I love the tip about the cords! A gentle PSA from the daughter of a firefighter: once the wires are exposed, NEVER try to tape a cable up and keep using it. My dad has been to fatal house fires caused by badly repaired cables. It's not worth the risk. Taping them up before they break is so simple and so clever- do the prevention, not the cure! ❤️
There is also specific tape that is meant for wrapping electric cords that is quite safe to use to wrap cords if the cord itself is not damaged. I highly recommend getting it because you can use it for other purposes too. It can be used to wrap the ends of used batteries so they don't start a fire in the recycling bin and also in some countries, you might have to use this while installing ceiling lamp fixtures.
An interesting video idea: underconsumption "hacks" that you shouldn't do, like wrapping a cord AFTER it breaks, or reparing a child car seat after it is broken or no longer deemed safe to use. I see a lot of videos with dangerous "hacks" and as much as we need to reduce our consumption, safety should always come before that, I feel like a lot of people who do a lot of zero/low waste even judge others because they buy or consume things that are necessary. Also I love your video, keep doing what you're doing!!
In Budapest we have a free community repair caffee. I think in historically poorer countries being thrifty and fixing things is often so ingrained in people. My father is a mechanic so I can not tell you how much e-stuff I fix thanks to him teaching me and my sister the basics and how many clothes I thrifted to then style to my liking using my sewing machine. Same thing in the kitchen. Even meals I prepare with that mindset of how can I best use up what I have to not waste it and get a good, healthy meal. Storing in glass jars, freezing for later. It just gives so much joy to be thinking of things as objects of value and treasure and mend and use them to their full potential.
I feel that as well as having basic sewing skills it is vital to know how to get the most common stains out of your clothes. PS my grandma uses broken cords instead of plastic thread for different things in the garden, like tying tomato plants to stabilyzing bamboo sticks or for making wreaths!
The repair skills! Yes! We have 22 year old leather couch that has broken twice (the frame 😮) and hubby fixed it. Then the filling started to be flat, so we filled it with old sheets, towels etc. Finally, this year I figured this couch is lived its days when our dog made a huge rip on it. Couch insides start coming out...but No. Hubby bought a leather repair kit and no more couch fluff pouring out 😂 it is no longer the prettiest couch, but a freshly cleaned, functional, comfortable, so kinda feels like "new". This must be our best under consumption core example 😄💚
the core of underconsumption core: please BE GENTLE WITH YOUR THINGS. this struck me when i got to your cord example - i have never had a cord or par of wire earphones break on me in my life, and i’ve always been using electronics for ages and well past their ~planned obsolesence period. i’m gentle with my cords, i never pull on them but hold on to the plastic head when unplugging, and most importantly, i never let them bend at weird angles if i’m e.g. using my phone while it’s charging. sure, sometimes this is inconvenient, and sometimes it means you have no choice but to put down your phone and let it charge in peace - but if it means a longer life for your gadgets and your wires, it’s worth it. certainly, your repar-and-use technique is golden - but being gentle with your things goes a long way to saving you and your tools a lot of grief.
I'm always amazed at how the 'new, hot topics' within sustainability end up being 'normal Tuesday' for my grandparent or great-grandparent generation. I remember when I tried to explain to my great-grandmother the concept of fast food and general take away idea. She could not accept that you will be given food container/cup that you do not need to return, and why wouldn't everyone just keep reusing the container they got. And once it broke, why wouldn't you fix it or use for something else like potting plants😁. She was intelligent, it was just totally alien concept to her, she was sure I am making fun of her or misunderstood something myself. What we apparently accept as normal consumption is not normal.
When pulling the cord, pull the plastic head, and not the wire; it's why it breaks for so many people. E-waste do be absolutely crazy though; they've updated the USB type so many times in the past few years rendering older cords obsolete, and I can only imagine the number of phone cases that people have used and discarded because every model has a slightly different form.
Phone cases drive me nuts on how wasteful they are, I just bought a new one for my phone because my old was absolutely mangled (Burga) The cases from burga has like a silikon lining and then a plastic shell. I think this is fairly common to shock proof your phone. And it made me so mad ordering a new case that I cant choose only getting the shell. The silicon lining from my old one is still fine, why do I need another one 🤔
Using it "wrong" is entirely predictable, as you can tell by all the electronic cords that reinforce that spot with thick rubber/plastic. Gittemarie is right that it's planned obsolescence for some brands not to reinforce that spot. Also keep in mind that brands like Samsung do reinforce it effectively, it's a special Apple "innovation" to make shitty cords while also making you pay way too much for them.
My mum was like this in the 80's & 90's and passed it on to us too! My JanSport backpack is 24 years old & still going! And I've instilled the same values in my kids too 😁 No leaving the house without a water bottle, cup & a shopping bag 😜 they're 5 & 9...the 9 year old doesn't even need reminding anymore 🎉🎉🎉
@alix_oh it’s not the super-glue type stuff, it’s the paste-type glue idk how to explain, anyway, using that for a creative project that you’re going to love for years is really not a problem
Love this! I’ve repaired my partners backpack 3 times over 7 years 😂 it was already bought used it’s kind of a running joke now to see how long it can last ! Keep using and reusing what you already own! Also that comb is so amazing !!!
One of my most hated planned obsolescence things is the handle parts of plastic laundry baskets, which always collapse in and crack after a while even though the rest of the basket is fine. So I repair mine (and my mom's etc.) by heating a nail in a candle flame, melting a couple of little holes at the sides of the broken spot, and suturing it back together with a paper clip using small pliers. It works really well!
I wrapped the handles of mine in an old pair of tights and glued them - just looks like it has soft black handles, and it’s actually a lot more comfortable to use
Yes! I have a few plastic ones and one woven one. I grew up with the natural woven one, it’s so sturdy so when the plastic ones are no longer usable at all I’ll be scouring the second hand shops for more of those
This isn't necisarily planned obselence for the laundry baskets. It is just where the stress poinys are and through the repeated flexing ( fatigue cycles) they crack. Different manufacturing methods have different limitations on differing thicknesses( different cooling rates can lead to deformation) of material or wear you can locate ribs for support
I was watching this while making my lunch and it was fun to look around my kitchen and see how many things are second hand or broken, but repaired. Butchers block from our friends who were moving, portable dishwasher from an old neighbor who we swapped our mini washer with when we moved, toaster oven from our friends old office building (broken door but it still works!), rice cooker my husband got when his roommate moved out ten years ago, two legged table I found for free on the side of the road and mounted on the wall for my husband's desk, and so much more!
Also learning effective stain removal is right up there with basic sewing!! You would be surprised how many people don't know how to get stains out of clothes. I also recommend trying to find devices as you need to replace them that use the same style of chargers. My laptop, phone and tablet all use the same cord and it's awesome because I really only need one cord. So I can use use just one at time and save the others as backups and stretch out the life of my chargers.
I've been learning how to make and fix clothes and other fabric items by watching TH-cam videos. It's amazing. They work for all levels, beginners and people trying to step up their skills. Making and fixing things myself is becoming my new hobby. 💖
I love watching your videos, but I am also so saddened. I have many skills (like invisible mending) that I would love to pass on for free, but there are so few systems for community based transfer of skills. At 50 something, I could teach so many skills in exchange for learning other skills. Would love to see you talk about how to set up systems that could facilitate exchange of skills (to foster the goals you advocate). Older generations have so many things to pass on and are looking for purpose and community connection.
@@zoef007 is there a community center, cafe or something in your area? Or a library? In my city a lady has an afternoon where you can drop by in the center and ask how to fix something in clothes and she shows how
my library offers workshops of various kinds (this is a trend in the US) and so I offered to teach mending. I am hoping to find a workshop on replacing my phone screen
I can do very basic sewing - enough to fix a hole or a button. And I honestly love the crappy job I do. Like you said, it’s effective. And I can tell that I did it because it’s wonky. Just makes me chuckle usually.
I feel the favourite dress, that has been mended many times. Earlier today I punched a hole in one of mine, with my bike pedal. Don't ask me how, I have no idea how it happened 😅 I feel sad about it, but also excited because now I can go through all the options of fixing it. I'm considering mending it visibly, as a statement 😊
i have a regular cooking pot with a steel colander that i use as a steamer. Just water in the cooking pot and the steel colander in with vegetables or whatever and put a lid on it!
Earlier this year, I had a need for linen storage as my apartment doesn't have a linen closet just living room closet and bedroom closet, so I took my unused microwave table added cute woven baskets and there we go a makeshift linen closet/shelving unit. I also don't use my dining table with fold out leaves as a dining table, but have always wanted a coffee/snack bar so dropped the fold out leaves down and this made the table narrow (coffee bar length) and I added my coffee pot and coffee accessories and snack trays/jars for a cute functional area in my living room that takes up 3ft length wise by 1.5ft wide
Repairing clothes is really the way to go and EASY! You will find a tutorial to fix seamlessly almost anything. I was so hyped when I learned how to repair holes in knits and you can't even tell it was there before! Also, crafts I learned for cosplays came in useful a couple of times to replace handles on my kitchenware.
A tip against cable break is that you don't wind them too tight and not right after the plug. Like, if you need to wind the cable because you want to put it in your bag, do it the biggest, because too small could be putting a strain on the cable
Nimble is such a good brand for cords and chargers if you're in the US! I don't live there anymore but if I have to travel there or through there they are at airports now, especially on the East Coast. I've had their power banks for years as well and recycle my e-waste with their bags when I can.
Hello listening sew it seams 😂 sewing has brought me such joy in that I can actually help people repair “clothes” and get more out of the resources. Sometimes even reusing thread to do this. I actually been using a “found” cable for last 2yrs. Take CaRe folks
If you want to sew things to last I suggest you learn how to sew few stitches. Mattres stitch is good to sew two things together or mend side seams of clothes. Buttonhole stitch is good for buttonholes and reforcing pocket openings etc. Catch stitch for hems. If you need to mend bigger part learn how to make running stitch and mend it with sashiko style. Cords are made to be broken very fast. My phone cord I use just home lasted only year or two. Now I buy more robust cords. They are expensive, but these have lasted with me for over five years and I use these more on go. So they are in hc use.
I'm folding socks while watching this,i came across a sock that has a whole in it, my 9 year old daughter is now mending it 😊, it's her sock and she loves mending ❤
For your cocktail glass, you could try a glass glue. I have a little tube from loctite that’s lasted me years as I’ve used it to repair various broken glass objects
Oh, I love the eucalyptus smell, I keep them around from any and all bouquets :D. And - it's so cute to me when people talk about learning basic sewing skills, since my mom used to be a dressmaker/seamstress, so me and sis kinda grew up sewing for dolls, etc., and now I have so many fixes once in a while (buttons, small tears/holes, etc.) that I just cannot imagine someone getting rid of a piece of clothing because there is such a small issue with it ) I applaud to all who don't, and instead fix them, this may be more challenging for them, but it's so self-helpful, self-sufficient, achieving!
I didnt have a name for it, this fits perfectly. In July I had made the decision not to buy from ebay or my beloved chariety shops this year, but to embrace, use, reuse, rediscover and or repurpose, the items that I curently own.
good point about wrapping the cords! I feel like I should have thought of that. I love mending my clothing and doing modest alterations. My sewing machine is my favorite possession. I take old clothing that is no longer wearable and turn it into totes and gift bags. It's such a fun and stress free thing to make. These I give away to whoever will take them. I started this when I realized I no longer had any plastic bags to give some items to a friend in. I have used reusable bags to bring home groceries for many years. It's my goal to eliminate as much fabric waist from my home as I can.
In Spain, there are specialist dressmakers who also do good quality repairs at a reasonable cost: replace linings and zips, alter styles. There must be the same service in the UK.
I think that one of the reasons cords break so easily is that people don't know how to use them gently. When I pull it out I never grab the cord part, I hold the head instead. The same with the part that goes into the socket. And one other thing that is worth remembering especially in old houses and with cords ending in a bigger plug (the big round that covers the whole socket in Europe instead) is to hold the socket with your other hand because I have ripped out a socket this way and it's a pain to put back. Also, I love that you mentioned to wrap the cords BEFORE they break. So many people wrap them after they're damaged and I don't think it's safe.
7:50 Stainless steel is newer than most people realise, it started appearing in bigger quantities in 70s. They still make stuff like this btw, you can find any amount of steel combs online. For long term use very few materials are as sustainable as stainless steel.
Superglue is bodysafe, it was original used as replacement for stitches in wounds, that's why it was invented, it can also withstand going through a dishwasher aswell 😁
If you can get it where you are, E6000 would be great for fixing the glass. It dries clear and has a bit of flex (great for stuff like glass which can expand and contract a little), and it works on almost any material for repairs. But do note that it's not food safe, and please open a window when using. I've had the same tube for years--a little bit goes a long way--and no signs of it drying out. The number of items I've fixed back to looking and working as if they're brand new is unreal.
My parents have a three seater and two seater sifa suite that they have had since about 1986! It has been recovered a few times, had bits repaired/replaced, and cushions re-stuffed, but they were quite expensive when they bought them new, so they have always been loathe to actually replace the them! To put it into perspective, I was born about 3 years after they got them.... I'm 35.... Also, my husband and I had sofas given to us when we first moved in together, and then we bought 2nd hand from a charity shop for what we have now
I hadn’t heard about ‘underconsumption core’ yet. I’ve been repairing and mending my things as much as possible for many years already, as I’m convinced that this is the only way towards real sustainability. It’s funny, because to most people in developing nations, using things as long as possible is an economic necessity, not a high-minded principle. We have to learn to live like we’re poor without feeling awkward with the perceived loss of status in the eyes of others, so this trend is great! Hopefully it will convince people that try it of the ethical part of it, rather than just being hip for a bit.
I agree with what you said but underconsumption core is turning out (and will definetely continue) to be so beneficial!! I've seen hundreds of people realizing that "underconsumption" should just be our normal consumption and also just leaning towards being more sustainable overall! I love it!!
We always use broken pottery for plants… and broken glasses/plates/etc can be smashed up more and act as the soil cat h at the bottom. (Or recycled, obviously)
I've had my kitchen shelves for about 20 years now. Theyre heavy duty plastic I got half off, and I just keep washing them and reusing them all over my house. Currently they're an open air pantry, because I didnt have anywhere to store dry goods. 😂 This is making a trend of the waste not want not mentality and I love it
I would use E6000 glue for the little (wine?)glass. The fumes are pretty toxic but I have repaired so many things with it - it bonds glass to glass very well.
I wish I could send pictures to you of my 25-year-old food processor, my original Corning dishes that are now 47 years old. I keep thinking about replacing them or buying something new but I just can’t seem to justify it. Thank you for reaffirming.
Sooo true!! Underconsumption used to be just common sense for non-rich people. For us it's still common sense, plus lots of fun, learning, crafting and sustainability!
Regarding cables-we got ikea ones (I know all about ikea shady bussines with wood, I am not a fan) that are kinda fabricky and they hold up so well. I had is stuck in a drawer, ran over by my char and pulled daily. Good as new. Also I second the DIY sewing repairs. It is easy and saves so much money and time. Also can make a garment look even cooler if you learn basic embroidery. I made cute little bees on a cardigan that had moth holes
It's important to use what we have or find a new purpose for things. I have made a mistake earlier today. There's a shirt nobody claimed & I should have turned it into a cleaning rag but I foolishly listened to my sister who said to get rid of it.
Seeing the well-used make-up wipes, I wonder if the stain will come off with a little soak in sodium percarbonate solution. If yes, then the wipes will be as good as new after a soak and wash.
Oh, and I'm using a knitted baby sleeping bag and blanket for my baby, that my mum used for me, and both my older siblings, which my nan made for when my brother was born. 44 years ago. And I hope to one day pass them down to my daughter for her own child/children.
I'm a big fan of giving used books as gifts! You can find some real gems depending on the bookstore, and even if the giftee isn't a reader per se, you can still probably find a book about something they enjoy (I've had good luck finding interesting used coffee table books for gifts).
I have a lot of friends who aren't into secondhand bits (doesn't stop me! But for their birthdays I don't want to give gifts they won't use). I ALWAYS ask people what they want for their birthday. One of the biggest issues with gifts is people want to buy "surprise" things but people might not even like or use them and they end up going to the charity shop. Also, quality over quantity. One good gift beats 3 smaller gifts people might not care for. I also try to gift experiences where possible - memberships etc., which often simply have online tickets or e-cards.
And for wrapping, I purchased some recycled sari cloth wraps which I've used for 3 years. If people give me gift bags for my birthday, I fold them up and reuse them for other gifts. I've also told friends "don't bother wrapping my gifts" and it's started rubbing off on my friends!
Both my electric food processor and my electric coffee grinder have part of the plastic lid broken off, the part that is the safety that allows the motor to go. If you hold broken piece on just right they still work fine. They will NOT bring going to the trash just because a cheap piece of plastic is broken!!
Hey gorgeous girl, love your content, do you think you’d be able to find some ways to be sustainable with adhd? I improved a lot but I struggle to be as sustainable as possible!
Hey! What exactly are you struggling with? What are your problem areas? Adhd is a mental condition, and can appear very differently in everyone(I would know, me and my mum has it and we portray it very differently) so a bit more info would help us help you💜
Fellow ADHD girly here. I have a lot of things always on me. (Reusables etcetera) Also I use carabiner to not lose my stuff. Digital planners and alarms are my go to. Every couple of months, I also spend some time to fill my freezer with ready meals for the days I forget to eat/don't have the energy to cook. But most importantly: do the best you can at that moment. Do what you have to do, because you're doing great. ❤
@@lolal-t2027 I’m a hyperactive impulsive person, which is really bad when it comes to shopping, I have put some measures in place like “don’t have shopping apps on my phone” etc but I’m still trying to work it out, in addition to destroying things by accident or not lose things or not let food go to waste. It’s always good to see how other people do things cause it gives me ideas on how to improve things myself!
@@hassehelewaut9014 ooh that is clever, i started doing meal prep and it really saved a lot of money and time and created a lot less food waste! I’m a paper to do list person currently but I’m hoping to get into the routine and switch it to my iPad!
I am an add/autistic person and love to be sustainable. I do that in different ways. For example I was always losing my charger for my phone and then taking it everywhere which made me lose it or break it. What I did is, I have a charger at my bed, one at my couch and one my desk. But because they stay there I can do so much longer with them. And for the road I have a little cable organizerwith everything in it. Same as what an other person said, in my backpack are always reusable cuterly (I also have multiple for one is dirty I can put a clean one in). Maybe it sounds weird but by always have the sustainable thing in you bags makes it easier plus have multiples is sometime more sustainable then have to buy it everything you forget or lose something.
Generic android cords last much longer than apple or google cords because thet have the nubbly rubber reinforcement right at the plugs. Plus the phones are cheaper in the first place, even when you're buying refurbished!
Cannot sew, sewing machines scare me….until a neighbour had an Ikea sewing machine to give away. Watched a youtube video on how to use it and have repaired many, many clothing items since
Honestly if your cord is broken just spend the money on a new one. If your charging block is old and gets excessively hot buy a new one. Is there going to be some environmental impact yes but electricity is not something to play with. Buy a cord with strain relief on the ends if you want it to last longer.
That's the way I understand it too. Except being frugal is often associated with being cheap whereas underconsumption core is yet another 'trendy' word so unsuspecting people can fall into the marketing trap of selling poorer quality stuff at a higher price. The best thing to do is still being intentional about only purchasing what we need as we need it (a novel concept under capitalism, I know ;))
It is another word for it yeah, but it’s gaining momentum with another crowd and as a (reasonable) reaction to “overconsumption” ☺️ new words describing old concepts is not a new thing so in that regard I am welcoming the concept 🫶
I have quite good sewing skills - I sew my own clothes - so if anyone wants to learn how to repair their own clothes and lives near Wrocław (Poland), feel invited to free lessons! 😍 I can also knit and crochet, and I have quite a lot of supplies for practice, so such lessons - also completely free, I also provide free materials - are also welcome! 🥰
If something is trending, my gut feeling tells me that it will be replaced by another trend one day. We should make underconsumption a tool and a way of using , not a trend.
The term "underconsumption" itself is problematic. It implies you're consuming less than normal and doing something abnormal rather than just what you should. These people aren't underconsuming (apart from some crazy extreme cheapskates/ultra-frugal people), the rest of us are overconsuming.
I love the tip about the cords! A gentle PSA from the daughter of a firefighter: once the wires are exposed, NEVER try to tape a cable up and keep using it. My dad has been to fatal house fires caused by badly repaired cables. It's not worth the risk.
Taping them up before they break is so simple and so clever- do the prevention, not the cure! ❤️
Prevention not cure should be the motto here 🙏🔥
@@Gittemary yes!! Honestly who cares if your charging cable looks ugly with tape on it? It'd look way uglier in landfill 🤷♀️
There is also specific tape that is meant for wrapping electric cords that is quite safe to use to wrap cords if the cord itself is not damaged. I highly recommend getting it because you can use it for other purposes too. It can be used to wrap the ends of used batteries so they don't start a fire in the recycling bin and also in some countries, you might have to use this while installing ceiling lamp fixtures.
But the prevention hack is really smart!
Most electric cords in my flat are covered in macrame, it protects them from breaking AND my cats’ teeth 😂
Okay that is THE life hack, and I bet it looks pretty as well 🥰
I just covered my phone charger cord as one of my first crochet projects, it's such a cute hack 😁
It might be cute, but be careful with that, it might create fire hazard.
This sounds like a fire hazard to me.
An interesting video idea: underconsumption "hacks" that you shouldn't do, like wrapping a cord AFTER it breaks, or reparing a child car seat after it is broken or no longer deemed safe to use. I see a lot of videos with dangerous "hacks" and as much as we need to reduce our consumption, safety should always come before that, I feel like a lot of people who do a lot of zero/low waste even judge others because they buy or consume things that are necessary.
Also I love your video, keep doing what you're doing!!
In Budapest we have a free community repair caffee. I think in historically poorer countries being thrifty and fixing things is often so ingrained in people. My father is a mechanic so I can not tell you how much e-stuff I fix thanks to him teaching me and my sister the basics and how many clothes I thrifted to then style to my liking using my sewing machine. Same thing in the kitchen. Even meals I prepare with that mindset of how can I best use up what I have to not waste it and get a good, healthy meal. Storing in glass jars, freezing for later. It just gives so much joy to be thinking of things as objects of value and treasure and mend and use them to their full potential.
I feel that as well as having basic sewing skills it is vital to know how to get the most common stains out of your clothes.
PS my grandma uses broken cords instead of plastic thread for different things in the garden, like tying tomato plants to stabilyzing bamboo sticks or for making wreaths!
mine used them as an outside clothes line in the garden :-)
The repair skills! Yes!
We have 22 year old leather couch that has broken twice (the frame 😮) and hubby fixed it. Then the filling started to be flat, so we filled it with old sheets, towels etc. Finally, this year I figured this couch is lived its days when our dog made a huge rip on it. Couch insides start coming out...but No. Hubby bought a leather repair kit and no more couch fluff pouring out 😂 it is no longer the prettiest couch, but a freshly cleaned, functional, comfortable, so kinda feels like "new".
This must be our best under consumption core example 😄💚
I got a couple sweaters that my great grandma knit. They're probably 80-90 years old and have been worn by both my mom and grandma
the core of underconsumption core: please BE GENTLE WITH YOUR THINGS. this struck me when i got to your cord example - i have never had a cord or par of wire earphones break on me in my life, and i’ve always been using electronics for ages and well past their ~planned obsolesence period. i’m gentle with my cords, i never pull on them but hold on to the plastic head when unplugging, and most importantly, i never let them bend at weird angles if i’m e.g. using my phone while it’s charging. sure, sometimes this is inconvenient, and sometimes it means you have no choice but to put down your phone and let it charge in peace - but if it means a longer life for your gadgets and your wires, it’s worth it.
certainly, your repar-and-use technique is golden - but being gentle with your things goes a long way to saving you and your tools a lot of grief.
I'm always amazed at how the 'new, hot topics' within sustainability end up being 'normal Tuesday' for my grandparent or great-grandparent generation. I remember when I tried to explain to my great-grandmother the concept of fast food and general take away idea. She could not accept that you will be given food container/cup that you do not need to return, and why wouldn't everyone just keep reusing the container they got. And once it broke, why wouldn't you fix it or use for something else like potting plants😁. She was intelligent, it was just totally alien concept to her, she was sure I am making fun of her or misunderstood something myself. What we apparently accept as normal consumption is not normal.
When pulling the cord, pull the plastic head, and not the wire; it's why it breaks for so many people. E-waste do be absolutely crazy though; they've updated the USB type so many times in the past few years rendering older cords obsolete, and I can only imagine the number of phone cases that people have used and discarded because every model has a slightly different form.
Phone cases drive me nuts on how wasteful they are, I just bought a new one for my phone because my old was absolutely mangled (Burga)
The cases from burga has like a silikon lining and then a plastic shell. I think this is fairly common to shock proof your phone. And it made me so mad ordering a new case that I cant choose only getting the shell. The silicon lining from my old one is still fine, why do I need another one 🤔
Not to mention, WHY ARE WE MAKING PHONES SO DARN FRAGILE THAT THEY CANT SURVIVE WITHOUT AN EXTRA CASE??? 👹👹👹👹
Using it "wrong" is entirely predictable, as you can tell by all the electronic cords that reinforce that spot with thick rubber/plastic. Gittemarie is right that it's planned obsolescence for some brands not to reinforce that spot. Also keep in mind that brands like Samsung do reinforce it effectively, it's a special Apple "innovation" to make shitty cords while also making you pay way too much for them.
My mum was like this in the 80's & 90's and passed it on to us too! My JanSport backpack is 24 years old & still going! And I've instilled the same values in my kids too 😁 No leaving the house without a water bottle, cup & a shopping bag 😜 they're 5 & 9...the 9 year old doesn't even need reminding anymore 🎉🎉🎉
Oh, how great that you've taught them to be sustainable. Good values like that will stick with them.
Okay goals 😭💚
I love this ❤
I love the cord idea and the paper clay especially! Going to try those asap. Planned obsolescence is the ABSOLUTE BANE of my existence!
Agreed, the absolute baaaaaane 😩😩
@alix_oh it’s not the super-glue type stuff, it’s the paste-type glue idk how to explain, anyway, using that for a creative project that you’re going to love for years is really not a problem
Love this! I’ve repaired my partners backpack 3 times over 7 years 😂 it was already bought used it’s kind of a running joke now to see how long it can last ! Keep using and reusing what you already own! Also that comb is so amazing !!!
I find it a fun challenge to see how well I can repair something and see how long it will last😂
@@7drunkenmermaids431 yes!!!! 👏🏻 what item is your longest standing ?
One of my most hated planned obsolescence things is the handle parts of plastic laundry baskets, which always collapse in and crack after a while even though the rest of the basket is fine. So I repair mine (and my mom's etc.) by heating a nail in a candle flame, melting a couple of little holes at the sides of the broken spot, and suturing it back together with a paper clip using small pliers. It works really well!
I wrapped the handles of mine in an old pair of tights and glued them - just looks like it has soft black handles, and it’s actually a lot more comfortable to use
Yes! I have a few plastic ones and one woven one. I grew up with the natural woven one, it’s so sturdy so when the plastic ones are no longer usable at all I’ll be scouring the second hand shops for more of those
This isn't necisarily planned obselence for the laundry baskets. It is just where the stress poinys are and through the repeated flexing ( fatigue cycles) they crack.
Different manufacturing methods have different limitations on differing thicknesses( different cooling rates can lead to deformation) of material or wear you can locate ribs for support
Heck yeah! Thanks for sharing your technique ✨️
I was watching this while making my lunch and it was fun to look around my kitchen and see how many things are second hand or broken, but repaired. Butchers block from our friends who were moving, portable dishwasher from an old neighbor who we swapped our mini washer with when we moved, toaster oven from our friends old office building (broken door but it still works!), rice cooker my husband got when his roommate moved out ten years ago, two legged table I found for free on the side of the road and mounted on the wall for my husband's desk, and so much more!
Sounds like an amazing home full of stories 😍✨🌿
Make sure to use electrical tape to repair wires. It's heat resistant and insulates electricity. Be careful with higher voltages.
"I don't do this well, I do it effectively"
I'm proud of my terrible stitch jobs on all the little holes and popped off buttons of my clothes
Also learning effective stain removal is right up there with basic sewing!! You would be surprised how many people don't know how to get stains out of clothes. I also recommend trying to find devices as you need to replace them that use the same style of chargers. My laptop, phone and tablet all use the same cord and it's awesome because I really only need one cord. So I can use use just one at time and save the others as backups and stretch out the life of my chargers.
I've been learning how to make and fix clothes and other fabric items by watching TH-cam videos. It's amazing. They work for all levels, beginners and people trying to step up their skills. Making and fixing things myself is becoming my new hobby. 💖
I love watching your videos, but I am also so saddened. I have many skills (like invisible mending) that I would love to pass on for free, but there are so few systems for community based transfer of skills. At 50 something, I could teach so many skills in exchange for learning other skills. Would love to see you talk about how to set up systems that could facilitate exchange of skills (to foster the goals you advocate). Older generations have so many things to pass on and are looking for purpose and community connection.
One idea would be to start a TH-cam channel to pass on your knowledge! I'm pretty sure that many people would benefit from your knowledge! :)
@@kathahoffmann1380 thanks, but it is not the same as in-person social interaction. 😉
@@zoef007 is there a community center, cafe or something in your area? Or a library? In my city a lady has an afternoon where you can drop by in the center and ask how to fix something in clothes and she shows how
Oh, yes please!
I would love to be a part of a make and repair community for sharing knowledge.
my library offers workshops of various kinds (this is a trend in the US) and so I offered to teach mending. I am hoping to find a workshop on replacing my phone screen
I can do very basic sewing - enough to fix a hole or a button. And I honestly love the crappy job I do. Like you said, it’s effective. And I can tell that I did it because it’s wonky. Just makes me chuckle usually.
I feel the favourite dress, that has been mended many times. Earlier today I punched a hole in one of mine, with my bike pedal. Don't ask me how, I have no idea how it happened 😅
I feel sad about it, but also excited because now I can go through all the options of fixing it. I'm considering mending it visibly, as a statement 😊
i have a regular cooking pot with a steel colander that i use as a steamer. Just water in the cooking pot and the steel colander in with vegetables or whatever and put a lid on it!
Earlier this year, I had a need for linen storage as my apartment doesn't have a linen closet just living room closet and bedroom closet, so I took my unused microwave table added cute woven baskets and there we go a makeshift linen closet/shelving unit. I also don't use my dining table with fold out leaves as a dining table, but have always wanted a coffee/snack bar so dropped the fold out leaves down and this made the table narrow (coffee bar length) and I added my coffee pot and coffee accessories and snack trays/jars for a cute functional area in my living room that takes up 3ft length wise by 1.5ft wide
Repairing clothes is really the way to go and EASY! You will find a tutorial to fix seamlessly almost anything. I was so hyped when I learned how to repair holes in knits and you can't even tell it was there before! Also, crafts I learned for cosplays came in useful a couple of times to replace handles on my kitchenware.
A tip against cable break is that you don't wind them too tight and not right after the plug. Like, if you need to wind the cable because you want to put it in your bag, do it the biggest, because too small could be putting a strain on the cable
I have that glass with the green stem! I inherited a few of them from my nan when she died, they're my lovely fancy glasses 😍😍😍
Nimble is such a good brand for cords and chargers if you're in the US! I don't live there anymore but if I have to travel there or through there they are at airports now, especially on the East Coast. I've had their power banks for years as well and recycle my e-waste with their bags when I can.
Hello listening sew it seams 😂 sewing has brought me such joy in that I can actually help people repair “clothes” and get more out of the resources. Sometimes even reusing thread to do this. I actually been using a “found” cable for last 2yrs. Take CaRe folks
If you want to sew things to last I suggest you learn how to sew few stitches. Mattres stitch is good to sew two things together or mend side seams of clothes. Buttonhole stitch is good for buttonholes and reforcing pocket openings etc. Catch stitch for hems.
If you need to mend bigger part learn how to make running stitch and mend it with sashiko style.
Cords are made to be broken very fast. My phone cord I use just home lasted only year or two. Now I buy more robust cords. They are expensive, but these have lasted with me for over five years and I use these more on go. So they are in hc use.
I'm folding socks while watching this,i came across a sock that has a whole in it, my 9 year old daughter is now mending it 😊, it's her sock and she loves mending ❤
That “70’s dress” is beautiful on you. The fit and color are perfect. I agree about the sewing, unfortunately I cannot sew but my husband can.
For your cocktail glass, you could try a glass glue. I have a little tube from loctite that’s lasted me years as I’ve used it to repair various broken glass objects
Oh, I love the eucalyptus smell, I keep them around from any and all bouquets :D.
And - it's so cute to me when people talk about learning basic sewing skills, since my mom used to be a dressmaker/seamstress, so me and sis kinda grew up sewing for dolls, etc., and now I have so many fixes once in a while (buttons, small tears/holes, etc.) that I just cannot imagine someone getting rid of a piece of clothing because there is such a small issue with it ) I applaud to all who don't, and instead fix them, this may be more challenging for them, but it's so self-helpful, self-sufficient, achieving!
I didnt have a name for it, this fits perfectly. In July I had made the decision not to buy from ebay or my beloved chariety shops this year, but to embrace, use, reuse, rediscover and or repurpose, the items that I curently own.
good point about wrapping the cords! I feel like I should have thought of that. I love mending my clothing and doing modest alterations. My sewing machine is my favorite possession. I take old clothing that is no longer wearable and turn it into totes and gift bags. It's such a fun and stress free thing to make. These I give away to whoever will take them. I started this when I realized I no longer had any plastic bags to give some items to a friend in. I have used reusable bags to bring home groceries for many years. It's my goal to eliminate as much fabric waist from my home as I can.
It'd be neat to attach a cork to the bottom of that glass that fits into the green bottle
In Spain, there are specialist dressmakers who also do good quality repairs at a reasonable cost: replace linings and zips, alter styles. There must be the same service in the UK.
I think that one of the reasons cords break so easily is that people don't know how to use them gently. When I pull it out I never grab the cord part, I hold the head instead. The same with the part that goes into the socket. And one other thing that is worth remembering especially in old houses and with cords ending in a bigger plug (the big round that covers the whole socket in Europe instead) is to hold the socket with your other hand because I have ripped out a socket this way and it's a pain to put back. Also, I love that you mentioned to wrap the cords BEFORE they break. So many people wrap them after they're damaged and I don't think it's safe.
7:50 Stainless steel is newer than most people realise, it started appearing in bigger quantities in 70s. They still make stuff like this btw, you can find any amount of steel combs online. For long term use very few materials are as sustainable as stainless steel.
Superglue is bodysafe, it was original used as replacement for stitches in wounds, that's why it was invented, it can also withstand going through a dishwasher aswell 😁
If you can get it where you are, E6000 would be great for fixing the glass. It dries clear and has a bit of flex (great for stuff like glass which can expand and contract a little), and it works on almost any material for repairs. But do note that it's not food safe, and please open a window when using. I've had the same tube for years--a little bit goes a long way--and no signs of it drying out. The number of items I've fixed back to looking and working as if they're brand new is unreal.
My parents have a three seater and two seater sifa suite that they have had since about 1986! It has been recovered a few times, had bits repaired/replaced, and cushions re-stuffed, but they were quite expensive when they bought them new, so they have always been loathe to actually replace the them! To put it into perspective, I was born about 3 years after they got them.... I'm 35.... Also, my husband and I had sofas given to us when we first moved in together, and then we bought 2nd hand from a charity shop for what we have now
I hadn’t heard about ‘underconsumption core’ yet. I’ve been repairing and mending my things as much as possible for many years already, as I’m convinced that this is the only way towards real sustainability. It’s funny, because to most people in developing nations, using things as long as possible is an economic necessity, not a high-minded principle. We have to learn to live like we’re poor without feeling awkward with the perceived loss of status in the eyes of others, so this trend is great! Hopefully it will convince people that try it of the ethical part of it, rather than just being hip for a bit.
With the glass. Glue it inside out and paint it to make a cute little mushroom ❤
That bouquet grapping picture is Olimpic Competitions worthy 😆
I agree with what you said but underconsumption core is turning out (and will definetely continue) to be so beneficial!! I've seen hundreds of people realizing that "underconsumption" should just be our normal consumption and also just leaning towards being more sustainable overall! I love it!!
We always use broken pottery for plants… and broken glasses/plates/etc can be smashed up more and act as the soil cat h at the bottom. (Or recycled, obviously)
I've had my kitchen shelves for about 20 years now. Theyre heavy duty plastic I got half off, and I just keep washing them and reusing them all over my house. Currently they're an open air pantry, because I didnt have anywhere to store dry goods. 😂 This is making a trend of the waste not want not mentality and I love it
I would use E6000 glue for the little (wine?)glass. The fumes are pretty toxic but I have repaired so many things with it - it bonds glass to glass very well.
I wish I could send pictures to you of my 25-year-old food processor, my original Corning dishes that are now 47 years old. I keep thinking about replacing them or buying something new but I just can’t seem to justify it. Thank you for reaffirming.
Just wrapped my cord thanks to you! Somehow I just never thought of doing that *before* they start to break...
It’s the best way to go 🙏✨
Stainless steel dishes and cups can be found at Ikea every summer.
I love your vibe and I'm the same way with my possessions, you have a new subscriber ❤
Sooo true!! Underconsumption used to be just common sense for non-rich people. For us it's still common sense, plus lots of fun, learning, crafting and sustainability!
In the past people in Japan would used to use small bits of melted gold to fill cracks in pottery.
Great vid, for the glass see if a local glassblower/maker could repair it using molted glass.
Regarding cables-we got ikea ones (I know all about ikea shady bussines with wood, I am not a fan) that are kinda fabricky and they hold up so well. I had is stuck in a drawer, ran over by my char and pulled daily. Good as new. Also I second the DIY sewing repairs. It is easy and saves so much money and time. Also can make a garment look even cooler if you learn basic embroidery. I made cute little bees on a cardigan that had moth holes
It's important to use what we have or find a new purpose for things.
I have made a mistake earlier today. There's a shirt nobody claimed & I should have turned it into a cleaning rag but I foolishly listened to my sister who said to get rid of it.
Seeing the well-used make-up wipes, I wonder if the stain will come off with a little soak in sodium percarbonate solution. If yes, then the wipes will be as good as new after a soak and wash.
Oh, and I'm using a knitted baby sleeping bag and blanket for my baby, that my mum used for me, and both my older siblings, which my nan made for when my brother was born. 44 years ago. And I hope to one day pass them down to my daughter for her own child/children.
I’d love to see a video about undercomsumption and gift giving. I don’t always have time to make a gift. Oh and the wrapping/presentation…
I'm a big fan of giving used books as gifts! You can find some real gems depending on the bookstore, and even if the giftee isn't a reader per se, you can still probably find a book about something they enjoy (I've had good luck finding interesting used coffee table books for gifts).
I have a lot of friends who aren't into secondhand bits (doesn't stop me! But for their birthdays I don't want to give gifts they won't use). I ALWAYS ask people what they want for their birthday. One of the biggest issues with gifts is people want to buy "surprise" things but people might not even like or use them and they end up going to the charity shop. Also, quality over quantity. One good gift beats 3 smaller gifts people might not care for. I also try to gift experiences where possible - memberships etc., which often simply have online tickets or e-cards.
And for wrapping, I purchased some recycled sari cloth wraps which I've used for 3 years. If people give me gift bags for my birthday, I fold them up and reuse them for other gifts. I've also told friends "don't bother wrapping my gifts" and it's started rubbing off on my friends!
Both my electric food processor and my electric coffee grinder have part of the plastic lid broken off, the part that is the safety that allows the motor to go. If you hold broken piece on just right they still work fine. They will NOT bring going to the trash just because a cheap piece of plastic is broken!!
I loooovvveee underconsumption core❤
That white/black pot is raku, and raku glazes are never food safe. Also it's quite a porous type of clay body; raku is a decor-only kind of pottery.
Hey gorgeous girl, love your content, do you think you’d be able to find some ways to be sustainable with adhd? I improved a lot but I struggle to be as sustainable as possible!
Hey! What exactly are you struggling with? What are your problem areas? Adhd is a mental condition, and can appear very differently in everyone(I would know, me and my mum has it and we portray it very differently) so a bit more info would help us help you💜
Fellow ADHD girly here. I have a lot of things always on me. (Reusables etcetera) Also I use carabiner to not lose my stuff.
Digital planners and alarms are my go to.
Every couple of months, I also spend some time to fill my freezer with ready meals for the days I forget to eat/don't have the energy to cook.
But most importantly: do the best you can at that moment. Do what you have to do, because you're doing great. ❤
@@lolal-t2027 I’m a hyperactive impulsive person, which is really bad when it comes to shopping, I have put some measures in place like “don’t have shopping apps on my phone” etc but I’m still trying to work it out, in addition to destroying things by accident or not lose things or not let food go to waste. It’s always good to see how other people do things cause it gives me ideas on how to improve things myself!
@@hassehelewaut9014 ooh that is clever, i started doing meal prep and it really saved a lot of money and time and created a lot less food waste!
I’m a paper to do list person currently but I’m hoping to get into the routine and switch it to my iPad!
I am an add/autistic person and love to be sustainable. I do that in different ways. For example I was always losing my charger for my phone and then taking it everywhere which made me lose it or break it. What I did is, I have a charger at my bed, one at my couch and one my desk. But because they stay there I can do so much longer with them. And for the road I have a little cable organizerwith everything in it. Same as what an other person said, in my backpack are always reusable cuterly (I also have multiple for one is dirty I can put a clean one in). Maybe it sounds weird but by always have the sustainable thing in you bags makes it easier plus have multiples is sometime more sustainable then have to buy it everything you forget or lose something.
Generic android cords last much longer than apple or google cords because thet have the nubbly rubber reinforcement right at the plugs. Plus the phones are cheaper in the first place, even when you're buying refurbished!
I have house slippers (slides) that i keep gluing together. They work, why get rid of them?
Cannot sew, sewing machines scare me….until a neighbour had an Ikea sewing machine to give away. Watched a youtube video on how to use it and have repaired many, many clothing items since
⚠️ When using tape on your cables PLEASE use electrical tape, rather than any old tape. Regular tape on a broken wire can be a major fire hazard 🔥
Honestly if your cord is broken just spend the money on a new one. If your charging block is old and gets excessively hot buy a new one. Is there going to be some environmental impact yes but electricity is not something to play with. Buy a cord with strain relief on the ends if you want it to last longer.
i'd be wary of the electric cord need to becareful of causing a fire but you can get cords that are thicker and better protected
I had to throw away the makeup wipes that I made because the center where the stains are were getting stiff/crusty even after washing after every use
But isn’t “underconsumption core” not just a new word for being frugal…?
That's the way I understand it too. Except being frugal is often associated with being cheap whereas underconsumption core is yet another 'trendy' word so unsuspecting people can fall into the marketing trap of selling poorer quality stuff at a higher price. The best thing to do is still being intentional about only purchasing what we need as we need it (a novel concept under capitalism, I know ;))
It is another word for it yeah, but it’s gaining momentum with another crowd and as a (reasonable) reaction to “overconsumption” ☺️ new words describing old concepts is not a new thing so in that regard I am welcoming the concept 🫶
I have quite good sewing skills - I sew my own clothes - so if anyone wants to learn how to repair their own clothes and lives near Wrocław (Poland), feel invited to free lessons! 😍
I can also knit and crochet, and I have quite a lot of supplies for practice, so such lessons - also completely free, I also provide free materials - are also welcome! 🥰
What helped me with phone chargers: i am not using my phone while it is charging. The cord brakes much slower.
What did you use to wrap your cords?
If something is trending, my gut feeling tells me that it will be replaced by another trend one day. We should make underconsumption a tool and a way of using , not a trend.
Is it common in Denmark at a wedding to throw the bouquet? I thought that was just an American thing, I never heard that happen anywhere in Europe.
in Germany they do it too 😃
In Italy too :)
👍
The term "underconsumption" itself is problematic. It implies you're consuming less than normal and doing something abnormal rather than just what you should. These people aren't underconsuming (apart from some crazy extreme cheapskates/ultra-frugal people), the rest of us are overconsuming.
Do you know exactly what the word "niche" means? Because I don't think you're using it correctly
I am using it to describe small group or segment 😅 that works 👌
@@Gittemary yes but the way it works is supposed to be in exact replacement of the word small which you weren't doing