I remember before "makeup removal pads" we used this really weird invention called a washcloth. Wet, add soap, wipe face, rinse with soap and water, let dry & repeat unless too messy then wash and repeat. You can even make your own as you said, out of old t-shirts.
Another issue with essential oils: they’re not actually meant to be consumed. Very very few are safe to consume and that is something a lot of people do with them.
YES!!! Or in general they use them in a way that's REALLY not healthy. In the series "Unwell," a lady mentioned she started getting a rash from a roll-on EO and kept using it because the EO community told her it was fine. And depending what brand you get, they don't use good environmental practices in production (like organic for the food-grade), so you're using a concentrated version of the chemicals used in plant production. People get so caught up in the hype, they miss details like what's food-grade, how sustainably something is made, and that they need to be aware of potential health risks (and seek medical help). There's safe ways to use them, but they're definitely not one-size-fits-all products.
It is almost impossible to be zero waste, but we can contribute to not polluting the planet so much by consuming more responsibly and using what we already have as much as possible 😊💕
I see so many people buy new fancy Mason jars with the drinking lid and the glass straw & call themselves sustainable & I'm like ... or you could just be drinking out of an old spaghetti sauce jar. I just found your channel so I'll go watch some other videos. I specifically want to check out the one about aesthetics because I think that's what it's about for a lot of people.
i think essential oils are a part of the zero waste movement because of the aesthetic and they replace things that produce more visible wate like candles and perfumes. It's about the waste you see and not the actual waste.
Oh I cannot agree more with you about essential oils, they're a fraud, I've never understood why so many zero waste people use them! Same with bamboo cutlery! We already have so many forks and spoons in our kitchen... The only thing is you cannot always go everywhere with a real knife. In that case, a bamboo one is great! As for makeup remover pads, I find that the easiest thing to use is your finger with oil, you should try it if you don't like makeup rounds ;) It's not a zero waste swap but I really hate when people go and recycle their plastic bags (usually at a store), while they could have used them as a trash bag, since they will use a new trash bag anyway. Not sure if what I said is understandable haha, but what I mean is that it's better to reuse + trash, than recycle + use once + trash. Love the message around invisible waste, we need to spread the word around it!
Definitely. My family uses our plastic bags as a room trashbag. We have the big bag in the kitchen. But every room, like bathroom and bedrooms have a mini trash can and that's what we use the plastic bags for. Collecting trash from every room is part of our chores, so we have a greater exposure and practical knowledge of the trash we individually create, rather than only using the kitchen and bathrooms.
YES YES YES!! I feel like I'd hate using my finger more than the rounds haha. I made bigger ones so hopefully I enjoy using them now. OMG YES I hate when people recycle or throw out easy-to-reuse items. AND recycle incorrectly omg. Thanks so much, Eva!
I had to laugh at the first couple because they were things I do like - dish soap blocks (I use a walnut sponge), toothpaste tabs (I tried Georganics - hated them, switched to Unpaste - like them. The homemade version made my teeth super sensitive and didn't feel clean), and reusable pads. With the pads, I like them for day-today, but I'm not a fan of exercise or running in them, and I'm still working on options for pool season (the cups are intimidating). Metal cutlery is the way to go - I used to use a fork I found (I cleaned it. A lot), but I recently wanted to get a little more organized and bought a reusable set that comes in a pouch to keep in my purse. The one downside is I won't bring them on a plane in my carry-on. Makeup remover - my mother got me an Erase Your Face towel a few years back and it works wonders. Nothing else needed except for water, and then I wash my face like normal after. I'm not a big fan of it for foundation, etc. but it's good for eye makeup. I think "Zero Waste" sounds cool because people like the "extreme" idea. It's a marketing ploy, just like weight loss programs that promise to lose 50 lbs in 2 weeks. Extremes sell based on fantasy and clickbait. People can live very low waste, but the ones who do it most closely usually have a combination of factors in their favor, like being able to produce much of their own food and convenient low-waste stores. Everyone else who doesn't have those options has to figure out what they can do. I try to pick my battles wisely. I'd rather buy plastic-bagged produce form my local, regenerative CSA than a package-free option from across the country. Yes, it has plastic, but much less shipping, they have regenerative practices I can see myself (don't need fancy website), and I'm supporting a local farmer. I'd rather people do that than buy package free pears from Argentina (unless you live in/near Argentina).
One swap that I hate is the use of so much stainless steel. This is only a personal thing because I doubt many people have the same issue, but I’m severely allergic to stainless steel. So much so that using a water bottle or straw (even with a silicone tip to prevent skin contact) causes my lips to swell up and chap for weeks. I’ve found ways around it but I wish more people would make ceramic coated (interior) bottles so it would be easier to chose them! For anyone else fighting this issue, Stanley ceramivac bottles and tumblers are a life changer!
@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist yes, I’ve sent emails to all of the bottle companies that make good quality bottles with my story. All I can do is try right!
You bring up some very important points. One of my experiences was learning how to make our own soap so as to do without plastic. Not only was it too harsh for my sensitive skin but getting the ingredients online that were packaged in….plastic. I have since decided to get a soap from the supermarket that we like which is packaged in cardboard.
@@lifemyway200 As a Type 1 Diabetic, I depend on a Insulin Pump & CGM (Contunious Glucose Monitor) to manage my illness. There is soooo much plastic (to keep everything sterile) and it drives me Properly Bonkers.
I totally agree with these!! I got silicone bags as a gift, and I've never used them🤣Such a great video👏 I think the biggest misconception is just that you have to purchase anything at all. I love how you showed that you can live this way basically for free!
Thank you for your video. I really appreciate your practical attitude! Last year I got interested in reducing waste. I live in Northern Italy and (I think 15 years ago) we introduced a very efficient recycling system on a regional level. Anyway I want to improve in reducing my impact on the planet. Many zero waste videos suggest complicated and impractical solutions for those who live outside the big cities and especially for those who have a very busy life and little time to produce home-made solutions
Aww thank you, Anna!! I compleltey agree and that is why I made my channel! I want zero waste to be easy, free, fun, and inclusive as well as not stressful. You don't have to be perfect :) I have a full series on free ways to live low waste too!
your channel is very refreshing. I've tried a lot of these swaps too and found that a lot of them seem like weird attempts to sell new things. And I appreciate that even for swaps you don't like, you acknowledge that they still work for other people. Personally I found beeswax wraps to be a waste (they don't keep in moisture so stuff dries out) and I just re-use tupperware and old takout boxes (some restaurants give out really nice ones that are literally the same as the ones you buy new!! and they're supposed to be disposable???). I have one stasher bag that doesn't get used much but has its very specific uses so I'm glad to have it around. I never liked the silicone baking sheet because it was hard to clean and stains easily so I just grease the pan a bit instead. It took me several toothpaste brands to find one I liked (I love huppy's toothpaste tabs!) and I still use makeup rounds because I like to remove eye makeup with oil and it's nice just having a tiny piece of cloth to clean it up instead of getting an entire large towel dirty. Anyway, thanks for the accessible content! If I were to ever make videos I would love to have a channel as down-to-earth as yours.
Thank you so much for this video! Some of these things just had to be put out there :D I remember when this girl from New York got super famous with her 'one jar of waste for x months', I was like... okay, there have to be something she doesn't put in that jar...also because it's physically impossible. I hated how the toothpaste tabs sticked in my teeth making it literally impossible to even... use them right, I occasionally use pads but they just feel like not so tiny adult diapers (I'm a cup girl). And thank you for pointing out the cutlery... I've always (yes, even before it was 'cool') carried around my father's military cutlery set. It is so practical, so cool, easy to wash and also doesn't feel like you are licking a piece of wood... :)
Thank you!! That's exactly who I was talking about and it got me really discouraged when I wanted to be more "zero waste" and thought it would never be attainable. Granted, it's not attainable, but we can all try to REDUCE our waste and not focus on eliminating it. I love hearing how we all used to "live sustainably before it was cool." I have a whole video on my zero waste childhood but really it was my parents living frugally it just happened to be low waste haha
This is awesome information! Great to hear someone promoting environmental sustainability that is affordable and achievable, rather than a photogenic, impossible version of perfect. Thank you ❤
Yes on the silicon bags! They cannot be recycled (at least here) unlike plastic or glass which i feel will last much longer, especially if you are buying cheaply made silicon ones. Silicon I have switched to since watching your channel is the baking tray liners for the oven, to stop using baking paper. And I love. Also not a fan of beeswax wraps. Again I would just use a container I already have. And they don't require any special washing care.
Great point! I know many people only buy drop-shipped, cheaply made "zero waste" replacements and they never last! Im a big fan of just using what I have :)
Agree with so much of this! Apart from sprouting jars I mostly use jars from pickles etc, and hard plastic containers that have lasted for a long time so far. One tip for getting reusable pads to stay in place - I sew a press stud (snap fastener) onto my undies (the smooth part of the stud) and the raised part of the stud onto the pad, so when not needing to use the period pads it's unnoticeable in the undies or can turn them inside out so the stud is on the outside. This keeps it always in the same place. But also am interested to try the underwear because that looks simple too. I also prefer dish liquid can refill it where I live, and use it for bathroom cleaning (it cuts through soap film very well) and for hand wash (dish liquid + olive oil + water), and I use bentonite clay + food grade peppermint essence for brushing teeth because don't like baking soda, toothtabs or coconut oil. Great topic, nice one.
Goal is Zero waste but I know I can only do as much as I can. You can do the same that Dan did with the soap bar for Dr Bonner's soap bars. Grate them up and melt them with water and bingo. In the US there is bar laundry soap ( names are Zote and Fels Naptha) and if you grate those and melt those in water and put it in a 5 gal bucket and fill the rest of the bucket with water and let sit over night and that makes 10 gals of liquid laundry soap for like $1. We got 1 bamboo utensil when I was out and about with my child so that I can eat a salad, yeah the fort couldn't even stab lettuce I was like yeah this is useless. My biggest pet peeves with single use plastic is every time I got formula for my son or any of his meds ( Tylenol, gripe water, etc) they all came not only in a single use plastic bottle but also had a brand new plastic syringe plunger every single new bottle even when you bought a two pack there would be a brand new syringe plunger for both bottles
I can relate to the beeswax struggles! Another reason they don’t work for me is that you can’t see into the bowl (unless it’s glass) and so i forget what’s in there. Btw I just started watching your videos and I’m loving them! Your talking speed is perfect for me
Most often you can find anything you might buy at a box store at the thrift store, especially in bigger cities. I live in Colorado, and I just make a list and wait for the swaps and ultra light hiking gear to come to the thrift store. Two weeks ago, in one trip, I found two fancy S'well insulated canteens with pretty outsides, UNUSED, for $1.99 each at Goodwill. They retail for over $40. I also found TWO down gear items, a pretty wine colored puffy jacket and wine and purple puffy vest, for $13 and $9, respectively. I went home and researched the brands, Bernardo and Lole, and they even ethical source their down and have certifications. They retail for $140 and $85, respectively. I find deals like this all the time. If you are willing to make a wish list of what you want, then surrender the idea that this means "buying" the thing, it is amazing what you find.
For sure! I love thrifting and getting unique items. I can't wait to get some killer deals on hiking gear when I get stateside! Those are some amazing finds and better for your wallet AND the planet!
Yeah, I'm super sus of home made toothpaste because at least according to my mom's dentist it was causing damage to her teeth because it was too abrasive and damaging the enamel. I really want to see what dentists have to say about things like tooth tabs. Like if the diy option causes damage and is just going to lead to expensive dental work down the line how low waste is it? And should we be putting our selves possibly at risk?
OH no!! I should talk to a dentist on the channel about different zero waste toothpastes, that could be interesting and I haven't seen anything like it before. Completely agree with that last statement! I don't think we should!
Agree! I see a lot of DIY recipes - I tried toothpaste and it made my teeth more sensitive - and they make me wary with their ingredients. It's much easier financially and environmentally to stay healthy.
I live in Greece and all the swaps that you mentioned, I love them, except for the silicon bags and that prooves that everybody has a different life, different preferences and experiences and we should never say that something that works for us can work for everybody, great video
I just found your channel and I have never felt so seen before. Most zero waste youtubers tell you to go vegan (or at least plant based), no packaging and absolutely no polyester clothing. While I do agree with most of it, and that it is important to do your best, I'm not going to go out of my way to get the zero waste aesthetically pleasing home and ignore my health issues to please these people in the zero waste movement. I wouldn't be able to go vegan, I have to buy special lotions and skin care products that come in plastic, my meds come in plastic. And I'm not alone in this. But we don't want to hear that we are bad people because we have to eat meat (my stomach can't handle beans or soy and many other products) or buy products that come in or are made out of plastic. We do our best too, we make changes that work for us. But most of the time people don't see the stuff we do, they see the stuff we can't do. This channel helps change that harmful view of zero waste.
@@KeruuKat polyester is a plastic-based fabric meaning that when it breaks down as we wash it, microfibers and microplastic go into the water in the pipes and because they are so small, almost no filters can catch them so they ultimately end up back in our drinking water
Okay YES!! I know ZW-ers who get criticized for buying even second-hand plastic or a life-saving device in plastic. People need to chill. Our small actions really are meaningful and making perfect ZW standards makes no one want to join the movement
God yes. I read through comment threads on Instagram and came across a thread where one person was like “just don’t exist anymore then” in response to someone not doing something perfectly eco friendly and reading that I was like wow they really just said kys because someone isn’t perfect what a loving community Jokes on that person though because death also has a footprint lol
Oh heck yeah. I joined one group online to be a person that actually shared ideas bc honestly it seems some people ask the dumbest most researchable info ever LOL. Anyway the “leader” owns a ZW shop and promotes it regularly. The weird thing is that her shop is not only an hours drive one way (hello), in an upscale city, but is on a coastal town so I’m thinking heck you don’t even get the potential people that would live on the opposite side of there wasn’t water there! LOL but yeah I stopped posting bc the movement is ridiculously critical. And yet, everyone in this world is a hypocrite to some extent. It’s just life as a human and we all should be cognizant that we are all fallible.
@@Azarko212 the person that said that was probably a hardcore conservative Republican. I find they’re the ones that comment like that especially on ZPG/zero population growth pages.
Did you know that 16 or 17 years ago, on your dreaded earth Day, Oprah aired annual earth Day episodes, showing easy swaps. I've still got things from that long ago. I've only bought 3 rolls of paper towel in that time, and that was to clean motel bathrooms when we were staying in dodgey motels/hotels.
I recently moved, and the place I live doesn't have a lot of storage drawers. So I improvised and diy by using small boxes I already have to store some seldomly use stationary. And yesterday I just use jam glass jar to store my baby carrots, plastic sorbet container to store my dried yam snacks. Tea bag boxes to put my lotion in it. Storing stuff in groups in containers/baskets/boxes makes the room tidier and easier to get the item. But I don't need to buy new plastic storage containers (that'll increase my luggages when I need to move too), I can use what I have first! 😎 Woowhoo!!!
We try to be creative, always looking for ways to avoid buying new stuff and making things from what we already have. It's fun! I don't subscribe to zero waste, being economical and creative was passed down to me. Thank you for a super clear and practical video!
I love this, it was only after I started watching Shelby a year ago that I started thinking that making more sustainable changes and “being zero waste” was and is possible for me. A great alternative to dish sponges are luffa sponges. If you live in the right environment, you can even grown them yourself.
I agree wholeheartedly with the tooth tabs! I find the dent tabs really chalky and doesn't leave my teeth feeling clean 'enough'? Plus I found I had to soak these tabs in water just to make them paste-better (haha, the pun...). I've only got one stasher bag for work before, but otherwise they're annoying to wash out compared to regular ol' containers imo. (I don't own a dishwasher.) I only have bamboo cutlery since I was travelling to the usa for a month to see family there, and was worried if my metal cutlery would be taken away by TSA knowing how strict they were in terms of security rules etc. Now, I just use them in my bag cause i might as well use them! Otherwise, a pair of chopsticks and spoon would suffice. OR even a spork...
I love reusable pads- menstrual cups dont work for me and period underwear is too expensive to buy multiple of, and reusable pads work brilliantly. A lot more absorbent and less leaky than single use pads, and i dont get the skin irritation i used to w single use. Period products are definutely not one size fits all, im glad theres a variety and everyone can choose what works for them
I agree with you about most things. Especially about zero waste not needing to cost anything and using what you have before getting swaps. Disagree with you about essential oils but that’s because I’ve been highly trained in them & I’m extremely sensitive to fragrances and things made with chemicals Essential oils at least are not made purely out of chemical combinations., & many are mostly free of chemicals. I was trained in and fell in love with them before I knew anything about zero waste and continue to see & experience their medicinal value and for me they’re worth it. I understand why you are not enrolled in them & am glad that you educate us in the waste created in their production but I can’t see myself ever giving up essential oils. I bend over backwards in many many other ways to reduce waste. & divert as many things as possible from the landfill. We all have the things will do and give up, & the things we won’t give up. Every little bit helps. Thank you for being so dedicated to educating us all about these things. I love your videos. I love how you make zero waste free and achievable to everyone. You are doing an awesome job! Keep up the extremely good work.
I wanted to leave a comment that was a mile long because I loved so much about all you had to say! But really, I just wanted to agree with you for many points. I feel like there is a lot to unpack with these topics and you laid it all out really well. 💚💚
personally i can store a lot more stuff in a bunch of silicone bags than in an equivalent amount of containers (assuming i want to keep everything separate). i bought one set of silicone bags a while ago and then realized i could just repurpose a bunch of old bags i got various foods in (trying to work on decreasing the amount of packaging i buy, but hey, it happens) so i don't think i'll be buying any more, but it works for me nonetheless :)
I use my Stasher Bags for taking snacks to school without taking 10 different tiny containers. Don't use them around my house a lot though! Other than this, I totally agree with ALL of these! Instead of buying bamboo cutlery I bought some mismatched silverware second hand for travel (I don't have to worry about losing our everyday silverware!) Would LOVE to see a part two!!!
Proves my point exactly that some swaps work very well for some people but others hate them haha. I'm already brainstorming a part two and excited that everyone else wants to see this :)
Love your practical mind set! I try to recycle, reuse and be practical with budget. I try to pay attention to my water waste. I could never be 0 waste your right no such thing. Your video gives great ideas 💡 👍
I agree with everything!! However I would say some things are expensive as consumables. I had to give up getting my personal care and housekeeping liquids in bulk at my zero waste store here as I could no longer afford it. It is also too expensive for me to purchase most of these things online or they simply were not as good quality. I had to go back to bottles of shampoo, dish liquid and laundry soap:(
so true! i recommend concentr8ed (have a full video about this brand)!! They are concentrated eco bars designed to eliminate plastic, water, and are sooo affordable and Sarah often runs discounts if you follow her on IG :)
@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist just checked it out and while the products look amazing, they aren’t really any more affordable than some other eco friendly brands. I can’t afford $14 CDN+ shipping for a single shampoo bar when i can get a huge bottle for about $5:( I’ve been looking and looking for a couple years for brands that are within my price range for consumables, but unfortunately haven’t been able to find any. And I completely understand the reason why they’re more expensive at this point in time, however I’m just going to have to keep doing the things I CAN afford at this time.
@@lifemyway200 I guess the point is that they last sooo much loner! But I understand. It's hard when brands pay fair wages to their workers and source their materials ethically but we don't get paid enough to support them. Definitely do what you can afford for sure!
@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist I haven’t found any bars Ive used in the past (with the exception of my laundry stain remover bar vs. spray stain remover...had the bar for 2 years and still going strong!!) to last longer though unfortunately. It is sad for some trying to live lower waste like myself that can’t afford many more sustainable options...but the reality is that when I put it down to cost per use, unfortunately the difference is quite substantial. I’ll continue to do what I can....just wish I could do more! Have a great day:)
Oh I can relate to a few of these. I still have not finished my toothpaste tabs though I've had them for months. With the cloth pads, I resolved the moving around issue by wearing more snug undies. Wearing leggings also seems to keep them in place.
@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist ohhh this may be one of the first times I've gotten a reply from someone I watch. I'm a new subbie! Love your content! It's very unpreachy and relatable. Trying to do the same and inspire others living in Africa.
@@jettascorner21 whatttttt!!! I try my absolute best to reply to everyone cause I love to hear from my fav creators too! Welcome to my channel thanks for your support :)
I still trust real pharmacist grade toothpaste instead of homemade because they have access to special ingredients like the fluoride and nano hydroxyapatite. I am trying to do an additional step at the end though that I call "teeth conditioning", where you brush and oil swish with a bit of coconut oil and pearl powder. This is to hopefully prevent enamel damage and cavities for folks who love acidic foods like citrus and coffee.. DON'T spit down the drain, but spit into the trash or a tissue and compost it.
Another great point! I feel the same and it's a lot less gross haha. I've heard about that! I may have to try it. What do you think of that process so far?
If you can get Dr Bronners soap by the gallon I highly recommend it! It’s super concentrated and all of their soap bottles are from 100% recycled plastics. We use it for dishes and multipurpose mopping/cleaning and have had the same gallon for 5+ months.
hi! I'm older than you and lots of those that label themselves as "zero waste" I'm also an aspiring minimalist and an omnivore, that is adding more plant to my diet, but honestly I also have IBS, so that diet can ummm, be "problematic". :( Anyway, I agree with much of what you've said in the videos I've seen from you so far. I refer to myself as "near 0" waste, but out in public I just say "zero waste" only b/c it's the more common term no matter how problematic that term can seem to the uninformed. I bought some silicone earswabs and I hate them, they don't work for cleaning. Maybe better for cleaning up makeup mistakes. Anyway, I DO LOVE my toothpaste tabs, but not a fan of "Dirt". My tabs aren't gritty, taste like a breath mint, make my mouth feel clean. They are expensive though (one of the major things I hate about zero waste!). The brand is Weldental Chewtab Toothpaste Tablets flavor Cinnamon Refill. I made my beeswax wraps and they are alright, but took a lot to make them. I make my own simple hairspray. I like my (purchased) cotton rounds and have made more for gifts using a stained t-shirt and terry bath towel my mom was going to donate. I have donated other towels to our dog officers. I stopped buying cheese at the deli even if they put it in my tin -- why? because they still use the plastic layer to put my cheese on to weigh, THEN they wear gloves and must switch them out for each item they handle, THEN the label that never comes off my tin. Why not just buy a pack at the prepacked section without single wrapping. I reuse my bread bags to store food scraps in the freezer, before composting. I use chip bags in my trash and also NEWSPAPER that I fold from pattern online. Hope my ideas are helpful :) I use silicone (bendable) straws and keep a pair in my purse. I keep a few "business size" cards that I designed that state "SKIP THE STRAW" in big letters as a server reminder. I use a diva cup and period underwear sometimes. I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE my bidet!! I use 'family cloth" which was just a bath towel I didn't need since going minimalist. I got laser hair removal. Sorry, those were sporadic, but just wanted to get them down for you :)
I've been wanting to be not zero waste since as a disabled housebound person so I need to use some products that aren't zero waste. but my son and I are vegetarian (thanks to him actually) which hs ended up really good and more affrdable. I have been looking for swaps but what you've said makes me so relieved since I have nearly 2 kilos of laundry products so I don't need zero waste change for it yet so I'm going to make a list of changes I would like to find something better but I can wait and that's a relief for my account.
I feel like if it's a block but you still prefer squirting out liquid soap, you can grate it and add hot water and then put that in a reusable squirt container.
Great video with so many good points! I don't actually have that many zero waste swaps since I'm just trying to use what I already have, which will take quite some time :D
Thank you!! I'm the same. I have a few essential swaps like a water bottle, etc but I don't have nearly as many brands as other zero wasters cause I use what I already have. It's more eco friendly and so much cheaper!!
There’s not one way to do good for the environment; there are a lot of options and the best thing is to be working towards doing better than we did before!
thank you for saying that you don't need to be vegan to reduce your waste. I hear way to many times that all the possible changes you can make don't make a difference if you still eat meat. this idea can really put off people trying to reduce their waste and they might give up completely.
@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist exactly! I'm not denying that going vegan is a huge help to reduce waste but not everyone (me included, I have to admit) is ready for it. Reducing waste is a journey and each person has its own...
I can't mention in ZW groups that I eat eggs 😂. I've also noticed that some of the groups are rife with misinformation about where products come from/are made, like how eggs and wool are made. Vegan can also be bad depending on how you do it, and can also be bad for your health.
My skin is very sensitive so I picked up reusable makeup pads but they seem so small. Some refill do like "Bamboo face cloths" "baby cloths" which I buy instead being the same thing with different marketing. Bigger and mine ones don't look very used compared to my thin face pads
This is great. I still eat meat once a week or so. My husband is a meat eater and I’m a fan of tacos lol. But I do try to eat a lot of plant based meals. I also love my stasher bags. I use them for work all the time because my containers always are in my fridge with leftovers etc. I hate beeswax wraps like I hate them so much. I try my best but I feel stressed sometimes like it’s not enough. I’m like ahh my bread and tofu and cheese are in plastic. And sometimes people are like give up your car. I’m like whattttt. I have to drive to two different schools for work and they’re 30 minutes away.
Like you, I find that essential oils just aren't essential! The fragrance doesn't last in my homemade stick deodorant, so I started making it unscented -- still a better underarm-odor-fighter than anything on the market. Same with my DIY bath powder. I do, however value tea tree oil for its antiseptic properties. During WWI those who worked in the Australian tea tree business were exempt from the draft because the medical corps needed all the oil they could get for wounded soldiers. I use it on cuts, scrapes, insect bites and stings. Smells terrible but promotes rapid healing. Good video, great points.
do you mind sharing your deo recipe? i can't find a store bought one I like and isn't $15 a stick. oh wow good to know! I will keep that one around for sure :)
@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist Sophie Uliano’s Stick Deodorant ½ c. coconut oil ½ c. shea butter 4 T. beeswax pellets 2 T. zinc oxide powder 20 drops grapefruit essential oil Melt the oil, shea butter and beeswax in a double boiler. Remove from heat and whisk in zinc oxide. Add the essential oil. Pour the mix into push-up deodorant molds, available at Amazon, and refrigerate to set for a few hours. Or you can wash and reuse old commercial containers if you have them. This is a deodorant, not an anti-perspirant; you will still sweat, but your underarms should have absolutely no odor at all, not even the scent of the grapefruit. I used Estee Lauder Youth Dew deodorant for the better part of the last 35 years (at $20 a bottle), and this is much better. Send me an email address, and I'll forward to you a long list of recipes I use in the class I teach. I love sharing them.
Beewax wraps didn't work for me either. As for the jar waste I always thought about it as an exception that people saw and somehow decided to make as rule.
i love my silicone baggies. but i only purchased them in order to cut down on the plastic freezer baggies being thrown out by my husband. but we only use them for fruit and veggies being thrown in the freezer. I use containers for everything else.
I don't know where in the world you are, but BJs sells gallon jugs of dish soap Never mind I should have waited to the end of the video, you are in Japan. I have no idea what stores you have there.
@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist it's a wholesale club (like Costco) where you can buy things in large quantities. I think it only exists on the US East coast. I just recently found your channel and I like how you are taking a realistic approach with specific examples to every day sustainability. Everyone needs to be more in that mindset.
10:37 I am sorry but I have to disagree. You are sadly missing the point. It is not about visible waste. Animal agriculture is highly inefficient and wasteful of resources if you compare the calories produced to those that would be produced with the same resources allocated to plant foods for human consumption. So, yes, if you care about waste you go vegan. 🌱
I really like your content and the way you approach things. Very interesting video! (And I agree for the pads. It's fine because I work from home, but not that great if you have to go anywhere.)
I remember before "makeup removal pads" we used this really weird invention called a washcloth. Wet, add soap, wipe face, rinse with soap and water, let dry & repeat unless too messy then wash and repeat. You can even make your own as you said, out of old t-shirts.
I know some people that still use those. Works well I think, I personally just dont like how they are so hard to clean and wash.
hahaha crazy right?! not sure where and why that switch happened, it's so much cheaper to use a wash cloth!
I use these! Super convenient.
Another issue with essential oils: they’re not actually meant to be consumed. Very very few are safe to consume and that is something a lot of people do with them.
THIS! And not many people know this either!!
Yaaaaaaas.... please don’t consume essential oils!! Drives me crazy!! Thank you!!
Yep, if you plan on consuming, make sure they're food grade! Some are, most aren't.
YES!!! Or in general they use them in a way that's REALLY not healthy. In the series "Unwell," a lady mentioned she started getting a rash from a roll-on EO and kept using it because the EO community told her it was fine. And depending what brand you get, they don't use good environmental practices in production (like organic for the food-grade), so you're using a concentrated version of the chemicals used in plant production. People get so caught up in the hype, they miss details like what's food-grade, how sustainably something is made, and that they need to be aware of potential health risks (and seek medical help).
There's safe ways to use them, but they're definitely not one-size-fits-all products.
It is almost impossible to be zero waste, but we can contribute to not polluting the planet so much by consuming more responsibly and using what we already have as much as possible 😊💕
Very well said! That's the big point of my channel to prove that zero waste isn't about perfection but rather trying our best :)
It's all about thinking critically about our consumption and reducing everywhere possible. 💚
Couldn't have said it better myself!!
I see so many people buy new fancy Mason jars with the drinking lid and the glass straw & call themselves sustainable & I'm like ... or you could just be drinking out of an old spaghetti sauce jar. I just found your channel so I'll go watch some other videos. I specifically want to check out the one about aesthetics because I think that's what it's about for a lot of people.
YESSSSS!!! thanks for joining this eco team :) that is one of my fav videos!
Or the old unfashionable water bottle under the sink
😆 I just had an image of someone drinking out of a Ragu jar
i think essential oils are a part of the zero waste movement because of the aesthetic and they replace things that produce more visible wate like candles and perfumes. It's about the waste you see and not the actual waste.
yes the aesthetic, ugh! wow that is a powerful quote but you are SO RIGHT!
Oh I cannot agree more with you about essential oils, they're a fraud, I've never understood why so many zero waste people use them!
Same with bamboo cutlery! We already have so many forks and spoons in our kitchen... The only thing is you cannot always go everywhere with a real knife. In that case, a bamboo one is great!
As for makeup remover pads, I find that the easiest thing to use is your finger with oil, you should try it if you don't like makeup rounds ;)
It's not a zero waste swap but I really hate when people go and recycle their plastic bags (usually at a store), while they could have used them as a trash bag, since they will use a new trash bag anyway. Not sure if what I said is understandable haha, but what I mean is that it's better to reuse + trash, than recycle + use once + trash.
Love the message around invisible waste, we need to spread the word around it!
Definitely. My family uses our plastic bags as a room trashbag. We have the big bag in the kitchen. But every room, like bathroom and bedrooms have a mini trash can and that's what we use the plastic bags for. Collecting trash from every room is part of our chores, so we have a greater exposure and practical knowledge of the trash we individually create, rather than only using the kitchen and bathrooms.
YES YES YES!! I feel like I'd hate using my finger more than the rounds haha. I made bigger ones so hopefully I enjoy using them now. OMG YES I hate when people recycle or throw out easy-to-reuse items. AND recycle incorrectly omg. Thanks so much, Eva!
@@Iquey that's how we do it too and how I did it growing up. Seems pretty common! That's amazing!
@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist Haha I tried! :p If you still do not like them, maybe you'd prefer another fabric?
I personally have 3 essential oils I use, they help me meditate and one is my "saftey scent" I trained myself to feel calm and safe when i smell it
I had to laugh at the first couple because they were things I do like - dish soap blocks (I use a walnut sponge), toothpaste tabs (I tried Georganics - hated them, switched to Unpaste - like them. The homemade version made my teeth super sensitive and didn't feel clean), and reusable pads. With the pads, I like them for day-today, but I'm not a fan of exercise or running in them, and I'm still working on options for pool season (the cups are intimidating). Metal cutlery is the way to go - I used to use a fork I found (I cleaned it. A lot), but I recently wanted to get a little more organized and bought a reusable set that comes in a pouch to keep in my purse. The one downside is I won't bring them on a plane in my carry-on. Makeup remover - my mother got me an Erase Your Face towel a few years back and it works wonders. Nothing else needed except for water, and then I wash my face like normal after. I'm not a big fan of it for foundation, etc. but it's good for eye makeup.
I think "Zero Waste" sounds cool because people like the "extreme" idea. It's a marketing ploy, just like weight loss programs that promise to lose 50 lbs in 2 weeks. Extremes sell based on fantasy and clickbait. People can live very low waste, but the ones who do it most closely usually have a combination of factors in their favor, like being able to produce much of their own food and convenient low-waste stores. Everyone else who doesn't have those options has to figure out what they can do.
I try to pick my battles wisely. I'd rather buy plastic-bagged produce form my local, regenerative CSA than a package-free option from across the country. Yes, it has plastic, but much less shipping, they have regenerative practices I can see myself (don't need fancy website), and I'm supporting a local farmer. I'd rather people do that than buy package free pears from Argentina (unless you live in/near Argentina).
definitely proof that not all swaps are for everyone!
One swap that I hate is the use of so much stainless steel. This is only a personal thing because I doubt many people have the same issue, but I’m severely allergic to stainless steel. So much so that using a water bottle or straw (even with a silicone tip to prevent skin contact) causes my lips to swell up and chap for weeks. I’ve found ways around it but I wish more people would make ceramic coated (interior) bottles so it would be easier to chose them! For anyone else fighting this issue, Stanley ceramivac bottles and tumblers are a life changer!
Oh wow! that is insane!! that would be nice, we should advocate for that!
@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist yes, I’ve sent emails to all of the bottle companies that make good quality bottles with my story. All I can do is try right!
@@shellygirl999 For sure!! That's awesome
Yessss! I love this! Zero waste is literally impossible! I feel 100% the same way!
Thank you, Kristen!! So glad that the message was clear and others agree :)
You bring up some very important points. One of my experiences was learning how to make our own soap so as to do without plastic. Not only was it too harsh for my sensitive skin but getting the ingredients online that were packaged in….plastic. I have since decided to get a soap from the supermarket that we like which is packaged in cardboard.
how interesting!
Zero waste doesn't exist. It's all about reducing and recycling as much as possible. Thanks for the video Emma :)
Precisely!! Well said, thank you so much :)
yes i love this conversation. no one can be zero waste periodt. try fitting your broken microwave in a jar
RIGHT?! What a good point! Thanks so much, Aime :)
😂 That's so true!
So true! Or you can't buy medication without waste! Or lightbulbs. It simply isn't realistic.
@@lifemyway200 THIS!!
@@lifemyway200 As a Type 1 Diabetic, I depend on a Insulin Pump & CGM (Contunious Glucose Monitor) to manage my illness. There is soooo much plastic (to keep everything sterile) and it drives me Properly Bonkers.
I totally agree with these!! I got silicone bags as a gift, and I've never used them🤣Such a great video👏 I think the biggest misconception is just that you have to purchase anything at all. I love how you showed that you can live this way basically for free!
They're a great idea but I have no use for them! That is certainly the biggest misconception!! Thanks, Susie!!
I absolutely agree with you! Just buying because its zero waste without using what we already have is so wasteful!
Thank you for your video. I really appreciate your practical attitude! Last year I got interested in reducing waste. I live in Northern Italy and (I think 15 years ago) we introduced a very efficient recycling system on a regional level. Anyway I want to improve in reducing my impact on the planet. Many zero waste videos suggest complicated and impractical solutions for those who live outside the big cities and especially for those who have a very busy life and little time to produce home-made solutions
Aww thank you, Anna!! I compleltey agree and that is why I made my channel! I want zero waste to be easy, free, fun, and inclusive as well as not stressful. You don't have to be perfect :) I have a full series on free ways to live low waste too!
your channel is very refreshing. I've tried a lot of these swaps too and found that a lot of them seem like weird attempts to sell new things. And I appreciate that even for swaps you don't like, you acknowledge that they still work for other people.
Personally I found beeswax wraps to be a waste (they don't keep in moisture so stuff dries out) and I just re-use tupperware and old takout boxes (some restaurants give out really nice ones that are literally the same as the ones you buy new!! and they're supposed to be disposable???). I have one stasher bag that doesn't get used much but has its very specific uses so I'm glad to have it around. I never liked the silicone baking sheet because it was hard to clean and stains easily so I just grease the pan a bit instead. It took me several toothpaste brands to find one I liked (I love huppy's toothpaste tabs!) and I still use makeup rounds because I like to remove eye makeup with oil and it's nice just having a tiny piece of cloth to clean it up instead of getting an entire large towel dirty.
Anyway, thanks for the accessible content! If I were to ever make videos I would love to have a channel as down-to-earth as yours.
Thanks so much! Glad a lot of people can relate :)
Thank you so much for this video! Some of these things just had to be put out there :D I remember when this girl from New York got super famous with her 'one jar of waste for x months', I was like... okay, there have to be something she doesn't put in that jar...also because it's physically impossible.
I hated how the toothpaste tabs sticked in my teeth making it literally impossible to even... use them right, I occasionally use pads but they just feel like not so tiny adult diapers (I'm a cup girl). And thank you for pointing out the cutlery... I've always (yes, even before it was 'cool') carried around my father's military cutlery set. It is so practical, so cool, easy to wash and also doesn't feel like you are licking a piece of wood...
:)
Thank you!! That's exactly who I was talking about and it got me really discouraged when I wanted to be more "zero waste" and thought it would never be attainable. Granted, it's not attainable, but we can all try to REDUCE our waste and not focus on eliminating it. I love hearing how we all used to "live sustainably before it was cool." I have a whole video on my zero waste childhood but really it was my parents living frugally it just happened to be low waste haha
I have cloth makeup remover pads, they're called WASH CLOTHS. been around sense the beginning of time
Definitely a good option :) but hey everyone has their own preferences
@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist I suppose one could cut up their wash cloths into small squares. Hahahaha.....
Pickle jars for the win, I have so many.
Proud jar hoarder haha!
This is awesome information! Great to hear someone promoting environmental sustainability that is affordable and achievable, rather than a photogenic, impossible version of perfect. Thank you ❤
That is 100% my goal with this community!!
Yes on the silicon bags! They cannot be recycled (at least here) unlike plastic or glass which i feel will last much longer, especially if you are buying cheaply made silicon ones. Silicon I have switched to since watching your channel is the baking tray liners for the oven, to stop using baking paper. And I love. Also not a fan of beeswax wraps. Again I would just use a container I already have. And they don't require any special washing care.
Great point! I know many people only buy drop-shipped, cheaply made "zero waste" replacements and they never last! Im a big fan of just using what I have :)
Agree with so much of this! Apart from sprouting jars I mostly use jars from pickles etc, and hard plastic containers that have lasted for a long time so far. One tip for getting reusable pads to stay in place - I sew a press stud (snap fastener) onto my undies (the smooth part of the stud) and the raised part of the stud onto the pad, so when not needing to use the period pads it's unnoticeable in the undies or can turn them inside out so the stud is on the outside. This keeps it always in the same place. But also am interested to try the underwear because that looks simple too. I also prefer dish liquid can refill it where I live, and use it for bathroom cleaning (it cuts through soap film very well) and for hand wash (dish liquid + olive oil + water), and I use bentonite clay + food grade peppermint essence for brushing teeth because don't like baking soda, toothtabs or coconut oil.
Great topic, nice one.
what a cool hack! i love the period undies though, so practical! Thank you :)
Goal is Zero waste but I know I can only do as much as I can. You can do the same that Dan did with the soap bar for Dr Bonner's soap bars. Grate them up and melt them with water and bingo. In the US there is bar laundry soap ( names are Zote and Fels Naptha) and if you grate those and melt those in water and put it in a 5 gal bucket and fill the rest of the bucket with water and let sit over night and that makes 10 gals of liquid laundry soap for like $1. We got 1 bamboo utensil when I was out and about with my child so that I can eat a salad, yeah the fort couldn't even stab lettuce I was like yeah this is useless. My biggest pet peeves with single use plastic is every time I got formula for my son or any of his meds ( Tylenol, gripe water, etc) they all came not only in a single use plastic bottle but also had a brand new plastic syringe plunger every single new bottle even when you bought a two pack there would be a brand new syringe plunger for both bottles
Progress over perfection! It's so hard to recycle some necessary plastics :(
I can relate to the beeswax struggles! Another reason they don’t work for me is that you can’t see into the bowl (unless it’s glass) and so i forget what’s in there.
Btw I just started watching your videos and I’m loving them! Your talking speed is perfect for me
so true haha! You're so sweet thank you so much :)
Most often you can find anything you might buy at a box store at the thrift store, especially in bigger cities. I live in Colorado, and I just make a list and wait for the swaps and ultra light hiking gear to come to the thrift store. Two weeks ago, in one trip, I found two fancy S'well insulated canteens with pretty outsides, UNUSED, for $1.99 each at Goodwill. They retail for over $40. I also found TWO down gear items, a pretty wine colored puffy jacket and wine and purple puffy vest, for $13 and $9, respectively. I went home and researched the brands, Bernardo and Lole, and they even ethical source their down and have certifications. They retail for $140 and $85, respectively. I find deals like this all the time. If you are willing to make a wish list of what you want, then surrender the idea that this means "buying" the thing, it is amazing what you find.
For sure! I love thrifting and getting unique items. I can't wait to get some killer deals on hiking gear when I get stateside! Those are some amazing finds and better for your wallet AND the planet!
Yeah, I'm super sus of home made toothpaste because at least according to my mom's dentist it was causing damage to her teeth because it was too abrasive and damaging the enamel.
I really want to see what dentists have to say about things like tooth tabs.
Like if the diy option causes damage and is just going to lead to expensive dental work down the line how low waste is it? And should we be putting our selves possibly at risk?
OH no!! I should talk to a dentist on the channel about different zero waste toothpastes, that could be interesting and I haven't seen anything like it before. Completely agree with that last statement! I don't think we should!
Agree! I see a lot of DIY recipes - I tried toothpaste and it made my teeth more sensitive - and they make me wary with their ingredients. It's much easier financially and environmentally to stay healthy.
I live in Greece and all the swaps that you mentioned, I love them, except for the silicon bags and that prooves that everybody has a different life, different preferences and experiences and we should never say that something that works for us can work for everybody, great video
yes! everyone has different favs for sure!
I just found your channel and I have never felt so seen before. Most zero waste youtubers tell you to go vegan (or at least plant based), no packaging and absolutely no polyester clothing. While I do agree with most of it, and that it is important to do your best, I'm not going to go out of my way to get the zero waste aesthetically pleasing home and ignore my health issues to please these people in the zero waste movement. I wouldn't be able to go vegan, I have to buy special lotions and skin care products that come in plastic, my meds come in plastic. And I'm not alone in this. But we don't want to hear that we are bad people because we have to eat meat (my stomach can't handle beans or soy and many other products) or buy products that come in or are made out of plastic. We do our best too, we make changes that work for us. But most of the time people don't see the stuff we do, they see the stuff we can't do. This channel helps change that harmful view of zero waste.
EXACTLY!! That is why i'm here, to make zero waste living more accessible and more ENJOYABLE! so happy to help :)
i have a question: what's so bad about polyester?
@@KeruuKat polyester is a plastic-based fabric meaning that when it breaks down as we wash it, microfibers and microplastic go into the water in the pipes and because they are so small, almost no filters can catch them so they ultimately end up back in our drinking water
@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist oH! yeah that's terrible. I have a handful of polyester clothes, what should I do when they get threadbare/too worn out?
@@KeruuKat turn them into rangs, hankies, wipes, or crochet them into a rug or a bag. There are many ways to use old fabric!
Honestly, double cleansing is amazing, it made my reusable makeup pads obsolete.
oh wow!
What I hate about the ZW community the most is how much criticism people can have
Okay YES!! I know ZW-ers who get criticized for buying even second-hand plastic or a life-saving device in plastic. People need to chill. Our small actions really are meaningful and making perfect ZW standards makes no one want to join the movement
God yes. I read through comment threads on Instagram and came across a thread where one person was like “just don’t exist anymore then” in response to someone not doing something perfectly eco friendly and reading that I was like wow they really just said kys because someone isn’t perfect what a loving community
Jokes on that person though because death also has a footprint lol
@@Azarko212 yes existing is wasteful XD but not existing anymore it's not the solution XD
Oh heck yeah. I joined one group online to be a person that actually shared ideas bc honestly it seems some people ask the dumbest most researchable info ever LOL. Anyway the “leader” owns a ZW shop and promotes it regularly. The weird thing is that her shop is not only an hours drive one way (hello), in an upscale city, but is on a coastal town so I’m thinking heck you don’t even get the potential people that would live on the opposite side of there wasn’t water there! LOL but yeah I stopped posting bc the movement is ridiculously critical. And yet, everyone in this world is a hypocrite to some extent. It’s just life as a human and we all should be cognizant that we are all fallible.
@@Azarko212 the person that said that was probably a hardcore conservative Republican. I find they’re the ones that comment like that especially on ZPG/zero population growth pages.
Did you know that 16 or 17 years ago, on your dreaded earth Day, Oprah aired annual earth Day episodes, showing easy swaps. I've still got things from that long ago. I've only bought 3 rolls of paper towel in that time, and that was to clean motel bathrooms when we were staying in dodgey motels/hotels.
I actually love earth day, it's not dreaded but that is amazing! good for you :)
I recently moved, and the place I live doesn't have a lot of storage drawers. So I improvised and diy by using small boxes I already have to store some seldomly use stationary. And yesterday I just use jam glass jar to store my baby carrots, plastic sorbet container to store my dried yam snacks. Tea bag boxes to put my lotion in it.
Storing stuff in groups in containers/baskets/boxes makes the room tidier and easier to get the item. But I don't need to buy new plastic storage containers (that'll increase my luggages when I need to move too), I can use what I have first! 😎 Woowhoo!!!
How cool! that is awesome and great ways to reuse :)
We try to be creative, always looking for ways to avoid buying new stuff and making things from what we already have. It's fun! I don't subscribe to zero waste, being economical and creative was passed down to me. Thank you for a super clear and practical video!
Thanks! Zero waste is a great stepping stone though :)
I love this, it was only after I started watching Shelby a year ago that I started thinking that making more sustainable changes and “being zero waste” was and is possible for me.
A great alternative to dish sponges are luffa sponges. If you live in the right environment, you can even grown them yourself.
i want to try that someday!
I agree wholeheartedly with the tooth tabs! I find the dent tabs really chalky and doesn't leave my teeth feeling clean 'enough'? Plus I found I had to soak these tabs in water just to make them paste-better (haha, the pun...). I've only got one stasher bag for work before, but otherwise they're annoying to wash out compared to regular ol' containers imo. (I don't own a dishwasher.) I only have bamboo cutlery since I was travelling to the usa for a month to see family there, and was worried if my metal cutlery would be taken away by TSA knowing how strict they were in terms of security rules etc. Now, I just use them in my bag cause i might as well use them! Otherwise, a pair of chopsticks and spoon would suffice. OR even a spork...
YES I feel the same!! Bags are soooo annoying to wash for sure. Great tips!!
I love reusable pads- menstrual cups dont work for me and period underwear is too expensive to buy multiple of, and reusable pads work brilliantly. A lot more absorbent and less leaky than single use pads, and i dont get the skin irritation i used to w single use. Period products are definutely not one size fits all, im glad theres a variety and everyone can choose what works for them
i'm glad they work well for some! Definitely more absorbent but they slide soooo bad! I'm so glad there are accessible options these days!
I agree with you about most things. Especially about zero waste not needing to cost anything and using what you have before getting swaps. Disagree with you about essential oils but that’s because I’ve been highly trained in them & I’m extremely sensitive to fragrances and things made with chemicals Essential oils at least are not made purely out of chemical combinations., & many are mostly free of chemicals. I was trained in and fell in love with them before I knew anything about zero waste and continue to see & experience their medicinal value and for me they’re worth it. I understand why you are not enrolled in them & am glad that you educate us in the waste created in their production but I can’t see myself ever giving up essential oils. I bend over backwards in many many other ways to reduce waste. & divert as many things as possible from the landfill. We all have the things will do and give up, & the things we won’t give up. Every little bit helps. Thank you for being so dedicated to educating us all about these things. I love your videos. I love how you make zero waste free and achievable to everyone. You are doing an awesome job! Keep up the extremely good work.
so happy to have you here! thanks for your comments :)
I wanted to leave a comment that was a mile long because I loved so much about all you had to say! But really, I just wanted to agree with you for many points. I feel like there is a lot to unpack with these topics and you laid it all out really well. 💚💚
Erin you're always so sweet thank yoU!!! There is SO much to unpack here and this is only part one haha. Thank you sooo much :)
personally i can store a lot more stuff in a bunch of silicone bags than in an equivalent amount of containers (assuming i want to keep everything separate). i bought one set of silicone bags a while ago and then realized i could just repurpose a bunch of old bags i got various foods in (trying to work on decreasing the amount of packaging i buy, but hey, it happens) so i don't think i'll be buying any more, but it works for me nonetheless :)
i'm a die hard reuser!
it's criminal that you only have less than 2k subscribers
OMG stoppp you're too kind! Thank you so much! But if you wanna spread the word of my channel I would be forever grateful ;)
I use my Stasher Bags for taking snacks to school without taking 10 different tiny containers. Don't use them around my house a lot though! Other than this, I totally agree with ALL of these! Instead of buying bamboo cutlery I bought some mismatched silverware second hand for travel (I don't have to worry about losing our everyday silverware!)
Would LOVE to see a part two!!!
Proves my point exactly that some swaps work very well for some people but others hate them haha. I'm already brainstorming a part two and excited that everyone else wants to see this :)
Love your practical mind set! I try to recycle, reuse and be practical with budget. I try to pay attention to my water waste. I could never be 0 waste your right no such thing. Your video gives great ideas 💡 👍
thank you so much, Stacy!
I agree with everything!! However I would say some things are expensive as consumables. I had to give up getting my personal care and housekeeping liquids in bulk at my zero waste store here as I could no longer afford it. It is also too expensive for me to purchase most of these things online or they simply were not as good quality. I had to go back to bottles of shampoo, dish liquid and laundry soap:(
so true! i recommend concentr8ed (have a full video about this brand)!! They are concentrated eco bars designed to eliminate plastic, water, and are sooo affordable and Sarah often runs discounts if you follow her on IG :)
@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist ill check it out; thanks!
@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist just checked it out and while the products look amazing, they aren’t really any more affordable than some other eco friendly brands. I can’t afford $14 CDN+ shipping for a single shampoo bar when i can get a huge bottle for about $5:(
I’ve been looking and looking for a couple years for brands that are within my price range for consumables, but unfortunately haven’t been able to find any. And I completely understand the reason why they’re more expensive at this point in time, however I’m just going to have to keep doing the things I CAN afford at this time.
@@lifemyway200 I guess the point is that they last sooo much loner! But I understand. It's hard when brands pay fair wages to their workers and source their materials ethically but we don't get paid enough to support them. Definitely do what you can afford for sure!
@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist I haven’t found any bars Ive used in the past (with the exception of my laundry stain remover bar vs. spray stain remover...had the bar for 2 years and still going strong!!) to last longer though unfortunately.
It is sad for some trying to live lower waste like myself that can’t afford many more sustainable options...but the reality is that when I put it down to cost per use, unfortunately the difference is quite substantial.
I’ll continue to do what I can....just wish I could do more! Have a great day:)
Oh I can relate to a few of these. I still have not finished my toothpaste tabs though I've had them for months. With the cloth pads, I resolved the moving around issue by wearing more snug undies. Wearing leggings also seems to keep them in place.
I guess that would help!
@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist ohhh this may be one of the first times I've gotten a reply from someone I watch. I'm a new subbie! Love your content! It's very unpreachy and relatable. Trying to do the same and inspire others living in Africa.
@@jettascorner21 whatttttt!!! I try my absolute best to reply to everyone cause I love to hear from my fav creators too! Welcome to my channel thanks for your support :)
I still trust real pharmacist grade toothpaste instead of homemade because they have access to special ingredients like the fluoride and nano hydroxyapatite. I am trying to do an additional step at the end though that I call "teeth conditioning", where you brush and oil swish with a bit of coconut oil and pearl powder. This is to hopefully prevent enamel damage and cavities for folks who love acidic foods like citrus and coffee.. DON'T spit down the drain, but spit into the trash or a tissue and compost it.
Another great point! I feel the same and it's a lot less gross haha. I've heard about that! I may have to try it. What do you think of that process so far?
If you can get Dr Bronners soap by the gallon I highly recommend it! It’s super concentrated and all of their soap bottles are from 100% recycled plastics. We use it for dishes and multipurpose mopping/cleaning and have had the same gallon for 5+ months.
unfortunately i cannot in my current location, but maybe one day! I love how it can be all-purpose!
hi! I'm older than you and lots of those that label themselves as "zero waste" I'm also an aspiring minimalist and an omnivore, that is adding more plant to my diet, but honestly I also have IBS, so that diet can ummm, be "problematic". :( Anyway, I agree with much of what you've said in the videos I've seen from you so far. I refer to myself as "near 0" waste, but out in public I just say "zero waste" only b/c it's the more common term no matter how problematic that term can seem to the uninformed. I bought some silicone earswabs and I hate them, they don't work for cleaning. Maybe better for cleaning up makeup mistakes. Anyway, I DO LOVE my toothpaste tabs, but not a fan of "Dirt". My tabs aren't gritty, taste like a breath mint, make my mouth feel clean. They are expensive though (one of the major things I hate about zero waste!). The brand is Weldental Chewtab Toothpaste Tablets flavor Cinnamon Refill. I made my beeswax wraps and they are alright, but took a lot to make them. I make my own simple hairspray. I like my (purchased) cotton rounds and have made more for gifts using a stained t-shirt and terry bath towel my mom was going to donate. I have donated other towels to our dog officers. I stopped buying cheese at the deli even if they put it in my tin -- why? because they still use the plastic layer to put my cheese on to weigh, THEN they wear gloves and must switch them out for each item they handle, THEN the label that never comes off my tin. Why not just buy a pack at the prepacked section without single wrapping. I reuse my bread bags to store food scraps in the freezer, before composting. I use chip bags in my trash and also NEWSPAPER that I fold from pattern online. Hope my ideas are helpful :) I use silicone (bendable) straws and keep a pair in my purse. I keep a few "business size" cards that I designed that state "SKIP THE STRAW" in big letters as a server reminder. I use a diva cup and period underwear sometimes. I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE my bidet!! I use 'family cloth" which was just a bath towel I didn't need since going minimalist. I got laser hair removal. Sorry, those were sporadic, but just wanted to get them down for you :)
you're amazing! Thanks for following along :)
I've been wanting to be not zero waste since as a disabled housebound person so I need to use some products that aren't zero waste. but my son and I are vegetarian (thanks to him actually) which hs ended up really good and more affrdable. I have been looking for swaps but what you've said makes me so relieved since I have nearly 2 kilos of laundry products so I don't need zero waste change for it yet so I'm going to make a list of changes I would like to find something better but I can wait and that's a relief for my account.
that is totally fine, do what you can and try not to stress about perfection :) good for you!
I agree so much with your ideas. Why buy a brand new set of bamboo cutlery? There are so many secondhand options 🤷🏼♀️
exactly!!
Dish soap block - lol yes, same here! Maybe I should give it another time ;-)
I feel like if it's a block but you still prefer squirting out liquid soap, you can grate it and add hot water and then put that in a reusable squirt container.
You should! I love it now that I'm using it right haha
@@Iquey That's what we did with our old block!
Great video with so many good points! I don't actually have that many zero waste swaps since I'm just trying to use what I already have, which will take quite some time :D
Thank you!! I'm the same. I have a few essential swaps like a water bottle, etc but I don't have nearly as many brands as other zero wasters cause I use what I already have. It's more eco friendly and so much cheaper!!
Excellent and practical advice. I love your channel! Thank you 😊
Thank you so much!!
There’s not one way to do good for the environment; there are a lot of options and the best thing is to be working towards doing better than we did before!
Well said!! It takes all sorts of different efforts and like you said, the most important thing is that we are being conscious about our actions :)
thank you for saying that you don't need to be vegan to reduce your waste. I hear way to many times that all the possible changes you can make don't make a difference if you still eat meat. this idea can really put off people trying to reduce their waste and they might give up completely.
for sure! I mean yes, it does certainly help (a lot), but there are others things to do too :)
@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist exactly! I'm not denying that going vegan is a huge help to reduce waste but not everyone (me included, I have to admit) is ready for it. Reducing waste is a journey and each person has its own...
@@chiara3644 oh yeah i'm just throwing that detail in there haha, completely agree!
I can't mention in ZW groups that I eat eggs 😂. I've also noticed that some of the groups are rife with misinformation about where products come from/are made, like how eggs and wool are made. Vegan can also be bad depending on how you do it, and can also be bad for your health.
Thank you so much for making feel better for doing my own zero waste life that fits where I live.
It's all about progress and trying our best!
Oh, I hope they make more toothpaste tubes out of aluminum. I contacted the brand I like to do that.
That would be amazing! Since I've reviewed Davids over a year ago, there have been a few more brands to pop up!
My skin is very sensitive so I picked up reusable makeup pads but they seem so small. Some refill do like "Bamboo face cloths" "baby cloths" which I buy instead being the same thing with different marketing. Bigger and mine ones don't look very used compared to my thin face pads
how interesting!
This is great. I still eat meat once a week or so. My husband is a meat eater and I’m a fan of tacos lol. But I do try to eat a lot of plant based meals. I also love my stasher bags. I use them for work all the time because my containers always are in my fridge with leftovers etc. I hate beeswax wraps like I hate them so much. I try my best but I feel stressed sometimes like it’s not enough. I’m like ahh my bread and tofu and cheese are in plastic. And sometimes people are like give up your car. I’m like whattttt. I have to drive to two different schools for work and they’re 30 minutes away.
I make some bombbbb vegan tacos, yum! Glad we're all on the same page on some of these!
Like you, I find that essential oils just aren't essential! The fragrance doesn't last in my homemade stick deodorant, so I started making it unscented -- still a better underarm-odor-fighter than anything on the market. Same with my DIY bath powder. I do, however value tea tree oil for its antiseptic properties. During WWI those who worked in the Australian tea tree business were exempt from the draft because the medical corps needed all the oil they could get for wounded soldiers. I use it on cuts, scrapes, insect bites and stings. Smells terrible but promotes rapid healing. Good video, great points.
do you mind sharing your deo recipe? i can't find a store bought one I like and isn't $15 a stick. oh wow good to know! I will keep that one around for sure :)
@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist Sophie Uliano’s Stick Deodorant
½ c. coconut oil
½ c. shea butter
4 T. beeswax pellets
2 T. zinc oxide powder
20 drops grapefruit essential oil
Melt the oil, shea butter and beeswax in a double boiler. Remove from heat and whisk in zinc oxide. Add the essential oil. Pour the mix into push-up deodorant molds, available at Amazon, and refrigerate to set for a few hours. Or you can wash and reuse old commercial containers if you have them.
This is a deodorant, not an anti-perspirant; you will still sweat, but your underarms should have absolutely no odor at all, not even the scent of the grapefruit. I used Estee Lauder Youth Dew deodorant for the better part of the last 35 years (at $20 a bottle), and this is much better.
Send me an email address, and I'll forward to you a long list of recipes I use in the class I teach. I love sharing them.
@@kathryncooper4001 amazing! thank you so much i'm excited to try it! You can email me at thesimpleenvironmentalist@gmail.com :)
100% agree about the bamboo cutlery being so useless... plus steel cutlery will last you a lifetime....
exactly!!
We are living beings, we breathe and poop, we technically can't leave 'zero waste!' But we can reduce our trash, yes
haha how true!
I have to say Bite tooth tabs are the only consistency I can get behind if you haven't tried them they're the only ones I'd suggest giving a try
i will have to try them! i know many people suggest that brand :)
speaking of reusing jars from pickles, how on earth do you get the smell out?
anyone got any tips for that?
have a video on tiktok about it! I set it in the sun for a few days :)
i cant really use a cup so i really like the reusable pads i have thick thighs so i thing they hold everything a little better. lol.
I'm thick too but they slide front to back for me. Thankfully period underwear work for me and thankfully there are swaps for every body :)
Safety pins at each end. Does help, certainly good enough for round the house.
@@dees3179 interesting!
Beewax wraps didn't work for me either. As for the jar waste I always thought about it as an exception that people saw and somehow decided to make as rule.
That's so true!
Thank you for a great video! ❤️ From Norway
Thank YOU Caroline!!
i love my silicone baggies. but i only purchased them in order to cut down on the plastic freezer baggies being thrown out by my husband. but we only use them for fruit and veggies being thrown in the freezer. I use containers for everything else.
if you use them that is great!
bea johnson started the ZW movement as we know it before the girl ur referring to ..
oh yes!
Someone should make sonicare toothbrush heads that are more eco friendly 🥲
wouldn't that be nice!
If you want to keep your Pads for moving you some 3 magnets.
magnets sound uncomfortable! I just don't use them anymore
I only found your channel but I love your content!
that is so sweet thank you so much! Welcome to the team :)
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I used to make my own toothpaste...it was bad lol..i ended up switching to hey humans toothpaste.
it's the worst homemade hahaha
great info
Thanks, Andy!
You remind me Maya Bishop from Station 19... just saying. You both are cool!
awwww thank you!
Tips for sliding period pad: I'll use broken tights (cut off the leggings) to make them fit tightly on my butt. Or I use my period underwear.😉
great tip!!
My daughter swears by her menstrual cup .. i don t have those issues anymore 😉
I love the idea of the cup but can't find one that fits me well...
I don't know where in the world you are, but BJs sells gallon jugs of dish soap
Never mind I should have waited to the end of the video, you are in Japan. I have no idea what stores you have there.
Never heard of that before!
@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist it's a wholesale club (like Costco) where you can buy things in large quantities. I think it only exists on the US East coast.
I just recently found your channel and I like how you are taking a realistic approach with specific examples to every day sustainability. Everyone needs to be more in that mindset.
@@film9491 oh cool!! thank you sooo much :)
10:37 I am sorry but I have to disagree. You are sadly missing the point. It is not about visible waste. Animal agriculture is highly inefficient and wasteful of resources if you compare the calories produced to those that would be produced with the same resources allocated to plant foods for human consumption. So, yes, if you care about waste you go vegan. 🌱
i am vegan lol
Be careful because the toothpaste products can be abrasive for your teeth.
yes not all
I labeled myself as an eco geek.
yay!
Did you say... you're from Okinawa? Are my ears deceiving me lol
Grew up in the US but lived in Okinawa for 3 years :)
I really like your content and the way you approach things. Very interesting video!
(And I agree for the pads. It's fine because I work from home, but not that great if you have to go anywhere.)
Completely agree! Thank you SO much :)
Me too. I like them, but not for exercise or running.
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