For more tips on sustainable living at home check out these resources: My House Guide to Sustainable, Simple, and Healthy Living: www.robingreenfield.org/sustainablehome My Sustainable Living Series from my bike ride across the USA: www.robingreenfield.org/sustainablelivingseries
I used to use reusable bottles but I always found that they molded so I went back to plastic disposable bottles but I reuse the so called disposable bottles many times to prevent plastic waste
We don't use any kind of paper towel .we have small towels which after using flush guns we use it.we can wash it later.each one of us has their own towel.that way u don't even need to buy that toilet paper also
"No matter what we do as a human race, we're going to cause some harm [to the environment]. The idea is to minimize that impact." That right there. This is how you know someone isn't a hippie totally disconnected from reality with grandiose ideas about saving the planet. Rob understands the impact people have on our world, both collectively and individually. He takes responsibility for his individual actions and finds ways to reduce environmental harm. Keep it up man. You're a leader.
Cheers for the video content! Excuse me for chiming in, I would appreciate your thoughts. Have you thought about - Elijahzan Ailment Solution Review (Sure I saw it on Google)? It is a smashing one of a kind product for saving money with your own electricity supply without the hard work. Ive heard some decent things about it and my close friend Aubrey at very last got great results with it.
Up through the 70s, I remember when almost everything came in glass bottles. I mean everything from milk, mustard, mayo and soda. The glass, (soda , milk bottles) were turned in for money at the store to be used again. In the late 70s, 80s plastic everything came into use. I hate it. I actually try to use as much glass as possible, there is a lot less waste. In the U.S. we used to do many things that worked naturally, but they were dismissed in the name of marketing. It is funny how we realize we have to come full circle.
In the 50s the disposable lifestyle was greatly promoted in magazines. Simply your life they said with gleeful domestic women. Plastic can be a great component when applied properly but it’s the default now for everything because it’s cheap and the lobbiests love the industry
In USSR we had refillable bottles of fizzy water that we would return in echange for a full bottle (at a fraction of the price). This, and similar systems are long gone, unfortunately.
A few years ago, a few percent of the water bottle available were still made of glass. Today, I consider myself lucky to find one or two brands of glass-bottled water is *some* shops... (I live in Czechia, Europe.) On the positive side, there are water filters around (like in this video) and also steel or glass canteens for the outdoors...
I’m 33 and when I was around 26 I did a Plastic free month with my little family and now as a family of 4 we still do many of the things that we learned to do that month. I live in CA and we only buy drinks in glass or in cans and recycle. My kids are now very conscious of the waste that we create. My now 8 year old rolls her eyes at toy packaging that uses too much plastic. 😆 She gets frustrated.
@@DB-xo6xh Nice! Actually you can also minimise toys. My daughter (now 10) has had very few toys, just some locally handcrafted wooden construction blocks, some dolls (preferably locally handcrafted too), same for some music instruments... and a bunch of other things (I don’t remember exactly), but mostly « real stuff », not all the plasticky kiddy gadgets and crap from the toy stores. Some board games, lots of books. With less but more valuable things, they also learn to appreciate more what they have. My daughter’s very happy and didn’t miss any toys.
BusinessLawPole Never say never. We are at a point of no other option but to conserve. It’s a collective consciousness. 1000 years ago we would never have assumed we’d destroy our own home .... Nothing lasts forever .....
The wealthiest need to change their lifestyle. They consume the most. Try telling them that! African people hardly make a dent. They are the true meaning of the word 'carbon neutral'.
This is how my grandmother her mother and my generation lived back in the day in the far south island of the Bahamas. Crooked island. They all lived over 90 and my great grand mother was 109 when she died. All they did was fish and grew their own foods and lived a great stress free life!
I wonder if the people he lives with share his habits. In my experience, the hardest part of living a lifestyle even remotely like what Rob’s doing is finding a living situation with like-minded people.
And then on top of that, it's harder to find people who are not only like-minded with unconventional lifestyles, but are also not fringy charlatans. Like I'll meet someone and talk about health and lifestyle and we think alike (at least superficially), but then it turns out they're into some culty MLM company or they think yoga and crystals will solve all the world's problems 🤷♂️
I love how you recommend recycled toilet paper in this video and three years later you've posted a video on all the waste-free alternatives to toilet paper. Sustainability really is a process and you've gotten so much better at it over the years. :D
My $35 bidet has been the best upgrade to my home in the last three years. I tell everyone to get one and my good friends finally did. They bought a more expensive type that does more things so I’m a little jealous. LOL
My favorite thing about you is you're so genuine and you don't feel the need to scold or look down on others. People like you invoke and inspire real change
A full fridge actually uses less energy because the items inside retain the desired temperature more than air. But it's great if you can keep enough of your food unrefrigerated that you can use a smaller fridge.
Hey Rob, here in South East Asia we don't use toilet paper at all, we just wash with water. Every toilet has got either a mini-shower or a bucket of water with a small pot used to pour water on your private parts. I usually carry a towel with me so I can dry myself but the locals don't bother. I was born and raised in Italy where we have a bidet to wash after your toilet business, however I find the Asian way the most sustainable and healthy. Keep up the great work! 😁😊❤️😘
I have been following you for a while and this is a good informative video. I do many of these things already but I have to keep my car living in the country. People don't believe it when I tell them how much I need to live especially since my house is paid off. Keep the vids coming. Good show!
I'm familiar with Rob from his work in Florida living in the shed and having a huge garden. Interesting to see how much he has learned and experienced since this video was made.
I'm always looking to learn how I can do things more sustainably so thanks for the tips. Here's an idea. Instead of a bucket under the sink one can use some tubs in the sink and simply carry the used water to the garden when finished with it.
I'm curious, what are your thoughts on flying? How can you combine sustainable living with flying around the world, don't you feel guilty when stepping into a plane? (This is one of the "problems" I have, I love travelling but sometimes it seems absurd to me to try to live sustainably and at the same time fly around the world). Would love to hear your thoughts!! Thanks for all you do!
I'm going to a wedding in Italy next month, so this topic has been on my mind. . . And it can't be justified. Air travel is just one of those things we have the blessing to be able to do during a brief window in planetary resource consumption. It will be done by people at our level of privilege until either price signals or laws make it impossible. You and I should feel guilty in the exact proportion that we feel virtuous in saving a bit of petrol on packaging, etc.
You can calculate the carbon cost of your flights online. He specifically addresses flying on his website. My flight to and from Nepal this year came out to 4.62 tons of carbon. That almost doubles my footprint for the year.
Meanwhile I found his post on the website that explains everything! Was just really confused watching this video as first he was all "green" and in the end of the vid mentioning flights without even mentioning the environmental consequences of that. I myself find it hard to justify any air travel too being an environmentalist but I love how he sets out to compensate his flights, that is a very interesting way of looking at it and inspired me to instead of only say "no" find ways to compensate if flying will be truly life changing or truly important for one
I don't think that having awesome experiences in different places around the world should stop you flying or make you feel guilty about it. There is however a lot more that can be done these to have meetings, talks, conferences etc done electronically rather than folks having to physically go to a specific destination. We are NOT using our online resources nearly enough.
Your compost bin will turn to rich soil quicker with little or no smell with the addition of black fly larvae, (larvae self accumulate in a bucket u set up) they can then be used to fee the birds at the beach or pond. They don't bit or sting.
Mate, you area nerd. Super super impressive that a young man like yourself is going to the effort you are. Very very impressive. Thanks for sharing. Subbed.
Love the gray water idea! Try a bidet shower if possible, in place of toilet paper. Haven't had to buy toilet paper other than for guests since we got one.
Rainfresh makes an amazing under counter filter. Another great tip is using dehumidifier water for laundry and or plants. Free water if you already use a dehumidifier. bamboo toilet paper is another option. Dryer balls reduce drying Time better yet hang your laundry to air dry for free
Stellar! Good to see more folks doing these things! (We’ve been doing it for decades, adapting how & what methods are used, to the places we’ve lived) Doing that under sink bucket the hard way, though.... We scavenged a rebuildable 2-stroke pump from surplus. Hooked tubing to it, to use to suck bath water out the bathroom window, down to a 55 gal. barrel down below. We also used another tube, up from the barrel to the toilet tank. So, most of the bath water went into the tank, then got pumped up to refill the low flush toilet tank, to flush. Another barrel was placed below the dining room window, with a spigot near the bottom. Our apartment-size laundry pair hooked to the kitchen sink to get water, but we separated the drain hose to go to a drain pipe outside the window, so the barrel could hold it long enough for any few hot water washes to cool down before trickling out around a little trench, running a “u” around garden plantings to irrigate them. That was in an older HUD housing “apartment”...and over the 20 years there, we did a LOT that was really off the usual...and had to be covert about some of it....like hopiding the washer drain pipe within a “cat ladder”...we made a cat door next to the window AC, using 2x4’s, lattice & slats, which camouflaged the pipe & barrel, & let the cats come & go as the wanted...no cat box! But, the last couple years there, we actually covertly installed drainpipe behind the kitchen cabinet, into the wall down though the wall, & out a new hole to let it irrigate the same channel, but, getting rid of the barrel (which had a problem...it stank!). The outlet pipe was painted to match the stucco of the building; the inlet was covered up again by the trim strip, easily, because the drain hose was only 1” diameter, when we moved out. Unless someone removes the cabinet, or, took out the drawers to remove the floor of that cabinet, it was invisible. The storage room below that, had no insulation in it’s outside wall; the drainpipe just dropped through the floor, curved over into that wall bay, & down & out to garden. Once installed, the drywall was repaired, painted...mostly invisible...if some did see either end, they would think it was just part of the building. There were rules against renters using washers & driers in their apartments...BUT, their real worry was over-use of the costly water heater that served the building....so....use cold water, & biodegradable laundry soap, avoid softener chemicals, & it works! The management also forbade renters using shades over the balconies....at 1st we tried potted plants growing vines up trellising, to shade the porch...that was not adequate. Our big, south-facing glass door still cooked us out, despite fans, open windows, or even AC. So, I used PVC pipe to bend a curved frame from roof edge to outer rail, covered with nice high-efficiency beige shade cloth (matched building paint) held on with small zip ties. Still kept plants. This did 3 important things, which management could NOT argue against: it cooled the apartment by about 10 degrees; it prevented an active toddler from falling off the balcony; and it gave us privacy...without the shade, apartment dwellers across the park, in the park, and from the street, could see clear through the apartment. I effectively retro-negotiated a variance to keep that shade. There are thousands of ways to do small & big things, to be more sustainable. There are loads of ways to get creative, to do bigger things, as long as those are done in ways that avoid causing damage, & benefit the landlord. Some with permission, some without. Get creative!!!
LOVE this! I can see your "can do" attitude unleashed your resourcefulness! Your vision, focus and determination make it happen. WOW! Thanks for sharing.
Looking back on this video what a journey you've gone through. It's a shocking evolution. You have made a massive contribution to the planet, shown a different way to live for your viewers. Showed the lessons of living a better life. I'm so proud of you and will try do my bit, inspired by your journey in to 2020. Well done 👍✅
Thanks Rob, really inspiring! Living in a cave in Spain (very cheaply) but picked up some new ideas from you, like the shower heads and tap heads. Love your positive outlook.
Hey Rob, love your show. I have one garden tip. I saw that you were growing in fully composted soil. You can use your food scraps as a layer of mulch. This will slow down water evaporation on your bare soil. I am sure a lot of people told you this. Have a great day and way to go!
I have the lo-flow shower head and I do the 'submarine shower', wet my body, then turn off, use soap, then turn on again to rinse. I have cold showers all year round (it's part of the Wim Hof Method of breathing/meditation exercises) which saves money. Finally I always have a big bucket in the shower with me, which collects excess water which is then used on plants or to flush the toilet.
I’m into some of what you promote. Reuse, recycle, repurpose. I am into salvaging items I can use in my yard. Used cedar fencing becomes a frame for a raised bed garden quite nicely... for example. I don’t subscribe to all that you encourage, but I am leaning more towards simplicity and minimalism more and more.
Mister, you've got some beautiful teeth and a lovely smile. Good energy! And new inspiration on how to improve my life in terms of eco-friendliness. Thank you.
Hi ! About the toilet paper : We don't use it at home since two years now. Instead, we always have a bottle of water that we reuse and we rince with it and then just take a towel to dry ourselves ! It feels so much better
I live in a small row home in Philadelphia suburb. I have AeroGardens inside to grow food and herbs year round and have a patio to grow food in pots and a 3 ft by 2 ft in ground garden that produces tons of organic vegetables all summer.
Wow Rob i wish more people in our 🌎 would think more and live more like the both of us do im not as sufficient as you are just yet but just by watching your videos you absolutely give me better ideas of how to live and survive happy and freely! You rock brother! Keep doing what your doing eventually people will catch on in time god willing! Ill be looking forward to watch more of your videos
I currently have a depression causing cluttered household. Beyond recycling and donations any other ways slowly eliminate clutter from house while not contributing to problem? Not everything is recyclable or donatable... And od you look so calm and happy. I want my wife and me to have that.
Hey David! I know where you are coming from. It takes a lot of work to get rid of stuff once it's accumulated. Besides donating to thrift stores you could -have a garage / yard sale -invite all your friends over to take anything they want -have a free garage/ yard sale where people can come take what you don't want anymore -Sell stuff on ebay and craigslist For me it took many days of going through my stuff and getting rid of it. But all the hard work is worth it for living a more clear, simple, stress free life!
I have depression as well, I find the less I own the less I have to clean. So even when I'm depressed its easier when there's not alot. I have 5 days worth of clothes so: 5 shirts, 3 pants, 4 pairs of pjs, 7 days of underwear ,7 socks. I have a pot and pan set of 4, a dinner set for 6 one knife on cutting board , one mixing spoon that doubles as a serving spoon, one spatula you get the idea... I only have what I need. When you feel better go through all the things that are useful , put the non useful things in the garage have a garage sale and price everything really cheap if you want it gone fast or give it away to some one who needs it: a church, friends, a swap meet, buy nothing groups on Facebook, Facebook market place for free, Freecycle , Bunz and other apps platforms. That way nothing goes to waste and is used by others. I got and gave away stuff to those who needed it for free , got some things I really need ( nursing shirts) and I de-cluttered using Facebook's buy nothing group. Win Win !
Just start, and you will get there. Resolve to put just one thing a day into a box, preferably in your car. When the box is full drop it off at Goodwill or Salvation Army, or wherever is handiest. It doesn’t sound much but is better than nothing. As you go along you’ll find yourself putting more and more out, you’ll begin to notice what is useful and what is just in your way. All habits need to start small to be sustainable. Slow and steady wins the race.
I have the same problem. Basically i start by going in the direction of not buying anything but repurpose the old materials. Example, if i need mosquito coils, i wont buy mosquito coils but burn old secular books. If i need evangelical materials, i will just give away old gospel materials instead of buying more. I stopped buying the food groups that i have at home. Sometimes i fail and started buying again. But even the mindset of not buying, drastically decrease my expenditure and decrease the clutter at home. Basically, now i earn thousands from my job and stock investment but spend only three hundred dollars. If free can start selling your stuff too. Start with the bulkiest stuff.
I think Rob is inspiring as in: Don't get invested in things and money but in people and experiences. After watching a couple of his videos I have to say that sustainability in his way of living is the aforementioned. But it is not per se eco friendly. It might be way better than the avarage US-American citizen. If he really wants to be more eco friendly, cutting the plane travels alltogether has so much potential still.
I always find your videos informative and interesting. But, I take exception to the phrase about always doing some harm without talking about the synergistic relationship and benefits we should be and can be having back toward the planet. Instead of teaching that we can coexist, this one sided perspective teaches people and especially impressionable children that we are always taking, taking which causes them to feel guilty for just being alive! I’m a teacher who witnesses this repeatedly. Feeling guilty for just breathing is no way to live and causes unnecessary stress on vulnerable young bodies and minds. I think in these conversations, it is paramount that we demonstrate not only low impact in our use of what we get from the planet, but also what does the planet we are walking through need back. This also puts a little responsibility back into our own lives; Not in the protest movement hype sort of nothingness, that waits for some government bureaucracy, but in real life scenarios in our own place on earth. Anyway, I do actually get a lot of good ideas from you because you actually live what you say! Thank you!
I liked this video! I wish where I live had something like Car 2 Go, but alas I live in a small town that doesn't have much. I think renting out rooms in your apartment is a great idea! I also never knew that you could replace parts of your sink/shower to use less water. That could be a thing that every household does!
thanks so much for inspiring me and reminding me just how simple life can be! something ive been meaning to do is give away more of my possessions, time to do that i think! peace brother,
I enjoy his videos for ideas. I come to the desire to lessen my environmental impact, conserve energy, and live sustainably from a completely different angle, philosophically, and World view point. But the practical methods and means to do so are pretty much the same. I'm still working on my home to transition to most of these practices as he shows here. I love his outdoor kitchen ideas! Great ideas for young people to rethink the consumerism that they are pounded with since babyhood.
You can swap the toothbrush and toothpaste with tooth-cleaning twigs (should be the diameter of a pencil) harvested from certain trees through creating a bristly tip by peeling half a centimeter section of outer bark to the cambium, chewed on until fibers fray fine enough that release the antiseptic fluids/resins, and then brush. Much more effective than a typical nylon toothbrush.
Wow that is smart of you to take the closet as your bedroom and rent out the other room especially since you are close to the beach. Also love all of the ways you are living green. I’m going to implement some of your green living in my own life. 😊
I started composting food garbages and recycling more plastic containers, stopping throwing cardboard in the trash making sure it’s all going to Recycling. I just hope recycling is more common place as I age.
I hear soapberries are great for cleaning, all purpose cleaner, bath/shower, laundry, hand soap, dish soap, shaving cream, etc. Literally the BEST thing I have ever used. its a natural antibacterial and antifungal product.
I’m a fan! I’ve been watching a lot of your videos and I’m just a starter of sustainable living. Looking forward to learn and practice lots of things you are doing.
Very interesting video. I am trying to live as much off grid in my appartment as well. I have spend a lot on replacing appliances but most also cost saving was using solar panels in combination with powerstation and replacing shower with a camping shower. Use a kettle with a camping stove or old petroleum cooking set. The only electricity I use now is to supply my fridge and internet. All other appliances I use with the powerstation when needed. I want to invest in a bigger home battery system so I can go completely of grid. I don't use gas anymore as and use less water, because I do a lot of things manually. Also because doing things more manually also means more body movement so it is also good for your health :)
The piece that goes on his faucet is amazing! I wish I could find that. Not having a trash can in the house will most definitely be inconvenient! We are all about making our lives easier. Clever idea. Bye bye car! Wow not an easy thing in America... What an investment.
it doesn't look like composting. Looks like piling up food waste in an airtight container. How the air suppose to access the compost? Whole sheets of paper in the compost bean? Are you sure??
Great video, I've been inspired! But, how should I be with living in pretty cold mother Russia and taking a shower in cold or dirty river instead sea and, damn, sometimes it's so difficult to grow something even in summer days lol 😂
Your compost will turn faster if make your scraps smaller. A whole brown paper bag like that takes a long time to break down. You can cut it into strips to speed breaking down and stop such a large object can reduce the airflow. composters should be aerated and the compost needs to breathe.
Hello! I just discovered your youtube videos. You are a very interesting person!! :-) What you do is possible because you live in an environment where it is possible. In Canada, the way you live would not be possible all year long because of the cold. Your lifestyle would be ok for us for about 3 - 4 months per year cause it is about the time the weather is warmer here. There are homeless people in Canada too and they must find shelters often. In Toronto, a lady died frozen a few years ago because she slept under a bunch of carton boxes right in the middle of the city! Nobody knew she was there for some reason. Life on earth is not exactly the same for everyone. Plus, you are young, so everything is easier for you, at least for now. Take care! I will be watching your other videos soon. :-)
Have you ever heard of products called Norwex? All environmentally friendly cleaning products, most can be cleaned with just water. We have completely switched over in our house and got rid of any harsh chemicals to clean with. If you interested let me know we may be able to work something out.
Where would we be without plastic eh? I'm no where near as good as you, but, am looking to you for inspiration and motivation, and we always hold mentors to a higher standard. Thing is this, plastic bucket for grey water, plastic bucket for composting, plastic compost bin???? At the least the big composter could be made of recycled wood pallets. Even my Dad did that and recycling wasn't even a priority. The bin outside the door could be a tin bucket, so many more options than all that plastic. That said, I'll still watch for ideas. Cheers.
For more tips on sustainable living at home check out these resources:
My House Guide to Sustainable, Simple, and Healthy Living:
www.robingreenfield.org/sustainablehome
My Sustainable Living Series from my bike ride across the USA:
www.robingreenfield.org/sustainablelivingseries
I used to use reusable bottles but I always found that they molded so I went back to plastic disposable bottles but I reuse the so called disposable bottles many times to prevent plastic waste
You are such a good guy brother . I would like to invite you to my religion Islam. You will experience mental peace too.
We don't use any kind of paper towel .we have small towels which after using flush guns we use it.we can wash it later.each one of us has their own towel.that way u don't even need to buy that toilet paper also
Hi Rob, whats the brand of the water purifier you installed? Thanks!
Search:
"Eco-friendly Bamboo
Paper Products"
(tree savers)
"No matter what we do as a human race, we're going to cause some harm [to the environment]. The idea is to minimize that impact."
That right there. This is how you know someone isn't a hippie totally disconnected from reality with grandiose ideas about saving the planet. Rob understands the impact people have on our world, both collectively and individually. He takes responsibility for his individual actions and finds ways to reduce environmental harm.
Keep it up man. You're a leader.
It's absurd though until we force corporations to accept social responsibility for their destruction of the planet efforts are futile.
Cosmo Kramer that is why you have to be example. The same how veganism some how became part of our social norm. The same can be done for great ideas.
Great comment and I completely agree.
Cheers for the video content! Excuse me for chiming in, I would appreciate your thoughts. Have you thought about - Elijahzan Ailment Solution Review (Sure I saw it on Google)? It is a smashing one of a kind product for saving money with your own electricity supply without the hard work. Ive heard some decent things about it and my close friend Aubrey at very last got great results with it.
Up through the 70s, I remember when almost everything came in glass bottles. I mean everything from milk, mustard, mayo and soda. The glass, (soda , milk bottles) were turned in for money at the store to be used again. In the late 70s, 80s plastic everything came into use. I hate it. I actually try to use as much glass as possible, there is a lot less waste. In the U.S. we used to do many things that worked naturally, but they were dismissed in the name of marketing. It is funny how we realize we have to come full circle.
In the 50s the disposable lifestyle was greatly promoted in magazines. Simply your life they said with gleeful domestic women. Plastic can be a great component when applied properly but it’s the default now for everything because it’s cheap and the lobbiests love the industry
In USSR we had refillable bottles of fizzy water that we would return in echange for a full bottle (at a fraction of the price). This, and similar systems are long gone, unfortunately.
A few years ago, a few percent of the water bottle available were still made of glass. Today, I consider myself lucky to find one or two brands of glass-bottled water is *some* shops... (I live in Czechia, Europe.) On the positive side, there are water filters around (like in this video) and also steel or glass canteens for the outdoors...
I’m 33 and when I was around 26 I did a Plastic free month with my little family and now as a family of 4 we still do many of the things that we learned to do that month. I live in CA and we only buy drinks in glass or in cans and recycle. My kids are now very conscious of the waste that we create. My now 8 year old rolls her eyes at toy packaging that uses too much plastic. 😆 She gets frustrated.
@@DB-xo6xh Nice! Actually you can also minimise toys. My daughter (now 10) has had very few toys, just some locally handcrafted wooden construction blocks, some dolls (preferably locally handcrafted too), same for some music instruments... and a bunch of other things (I don’t remember exactly), but mostly « real stuff », not all the plasticky kiddy gadgets and crap from the toy stores. Some board games, lots of books. With less but more valuable things, they also learn to appreciate more what they have. My daughter’s very happy and didn’t miss any toys.
Just imagine our world if we all lived , even half as eco friendly as rob does.
🌍
After that it would become so much easier to become as good and better than him as a world. It's just a matter of getting to that point.
That’s not gone happen
BusinessLawPole Never say never. We are at a point of no other option but to conserve. It’s a collective consciousness. 1000 years ago we would never have assumed we’d destroy our own home .... Nothing lasts forever .....
Alex F very true. Sad, but true.
The wealthiest need to change their lifestyle. They consume the most. Try telling them that! African people hardly make a dent. They are the true meaning of the word 'carbon neutral'.
This is how my grandmother her mother and my generation lived back in the day in the far south island of the Bahamas. Crooked island. They all lived over 90 and my great grand mother was 109 when she died. All they did was fish and grew their own foods and lived a great stress free life!
I wonder if the people he lives with share his habits. In my experience, the hardest part of living a lifestyle even remotely like what Rob’s doing is finding a living situation with like-minded people.
Just imagine fighting over the smallest room in the house :)
And then on top of that, it's harder to find people who are not only like-minded with unconventional lifestyles, but are also not fringy charlatans. Like I'll meet someone and talk about health and lifestyle and we think alike (at least superficially), but then it turns out they're into some culty MLM company or they think yoga and crystals will solve all the world's problems 🤷♂️
that's what I'm thinking. How did he managed the guest's trash? For sure a couple people that rented can't follow through his reduce-reuse mindset
I love how you recommend recycled toilet paper in this video and three years later you've posted a video on all the waste-free alternatives to toilet paper. Sustainability really is a process and you've gotten so much better at it over the years. :D
My $35 bidet has been the best upgrade to my home in the last three years. I tell everyone to get one and my good friends finally did. They bought a more expensive type that does more things so I’m a little jealous. LOL
Got a mobile bidet. Best thing you can do to your butt :)
Finally someone who walks the talk instead of living in a mansion preaching how the rest of us should live.
Suggestion for the toilet paper: install a bidet. Cleaner bum, and way less paper. Only a square or two to dry your underside after washing.
My favorite thing about you is you're so genuine and you don't feel the need to scold or look down on others. People like you invoke and inspire real change
A full fridge actually uses less energy because the items inside retain the desired temperature more than air. But it's great if you can keep enough of your food unrefrigerated that you can use a smaller fridge.
emilysilverman So rather than wasting food, load up you freezer and fridge with bottles of water which in turn helps to maintain the temperature.
he leaves space open for guests and renters
plus that's just who he is how he's most comdortable = a minimalist
just mho
Wouldn't adding more mass increase the energy required to cool it down?
TheJociman hmm maybe it takes more energy initially to cool them down but once they’re cold it saves energy if you don’t keep taking them out again.
You amaze me, Rob! You are such a wonderful human being. Cheers to living zero waste!
"When I live simple, I live free." :) :) :)
Average apt. 800 square feet cost $2250.
M P he rents
:) :) :)
Hey Rob, here in South East Asia we don't use toilet paper at all, we just wash with water. Every toilet has got either a mini-shower or a bucket of water with a small pot used to pour water on your private parts. I usually carry a towel with me so I can dry myself but the locals don't bother. I was born and raised in Italy where we have a bidet to wash after your toilet business, however I find the Asian way the most sustainable and healthy. Keep up the great work! 😁😊❤️😘
Loved the tour!! The grey water was such a great idea ✌🏻
Great work, but the audio might damage some subscribers speakers😥
When doing anything in a sink I pop a bin that also collects the water for second usage. No need for bending down collecting a bucket.
Yes, that's a great way to do it!
Rob, you made *so much progress* over the last 3 years, it amazes me. :)
And look at him now :) much respect!
I have been following you for a while and this is a good informative video. I do many of these things already but I have to keep my car living in the country. People don't believe it when I tell them how much I need to live especially since my house is paid off. Keep the vids coming. Good show!
I'm familiar with Rob from his work in Florida living in the shed and having a huge garden. Interesting to see how much he has learned and experienced since this video was made.
This is a very old video .. I remember him shredding his DL and credit cards.. Love the way he lives
I'm always looking to learn how I can do things more sustainably so thanks for the tips. Here's an idea. Instead of a bucket under the sink one can use some tubs in the sink and simply carry the used water to the garden when finished with it.
I'm curious, what are your thoughts on flying? How can you combine sustainable living with flying around the world, don't you feel guilty when stepping into a plane? (This is one of the "problems" I have, I love travelling but sometimes it seems absurd to me to try to live sustainably and at the same time fly around the world). Would love to hear your thoughts!! Thanks for all you do!
I'm going to a wedding in Italy next month, so this topic has been on my mind. . . And it can't be justified. Air travel is just one of those things we have the blessing to be able to do during a brief window in planetary resource consumption. It will be done by people at our level of privilege until either price signals or laws make it impossible. You and I should feel guilty in the exact proportion that we feel virtuous in saving a bit of petrol on packaging, etc.
You can calculate the carbon cost of your flights online. He specifically addresses flying on his website. My flight to and from Nepal this year came out to 4.62 tons of carbon. That almost doubles my footprint for the year.
Meanwhile I found his post on the website that explains everything! Was just really confused watching this video as first he was all "green" and in the end of the vid mentioning flights without even mentioning the environmental consequences of that. I myself find it hard to justify any air travel too being an environmentalist but I love how he sets out to compensate his flights, that is a very interesting way of looking at it and inspired me to instead of only say "no" find ways to compensate if flying will be truly life changing or truly important for one
@@Violinspiration boats. Its a bit more expensive and takes longer, but its more environmentally friendly.
I don't think that having awesome experiences in different places around the world should stop you flying or make you feel guilty about it. There is however a lot more that can be done these to have meetings, talks, conferences etc done electronically rather than folks having to physically go to a specific destination. We are NOT using our online resources nearly enough.
Love your videos...makes me wanna be a better me!!!
Your compost bin will turn to rich soil quicker with little or no smell with the addition of black fly larvae, (larvae self accumulate in a bucket u set up) they can then be used to fee the birds at the beach or pond. They don't bit or sting.
The larvas dont bite/sting but the flies are the fucking worst. DONT use this tip, there are enough black fly's in this world. Jeez
Mate, you area nerd.
Super super impressive that a young man like yourself is going to the effort you are.
Very very impressive.
Thanks for sharing.
Subbed.
Love the gray water idea! Try a bidet shower if possible, in place of toilet paper. Haven't had to buy toilet paper other than for guests since we got one.
I don't use TP anymore. This video is from 3 years ago. Here's my blog on 9 Ways Wipe Your Butt for Free: www.RobGreenfield.tv/toiletpaper
Just came across your video. You are an inspiration. Thank you.
Rainfresh makes an amazing under counter filter. Another great tip is using dehumidifier water for laundry and or plants. Free water if you already use a dehumidifier. bamboo toilet paper is another option. Dryer balls reduce drying Time better yet hang your laundry to air dry for free
Everytime you smile... My heart stop beating 💓
Stellar! Good to see more folks doing these things! (We’ve been doing it for decades, adapting how & what methods are used, to the places we’ve lived)
Doing that under sink bucket the hard way, though....
We scavenged a rebuildable 2-stroke pump from surplus. Hooked tubing to it, to use to suck bath water out the bathroom window, down to a 55 gal. barrel down below. We also used another tube, up from the barrel to the toilet tank. So, most of the bath water went into the tank, then got pumped up to refill the low flush toilet tank, to flush.
Another barrel was placed below the dining room window, with a spigot near the bottom. Our apartment-size laundry pair hooked to the kitchen sink to get water, but we separated the drain hose to go to a drain pipe outside the window, so the barrel could hold it long enough for any few hot water washes to cool down before trickling out around a little trench, running a “u” around garden plantings to irrigate them.
That was in an older HUD housing “apartment”...and over the 20 years there, we did a LOT that was really off the usual...and had to be covert about some of it....like hopiding the washer drain pipe within a “cat ladder”...we made a cat door next to the window AC, using 2x4’s, lattice & slats, which camouflaged the pipe & barrel, & let the cats come & go as the wanted...no cat box! But, the last couple years there, we actually covertly installed drainpipe behind the kitchen cabinet, into the wall down though the wall, & out a new hole to let it irrigate the same channel, but, getting rid of the barrel (which had a problem...it stank!).
The outlet pipe was painted to match the stucco of the building; the inlet was covered up again by the trim strip, easily, because the drain hose was only 1” diameter, when we moved out. Unless someone removes the cabinet, or, took out the drawers to remove the floor of that cabinet, it was invisible. The storage room below that, had no insulation in it’s outside wall; the drainpipe just dropped through the floor, curved over into that wall bay, & down & out to garden. Once installed, the drywall was repaired, painted...mostly invisible...if some did see either end, they would think it was just part of the building.
There were rules against renters using washers & driers in their apartments...BUT, their real worry was over-use of the costly water heater that served the building....so....use cold water, & biodegradable laundry soap, avoid softener chemicals, & it works!
The management also forbade renters using shades over the balconies....at 1st we tried potted plants growing vines up trellising, to shade the porch...that was not adequate. Our big, south-facing glass door still cooked us out, despite fans, open windows, or even AC. So, I used PVC pipe to bend a curved frame from roof edge to outer rail, covered with nice high-efficiency beige shade cloth (matched building paint) held on with small zip ties. Still kept plants. This did 3 important things, which management could NOT argue against: it cooled the apartment by about 10 degrees; it prevented an active toddler from falling off the balcony; and it gave us privacy...without the shade, apartment dwellers across the park, in the park, and from the street, could see clear through the apartment. I effectively retro-negotiated a variance to keep that shade.
There are thousands of ways to do small & big things, to be more sustainable. There are loads of ways to get creative, to do bigger things, as long as those are done in ways that avoid causing damage, & benefit the landlord. Some with permission, some without.
Get creative!!!
You impress me being gentle to the world and thus yourself, thank you.
LOVE this! I can see your "can do" attitude unleashed your resourcefulness! Your vision, focus and determination make it happen. WOW! Thanks for sharing.
Looking back on this video what a journey you've gone through. It's a shocking evolution. You have made a massive contribution to the planet, shown a different way to live for your viewers. Showed the lessons of living a better life. I'm so proud of you and will try do my bit, inspired by your journey in to 2020. Well done 👍✅
The sign on his main door reads : “To get nowhere follow the crowd”. 😂
That is incredibly efficient and amazing.
You are a fantastic friend of the Earth. I am inspired!
Thanks Rob, really inspiring! Living in a cave in Spain (very cheaply) but picked up some new ideas from you, like the shower heads and tap heads. Love your positive outlook.
the audio is almost unbearable. Good practices though. Very cool. Thanks for sharing.
Yeah the levels need to be checked
Very inspirational thanks
Hey Rob, love your show. I have one garden tip. I saw that you were growing in fully composted soil. You can use your food scraps as a layer of mulch. This will slow down water evaporation on your bare soil. I am sure a lot of people told you this. Have a great day and way to go!
Hey, I started watching how to grow your food for free. You are mulching. Sorry about that.
I love your sustainable lifestyle! Keep trying new things and sharing! I've definitely adopted several of your tips and tricks. Thank you!
I have the lo-flow shower head and I do the 'submarine shower', wet my body, then turn off, use soap, then turn on again to rinse. I have cold showers all year round (it's part of the Wim Hof Method of breathing/meditation exercises) which saves money. Finally I always have a big bucket in the shower with me, which collects excess water which is then used on plants or to flush the toilet.
I loved watching this video. Thanks for sharing.
Oh didn't know about getting the tap adapter! Going to look into that
I’m into some of what you promote. Reuse, recycle, repurpose. I am into salvaging items I can use in my yard. Used cedar fencing becomes a frame for a raised bed garden quite nicely... for example.
I don’t subscribe to all that you encourage, but I am leaning more towards simplicity and minimalism more and more.
This is great to see how you lived before the tiny house. I must say I so miss your tiny house and would love to hear how your living now
Mister, you've got some beautiful teeth and a lovely smile. Good energy! And new inspiration on how to improve my life in terms of eco-friendliness. Thank you.
Hi ! About the toilet paper : We don't use it at home since two years now. Instead, we always have a bottle of water that we reuse and we rince with it and then just take a towel to dry ourselves ! It feels so much better
I live in a small row home in Philadelphia suburb. I have AeroGardens inside to grow food and herbs year round and have a patio to grow food in pots and a 3 ft by 2 ft in ground garden that produces tons of organic vegetables all summer.
I'm not a fanatical tree-hugger or anything, but I try to do my part whenever possible. Love this video. Thank you.
Wow Rob i wish more people in our 🌎 would think more and live more like the both of us do im not as sufficient as you are just yet but just by watching your videos you absolutely give me better ideas of how to live and survive happy and freely! You rock brother! Keep doing what your doing eventually people will catch on in time god willing! Ill be looking forward to watch more of your videos
I currently have a depression causing cluttered household. Beyond recycling and donations any other ways slowly eliminate clutter from house while not contributing to problem? Not everything is recyclable or donatable... And od you look so calm and happy. I want my wife and me to have that.
Hey David!
I know where you are coming from. It takes a lot of work to get rid of stuff once it's accumulated. Besides donating to thrift stores you could
-have a garage / yard sale
-invite all your friends over to take anything they want
-have a free garage/ yard sale where people can come take what you don't want anymore
-Sell stuff on ebay and craigslist
For me it took many days of going through my stuff and getting rid of it. But all the hard work is worth it for living a more clear, simple, stress free life!
I have depression as well, I find the less I own the less I have to clean. So even when I'm depressed its easier when there's not alot. I have 5 days worth of clothes so: 5 shirts, 3 pants, 4 pairs of pjs, 7 days of underwear ,7 socks. I have a pot and pan set of 4, a dinner set for 6 one knife on cutting board , one mixing spoon that doubles as a serving spoon, one spatula you get the idea... I only have what I need. When you feel better go through all the things that are useful , put the non useful things in the garage have a garage sale and price everything really cheap if you want it gone fast or give it away to some one who needs it: a church, friends, a swap meet, buy nothing groups on Facebook, Facebook market place for free, Freecycle , Bunz and other apps platforms. That way nothing goes to waste and is used by others. I got and gave away stuff to those who needed it for free , got some things I really need ( nursing shirts) and I de-cluttered using Facebook's buy nothing group. Win Win !
Just start, and you will get there. Resolve to put just one thing a day into a box, preferably in your car. When the box is full drop it off at Goodwill or Salvation Army, or wherever is handiest.
It doesn’t sound much but is better than nothing. As you go along you’ll find yourself putting more and more out, you’ll begin to notice what is useful and what is just in your way. All habits need to start small to be sustainable. Slow and steady wins the race.
I have the same problem. Basically i start by going in the direction of not buying anything but repurpose the old materials. Example, if i need mosquito coils, i wont buy mosquito coils but burn old secular books. If i need evangelical materials, i will just give away old gospel materials instead of buying more. I stopped buying the food groups that i have at home. Sometimes i fail and started buying again. But even the mindset of not buying, drastically decrease my expenditure and decrease the clutter at home.
Basically, now i earn thousands from my job and stock investment but spend only three hundred dollars.
If free can start selling your stuff too. Start with the bulkiest stuff.
I think Rob is inspiring as in: Don't get invested in things and money but in people and experiences. After watching a couple of his videos I have to say that sustainability in his way of living is the aforementioned. But it is not per se eco friendly. It might be way better than the avarage US-American citizen. If he really wants to be more eco friendly, cutting the plane travels alltogether has so much potential still.
I always find your videos informative and interesting. But, I take exception to the phrase about always doing some harm without talking about the synergistic relationship and benefits we should be and can be having back toward the planet. Instead of teaching that we can coexist, this one sided perspective teaches people and especially impressionable children that we are always taking, taking which causes them to feel guilty for just being alive! I’m a teacher who witnesses this repeatedly. Feeling guilty for just breathing is no way to live and causes unnecessary stress on vulnerable young bodies and minds. I think in these conversations, it is paramount that we demonstrate not only low impact in our use of what we get from the planet, but also what does the planet we are walking through need back. This also puts a little responsibility back into our own lives; Not in the protest movement hype sort of nothingness, that waits for some government bureaucracy, but in real life scenarios in our own place on earth. Anyway, I do actually get a lot of good ideas from you because you actually live what you say! Thank you!
I liked this video! I wish where I live had something like Car 2 Go, but alas I live in a small town that doesn't have much. I think renting out rooms in your apartment is a great idea! I also never knew that you could replace parts of your sink/shower to use less water. That could be a thing that every household does!
Thanks for the minimalism tips, what you own (bedroom vs kitchen that guests use) & what you carry with you. #goals Sustainable& Minimal
thanks so much for inspiring me and reminding me just how simple life can be! something ive been meaning to do is give away more of my possessions, time to do that i think! peace brother,
I enjoy his videos for ideas. I come to the desire to lessen my environmental impact, conserve energy, and live sustainably from a completely different angle, philosophically, and World view point. But the practical methods and means to do so are pretty much the same. I'm still working on my home to transition to most of these practices as he shows here. I love his outdoor kitchen ideas! Great ideas for young people to rethink the consumerism that they are pounded with since babyhood.
This is the first video ever that made me want to live more sustainable lifestyle.
You can swap the toothbrush and toothpaste with tooth-cleaning twigs (should be the diameter of a pencil) harvested from certain trees through creating a bristly tip by peeling half a centimeter section of outer bark to the cambium, chewed on until fibers fray fine enough that release the antiseptic fluids/resins, and then brush. Much more effective than a typical nylon toothbrush.
Thanks for the info
This is a really lovely life with all the things that you need.
It is good solid minimalism.
What an inspiration for all of us trying to make a difference! Thanks Rob!
Seriously, how could absolutely anyone thumbs down this video! If the world were full of Rob Greenfields we would be living in heaven😇
I love your lifestyle.Super cool tips!
Wow that is smart of you to take the closet as your bedroom and rent out the other room especially since you are close to the beach. Also love all of the ways you are living green. I’m going to implement some of your green living in my own life. 😊
I thank you. I live in Jerusalem, in a very condensed area and I learn a lot from your videos. Toda!
I started composting food garbages and recycling more plastic containers, stopping throwing cardboard in the trash making sure it’s all going to Recycling. I just hope recycling is more common place as I age.
Had to come back to the beginning this video is when I started following him been years
i do wanna live such a rural life, simple and easy. awesome dude!
I hear soapberries are great for cleaning, all purpose cleaner, bath/shower, laundry, hand soap, dish soap, shaving cream, etc. Literally the BEST thing I have ever used. its a natural antibacterial and antifungal product.
thank you man! So nice of you to care.
I’m a fan! I’ve been watching a lot of your videos and I’m just a starter of sustainable living. Looking forward to learn and practice lots of things you are doing.
what baggie is that for the oatmeal ? i like it.
Very interesting video. I am trying to live as much off grid in my appartment as well.
I have spend a lot on replacing appliances but most also cost saving was using solar panels in combination with powerstation and replacing shower with a camping shower. Use a kettle with a camping stove or old petroleum cooking set.
The only electricity I use now is to supply my fridge and internet. All other appliances I use with the powerstation when needed.
I want to invest in a bigger home battery system so I can go completely of grid.
I don't use gas anymore as and use less water, because I do a lot of things manually.
Also because doing things more manually also means more body movement so it is also good for your health :)
I use dishpan to collect rinse water and use for plants or flushing toilet. Also washing water to mix with rinse water to water outdoors.
This bloke is a hero
I even had a rain barrel on a 9th floor condo balcony /terrace that had no overhang above me. Free water.
I love your smile , really opens mind right at start of video.
Brilliant Rob!!! Your my soul mate 🙏
The piece that goes on his faucet is amazing! I wish I could find that.
Not having a trash can in the house will most definitely be inconvenient! We are all about making our lives easier. Clever idea.
Bye bye car! Wow not an easy thing in America... What an investment.
can you do a video on how you traveled the world so cheap? Love all of the videos. Very inspirational.
Raised garden out of a bookcase - brilliant.
Can you kindly leave a link on your description box where you got your water filter and the attachment to decrease the flow your water please 😊
Seriously Rob, you could be making Amazon referral money! And we would know where to buy the things :)
it doesn't look like composting. Looks like piling up food waste in an airtight container. How the air suppose to access the compost? Whole sheets of paper in the compost bean? Are you sure??
Great video, I've been inspired! But, how should I be with living in pretty cold mother Russia and taking a shower in cold or dirty river instead sea and, damn, sometimes it's so difficult to grow something even in summer days lol 😂
You doing a great job like I do with my van DIY is the key
Lots of good ideas, some of them I also use. But no soap or cleaning substitute to shower? How do you do that?
Dalma Mirabal i am also confused at how he showers by jumping in the ocean. Wouldnt he be all salty and smell like the ocean?
Your compost will turn faster if make your scraps smaller. A whole brown paper bag like that takes a long time to break down. You can cut it into strips to speed breaking down and stop such a large object can reduce the airflow. composters should be aerated and the compost needs to breathe.
I'm so blessed to found this very nice youtube channel
Instead of aper toiletpaper You can use cottoncloth strips, but You have to wash them in the washing mashine after use to reuse them.
Never heard of car-2-go!? Guess that is mostly a S.CA / big city thing? Way cool!
Hello! I just discovered your youtube videos. You are a very interesting person!! :-) What you do is possible because you live in an environment where it is possible. In Canada, the way you live would not be possible all year long because of the cold. Your lifestyle would be ok for us for about 3 - 4 months per year cause it is about the time the weather is warmer here. There are homeless people in Canada too and they must find shelters often. In Toronto, a lady died frozen a few years ago because she slept under a bunch of carton boxes right in the middle of the city! Nobody knew she was there for some reason. Life on earth is not exactly the same for everyone. Plus, you are young, so everything is easier for you, at least for now. Take care! I will be watching your other videos soon. :-)
Keep inspiring the world - much respect.
That's some great info. Thanks Rob!
A Berkey filter will remove fluoride and is gravity fed.
Yes, that's what I use now!
Love my Berkey!
TM Davidson
Where can I buy one of these filters?
miles and coffee
Where can I buy one of these filters?
Onyx Black Boxers You can buy one on Amazon!
Have you ever heard of products called Norwex? All environmentally friendly cleaning products, most can be cleaned with just water. We have completely switched over in our house and got rid of any harsh chemicals to clean with. If you interested let me know we may be able to work something out.
Thank you for being you!
Where would we be without plastic eh?
I'm no where near as good as you, but, am looking to you for inspiration and motivation, and we always hold mentors to a higher standard.
Thing is this, plastic bucket for grey water, plastic bucket for composting, plastic compost bin????
At the least the big composter could be made of recycled wood pallets. Even my Dad did that and recycling wasn't even a priority.
The bin outside the door could be a tin bucket, so many more options than all that plastic.
That said, I'll still watch for ideas. Cheers.
Thanks for sharing this!