... I have always been fascinated by the American lifestyle and the apparent need of people to have so much extra storage... no one in my family could fathom the idea of keeping anything but an empty suitcase underneath the bed.... anyways! Even so, I am trying to reduce my consumption and waste! The one thing I lack self control in is make up, and I really need to learn....
My mom does love bathing in perfume, thought.... learned behavior right there
On top of the coronavirus, we also had a scary earthquake yesterday here in Zagreb (Croatia). I love your videos and literally need them to stay mentally and emotionally normal. Thank you for everything you do, I hope all of us will be better soon. Love your channel! Great list! Hugs from Zagreb
Hi from Zagreb also, good to see another Croatian following such a nice yt chanel, pozdrav 🤗
We had a 5.7 earthquake in Utah last Wednesday (with dozens of aftershocks). We were ok but people minutes away from us had their homes destroyed. Plus, our neighbor passed away. Craziest week ever! Hope you’re doing ok. :)
I'm so sorry to hear about the earthquake! I hope you're all okay.
@@lindsayashton1385 I feel you! One girl died in this earthquake and lot of people lost their homes so I am grateful to be alive and okay. Hang in there :)
@@lucijakovacevic4556 oooo super :)
As someone with a really bad perfume allergy, I appreciate the perfume one... if everyone could quit wearing that crap I would be a lot happier lol
Fehnryr Novak it’s funny because the longer I go without it, the harder it is for me to be around people who wear it. Maybe our noses are healing?!
Fehnryr, I agree. They should be eliminated. Perfumes all smell so chemical to me. :( And some people wear way too much. I think they believe they have to be able to smell it on themselves, but...if you can smell your own perfume, you're wearing tooooooo much! ;)
Agreed!
Me too! Worst is being stuck on public transport or train with someone who wears perfume :( I'm very appreciative of everyone who doesn't wear perfume!
@@amara560 Totally agree. A big thank you to everyone who is scent-free! :D
I have so loved following you through your journey to minimalism. It is interesting to see the intersection between minimalist life and “zero waste”. So glad you mentioned the reusable feminine hygiene products... they are game changers. We have recently added reusable family cloths and bidets to lessen our purchase of tp. I am rewatching many of your older posts as I spring clean. Thank you for all of the thought you put into your videos! 🤗💕
Idea Baker thank you for allowing my old videos to be apart of your spring cleaning!
Right? When I was starting my minimalism journey I found her and learned so much that led me to zero waste. Now is awesome to see she is in the same path.
Idea Baker we just added a diaper hose sprayer to our toilet to replace toilet paper. Contemplated the bidet attachments but went with the sprayer. Three out of four family members were instant converts. I also bought a stack of face cloths for patting dry, and a wet bag to toss this in until laundering.
Much like a menstruated cup (switched to one about 12 years ago), I wish I’d switched to the sprayer years ago.
We will still have toilet paper in the house for guests, and teenage daughter unless she converts, but it will be way less.
If you have stubborn eye makeup, coconut oil or even olive oil will loosen it up so it’s easy to wash off with whatever wash process you use. I just use a tiny amount on my fingers, and rub on my eyes to break up the product before washing. Doesn’t take much at all. Instead of using soap on my face, I use a microfiber cloth with warm water.
I also keep a tub of coconut oil in the shower and use a small amount to moisturize before I get out.
Fruit with its fiber is much better then juice. Thanks on the tip about vinegar in the dishwasher. Ivory soap is good for dishes, face, body and hair.
I stopped byuying themed kitchen and bath room hand towels. I think when you first buy a house you want to decorate for the season/holiday...but you just end up with hand towels you can only use during certain times of the year. I now will use Easter bunny hand towels in the middle of winter :P
Neysha Ortega yes! this is great advice! (We don’t buy those either) 👏
I don't buy any seasonal stuff anymore. No storage space for this stuff.
Same here!!! I found myself using the Christmas towels all year round. I found it silly to pack away kitchen towels and switch them out with every season. I now avoid holiday towels.
No seasonal towels, but I do have Halloween themed throw pillows for the couch. Thankfully, they're easy to vacuum-bag and throw in the decorations box. I don't see myself getting rid of them anytime soon. So much joy! :-)
@@candicewaller403 Doing vacuum bag or just the covers instead of the whole cushion is a great idea -- since your really enjoy and actually do the decor change! I would probably need to have a calendar reminder of where I put them 🙄
I'm allergic to most fragrances and flowers, so I'm absolutely appreciative of everyone not wearing them!
Hi Rachel!
For clothes that get static, either have dryerballs in wool in the dryer (makes the fabric softer and Everything dryes faster to) or a splash of vinegar : ) in where to put fabric softener.
Rachel, I adore you! Please always keep the edits at the end, I love them and it shows your wonderful personality. Stay safe, your number one UK fan x
aw, thank you :-D And I'll always try to add those in! ...There never seems to be a shortage of bloopers. haha!
Yes MLM's suck.
Hi Rachel ~ I keep watching for a new video. I do miss seeing your updates, journey, and how to’s. I hope you and yours are all keeping healthy and safe.
1. Dryer sheets
2. Dishwasher rinse aid
3. Face lotion
4. Bottled water
5. Juice
6. Experimental beauty products
7. Makeup remover
8. Artificial fragrance (perfumes, scented candles)
9. Straws
10. Plastic toothbrushes
11. Plastic tubed toothpaste
12. Packaged baby food
13. Manis, pedis or facial
14. Souvenirs
15. Gym memberships
16. Online shopping parties
17. Individually wrapped things
18. Convenience store stuff
19. Tampons or pads
20. DVDs or CDs
Since becoming an adult I have always had a few holes in my teeth and a lot of places where holes would probably develop. I brushed with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, I used mouthwash, fluoride tablets and dental floss with fluoride. Nothing worked. Until I stopped using anything with fluoride. It has been about six years. Three and a half years ago I went to the dentist and there were two holes, developed in the "would be" places. I didn't have them fixed back then and has had no problems. Went back a few weeks ago and the holes hadn't gotten worse and best of all; not a single new hole. I think for some people fluoride makes things worse for some reason. So glad I found out fluoride free works better for me. :)
I don’t buy cleaning products but rather make my own. Cheaper and healthier considering the cost of production, plus satisfaction knowing the ingredients are natural. Also, I use silicone mats and cupcake holders for lining pans and baking. No more paper and tin foil needed.
I actually only use the silicone cupcake liners to bake cupcakes. So I didn't keep my muffin tin. The liners stack for easy storage.
I feel you with the not buying experimental makeup. Like as pretty as a lovely multi coloured eyeshadow palette looks...i will only ever wear browns and golds and maybe soft reds, i will never wear blue or green so I don't need to buy them!
Sending you love Rachel and thinking of you at this crazy time. Hope you can still produce quirky videos that make me smile. Stay home, stay safe, save lives x
I love using the same lotion for everything and everyone in our family. We use Aveeno Baby lotion, Unscented.
And I also use our hand soap as my Make up remover. I use Ivory white bar soap or sometimes Dr. Bronner's baby liquid soap (light blue) if I can get it.
Actually watching this whole thing....we do almost every one of these! Glad to hear I am not the only one.
Thank you for all your videos! They are wonderful! My favorite channel!
Never bought bottled water. It takes more than 200 years for the plastic to break down...I think it's a little longer, and things made from the recycled plastic also takes that long. So no plastic bottles even to prepare for hurricanes. Really, we all have plenty of items we can store water in for emergencies!
Someone else probably has mentioned: dryer wool balls. Works great! Just got and we like more than dryer sheets.
Chris I actually got a couple free with some cleaning products I bought and it not sure if I noticed much of a difference! Maybe I’ll give them some more tries. :) I mentioned them in my first cut, but then removed it to try and shorten this video! :)
@@MessyMinimalist nice! I have been using all six, maybe that made the diff? Certainly handy to have on hand - one less reason to be in stores now!
Hi Rachael, we like extra virgin coconut oil for lotion instead. It's edible, antimicrobial, antifungal, and smells good! Good on hair, too.
Miss Deb Not to mention it’s a great makeup remover & great for oil pulling. I love coconut oil!
Awesome. First time I feel so identified with these "stuff I don't buy" videos. Everything besides kid stuff because I don't have kids.
Great list!
Check out micro-plastics which has been found in a majority of bottled water and tap water, but not in glass bottled mountain spring water. It comes from the washing of clothing with plastic ingredients.
Using water-proof mascara... nothing works except the water proof makeup remover.
I think this can be summed up by what you do not buy because they have "bizarre chemicals", not recyclable/sustainable, and extra pamper products and services that you don't need.
I agree wholeheartedly.
I no longer buy sugary drinks.
Oil removes waterproof makeup :)
Wow, we are very similar.
✔️are ones we've ditched too!
Dryer sheets✔️
Dishwasher rinse aid✔️ (didn't have a clue about vinegar but I will give it a try)
Face cream, hand/body lotion - we do use 3 different kinds
Bottled water✔️
Juice - we don't often get juice either
Experimental beauty products ✔️
Makeup remover✔️ (Norwex Body cloths and water 👌🏻)
Artificial fragrances✔️
Straws✔️ reusable stainless steel
Plastic tooth brushes & tubed toothpastes - we get the free ones from the dentist but am very interested in the ones you linked. I'd love to use BITE toothpaste but it's way too expensive. They're supposed to be in the works of making a flouride version.
Baby food✔️ - last two babies were also BLW.
Mani&Pedi etc✔️
Souvineers✔️
Gym membership✔️
Online parties - I have occasionally, but definitely not regularly
Individually wrapped things -this hasn't even been given a thought, will need to reassess.
Convience store stuff✔️
Disposable feminine products - even at this moment I have a cup in my Amazon cart👍🏻
DVDs or CDs❌✔️ - we do buy DVDs but not CDs.
This was fun!!
I also don't buy many of these. However, I cannot use any soap on my face at all. I just use water when I don't use makeup. Actually, oil removes even waterproof makeup, though, so I don't think I'll be repurchasing once I use up what I have. My skin likes almond oil, avocado oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter, but you can look up the comedogenic rating of various oils and the site that comes up describes what each oil is good for.
Thanks for sharing!!
Oh! Toothpaste tabs!
Yes. I know your problem. Actually my local package free store got two options wth and without fluoride. I dont know where you get yours, but those with fluoride do exist (and are so much better than regular toothpaste I agree)
Should look at the dangers of flouride 💕
There aren't any with the amounts people are getting on the regular. Fluoride is great for tooth health and has been well researched. I don't know what other way there is to say it but the anti-fluoride theory was created by tinfoil hats.
I got a facial once because I received a gift card for a spa. Omg they poked this needle into my pours and IT HURT!!! I left with my face all red and couldn’t believe I paid money (gift card but you know) for someone to torture me 🤪. Neva again! Lololol. You’re not missing out 😝
You don’t need fluoride. I haven’t had it at all in over 10 yrs. my teeth never get cavities and the dentist always says you don’t need a real cleaning, your teeth are great. I also have well water.
My all-time favorite make-up remover is coconut oil. I just keep a tiny little container of it by my bathroom sink, smear a tiny amount on each eye to remove my eye make-up(only make-up i really wear) and then wipe my face with a warm wet washcloth. It completely, effortlessly, removes my mascara and I feel like it actually moisturizes as much as it cleans. And considering a tablespoon size amount lasts about a month it is very inexpensive:)
No longer buy paper towels! We cut a large shower towel into wash cloths and have a wicker "napkin" basket on the counter full of cloth squares. We use them throughout different meals and wash them after. We keep a separate pile for "cleaning" cloths and "napkin" cloths.
I donated my CD collection to an arts program, but I can’t give up my DVDs. I even still have...VHS TAPES! I paid dearly for those Disney flicks!
Really great to use for toddlers and young kids. They dont get born with knowing about cable or disney plus. We had vcr tapes first, then dvds then like when they were in middle school get a subscription. I slowly upgraded their items.
You're probably sitting on a fortune with those vhs tapes.
Fluoride is actually a poison. I stay away from it in my water and toothpaste. These are very good tips. A lot of them I already do not buy. However, I still get a thrill from shopping and I want to cut way down on that. I want to think about everything I buy, especially decor items.
Dr. Bronners is a great face/body soap.
And hand soap, dish soap, etc. It boasts 17 uses I believe.
Absolutely! We use it on everything from our body to the dogs
I haven't tried this brand yet, but I hear about it all the time! Perhaps it's time I give them a go. thanks!!
I agree with everything you say in this video! And another thing I don't buy anymore is plant milk. I make my own, usually from cashew nuts - saves lots of money and waste.
The background is so pretty in this video!
Brianna Archbold thank you! It’s our motel lobby that I’ve been making over these past few weeks! ❤️
Hey, ya know this was good! Wish everybody would declutter and totally stop buying frivolous things. They would be so surprised by how much junk they buy but ,dont really need. The media,TV and radio should not dictate what you buy or look like or how you feel about yourself! Good job👍😁💜
I love all of your ideas!! 💖
I’m still having a hard time giving up my Bath & Body works shower gel, body spray, lotion, and candles. 😭 Yes, I’ve seen the documentaries about artificial scents.
And I love my YMCA membership so I can still go to the pool. I have lymphatic problems, so the pool is kind of like natural compression. 💖
But we don’t buy most of everything else you listed. 👍🏻👍🏻
I try to do loose leaf tea. It's not as convenient unless you have a travel diffuser, but I've heard (not an expert) that many of the tea bags have some micro plastics in them. Silk tea bags can be expensive. I like to buy bulk loose leaf teas and spices on Amazon from Frontier Co-op
I've heard that about tea bags as well. (the plastic mesh ones anyway).
I use jojoba oil for all moisturizing needs and for makeup remover (then use Castile soap to wash away the oil/makeup mix).
Jennifer Drosera oh nice! I’ll have to look into that one!
I do the same! I use jojoba oil from leven rose (Amazon) which is also great to use in your hair for fly always! I also make a foaming face wash with Castile soap and a few essentials oils and water. Works great and lasts forever:)
Love jojoba and castile soap! My eczema has gotten worse over the past few years and these two have been my saviors
Ms. Pants be careful with the “lasts forever”. Whenever water is added to a product, you run the risk of bacteria growth. The longer it sits, the greater the risk.
Faith Kalmoe you are so right! Make sure to use distilled water. But it really doesn’t last forever.. just longer that regular soap. Thanks for that disclaimer though ☺️
This video is stacked with good ideas, thank you! :)
I can't use bodylotion, because I do poledance for sport and just then realised that I don't need it on a daily basis. For some dry skin I get during winter I just use sunscreen. So happy for the vinegar tip, will try that out!
Look into fluoride more. There is a dark side to it just like all the chemicals in perfumes.
matterment oh no! Is there? I will do some research. Like I mentioned, the toothpaste bites we use don’t contain any, so we worried we were missing out on something critical?
@@MessyMinimalist Yes it's another one of those horrible things. Find out what it's actually made from (nasty stuff) and when it was made. There is even commentary on it affecting brain IQ/us being able to make decisions.
A lot of people use the miswak (wooden twig) and I'm on a journey to zero waste group and there were surprisingly a lot of people who use it and many saying their grandad used it as was always told he had the best teeth. You can get lemon ones too.
But really I'd avoid fluoride as much as possible.
PS from your invisible viewer from the UK 😂
matterment glad you said that. I was thinking it...
This always has me thinking. My dentist says I need it, and I've heard conspiracy theory-like stories about fluoride. Haven't found any definitive, peer-reviewed evidence against fluoride yet though.
Ohh that's why people buy the dishwashing shiner. Where I live our water isn't very hard so it's never been an extra thing my family buys.
It's best for everyone involved if you do not purchase from ppl selling a product from MLM's or pyramid schemes.
Lemme Addams agreed! 👍
MLM's can be a legitimate way of making money for people who for various reasons struggle with other types of employment. I have several friends who are single mothers who were paying almost as much in child care than they were earning at work and they rarely got to see their children because they worked such long hours. One girl was refused holiday during the summer school holidays and she had nowhere to send her son. I remember her balling her eyes out because she didnt know how she was going to afford solid childcare for the full 6 weeks, while he for this part was asking Mummy why she couldnt take him anywhere over that period. It was heartbreaking. MLM's allowed them to grow a business from home, make enough money to make ends meet and at least 3 of them managed to quit their full time jobs for good and create a life they are content with where they actually get to have quality time with their children, work to hours of their choosing and still be able to put food on the table. There are some dodgy MLM's out there that you need to be careful of, but MLM's can be legitimate businesses. I have seen them transform lives and I will certainly continue to support my friends if I think the product is worth buying and I know that it is allowing them to care for their families.
I don't buy dryer sheets either. In the winter, I do use wool dryer balls I make myself with yarn from the craft store to get rid of static.
Most of these things actually I don't consume either! I do not care for tooth tabs, but I use David's toothpaste which comes in a metal tube. Instead of knick knack souvenirs, I get a penny stamped in one of those machines that cost like $.50 if I feel like I want a souvenir. I can not stand souvenir shops personally.
Great video!
There are tooth tabs with fluoride, you just have to weed through all the natural ones to find it. I think Bite actually has tabs with and without fluoride but I’m not positive it wasn’t another company
Your husband looks like Matt Damon.
...And you look like Uma Thurman. There, I said it. I'll see myself out.
bahaha! Yes we get that often. :-P
There are worse people to look like. I have always felt like I would sound like you if I could speak on camera. Your tangents and mine are extremely similar. I like em.
@@MessyMinimalistY'all are gorgeous people. Total power couple status!
Kalinka K I think she’s more like Uma’s prettier, younger sister. I haven’t really checked out her husband, but that’s funny because my husband has gotten Matt Damon a LOT. I guess we have similar taste, haha. :)
I hate when I go outside to get fresh air and smell chemical filled dryer sheets from a neighbors dryer. 🌱✌
I miss you! please come back soon! 😘
My list is the same as yours. Plus I don’t buy tissues (I made hankies), paper towels, napkins, wrapping paper, ribbon, paper, gum, candy, garbage bags, and probably other stuff I’m not thinking of at the moment.
I use toilet paper as tissue. No paper towels here either. I have rags made from old receiving blankets. I hemmed the edges and made my bathroom cleaning rags one color to distinguish from the others. Also made washable napkins about a decade ago. Only two of us and I made a dozen, still using the same ones!
I aspire to not use garbage bags but I am so not zero waste. Would you share what you've done/are doing to eliminate the need for them, please?
The only make up I wear is blush, and I do buy face cream. No dryer sheets for me, I use wool balls instead and like them a lot more. I never drink any kind of soda pop, I haven’t for over 20 years and I don’t miss it at all. I also haven’t drank alcohol in over 30 years. I only use biodegradable straws.
Thanks for making this- it's nice to get a list of things so you can look more closely at your purchases :)
Add vinegar into your wash on the rinse cycle. It keeps static at bay and you won't need dryer sheets or fabric softener.
DIY Makeup Remover: Mix rose water with olive oil in a bottle. shake before use, and put some in washcloth and clean your face
Missing your videos! Hope everything is going well for you and your family. 🤗
I don’t buy juice or soda but if I’m out eating at a restaurant would be the only time. I buy sparkling water and make teas w/o caffeine mixed with water and stevia sugar for my family. We use natural bar soaps for daily hand washing and showers and face. I don’t buy soap for each part of me anymore. The soap I use is gentle enough and amazing. Also I don’t soap my face every day just every three days. I use warm water. No acne and tiniest pores I ever had. Also No need for liquid hand-soap. I stopped buying deodorant- I have a lot of good natural deodorants over the years but found this one by crystal that’s a anti perspirant- it was just salt water. I added a drop of lavender oil to it. From then one I started making my own with a small amount of sea salt and mostly water. I cannot believe how perfect it is. My husband and son use it and no smell whatsoever or sweating. It’s crazy. I also stopped buying different cleaners. I buy dish soap and mix different quantities for different uses. But also only clothing detergent. I don’t buy makeup much anymore. My go to is mascara and lipstick. I stopped wearing liquid foundations was always a powder girl and only wore foundation for outings. So I only use the powders for nights out. Do to everything I’ve been doing my skin is pretty flawless. I only buy produce and meat. I don’t buy boxed food too much unless like a few snacks. I don’t buy pre- prepared food like TV dinners although some ok. I rarely buy canned food but tuna and sometimes beans but that’s about it. I usually stick to produce and meat. It’s easy shopping and I like grabbing a fruit from the fridge or raw veg to snack on. The way we are supposed to. There’s so much room for improvement tho. I’m looking into using be soap for dish soap bc it’s lasts so long and just less build up waste. I used dr bronners but it’s just getting my family on it. I’ve gotten rid of so much cookware and dishes that weren’t really that necessary. I actually looking to get rid of my set bc I have a wok coming that u can do everything in. And a few oven pans but that’s it. Also I bought a pan with separators so I can cook more than one on one pan. I have jars that are also our cups and i use them to store things and even some leftovers. Honestly I just hate my whole life being about shopping for something I need and I have so many things I’d rather be doing like reading and building my writing career. Having fun with family. And sketching. You never realize how much needing complicated supplies often takes away from ur day to day. We don’t need half the things we get. I also don’t buy paper towels unless we have a party with guests and food.
I don't use the dish shine or detergent....I got rid of the dishwasher. Never used it anyway.
Oh wow! That's a big step. I love having our dishwasher, but I'd say we wash by hand about half the time.
lol we never had one
Everybody is different 😁 we don't buy lotion, shaving cream, baby rash cream, we use coconut oil for all that and more, is awesome!
All great tips! I hope to start following in your footsteps in making the world a better place. :) great video content!
Dragon's Trove thank you! ☺️😘
Hi Rachel, i’m having trouble organizing my pantry and kitchen cupboards. Can you make a video and give us some advice on that topic please? Thanks very much!
For women who can't/don't want to use menstrual cups, you can buy or make reusable cloth pads. They are easy to make and really cute. I don't recommend the ones on Amazon that have microfiber. You want cotton
I also ditched majority of my makeup products - I only buy what I know I already like and restock when it runs out :)
We mostly use cloth diapers and I use cloth feminine pads. Hardly any disposables of either. We make a lot of our own meals at home from our farm and garden produce and meat. We do still buy some things from the store but every year we buy less and less, and produce more on our farm.
So, you add vinegar with the dishwasher detergent? Or, just the vinegar and not the detergent?
first, i will never stop buying and drinking juice i love it and most of the time that is the only way i get greens in is my green juice. second i make perfume by mixing 3 essential oils and rubbing alcohol and i put it in an old perfume bottle i got for Christmas years ago and i love it! i love your videos and agree with most of what you said. also if you want to avoid granola bar wrappers try making 3 ingredient no bake oat bars. my family loves it!
I want to try making oat bars! I've bought them at coffee shops before and really enjoy them!
I use essential oils and wear a necklace diffuser. My favorite is peppermint. Helps my sinus and no migraines. I don't like perfume.
Love your ideas. Especially the thing with the vinegar in the dishwasher! Thanks!
You are so welcome!
In the morning lotion removes makeup residue and doesnt mess up the following makeup application.
I rarely buy new clothing for dress-up occasions. I shop at thrift stores and find things that are practically new. I also do my own tailoring so they fit. I still use DVDs lol...I get them second hand too lol.
Thanks for the vinegar tip for hard water areas. I don't have (or want) a dishwasher, but it may help to add a drop to the water when we move (soon, I hope) to a very hard water area.
I come from a medium water area and hate the taste of the very hard stuff. Any suggestions? We already use a filter jug.
I use organic coconut oil in bulk from Costco, besides using it for cooking I use it, i use it to take off my make up. It very natural, mostrizes the skin very good, doesn't clog the pores because it light oil!, and takes eye makeup off very good!
Thanks for sharing!!
just so people know, unless you have small children with baby teeth, you don’t need to add fluoride into your brushing routine! tap water in most areas has added fluoride, so you don’t need to by a special product just for that!
Lauren Shubert, unfortunately, that is not true. I have a degree in Dentistry. U need to use a toothpaste that is approved by the American Dental Association. If u have questions or concerns about fluoride, I would definitely suggest that u speak to your Dentist at your next 6 months cleaning.
Fluoride is toxic
you can actually buy salt that has fluoride in it. you could use that for cooking and get rid of your mouthwater.
Wow.. I live in Canada and water bottle are like 2$.. EACH. Oh and btw you look so good with less makeup!
Lotion works great for makeup remover
Granola bars are actually really easy and fun to make! I've recently started making my own because I love them but dont love the waste haha my 1.5 year old daughter also likes to 'help' making them :)
I know a lot of minimalists don't buy bottled water, but..what do you do when you live in an area where the tap water isn't safe to drink, or even cook with? Most my life I've lived in areas like that, where either you get a massive water filter system installed, that could cost hundreds, or you always have bottled water. Are there any alternatives?
Does a Brita filter work? If so, they’re not very expensive, and you can boil the carbon filter (you might have to break it out of the casing) and reuse it so that you never have to buy replacements.
I'll do some research and see, but so far what I've found is that reverse osmosis water is best. The water quality varies in this area, so maybe on days when its not as bad, I can get by with Brita filters
We don't buy any of these either, it makes a huge difference.
I make my own face cream not to be cheap but because my body likes it better. I use organic coconut oil and Olive oil (both extra virgin). I make a months worth. I use it for everything, eye's, lips, including shampoo. 😊💖
It works out very inexpensive as I get the ingredients from Aldi and I cook with them too lol.
They also have period pants and these adorable products called Lilly pads. You wash them and they come is different patterns. Very sweet. 😊💖
I do not recommend using normal soap to cleanse your face. Maybe use a microfibre cloth to remove you make up and then you can use a 'soap' bar that has been designed for your face. Or use an oil. Coconut oil is also NOT a good idea. You can look it up on google, dermatologist don't recommend.
Also bamboo toothbrushes are good. But either clean them in boiling water once every 3 months or replace them after 3 months. Nasty bacteria develop otherwise. You can look that up too. For the rest, great to see another video ^^
I haven't used anything on my face other than water and a washcloth for over a decade. In the winter, when it has been extremely cold and my face is super dry, I use a teeny bit of the cheap Dollar General face cream. Because I use so little of it, I do use it on my hands and elbows as needed so it isn't going to waste. Anyhow, my skin is clear and it's super rare for a pimple (I am 55 and used to consistantly get breakouts when using soaps, moisturizers, toners, masks, make up, etc).
@@debbieomi This is a recommendation for when you do use make-up. Also some people are just blessed. I have sensitive eczema prone skin, I am 25, and yes I have tried longer periods without using any products... It doesn't work for me. Also soap removes the natural oil and bacteria on your face, but if you use a gentler soap it won't clean your hands. Especially now with the pandemic :p
It also depends on what we eat, if you have a great diet then one probably has better skin (not always).
@@debbieomi 3
I make my own applesauce... I don’t know about toothpaste pellets tho I use a tiny bit of paste a tube last’s 2 months
I love your beautiful wall/nook/video backdrop Rachel!
Thank you! We just finished that part of our motel lobby! :-D
Hope you and your family are doing well! Miss your videos and hope to see you back :)
Where'd you go? We miss you so. Seems like it's been forever since you've been gone! :(
FYI, i don´t know if they ship to you, but dent tabs are some toothpaste pellets* with fluorid*
I really expected to get some new ideas here, but it turns out all of these are really luxury things in my opinion anyway. I already don’t buy any of these, for some I don’t even have the devices to use them (dryer, dishwasher), and I don’t even consider myself a minimalist or downsized in any way.
I like the idea of not so many different lotions, however I think sunscreen for my face is important so I use one daily from Trader Joe’s that is reasonably priced for the amount. I would love a video on your tried and true face products... or maybe you’ve already done that?
Your videos always lift my spirit, I’ve been so down in the dumps because its been super cloudy and rainy in the midwest and we’re all isolated from eachother currently. Love your list! I do all of these. (:
I'm so glad! Gosh, if I can lift anyone's spirits - I'll consider that a win! It's been pretty dreary over here too. Thankful for any sunshine we can get.
Howdy Rachel! Always glad to see you. When I watch videos like this I always say, I’m going to see what I do compared to the person I’m watching. I did that here and we are pretty much on the same page. There were a few things you did for substitutions ,that I went to Amazon and put in my cart😊. So as always, you guys take care and be safe. God bless. Jean from Arizona 🦂🌞🌴🐍🌻🌵🦎
Take care Jean! I'm missing Arizona already! Enjoy that sunshine
"...plastic water bottles are DEADLY, but I apply 5 DIFFERENT beauty products to my face EVERY DAY..." - lol
My toothpaste tabs have flouride. I’m in the u.k but I’m sure if you look around you could find some over there.
I support the fluoride use. I use a fluoride toothpaste every day. Every dentist/insurance I've had has said it's standard to do a yearly fluoride treatment until you're 18. I didn't ever have cavities when I was a kid. As soon as I stopped getting that fluoride after 18 I started getting cavities. Now I just pay out of pocket for a fluoride treatment and fluoride toothpaste. Worth it because I haven't had a new cavity in a few years since doing that.
Thank you. I used to love scented candles. But I can't stand them anymore. Scented anything... I have started using the Norwex dryer balls and that are awesome. Also unscented wash soap.