that glass is better than plastic. There are the so called " sand mafias" that steal sand from protected areas so they can produce glass and build houses. , If i buy something in a glass jar i keep it or buy something in plastic than can be recycled faster than glass.
"It's not possible with kids or pets" "You can't have modern technology if you live zero waste" (I've actually seen a youtuber from my country who has gotten rid of her washing machine and freezer and basically everything) "It achieves nothing anyways as long as X is flying with their private jet"
A good basic rule seems to be that if you're being told you have to buy something new to be zero waste, give it some side-eye...though I can never resist a pile of (vintage) handkerchiefs!
For me what's more important than just buying the zero waste packaging is actually not letting the things I own and buy go to waste. Not wasting energy, not living in a house bigger than I need, walking to the shops when I can, not letting my food go bad. I'm actually looking into getting an electric bike so I can use my car less. Also for me living in the American suburbs not wasting my yard feels just as important as not creating trash. So I'm starting composting and planting native flowers and edible plants in my flower beds and raising chickens (Maybe) and growing my own food and preserving it where I can.
The all or nothing mentality almost turned me off in the early part of my journey. I felt that if I couldn't keep all my trash in a mason jar, if I couldn't shop at a bulk store (which we don't have), if I couldn't avoid getting my medical prescriptions in single use plastic bottles, well then I just wasn't good enough for the movement. I'm glad I just decided to do the best I can!
I'm tired of seeing products advertised as "refillable" when in reality the "refill" is just another of the same product and packaging with a different closure type (like a cap instead of a pump and the consumer is still responsible for disposing of the original packaging) or the "refill" piece is completely superfluous (like the product itself comes in disposable packaging but the company also sells a reusable container you can pour the product into, even if the disposable packaging can be closed and used for storage too). It's all the same system of disposability and a perfect example of the linear economy, just with ✨bonus steps✨. Great video!
Yup. In this case, the refill packaging needs to be significantly bigger than the refillable bottle, so that the refills actually save packaging materials.
@@raapyna8544 at a minimum for sure! Ideally the companies would actually be taking back the empty containers to reuse, but it's such a shame that so few do!
YES I don't get this!! I keep seeing "refillable" cleaning products being sold at stores now but the "refills" are still in containers, just minus the pumps. Who are they fooling?
i always repeated two things (and not only towards more ecological way of living). 1. Its a numbers game, whatever you can do to improve is important. If everyone reduced one thing it would make a significant difference. So rather than focusing on all-out approach (and often judging other through that lense) its better to try to improve life bit by bit. 2. Last couple generations usually solve problems by buying the "solution". This is not the way to go. Its not only non-sustainable but it also makes us very reliable to external help.
Reusables are disgusting?? Do people really think this way?? But disposables are made in factories which definitely aren’t sterile, stored in warehouses which definitely aren’t sterile, then passed through the hands of people stocking shelves which definitely aren’t sterile - and because the item is disposable, there’s likely no way of you cleaning it thoroughly yourself to be sure. ‘New’ does not equal ‘clean’
Good reminder to just try. Sometimes getting all four of my kids to avoid cups at an event is impossible but at least I can avoid them and it’s a start.
I know you mentioned tooth tabs, but I would love a video going into more detail of disposables that are more sustainable than their zero waste counterpart.
It's so nice to hear someone in the movement say there are times you just don't care. I have kids and running from school to swim to scouts means eating out. Grabbing something quick. I have to use the dryer when I need a quick turnaround on everybody's clothes. I try to make the best choices possible most of the time but sometimes I definitely don't
The sterile/germphobic mindset is a leftover from the pandemic. There are lots of people who developed an unhealthy level of anxiety around germs and illness in general, and this has yet to be resolved. There are definitely people who need to take higher levels of precautions in regards to getting sick, but if you're young and healthy, the anxiety is not doing your mind or body any good.
Yup. If you know you're immunocompromised because of disability or chronic illness, that's different. Most people are better off with a regular, clean environment, not sterile. Complete sterileness is what makes fighting illness when they do occur, much harder. That's why they discharge you from hospital as quickly as possible. Complete sterileness is not normal and what our bodies are adapted for.
I disagree with this. In the US, there has been a prevalence of an (in my opinion) irrationally high fear of any and all germs for many years now... I have heard about people not sharing a toothpaste tube with their partner (who they regularly kiss) because Germs could be transferred when putting the toothpaste onto the toothbrush, and that story is from way before the pandemic
As a one person household I love the bulk store because I can buy very small amounts, important for trying new foods. At my store there is no limit as to how little you can buy as they have had customers who have bought one star anise or six almonds as that is all they needed.
Excellent video! I am tired of the all or nothing. Like you say, there is no such thing as zero waste. I have tried, but it is just not possible if we are honest. The second is that zero waste is expensive. NOOOO! Less consumption will cost less. Using less of everything - electricity, water, heat, smaller home, less processed food, less fast fastion, less cosmetics, detergent...the list goes on...and more gift economy, repairing, repurposing, thrifting, sharing, renting, instead of buying new. Theae are the real change makers 💪
I try my best to be eco conscious but I know I can’t be perfect…one thing that people always point out is my Tupperware cabinet…”it’s plastic, you don’t care about the planet”…”yes it’s plastic but my mom has had this set since the late 80s and early 90s and we are still using it…pretty sure that is benefiting the environment more than all the ‘new fancy containers’ they are making now.” So I agree use what you have until you literally can’t anymore.
I had thought I had to be perfect or nothing at all. I have learned that any little thing we do to cut waste will help. And if we all do something then we would be better off than when a few do it totally right.
I've been zero waste ish for several years and am FAR FROM perfect or even "fully committed." And it's still helpful to be reminded that it's okay to just do what works for you. Because any reduction in waste or environmental impact is better than nothing, but I still struggle with guilt if I think too hard about the areas where I make waste. For example, it's okay that I use a single disposable diaper in 24 hours in order to get enough sleep at night, when I use cloth diapers for my newborn the rest of the time. Or all my son's clothes are second hand, but I used disposable products for the birth (although I'm sure my home birth was a lot lower waste than a hospital birth) and first 2-3 weeks of my own postpartum care. It's a balance between zero waste and maintaining sanity and health!
Definitely! Individual responsibility can sometimes try your sanity. I found a little relief to that when I joined an environmental group. It gives me the sense that I'm not alone. We can also do things that I wouldn't be able to do alone, like writing to decision-makers and small activism events. It helps me keep sight that this is a journey, and we are going somewhere (together), in the long term. It's not just about me and my recycling, so I can spare some anxiety in that. I recommend you try to find a group of similar-minded moms. I'm part of a local eco-living whatsapp group as well and there are many moms there, who give each other mental support and advice when it's asked.
I’m a flight attendant so some of my swaps were due to my job I used to take lunch every day in glass, but that was just lunch. Now I have to take breakfast lunch dinner snacks for three days so I made the switch to U konserve and kleen kanteen stainless steel. What an awesome swap. My lunch bag is not terribly heavy anymore. I also used to carry silverware from home and continue to do so when I first became a flight attendant. I discovered the Spork and it has been a game changer, although a fork and spoon from home would have continued to suffice, my silicone reusable Ziploc bags take up a bit more space in my bag in comparison to a Ziploc but it can be used if I purchase a snack while I’m traveling so it’s well worth it. all in all I have made some swaps that didn’t cost me a lot and that were absolutely necessary
I saw Greenland was looking at adding an environmental tax to cruise ships that use their harbors and walk around the areas and visit glaciers- I think the NPR reporter was talking with a researcher from Augsberg?(spelling unclear) I know very little about those kinds of taxes and their use- could you talk about those?
That would be amazing! Greenland has a small population and little resources to manage the damage of large amounts of visitors. A tax would help with that.
I remember talking with a friend who used whogivesacrap toilet paper and her saying that because it's bulk it's actually cheaper per roll than supermarket to. I thought she was mad. Then I tried it. I was SO wrong.😅 But yes, it costs more up front (which might be an issue for some people). I'd love to see them do an option for smaller more regular auto payments for the same bulk packaging at your own pace-just so people who needed to pay little and often have the choice too.
I work in a biological laboratory where we have to maintain various degrees of sterility (depending on what we work with). We have a special disinfectant which is a mix of alcohols and is more efficient at eradicating bacteria than a store-bought hand or surface sanitiser. But we circulate it between rooms, because if we use it all the time it might happen that a strain of bacteria grows resistant to it. My point is that sterilising everything (I’m talking hospital-grade sterility, not cleaning your hands with disinfectant on a hike or during an epidemic) is not always the best choice even in places where cleanness is necessary.
In my area I have been priced out of a lot of my old bulk ZW groceries. I had to let that go, at least in the winter when there are no farmers markets. I have had to do a lot of self work to keep up on other waste reduction. I try not to let perfect be the enemy of good.
Imagine how much money one would need to love without reusables...like not even thinking about the environmental impact for a second. Just purely how much money you'd need.. Cant use dishes again, no pots, no pans..., can't use clothes again..what if your house gets dirty? I know it's a stupid idea, but if ppl have To make stupid comments like that, they'll get stupid reactions to them 😂😂😂
Hi Gittemary, with all of that in mind I am curious why you use the term „zero waste“, which might support the black and white mentality because zero is a fixed number - no waste. I can think of a number of reasons why you still use the term but would appreciate your take on it!
You can absolutely argue that “low waste” or other variations would be more accurate when describing the practise, but “zero waste” is sort of the goal, and moreover a method 🌿 there is also this huge community build around the term already, so for communicative purposes it’s a lot easier to use zero waste and then explain the imperfections than getting people to search for content under a new term 😄 some practise reasons and some methodology-related reasons
I have a zero waste product that I find unnecessary...wool dryer balls! First off, buying them, so that's consumerism. I bought them from an Etsy seller with a "switching" themed shop. And they were not cheap! Then using them I find they just don't work! I've tried all sorts of techniques and hacks and they're pointless. I mostly wanted to cut down on drying time, and I think I have to dry my clothes even longer! I wasn't even swapping anything because I didn't use fabric softener to begin with. *Maybe* the clothes are a a little softer but it's hard to tell. I just feel like I got screwed. The zero-waste, swapping/switching consumerism got me good on this one! So the myth I'm tired of hearing is "buy this cause it's zero-waste!"
the dryer balls are actually one of those not-sustainable-swaps because they just don’t work, there have even been studies done in DK that confirms it 💀🥲 I stick to air-frying my clothes, it cuts emissions and doesn’t wear out my clothes as the dryer 👌
I feel like the name "zero waste" is what feeds the misconception of the movement as an all or nothing commitment. "Zero" indicates producing no waste at all.
I am sorry to see you falling for the "plant-based is better" propaganda machine. Plant based is most certainly not better for your health or for the environment. Industrial farming of plants, with chemical fertilizers, GMOs, pesticides, tilling, combining, etc., is the worst thing we've ever done to this planet around the globe. We've reduced our top soil to mere inches from the time we used to have multiple feet. The soil is stripped of nutrients and C02, the environment is stripped of wildlife. Thousands of small to large animals are displaced or outright killed during the whole process of farming for plant ingredients that are toxic to both domestic farm animals and humans. Humans are not designed to eat plants, and even domestic farm animals are mostly not designed to eat corn and soy. Please consider educating yourself further. Two good books: 'The Vegetarian Myth' by Lierre Keith, and 'The Great Plant Based Con' by Jayne Buxton.
Wow. I love zero waste, but this is an incredibly boring video!!! 😴 Also, bokashi is literally the stinkiest of composting. Stick to passive or vermi- composting. Seriously. You're trying to convert people to zero waste, not discourage them. Aren't you?
what myth about zero waste are you tired of hearing? 👀🌿
that glass is better than plastic. There are the so called " sand mafias" that steal sand from protected areas so they can produce glass and build houses. , If i buy something in a glass jar i keep it or buy something in plastic than can be recycled faster than glass.
"It's not possible with kids or pets"
"You can't have modern technology if you live zero waste" (I've actually seen a youtuber from my country who has gotten rid of her washing machine and freezer and basically everything)
"It achieves nothing anyways as long as X is flying with their private jet"
A good basic rule seems to be that if you're being told you have to buy something new to be zero waste, give it some side-eye...though I can never resist a pile of (vintage) handkerchiefs!
Vintage handkerchiefs are top tier 🥹✨
For me what's more important than just buying the zero waste packaging is actually not letting the things I own and buy go to waste. Not wasting energy, not living in a house bigger than I need, walking to the shops when I can, not letting my food go bad. I'm actually looking into getting an electric bike so I can use my car less. Also for me living in the American suburbs not wasting my yard feels just as important as not creating trash. So I'm starting composting and planting native flowers and edible plants in my flower beds and raising chickens (Maybe) and growing my own food and preserving it where I can.
This is such a good point!
The all or nothing mentality almost turned me off in the early part of my journey. I felt that if I couldn't keep all my trash in a mason jar, if I couldn't shop at a bulk store (which we don't have), if I couldn't avoid getting my medical prescriptions in single use plastic bottles, well then I just wasn't good enough for the movement. I'm glad I just decided to do the best I can!
Doing what you can is all anyone can ask 🌿 I think it’s an amazing effort!
I'm tired of seeing products advertised as "refillable" when in reality the "refill" is just another of the same product and packaging with a different closure type (like a cap instead of a pump and the consumer is still responsible for disposing of the original packaging) or the "refill" piece is completely superfluous (like the product itself comes in disposable packaging but the company also sells a reusable container you can pour the product into, even if the disposable packaging can be closed and used for storage too). It's all the same system of disposability and a perfect example of the linear economy, just with ✨bonus steps✨. Great video!
Yup. In this case, the refill packaging needs to be significantly bigger than the refillable bottle, so that the refills actually save packaging materials.
@@raapyna8544 at a minimum for sure! Ideally the companies would actually be taking back the empty containers to reuse, but it's such a shame that so few do!
YES I don't get this!! I keep seeing "refillable" cleaning products being sold at stores now but the "refills" are still in containers, just minus the pumps. Who are they fooling?
i always repeated two things (and not only towards more ecological way of living).
1. Its a numbers game, whatever you can do to improve is important. If everyone reduced one thing it would make a significant difference. So rather than focusing on all-out approach (and often judging other through that lense) its better to try to improve life bit by bit.
2. Last couple generations usually solve problems by buying the "solution". This is not the way to go. Its not only non-sustainable but it also makes us very reliable to external help.
Reusables are disgusting?? Do people really think this way?? But disposables are made in factories which definitely aren’t sterile, stored in warehouses which definitely aren’t sterile, then passed through the hands of people stocking shelves which definitely aren’t sterile - and because the item is disposable, there’s likely no way of you cleaning it thoroughly yourself to be sure. ‘New’ does not equal ‘clean’
AMEN
Good reminder to just try. Sometimes getting all four of my kids to avoid cups at an event is impossible but at least I can avoid them and it’s a start.
Yup and when your kids grow it's going to get easier! You got this!
You rock 👏🔥
I know you mentioned tooth tabs, but I would love a video going into more detail of disposables that are more sustainable than their zero waste counterpart.
You’re the reason I have a healthy view of zero waste thank you❤️
This made my day 🥹🌿
It's so nice to hear someone in the movement say there are times you just don't care. I have kids and running from school to swim to scouts means eating out. Grabbing something quick. I have to use the dryer when I need a quick turnaround on everybody's clothes. I try to make the best choices possible most of the time but sometimes I definitely don't
Same here I have three kids and honestly a lot of the time I don't even have enough space to air dry all the clothes we wash
we’re human, not zero waste androids ♥️
Spoiled human beings ... but yeah you have to live with yourself.
The sterile/germphobic mindset is a leftover from the pandemic. There are lots of people who developed an unhealthy level of anxiety around germs and illness in general, and this has yet to be resolved. There are definitely people who need to take higher levels of precautions in regards to getting sick, but if you're young and healthy, the anxiety is not doing your mind or body any good.
Yup. If you know you're immunocompromised because of disability or chronic illness, that's different. Most people are better off with a regular, clean environment, not sterile.
Complete sterileness is what makes fighting illness when they do occur, much harder. That's why they discharge you from hospital as quickly as possible. Complete sterileness is not normal and what our bodies are adapted for.
I disagree with this. In the US, there has been a prevalence of an (in my opinion) irrationally high fear of any and all germs for many years now... I have heard about people not sharing a toothpaste tube with their partner (who they regularly kiss) because Germs could be transferred when putting the toothpaste onto the toothbrush, and that story is from way before the pandemic
Absolutely not being to clean is a longer problem, it s the reason for skin issues allergie and is been around for over 20 years plus.
As a one person household I love the bulk store because I can buy very small amounts, important for trying new foods. At my store there is no limit as to how little you can buy as they have had customers who have bought one star anise or six almonds as that is all they needed.
love that 🥹
Excellent video! I am tired of the all or nothing. Like you say, there is no such thing as zero waste. I have tried, but it is just not possible if we are honest.
The second is that zero waste is expensive. NOOOO! Less consumption will cost less. Using less of everything - electricity, water, heat, smaller home, less processed food, less fast fastion, less cosmetics, detergent...the list goes on...and more gift economy, repairing, repurposing, thrifting, sharing, renting, instead of buying new. Theae are the real change makers 💪
PREACH ✨✨✨
I try my best to be eco conscious but I know I can’t be perfect…one thing that people always point out is my Tupperware cabinet…”it’s plastic, you don’t care about the planet”…”yes it’s plastic but my mom has had this set since the late 80s and early 90s and we are still using it…pretty sure that is benefiting the environment more than all the ‘new fancy containers’ they are making now.”
So I agree use what you have until you literally can’t anymore.
I had thought I had to be perfect or nothing at all. I have learned that any little thing we do to cut waste will help. And if we all do something then we would be better off than when a few do it totally right.
I've been zero waste ish for several years and am FAR FROM perfect or even "fully committed." And it's still helpful to be reminded that it's okay to just do what works for you. Because any reduction in waste or environmental impact is better than nothing, but I still struggle with guilt if I think too hard about the areas where I make waste.
For example, it's okay that I use a single disposable diaper in 24 hours in order to get enough sleep at night, when I use cloth diapers for my newborn the rest of the time. Or all my son's clothes are second hand, but I used disposable products for the birth (although I'm sure my home birth was a lot lower waste than a hospital birth) and first 2-3 weeks of my own postpartum care. It's a balance between zero waste and maintaining sanity and health!
Yes!
Definitely! Individual responsibility can sometimes try your sanity. I found a little relief to that when I joined an environmental group. It gives me the sense that I'm not alone. We can also do things that I wouldn't be able to do alone, like writing to decision-makers and small activism events. It helps me keep sight that this is a journey, and we are going somewhere (together), in the long term. It's not just about me and my recycling, so I can spare some anxiety in that.
I recommend you try to find a group of similar-minded moms. I'm part of a local eco-living whatsapp group as well and there are many moms there, who give each other mental support and advice when it's asked.
balance is so important to keep your sanity intact, you’re doing a really amazing job! 👏🔥
I’m a flight attendant so some of my swaps were due to my job I used to take lunch every day in glass, but that was just lunch. Now I have to take breakfast lunch dinner snacks for three days so I made the switch to U konserve and kleen kanteen stainless steel. What an awesome swap. My lunch bag is not terribly heavy anymore. I also used to carry silverware from home and continue to do so when I first became a flight attendant. I discovered the Spork and it has been a game changer, although a fork and spoon from home would have continued to suffice, my silicone reusable Ziploc bags take up a bit more space in my bag in comparison to a Ziploc but it can be used if I purchase a snack while I’m traveling so it’s well worth it. all in all I have made some swaps that didn’t cost me a lot and that were absolutely necessary
I saw Greenland was looking at adding an environmental tax to cruise ships that use their harbors and walk around the areas and visit glaciers- I think the NPR reporter was talking with a researcher from Augsberg?(spelling unclear) I know very little about those kinds of taxes and their use- could you talk about those?
This is interesting! I heard Iceland for example already has something like that in place?
That would be amazing! Greenland has a small population and little resources to manage the damage of large amounts of visitors. A tax would help with that.
As a tattoo artist I do make waste but I try to recycle things that don't have blood born risk
I remember talking with a friend who used whogivesacrap toilet paper and her saying that because it's bulk it's actually cheaper per roll than supermarket to. I thought she was mad. Then I tried it. I was SO wrong.😅 But yes, it costs more up front (which might be an issue for some people). I'd love to see them do an option for smaller more regular auto payments for the same bulk packaging at your own pace-just so people who needed to pay little and often have the choice too.
I work in a biological laboratory where we have to maintain various degrees of sterility (depending on what we work with). We have a special disinfectant which is a mix of alcohols and is more efficient at eradicating bacteria than a store-bought hand or surface sanitiser. But we circulate it between rooms, because if we use it all the time it might happen that a strain of bacteria grows resistant to it. My point is that sterilising everything (I’m talking hospital-grade sterility, not cleaning your hands with disinfectant on a hike or during an epidemic) is not always the best choice even in places where cleanness is necessary.
Thanks for making that bokashi video, it made me realise that I can compost in my apartment fairly easily and now I'm doing it
You rock 👏👏
Worked in a restaurant, and can attest there are def people at least here in the US that request everything disposable when dining in
that’s a hard life 😂
We're so wasteful here. Hyper consumerism stresses throwing stuff away and buying new.
In my area I have been priced out of a lot of my old bulk ZW groceries. I had to let that go, at least in the winter when there are no farmers markets. I have had to do a lot of self work to keep up on other waste reduction. I try not to let perfect be the enemy of good.
Thank you so much for this video. It helped me feel better :)
That chemicals/plastic are bad!
Imagine how much money one would need to love without reusables...like not even thinking about the environmental impact for a second. Just purely how much money you'd need.. Cant use dishes again, no pots, no pans..., can't use clothes again..what if your house gets dirty?
I know it's a stupid idea, but if ppl have To make stupid comments like that, they'll get stupid reactions to them 😂😂😂
Lol they must also wear disposable underwear 🤣 or go commando 😮😅😅
Yeah, exactly! First thing that came to my mind was: oh, so they must have single use T-shirts then 🤷♀️🤣 And forget about underwear! 🙃
just line the inside of your pants with cling film and you’re good to go 😂
Hi Gittemary, with all of that in mind I am curious why you use the term „zero waste“, which might support the black and white mentality because zero is a fixed number - no waste.
I can think of a number of reasons why you still use the term but would appreciate your take on it!
You can absolutely argue that “low waste” or other variations would be more accurate when describing the practise, but “zero waste” is sort of the goal, and moreover a method 🌿 there is also this huge community build around the term already, so for communicative purposes it’s a lot easier to use zero waste and then explain the imperfections than getting people to search for content under a new term 😄 some practise reasons and some methodology-related reasons
I have a zero waste product that I find unnecessary...wool dryer balls! First off, buying them, so that's consumerism. I bought them from an Etsy seller with a "switching" themed shop. And they were not cheap! Then using them I find they just don't work! I've tried all sorts of techniques and hacks and they're pointless. I mostly wanted to cut down on drying time, and I think I have to dry my clothes even longer! I wasn't even swapping anything because I didn't use fabric softener to begin with. *Maybe* the clothes are a a little softer but it's hard to tell. I just feel like I got screwed. The zero-waste, swapping/switching consumerism got me good on this one! So the myth I'm tired of hearing is "buy this cause it's zero-waste!"
the dryer balls are actually one of those not-sustainable-swaps because they just don’t work, there have even been studies done in DK that confirms it 💀🥲 I stick to air-frying my clothes, it cuts emissions and doesn’t wear out my clothes as the dryer 👌
It's about progress not perfection
I feel like the name "zero waste" is what feeds the misconception of the movement as an all or nothing commitment. "Zero" indicates producing no waste at all.
I am sorry to see you falling for the "plant-based is better" propaganda machine. Plant based is most certainly not better for your health or for the environment. Industrial farming of plants, with chemical fertilizers, GMOs, pesticides, tilling, combining, etc., is the worst thing we've ever done to this planet around the globe. We've reduced our top soil to mere inches from the time we used to have multiple feet. The soil is stripped of nutrients and C02, the environment is stripped of wildlife. Thousands of small to large animals are displaced or outright killed during the whole process of farming for plant ingredients that are toxic to both domestic farm animals and humans. Humans are not designed to eat plants, and even domestic farm animals are mostly not designed to eat corn and soy. Please consider educating yourself further. Two good books: 'The Vegetarian Myth' by Lierre Keith, and 'The Great Plant Based Con' by Jayne Buxton.
ah we’re calling peer reviewed scientific data propaganda now, cool cool cool
Wow. I love zero waste, but this is an incredibly boring video!!! 😴 Also, bokashi is literally the stinkiest of composting. Stick to passive or vermi- composting. Seriously. You're trying to convert people to zero waste, not discourage them. Aren't you?
Not every type if video is for everybody 🤷♀️ and I personally haven’t had any smell related issues with my bokashi 😅
❤