I am so happy to see these zero waste and minimalist mindsets shift from the strict and aesthetic movements of the last 5 years and back to the gentle, calm mindsets that they used to be. Thank you for this and for spreading this message 😊
I made it a strict rule with myself that I wasn't going to buy anything just for the aesthetics, if I already had something at home that did the same thing. Did I want that natural-materials cute thing? Very much. Did I get by on what I already had, instead? Almost always. It's much better to use what you have, if you can, and not worry about the aesthetics. I don't have a youtube channel, no one is judging my aesthetics but me, haha!
I think we're all going to use up the stuff lying around weather it's plastic or wood or whatever that's just as useful. Buying second hand thrifting etc it's the way forward we need to be aware of this and be mindful that these objects will become more scare in the future so let's reuse old stuff like we probs do anyway x in a way it's good that's what we did in the 60s and 70s it's good for the imagination nothing to be scared of
I find as much as the world is talking about renewable energy and helping the planet, we are more consumers than ever more. I too find I can’t take too much of the internet. Too much information. I do what I can for my family. I choose to live a slow peaceful life. I find that this world is always trying to rush me, you have to buy this now or you must make a decision now. I don’t want to live this way. I want to savour life and enjoy every day. Slow living, simple delicious food, being content. Loving God and people. I left this rushed life 7 years ago. Sometimes I can be persuaded to just back in, but I always come back to this slow life❤. I wish I would have know it when I had young children, but I didn’t, but now I can enjoy it with my grandchildren. Always love your videos.
In my family, because we have always been on the low end of the financial scale, this kind of resourcefulness is simply how you lived. Thrifting was because that was the cheapest clothing, washing dishes by hand cost less electricity than a dishwasher, jars and boxes were saved because buying new items for storage (with the exception of canning jars) was incomprehensible. Fixing up was often the only way to get something, and the dump was your friend (I grew up on dump bikes, some of the best bikes around!). Gardens were how you had vegetables, canning was how you had fruit and veggies over the winter. Now that I am grown (in the sense that I am legally an adult) my mindsets have shifted, and some things have become more important than others. It’s important to me to eat good food and be healthy mentally, it’s important to me to not have a lot of waste and to shop locally. It’s important to me to have a job that is gentle on me, that follows one of my interests or at least has a good atmosphere so I don’t burn out (I currently work at a small farm, where I can obtain many “seconds” vegetables for home use) and that I live in a place where I don’t have to drive to get to local amenities and aid. It is important for me to have things that are good quality and will not break, because I’m not as equipped as my parents to be in a state of continually fixing, making, and patching everything. My lifestyle is definitely growing to be something different from how I grew up, but I do what I do with care and respect for myself and that which is around me. That is what I focus on now, and for me it is enough.
Uh yeah. This is every day for rural working class people. I use seconds for canning. The sweet flower embroidery is covering a gaping hole in blankets and clothes because I can't just throw it away. I find it funny city ppl who always look down on "dumb mountain people" now realize how we live is actually a good idea. I see them larping all over TH-cam. The NIMBY types...they want to pay to fix the earth instead of picking up trash and reusing things. They live in smog central and lecture country folk about our farting cows. Sure thing we'll clean up our act after we're done feeding the country.
It reminds me of a quote from zero-waste chef Anne-marie Bonneau: 'We don't need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly'.
Thanks for naming this issue. Locally we have a store that sells only zero waste, eco friendly items and bulk, etc. But it is SO expensive that only the frivolous or very rich can shop there. The heart and motivation of the women that own it is in the right place, but the economic system in which they are trying to do their business is not supportive. I think frugality, resourcefulness, using what you have, trading, repurposing, and SHARING are essential now and all of these efforts have the added benefit of creating community. Great vlog!
Sharing is what this world needs more of. I’ve always thought it was so silly for every home to have a lawn mower, a chainsaw, etc. how often do these things get used on a daily basis? If there was a community where people shared more items this world would be better for it. Sharing would have people talk to each other more. Be more neighborly etc. I hate seeing so many cars in a parking lot just sitting there not being used for most of the day. One day it would be amazing if we could all just call for a car and it show up and take us somewhere and we could have the option of sharing it or not - we have that now with Uber but I mean cars without drivers-although I would need several years of testing to feel safe 😅). Anyhow, this world is running on consumerism instead of community.
I have scrutinized myself for not being a "perfect" low waste-r and you don't realize how privileged it can become to be able to have access to "zero waste items". I try my best the ways that I can without impacting my mental health and budget.
I've been saying that for years, that a make do and mend lifestyle is much more environmentally friendly than the zero waste movement, and was being attacked by some zero waste zealots. I was even thrown out of my local zero waste Facebook group for stating that. I'm glad that people's mindset is shifting.
My town had a similar store built last year. We were excited for it, to have more options about zero waste and all locally grown items. Great! However, it was all so expensive. How can a gallon of milk from the next city over be $9.00 a gallon or a small jar of local raw honey be $25.00? Unfortunately it closed after only a few months of being open. Beautiful concept not excess able to most people.
I ‘ ve been following your channel for years. As soon as I understood you would become parents I knew this change would come …. As you get older and with more responsibilities a kind of realism kicks in. Nothing new under the Sun actually. What a beautiful surroundings you live in 😊
“Yes there’s new information coming all the time but really my brain can’t handle it all” YES this is so simple but profound. Thank you for that honesty!
I completely agree on resourceful living rather than zero waste. It’s much kinder and more realistic. I’m a person who falls into self criticism easily which could make a goal like zero waste harmful. I prefer to be as resourceful as possible. Good for you! ❤
I'm a proponent of old school conservationism and it's refreshing to see a pragmatic and mindful approach to living that isn't based in guilt, ridicule and othering.
@@FairylandCottage You may appreciate this story. I'm the last of six children. When my oldest sister was a baby, my parents filled the car with her baby bed, baby bath, pram, clothes, etc. Hardly any room for the baby! By the time I was born, they'd grab a few diapers and clothes and I'd sleep in a drawer at grandma's house. I also joke that there are thousands of photos of my older siblings and about a dozen photos of my milestones. Not quite true--but nearly!
"I think of how my grandparents lived and their grandparents lived....." This is exactly what started me down a journey of resourcefulness, homesteading, and develop less of a consumerism mindset and lifestyle. I can still remember finding old cookie tins as a child filled to the brim with scraps of fabric and threads "just in case" my Mema or Grandma needed it. I remember my dad, still to this day, ripping old shirts apart to use as cleaning cloths. I remember the same coffee tin being reused for darn near anything and everything. For myself, I have been reusing the same tin for 2 years for my coffee. And, my favorites, my Grandma's storage area for all of her canned goods from the spring and summer garden and helping my Mema and Papa in their garden and hanging clothes on the line.
Another natural cleaner to add as another choice, take discarded grapefruit, lemon, orange/tangerine peels and place in a large glass jar, then fill with white vinegar and let it sit for a week with the lid on. After a week, strain the mix into a glass spray bottle, you can add some water to your cleaner. It works very well, has no residue and leaves a very clean mild citrus scent. God bless you for your work in sharing your tips. They are very appreciated.
I'm 65 yrs old and I mindfully stop myself from comparing my life to others. Being in touch with staying calm and being gentle with myself and others. I am a retired doula, OB nurse and Lactation Consultant. I share what I can freely when I am asked. My focus now is my spouse and my extended family and friends. I give freely to others from our abundance in my "take it or leave it box". I trade and barter for things we may need. It's all soft and friendly.
So refreshing to hear other like minded people embrace the resourcefullness concept instead of zero waste which is really utopic in my opinion. In the recent years, and because of financial woes, I was forced to think differently about resources around my house. I,ve never been a waster but now I make it into an adventure to find ways to reuse *stuff* and look around my little house and my shed to see if something could be used instead of purchasing new *stuff*.
Smart! I'm trying to cut down on food waste and get the most from my garden produce. I'm creating simple recipes to use every little bit and bite from the garden and fridge,, so I compost or throw away very little. I'm also sharing extra bounty with neighbors, friends, and the food bank. It feels good to share and there's plenty of need in the community. Some of my recipes are a bit odd, but they generally taste fine.
Great to hear of the change in mindset around the zero waste culture, like others have said here. I think it is so important. What has always made me very uncomfortable is that it is always the 'little people' that are expected to make THE MOST sacrifices and changes to meet the ideal of zero waste. I live in Australia and we are currently experiencing one of the worst rental affordability and stock crisis that we can remember. The cost of all basics for human survival is increasing and wages are not keeping up. So it is clearly a global issue we are all facing. Look after ourselves and our families/loved ones is essential in these time. We do the best that we can with what we have, while fostering our love for Nature. Thank you so much! Such an important message you have given here!
I agree. It’s similar here too. It seems to fall on the masses yet the small percentage of billionaires are doing whatever they want and causing most of the damage. 🤷♀️
I personally have found that I need to stop thinking, "if everyone would just...." and start thinking of what I can do. It has made such a difference in my home!
Thanks for this, I could not agree any more with Your sentiments ... much Love from New Zealand . My Darling has collected the bottle tops and we are using them to decorate a "new" Letterbox using a box we have ... we have come up with a cool Owl and other fun shapes and will use the CDs for the "Roof".. the last 3 Years have been so intense , so being creative and even just pottering outside is so calming for Our Souls. When it is too wet we will potter about doing a bit of clearing out and reorganising our Home . I love to watch Your videos , they make me so calm as does Your soothing Voice ... Blessings to You and Yours x
It’s so true that we can be bombarded with so much information and ‘shoulds’ that our brains can’t cope with it all. We each can only do our best. Thank you for another peaceful moment in my day. ❤️
I like the “mind your own business” way. It takes a load off to remember we don’t have to concern ourselves with how others think and do. “Sweep our own doorstep,” my mother used to say. Also, I catch myself buying too much. I’m responsible for all I take on when I make a purchase. One way I’ve improved is how I look at plants as a commitment: I now buy plants for life and work to keep them healthy-they’re not disposable. Little Fairy is so lucky to have landed in YOUR cottage! 💕☘️💕☘️
Thank you for your thoughts because I feel the same and then feel guilty! I love your little bench I wish I would try my hand at diy carpentry work! I recently refurbished my deceased father's old bench from his property, it was at least 40 years old, sanding it, removing what rust I could and restained it, and it now sits on my porch! I am proud that I gave an old bench a second chance to serve! It looks great! Something so simple, but gratifying! I think you would agree. Take care and thanks for your continued inspiration.
Your mention of Maslow made me twitch! As a teacher I have been bombarded by this but it is so true. We need to do what we need to do for ourselves, not to compare and to want what others always have. I grew up poor and had to make do with what we had. Now I am an adult I still do this where I can. I have two pairs of shoes, one handbag I do t feel the need for more. I grow what I can in the garden and keep this old car.
Gorgeous video as always , i just want to live my life my way . And what means the most for our family . Nothing needs to be perfect or look beige . If you want to collect .. collect . If you want colour … and colour . That’s how I am now. Simple with colour and doing what brings me joy xxx
Your videos are the perfect combination of serenity, mental stimulation, beauty and kindness. Thank you Niamh, you give me so many input to think about and improve my life in a better, right direction. All the best to you and your family.
Doing what we can with what we have is how my family and I have lived and run our business. There are many who live so, but so many that refuse to learn or haven't been educated. We can't be so hard on ourselves if we can't live up to no waste ideals if we're doing the best we can. I know that many positive little steps can lead to big positive results.
I needed to hear this - your common sense advice to do what you can, use what you have, be resourceful, be grateful, and focus on the positive. It is so easy to get overwhelmed with despair but if we hold onto hope and live with intention and common sense and step back from trying to be perfect, the world will be a better place! Thank you!
Green washing is so sad! I want to help, but companies are starting to trick us into thinking a product is friendly toward the environment. I really appreciate your approach and find it very helpful to hear. Thank you 💖
I reuse so many things found sitting beside the dumpster in our county that someone couldn't bear to throw away. Yesterday two milkcrates, one blue one green. They will hold soil and something that needs depth of root like carrots or beets in the midst of my garden, and for no cost. I have gratitude for those who understand it still had useage
Thank you for "permission" to do the best we can. I love the sun catchers made out of CDs and the oh-so-cute bench. But nothing beats hearing the little fairy say," Mama." So sweet. Have a wonderful remainder of the month. 💐🌸💮🏵🌹🌺🌻🌼🌱🍀🌈💿💕
I love this video. Being resourceful is the best way for me. I have found the whole “green movement” for lack of not knowing what else to call it, too trendy and way too judgmental. I have called out younger people I’m my life explaining to them that what they are preaching or practicing is not necessarily new. That our great grandparents lived that way, and it was called just that, living. Yes, times have changed, technology has changed, there are way too many disposables in the world, but it’s our mind set and the influence from society that let it get out of control. I won’t pretend that that I haven’t had my days of carelessness and too much “waste” when I was younger. When I was a child in the 70’s, there was a TV commercial here in the States that featured an American Indian with a single tear rolling down his cheek as he look around the land and saw all the waste. I’ve never forgotten that commercial. Do I live strictly zero waste? No, I don’t as it is not possible for me. Do I live as sustainably as possible? Well, yes, I’d like to think so; I do my best. I recycle and am a big repurposer, I thrift, I fix what is broken when possible, if not I’ll take parts and use it for something else. I donate and will share with others things I may no longer need or no longer serve me. I purchase discount but try to make sure things are of quality and not trendy so they will last and not be disposable. I’m still using items from my grandparents and great grandparents that they used in the 1930s, 40s, 50s and so on. So much in this new post Covid world saddens me to my core because it doesn’t have to be this way, yet, here we are. The negative impact on mental health, of attitudes towards others, of being lectured to on how to think, behave and live has gotten out of control. Several years of lockdowns and restrictions has taken its toll. The cost to just live simply is barely affordable, and I know I’m on the more fortunate end. So, in a nutshell, I do my best, make conscious efforts, share my knowledge and then some, and remember how good my grandparents had it, even in the most difficult times of which I know there were many. I try to live in a way that would make them proud as they are my measuring stick for whom I want to live up to. I do my best and I’m the only one I’m in control of. Have a wonderful summer.
Love what you did by repurposing the DVDs, such a great idea! I agree the world is moving way too fast, people don’t slow down, relax, talk to each other, have fun with the simple things in life like a long walk. I think it’s because I’m in my 60’s and this world is so much different than the simple life before technology took over. In order for me to find peace I have to ignore phones, people, drama and create with my hands, journaling, gardening and avoid technology when I can. My brain can’t handle the overload of it anymore
I couldn't agree with you more. This is a different world now and we must learn to navigate it. Your friend is wise, whenever I hear the words "Mind your own business", I am reminded of these verses; "that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, so that you may behave properly toward outsiders and be dependent on no one." 1Thessalonians 4: 12-12
Love to hear this, and so true. Zero waste or low-waste can be very time-consuming in Canada, and these options can be very costly for people who have tight budgets
This made me feel better about the way I’m trying to live and give to our planet. I still feel like the black sheep among so many who haven’t come to the realization of what we can be doing for Mother Earth. I pray that they will come to see that even small changes can make a big difference! 🙏🏻💐🌎🥰 Thank you!
Thank you for this video and it makes me feel better! I found zero waste living too stressful for me so resourceful is definitely a better option for me. My great grandmother,during the Great Depression in the U.S., sewed the flour and sugar cloth sacks into a bed quilt. I have that quilt now in my home. It is a wonderful visual reminder of what resourceful living is. Have a wonderful month!❤
Yes, there is nothing like being broke to make your lifestyle more sustainable! I grew up on hand-me-down clothes and toys and homegrown fruit & veg because we couldn't afford anything else! (And it was a great life!)
You made a version of a Leopold bench! How lovely. And a Leopold bench is very representative of your evolution to a sustainable resourceful life, not an “extreme” life. Aldo Leopold was one of the giants of the modern conservation movement, and designed his bench to be made with the least amount of boards and hardware. We have one ourselves. Sustainable, resourceful, functional, even lovely to the eye. Peace to you.
My focus these past few years has been on good stewardship. Taking care of what I have and being resourceful with what is available to me. I grow what I can, compost what is available in abundance, and also recycle as much as possible. It's easier to do out in the country, I think, where you aren't tempted to run to the store for every little thing.
I definitely fell into the strictness of zero waste several years ago. I searched for every alternative I could find for every item in my home. Including seeking out a WWII era flashlight so there would be no plastic parts inside of it (I never found an affordable one). I was obsessed with living a life with zero plastic. But it’s not possible in our modern world. And now that my dog is over 18 years old and incontinent, I have to go through rolls and rolls of paper towels to keep up with her constant accidents in the house. It fills me with guilt, but I have to get over that because my current circumstances are what they are. As long as I do my best to reduce waste and plastic use where I can and within my means, it should be enough. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing.
I agree so much with the overload of information nowadays. I admire you for choosing your values and sticking to those. I'm still struggling with that myself. You are such an inspiration, Niamh! The wooden bench is lovely, I'm sure little fairy will get a lot of joy out of it! Sending love, Ale
I feel that there isn't such thing as zero waste. As long as there are humans on Mother Earth there will always be waste but we can be more mindful of how we choose to live our lives.Thank you so much ❤
A lovely, inspiring and thought provoking video, Niamh. I really appreciate your insight and agree that framing our efforts in terms of ingenuity and resourcefulness is much more realistic and accessible. I love the little bench and the clip of you and your sweetheart reading a book together while sitting on it. I’m sure it will be enjoyed for years to come. Have a peaceful and happy June.
I think resourcefulness is a great way to look at a sustainable lifestyle. It sounds like it adds a bit more balance to your efforts and way of living. To me, zero waste is an aspiration, but not achievable. So I try to focus on what I can do and not so much on what I cannot. Recently, I come across a new opportunity to recycle some things versus trash them, and while it is a small win, I am just so excited to be able to do one more good thing for our planet.
Love your positive words :- Resourceful and gentle. Sounds like a great way to live. Your bench is so well made and beautiful. Always good to take unnecessary pressure of ourselves as well as following our joy.
If you have a sewing machine, you can use the reclosable bags from dried fruit, nuts etc and make totes and storage containers. Wash the insides, dry thoroughly, trim the tops so they're even, hold the edges together and join them with a wide zigzag stitch. Adding a flat bottom is still a challenge but it's fun and kids love them.
Leonardo da Vinci said “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”. Keeping things simple, living a cost-effective lifestyle, and being resourceful and creative with what I have on hand make my life simple, comfortable, and planet-kind. For me, simple sophistication is unconsciously at the root of all my decisions, and I am very thankful for that. I, too, have moved away from the strict zero waste mindset and the aesthetics that go along with it. It’s all about doing our best with what we have available to us. One current example: I am putting on a Retirement Celebration for four iconic teachers at the school where I teach. Our small committee is making the refreshments, we are using reusable table cloths, and all decorations are being brought in from home. I am making the coursages & boutineers. There will be minimal waste and no money spent on decorations. We are using what we have on hand… and this is way more fun and creative than shopping for stuff. It’s been so enjoyable sharing ideas amongst the committee members and working together to make the event charming, simple & sophisticated. I think this is how our grandparents would have done it, and I’m very proud of this. Thanks for today’s great video Niamh. I loved the scenery, your new little bench, and seeing the little day to day activities with your family in your little homestead. Thank-you, Ⓜary🌲🌻
A bonus is that many hands make for light work. I predict that everyone will enjoy your home-made celebration more than they would with all store bought decorations and food.
@@cltinturkey Thanks for your comment. Yes, the Retirement Celebration was amazing and everybody loved the home-made food and the no-buy decorations. To my mind, everything is more fun when I can use creative ideas and hands-on skills instead of shopping for stuff (which I find to be very boring). Ⓜ️ary🇨🇦
You make a very good point about Zero Waste being an unrealistic expectation. I like the idea of resourceful living with less waste and keeping things in perspective.
Thank you for this. I’ve been struggling with feelings of failure thinking that I should be doing more and I’m struggling to do as I used to. Thank you for helping me find my perspective ❤️
In my life I have seen a lot of things. If you try to use less some one will try to out do you. If you try to cook home grown food some one will try to once again out do you. So I have learned to not worry about what others think. Just do my best to care for my family and my little plot of land and be kind. I love your videos. Thank you
Very slow start to summer here in California too💁🏻🥰🍀💚I’ve wanted solar panels for years and now we finally have them up and running🌞🌻🥰❣️Also, have two huge compost bins we have had for almost 30 years now! I also used to make my boys and my clothes and cooked from Rachel Carson’s books over 40 years ago. I am a retired Registered Nurse and have been ecological in my lifestyle for many many years- Cheers🍀💚🥰🙏🏼💙
Sweet fairy girl looking at a book with her Momma ❤ makes my heart smile ❤️ I like living with intent. Zero waste is not practical for me. But living the way my Mom & Dad brought me up with a few changes is. You don't waste food. You save what you can from what you do use like soap. Bar soap can be turned into hand soap with the scrap pieces. You can fill holes in the wall with it or if it's Irish Spring, it can be grated & put outside to keep away critters. Sometimes you gotta think outside the box & get creative. Loved this video!! The little bench & the cd hangers were so pretty!! Take care sweet girl 💚
Thank you for this 💚 I agree we each are doing the best that we can. There is so much that we can learn from looking back to the ways our grand parents and great grand parents lived.. using what you have , finding ways to use things again, being resourceful
Your videos are always so calming and reassuring. I own a low waste refill store in the US (wisconsin) after my journey to living a lower waste lifestyle grew. I now provide affordable sustainable goods options to my local area. One thing that I focus on is education of lower waste strategies but I also remind people that perfection is not the goal. Simple, small changes still make a difference. Stressing ourselves out trying to be perfect isn't sustainable for our mental health and we still need to be mind to ourselves. I needed this reminder today that it's OK to do our best with what we have.
@cltinturkey thank you! There's actually quite a few low-waste shops sprinkled all over the US! I do believe there's at least 1 in every state, if not multiple. But yes, I hope more of them get going but it's been a rough year and a lot of us have had to make changes or close shop altogether. 😞
This reminds me of what my mum used to say, Keep your own council, another way of saying mind your own business, I am so fed up of cheap imported plastic rubbish that is so disposable and breaks so fast, well that is how it is designed and yet when i go around antique shops it is full of quality items, would be good to buy and repurpose those items. Thank you for sharing always a pleasure to see your quality videos
Yes I agree with your friend-mind to your own business and don’t judge. Use what you have if you can. Be more mindful of what you fill your mind and heart with. Happy a Sunday everyone!
Here is my part of the world we use old C Ds to scare the birds away from out fruit trees. Apparently the get frightened by brightness as they move with the breeze. It might be wise to see if you’re getting fewer birds visiting your garden now. Blessings 🙋🏼♀️🇦🇺
For me the absolute best channel on YT. Never commented before, but the mindset you talk about here resonates perfectly with me. Start where you are, use what you've got is our family motto and when things get big and complex my tendency is to go small and simple and be inspired by my late grandparents wisdom. Thank you for your monthly wisdoms....and as a ps, I'm fascinated by your hands (thumbs) 🙂💚
Thankyou so much for this lovely video. I heartily agree with the sentiment of living more gently/simply/resourcefully. This will have a natural effect of being kinder to the planet. We can spend too much time chasing after the perfect way to live. But by taking things more slowly it is a much more holistic way of living. And the earth will be grateful too.
For years, I've waited for things I need/want to appear at yard sales, flea markets, the thrift shop, etc. And they usually do, eventually! But since 2020 happened I felt a need to buy certain things brand new - pressure canner and supplies, soap making supplies, some power tools, etc. And although I've always preferred second hand, and am quite lucky in things coming to me, (eventually), these things almost always need to be cleaned, refurbished, etc. which takes a lot of time and energy. I feel I've reached the "click point" though, on buying new and am now back to being patient and buying second hand. I think at this time, considering what's going on in the world, it's best for each person to trust their gut and get what's important to them sooner rather than later, and not worry so much about being perfectly green. I go out of my way to avoid plastic, especially in the garden. But the other day it dawned on me that although I use cedar wood beds and terra cotta pots, my hoses are plastic, and I'm likely spraying plastic microfibers all over everything. I think it's less stressful to not sweat the small stuff and just do the best you can with what you've got. Good for you for making that bench and pointing out that we need to take some of the pressure off ourselves to be perfect. Thank you 💚
I set what I deem are realistic goals for a lower waste life. My husband and I are also on a journey to make ourselves as self-sustaining as possible because we truly believe that there is a shift in the world that is beginning to make basic living, especially in rural areas a very difficult thing to do. So we are looking into permaculture - how we can nurture, and harvest in a pure way. Your channel has helped me immensely in learning how to use natural products and adopt a more "old-fashioned" (slower and more natural) way of life. It's helped me to think about the chemicals in everything and how I can have a lot less of them in my home and on/in my body, and subsequently what is being released into the environment. Plastic is undoubtedly the hardest thing to be rid of entirely and I've stressed about it a number of times as I empty our recycle bins, but as you said, in this world, where it is literally in everything, we have to be easier on ourselves and just do the best we can do within our budget and situation. That doesn't mean I'm still not fighting for a more non-plastic life, but I'm not letting it stress me out to the point of it getting in the way of all the good things I am doing. I do have to say, that I'm getting excruciatingly tired of being talked down to by several powers/elites that be who themselves don't live a cleaner life in any way shape or form and therefore don't lead by example. They are too focused on setting taxes and punishments and reprimanding us for the carbon in the air from vehicles and not nearly focused enough of what we are putting into the trash, and any study tells you that the amount of carbon released by landfills is staggering, not to mention all the synthetic chemicals going into our soil and water. Which brings me back to "lesser" waste lifestyles. If everyone could just do as much as they could, imagine the true impact we could have. Thank goodness there are channels like yours to help us find our way 💚
You are so correct about all the news being pretty much awful and then getting worried and/or upset. I am learning to stay away from that alot more and instead focus on what is right in front of me. I can only control my own environment and I try to make it and my home the most peaceful and beautiful place to be. Reusing and recycling items are top priority in my home also. Sometimes turning those things into treasures like you did with the CDs. You have a lovely channel and you bring peace and simplicity into the world. Thank you 💐
Lovely to see another video. Your little fairy’s “momma” was precious. I didn’t realize that you were so hard on yourself (I’ve watched your channel from the beginning) and it made me sad to think that you were so strict with yourself but of course I think that we can all be too hard on ourselves in life. Sometimes striving to live intentionally without the noise from the outside world is difficult because as humans we are all looking for the best way to do things, constantly trying to learn how to navigate this life, and having to do it during a global pandemic and cost of living increase has been hard on all I think. How wonderful that we all have you and your videos to help us along the way. I especially love the ones where you go to the thrift store and the ones where you show us what you’ve cooked and baked. Anyhow, I hope that you, hubby and little fairy are well. Can’t wait for you next amazing video. ❤
It's more about the inner energy we create while we live our lives, be it in a countryside, in a city or somewhere in between. We first and foremost contribute to humanity and to a mother earth on an invisible level than, rest follows, slowly but surely. Thank you for a beautiful video and the sharing of your new approach to life. Your lifestyle, your essence and your sincerity and willingness to experiment with life is so uplifting and delightful! Thank you❤
The environment and nature itself are immensely important to me, as well. It’s to the degree that my friends and acquaintances know that about me without me ever coming out and saying it - so I guess my actions speak. But during the pandemic, and since that time, I’ve learned to be more gentle with myself, not as strict about ALWAYS doing the most environmentally sound thing. I think I’ve softened in other ways, too. Still thinking about why those changes have come about. Thank you so much for today’s message - it resonates deeply with me.
Thank you for sharing your growth and shiftings of thought. We must all be kind with ourselves, doing our best, lending ourselves grace to do the best we can with the circumstances of our lives. Re-using, re-fashioning, re-inventing resources…easing the self-critical pressure, the mean-spirited self-abuse of over-thinking, and learning to flow and ebb. Thank you for the gentleness and sweetness of this reminder. Sending love from the green mountains of Julian California.
After I had children and decided to be a stay at home mom, I have given up a lot of the strict zero waste guidelines I set for myself and my family. Being 100% zero waste is expensive and very aesthetic driven. I could no longer keep up. I could not afford a beige minimalist bedroom for my kids. Now we are focusing more on using what we have and not carrying around our trash in a jar ❤️
Your videos always give me so much encouragement, joy, and a healthier perspective. You reminded me that what I need the most right now is to cultivate my own garden and not be looking into anybody else's :)
I totally agree with you. I think about it a lot, the guilt of living with more plastic than I'd like, against the stress of a full-time job and 2 young children. I've been trying to focus on the small changes I can make, like using all the leftover food for my mother-in-law's chickens instead of throwing it away... ♻😁
I agree completely with all the things you have talked about - i cant achieve zero waste living but i can achieve resourcefulness, and moderation in all things is king! I, too, feel overwhelmed and frustrated, angry at times, with all the happenings in the world. Here in the USA, we have many problems, seems they compound daily. It’s easy to get lost in all of this; but minding ones own business and staying in tune to your day-to-day resourcefulness helps me to sustain a healthy mind set. I love your videos and God bless you and peace to all ❤
I’ve been so worried about my impacts lately because there is so much I can’t do because of the high costs here in Australia. Just putting a roof over our heads is so hard. This has been a beautiful reminder to be gentle with myself when it comes to zero waste/eco conscious living. Do what I can in the season that I am currently in. Thank you 🦋 ✨
Thank you so much, I believe you are so correct in this view, we need to feed ourselves first and sort out other things later, I have a view that yes climate change is something to think about, but perhaps too much emphasis is on this, and not changing things in everyday life. Many people are not aware that if we focused on plant based living, simple living, and being kind to ourselves and the environment around us, that our climate will be sustained. I am not zero waste, but as you said resourceful, using what we have around us without guilt of what it is made of. I work in a school, we have a wonderful recycling program, including the chickens that get all the scraps from our kitchens, a wonderful cooking garden that we cook and teach our students to use everything we grow. It begins with our little ones, and so important that we teach them. Fondest thoughts to you from sunny Australia xx
A wise person once told me, "Perfection is the enemy of good enough." Good enough is exactly that -- good enough to do what we need, to achieve our goals, to maintain our lives. Your explanations are welcome and meaningful (and that's the first time I've heard anyone mention Maslow's Hierarchy in years!)... but there is no apology necessary. Greenwashing, the need to preserve the health of oneself & loved ones, higher costs, lower availability, more regulations, more fears... The world has indeed changed, and we all need to learn to accept good enough as being Good Enough. Namaste. :-)
Your videos always feel so peaceful and rejuvenating. I've been thinking alot about sustainable vs. zero waste living. For me, sustainable living looks like eating vegan - even if there are times I have to get things in plastic, trying to combine errands into the same trip in my car - cause I live somewhere that public transportation isn't great, and prioritizing buying things I need from local people/shops - but not feeling bad if i have to get something online because that's what fits in my budget. Being resourceful and sustainable generally means I keep a lot of stuff because I end up being able to reuse and repurpose - even when that means my home might seem a little cluttered to others. It feels comforting to know I have what I need. The pandemic really hammered that home for me.
Awh Niamh it's great see you back and that sudding voice of yours. Well done that's a fabulous bench for the little fairy 👏👏👏in these hard time's I try to be as resourceful as I can. I make and grow a lot of my food from scratch and like you I keep bit's of wood to make thing's out of. It wouldn't be anything like your bench. I must take a leaf from your book and Google a little seat to sit on beside my big tree in my front garden. I don't need a back because I want to lean my back against the tree. Thank you 👍😉🇮🇪☘️Eire
I learned so much from my grandmother about doing the most with what you have and to be grateful for those things. Her life was simple, and full of love. Whatever she did, aligned with her values of having faith and loving her family. She was my childhood example of love and joy in the present moment.
I agree with you. To me, the climate is another example of the patterns of nature. While I don't personally believe that we are single-handedly responsible for the changes in climate, I do believe we (like all living creatures on earth) do have some effect on it. And I know looking back over the lives of my own parents and grandparents, you have hit the nail on the head...their lives were less about "zero waste" and more about "how can I reuse what I have"? My maternal grandmother was a master at this as was my dear mother in law. They were so very clever in the multiple uses they could find for things. It takes a lot of imagination to do this and it is really fun to come up with new ways to look at things.
Spring Greetings from western 🇨🇦. We do much the same as you. When I was younger I was far more zealous, but, with changes in life, I too changed my perspectives. Just like items that we re-purpose, we too re-purpose some things within ourselves. A little tweak here, a little buffing there, and voila! we carry on with renewed purpose and vigour. Your wee fairy is growing; how sweet. Wishing you & your family a lovely June.
Thank you for the video today Niamh, I agree the 'green' agenda has been hijacked by all, often in situations where they carry on with no meaningful change. If we start with what we have around us already that's got to lead to consuming less. My neighbour has literally just messaged our neighbourhood whats app to say her plastic plant pots are outside her front door if anyone wants them...and so the cycle continues. Have a good month all.
Look forward to your videos every month- thank you for the inspiration! I try to reuse all the packaging I get from online purchases - which has helped toward not having to buy, or decrease my purchases in, such things as storage containers, gift boxes, trash bags, dog poop bags, etc. I’ve always reused bread bags & other food packaging & am always searching for ways to be more environmentally aware. 🌎
This video was a breath of fresh air. I have been putting way too much pressure on myself and not even realizing it... thank you for the wonderful gift of this video 💛🌻
Thank you very much for an array of wonderful, encouraging videos. Simple living is a true foundation of joy, peace, self-acceptance and a source of prosperity. I have been watching your videos for more than a year now and am so grateful for so much valuable human, spiritual and wholesome input. Your messages are truly a blessing and may you be blessed back with so much more peace of life, joy and serenity. Best wishes from me and my family
Another month completed for me with your video, Niamh. 😍 I am so thankful that I came across your channel, it makes me more conscious of the things and always upcycle, recycle and advocate it to my friends or acquaintances. 🙏 Covid really change my outlook in life and be conscious of my health. We have the power to change our mindset and not be conscious of what other people would think which affects our mental health.
Beautiful video thank you for sharing your personal journey around becoming free of the inner critic/superego ideas about "what's wrong" rather than "what's right"
Happy Sunday! I’ve missed you all!
Thanks for all the wonderful insightful comments!
It’s great to chat and see everyone’s opinions.
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I am so happy to see these zero waste and minimalist mindsets shift from the strict and aesthetic movements of the last 5 years and back to the gentle, calm mindsets that they used to be. Thank you for this and for spreading this message 😊
I made it a strict rule with myself that I wasn't going to buy anything just for the aesthetics, if I already had something at home that did the same thing. Did I want that natural-materials cute thing? Very much. Did I get by on what I already had, instead? Almost always. It's much better to use what you have, if you can, and not worry about the aesthetics. I don't have a youtube channel, no one is judging my aesthetics but me, haha!
I think we're all going to use up the stuff lying around weather it's plastic or wood or whatever that's just as useful. Buying second hand thrifting etc it's the way forward we need to be aware of this and be mindful that these objects will become more scare in the future so let's reuse old stuff like we probs do anyway x in a way it's good that's what we did in the 60s and 70s it's good for the imagination nothing to be scared of
Yes!✨️🙌
I find as much as the world is talking about renewable energy and helping the planet, we are more consumers than ever more. I too find I can’t take too much of the internet. Too much information. I do what I can for my family. I choose to live a slow peaceful life. I find that this world is always trying to rush me, you have to buy this now or you must make a decision now. I don’t want to live this way. I want to savour life and enjoy every day. Slow living, simple delicious food, being content. Loving God and people. I left this rushed life 7 years ago. Sometimes I can be persuaded to just back in, but I always come back to this slow life❤. I wish I would have know it when I had young children, but I didn’t, but now I can enjoy it with my grandchildren. Always love your videos.
I couldn't have said it better....exactly what Melissa W said.
In my family, because we have always been on the low end of the financial scale, this kind of resourcefulness is simply how you lived. Thrifting was because that was the cheapest clothing, washing dishes by hand cost less electricity than a dishwasher, jars and boxes were saved because buying new items for storage (with the exception of canning jars) was incomprehensible. Fixing up was often the only way to get something, and the dump was your friend (I grew up on dump bikes, some of the best bikes around!). Gardens were how you had vegetables, canning was how you had fruit and veggies over the winter.
Now that I am grown (in the sense that I am legally an adult) my mindsets have shifted, and some things have become more important than others. It’s important to me to eat good food and be healthy mentally, it’s important to me to not have a lot of waste and to shop locally. It’s important to me to have a job that is gentle on me, that follows one of my interests or at least has a good atmosphere so I don’t burn out (I currently work at a small farm, where I can obtain many “seconds” vegetables for home use) and that I live in a place where I don’t have to drive to get to local amenities and aid. It is important for me to have things that are good quality and will not break, because I’m not as equipped as my parents to be in a state of continually fixing, making, and patching everything.
My lifestyle is definitely growing to be something different from how I grew up, but I do what I do with care and respect for myself and that which is around me. That is what I focus on now, and for me it is enough.
"And for me, it is enough." Beautiful comment and quote at the end. Cloud, may you have a lovely life. Xo🌱😌
Wonderful
Such a lovely comment to read. You have a great way of writing and sharing. Thank you ❤
Very relateable......for me.....
Uh yeah. This is every day for rural working class people. I use seconds for canning. The sweet flower embroidery is covering a gaping hole in blankets and clothes because I can't just throw it away. I find it funny city ppl who always look down on "dumb mountain people" now realize how we live is actually a good idea. I see them larping all over TH-cam. The NIMBY types...they want to pay to fix the earth instead of picking up trash and reusing things. They live in smog central and lecture country folk about our farting cows. Sure thing we'll clean up our act after we're done feeding the country.
It reminds me of a quote from zero-waste chef Anne-marie Bonneau: 'We don't need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly'.
Thanks for naming this issue. Locally we have a store that sells only zero waste, eco friendly items and bulk, etc. But it is SO expensive that only the frivolous or very rich can shop there. The heart and motivation of the women that own it is in the right place, but the economic system in which they are trying to do their business is not supportive. I think frugality, resourcefulness, using what you have, trading, repurposing, and SHARING are essential now and all of these efforts have the added benefit of creating community. Great vlog!
Sharing is what this world needs more of. I’ve always thought it was so silly for every home to have a lawn mower, a chainsaw, etc. how often do these things get used on a daily basis? If there was a community where people shared more items this world would be better for it. Sharing would have people talk to each other more. Be more neighborly etc. I hate seeing so many cars in a parking lot just sitting there not being used for most of the day. One day it would be amazing if we could all just call for a car and it show up and take us somewhere and we could have the option of sharing it or not - we have that now with Uber but I mean cars without drivers-although I would need several years of testing to feel safe 😅). Anyhow, this world is running on consumerism instead of community.
@@mmecharlotte at least they let you use the toilet, were I live that wouldn’t happened 😑
I have scrutinized myself for not being a "perfect" low waste-r and you don't realize how privileged it can become to be able to have access to "zero waste items". I try my best the ways that I can without impacting my mental health and budget.
I've been saying that for years, that a make do and mend lifestyle is much more environmentally friendly than the zero waste movement, and was being attacked by some zero waste zealots. I was even thrown out of my local zero waste Facebook group for stating that.
I'm glad that people's mindset is shifting.
My town had a similar store built last year. We were excited for it, to have more options about zero waste and all locally grown items. Great! However, it was all so expensive. How can a gallon of milk from the next city over be $9.00 a gallon or a small jar of local raw honey be $25.00? Unfortunately it closed after only a few months of being open. Beautiful concept not excess able to most people.
I ‘ ve been following your channel for years. As soon as I understood you would become parents I knew this change would come …. As you get older and with more responsibilities a kind of realism kicks in. Nothing new under the Sun actually.
What a beautiful surroundings you live in 😊
nothing more precious than a child saying, "Ma-ma"!
Melts my heart every single time 🥰
“Yes there’s new information coming all the time but really my brain can’t handle it all” YES this is so simple but profound. Thank you for that honesty!
Who gets exited when the Fairyland cottage post a new video? I love this channel ❤ Positive vibes to everybody here 🙌🏽✨
You’re kind. Thank you. Love to have you all here. I soak in all the positivity and love ❤
I completely agree on resourceful living rather than zero waste. It’s much kinder and more realistic. I’m a person who falls into self criticism easily which could make a goal like zero waste harmful. I prefer to be as resourceful as possible. Good for you! ❤
Same
Same. We are too hard on ourselves when we already do great
Thanks
I'm a proponent of old school conservationism and it's refreshing to see a pragmatic and mindful approach to living that isn't based in guilt, ridicule and othering.
Spot on!
Exactly. Beware of "climate change" propaganda. Lots of money for certain people behind it, but not for us, the "guilty".
Her little voice at the end!!
So true Diane. We never need as much as we think! I really need to declutter. Since our little fairy the ‘stuff’ has just accumulated! ❤
@@FairylandCottage You may appreciate this story. I'm the last of six children. When my oldest sister was a baby, my parents filled the car with her baby bed, baby bath, pram, clothes, etc. Hardly any room for the baby! By the time I was born, they'd grab a few diapers and clothes and I'd sleep in a drawer at grandma's house. I also joke that there are thousands of photos of my older siblings and about a dozen photos of my milestones. Not quite true--but nearly!
My baby Magnolia is VERY close in age to your little fairy and she smiled big & replied “Mama” when she heard fairy say it! So cute!
"I think of how my grandparents lived and their grandparents lived....." This is exactly what started me down a journey of resourcefulness, homesteading, and develop less of a consumerism mindset and lifestyle. I can still remember finding old cookie tins as a child filled to the brim with scraps of fabric and threads "just in case" my Mema or Grandma needed it. I remember my dad, still to this day, ripping old shirts apart to use as cleaning cloths. I remember the same coffee tin being reused for darn near anything and everything. For myself, I have been reusing the same tin for 2 years for my coffee. And, my favorites, my Grandma's storage area for all of her canned goods from the spring and summer garden and helping my Mema and Papa in their garden and hanging clothes on the line.
Another natural cleaner to add as another choice, take discarded grapefruit, lemon, orange/tangerine peels and place in a large glass jar, then fill with white vinegar and let it sit for a week with the lid on. After a week, strain the mix into a glass spray bottle, you can add some water to your cleaner. It works very well, has no residue and leaves a very clean mild citrus scent. God bless you for your work in sharing your tips. They are very appreciated.
I'm 65 yrs old and I mindfully stop myself from comparing my life to others. Being in touch with staying calm and being gentle with myself and others. I am a retired doula, OB nurse and Lactation Consultant. I share what I can freely when I am asked. My focus now is my spouse and my extended family and friends. I give freely to others from our abundance in my "take it or leave it box". I trade and barter for things we may need. It's all soft and friendly.
So refreshing to hear other like minded people embrace the resourcefullness concept instead of zero waste which is really utopic in my opinion. In the recent years, and because of financial woes, I was forced to think differently about resources around my house. I,ve never been a waster but now I make it into an adventure to find ways to reuse *stuff* and look around my little house and my shed to see if something could be used instead of purchasing new *stuff*.
Smart! I'm trying to cut down on food waste and get the most from my garden produce. I'm creating simple recipes to use every little bit and bite from the garden and fridge,, so I compost or throw away very little. I'm also sharing extra bounty with neighbors, friends, and the food bank. It feels good to share and there's plenty of need in the community. Some of my recipes are a bit odd, but they generally taste fine.
Great to hear of the change in mindset around the zero waste culture, like others have said here. I think it is so important. What has always made me very uncomfortable is that it is always the 'little people' that are expected to make THE MOST sacrifices and changes to meet the ideal of zero waste. I live in Australia and we are currently experiencing one of the worst rental affordability and stock crisis that we can remember. The cost of all basics for human survival is increasing and wages are not keeping up. So it is clearly a global issue we are all facing. Look after ourselves and our families/loved ones is essential in these time. We do the best that we can with what we have, while fostering our love for Nature. Thank you so much! Such an important message you have given here!
I agree. It’s similar here too. It seems to fall on the masses yet the small percentage of billionaires are doing whatever they want and causing most of the damage. 🤷♀️
So very beautiful! Thank you for sharing- I like ‘ resourceful living’- to be honest- I was overwhelmed by zero waste- I’m simply doing my best.
I personally have found that I need to stop thinking, "if everyone would just...." and start thinking of what I can do. It has made such a difference in my home!
Yes! That’s it. Personal accountability and leave the rest
Thanks for this, I could not agree any more with Your sentiments ... much Love from New Zealand . My Darling has collected the bottle tops and we are using them to decorate a "new" Letterbox using a box we have ... we have come up with a cool Owl and other fun shapes and will use the CDs for the "Roof".. the last 3 Years have been so intense , so being creative and even just pottering outside is so calming for Our Souls. When it is too wet we will potter about doing a bit of clearing out and reorganising our Home . I love to watch Your videos , they make me so calm as does Your soothing Voice ... Blessings to You and Yours x
It’s so true that we can be bombarded with so much information and ‘shoulds’ that our brains can’t cope with it all. We each can only do our best. Thank you for another peaceful moment in my day. ❤️
I like the “mind your own business” way. It takes a load off to remember we don’t have to concern ourselves with how others think and do. “Sweep our own doorstep,” my mother used to say. Also, I catch myself buying too much. I’m responsible for all I take on when I make a purchase. One way I’ve improved is how I look at plants as a commitment: I now buy plants for life and work to keep them healthy-they’re not disposable. Little Fairy is so lucky to have landed in YOUR cottage! 💕☘️💕☘️
Thank you for your thoughts because I feel the same and then feel guilty! I love your little bench I wish I would try my hand at diy carpentry work! I recently refurbished my deceased father's old bench from his property, it was at least 40 years old, sanding it, removing what rust I could and restained it, and it now sits on my porch! I am proud that I gave an old bench a second chance to serve! It looks great! Something so simple, but gratifying! I think you would agree. Take care and thanks for your continued inspiration.
I'm so glad you rejuvenated your father's bench, and I imagine he'd love to share it with you. Lovely remembrance of him.
Your mention of Maslow made me twitch! As a teacher I have been bombarded by this but it is so true. We need to do what we need to do for ourselves, not to compare and to want what others always have.
I grew up poor and had to make do with what we had. Now I am an adult I still do this where I can. I have two pairs of shoes, one handbag I do t feel the need for more. I grow what I can in the garden and keep this old car.
Gorgeous video as always , i just want to live my life my way . And what means the most for our family . Nothing needs to be perfect or look beige . If you want to collect .. collect . If you want colour … and colour . That’s how I am now. Simple with colour and doing what brings me joy xxx
Your videos are the perfect combination of serenity, mental stimulation, beauty and kindness. Thank you Niamh, you give me so many input to think about and improve my life in a better, right direction. All the best to you and your family.
Thank you Nina. I appreciate your kind words
Doing what we can with what we have is how my family and I have lived and run our business. There are many who live so, but so many that refuse to learn or haven't been educated. We can't be so hard on ourselves if we can't live up to no waste ideals if we're doing the best we can. I know that many positive little steps can lead to big positive results.
I needed to hear this - your common sense advice to do what you can, use what you have, be resourceful, be grateful, and focus on the positive. It is so easy to get overwhelmed with despair but if we hold onto hope and live with intention and common sense and step back from trying to be perfect, the world will be a better place! Thank you!
Here here Jenny!
Green washing is so sad! I want to help, but companies are starting to trick us into thinking a product is friendly toward the environment.
I really appreciate your approach and find it very helpful to hear. Thank you 💖
I reuse so many things found sitting beside the dumpster in our county that someone couldn't bear to throw away. Yesterday two milkcrates, one blue one green. They will hold soil and something that needs depth of root like carrots or beets in the midst of my garden, and for no cost. I have gratitude for those who understand it still had useage
Thank you for "permission" to do the best we can. I love the sun catchers made out of CDs and the oh-so-cute bench. But nothing beats hearing the little fairy say," Mama." So sweet. Have a wonderful remainder of the month. 💐🌸💮🏵🌹🌺🌻🌼🌱🍀🌈💿💕
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I love this video. Being resourceful is the best way for me. I have found the whole “green movement” for lack of not knowing what else to call it, too trendy and way too judgmental. I have called out younger people I’m my life explaining to them that what they are preaching or practicing is not necessarily new. That our great grandparents lived that way, and it was called just that, living. Yes, times have changed, technology has changed, there are way too many disposables in the world, but it’s our mind set and the influence from society that let it get out of control. I won’t pretend that that I haven’t had my days of carelessness and too much “waste” when I was younger. When I was a child in the 70’s, there was a TV commercial here in the States that featured an American Indian with a single tear rolling down his cheek as he look around the land and saw all the waste. I’ve never forgotten that commercial. Do I live strictly zero waste? No, I don’t as it is not possible for me. Do I live as sustainably as possible? Well, yes, I’d like to think so; I do my best. I recycle and am a big repurposer, I thrift, I fix what is broken when possible, if not I’ll take parts and use it for something else. I donate and will share with others things I may no longer need or no longer serve me. I purchase discount but try to make sure things are of quality and not trendy so they will last and not be disposable. I’m still using items from my grandparents and great grandparents that they used in the 1930s, 40s, 50s and so on. So much in this new post Covid world saddens me to my core because it doesn’t have to be this way, yet, here we are. The negative impact on mental health, of attitudes towards others, of being lectured to on how to think, behave and live has gotten out of control. Several years of lockdowns and restrictions has taken its toll. The cost to just live simply is barely affordable, and I know I’m on the more fortunate end. So, in a nutshell, I do my best, make conscious efforts, share my knowledge and then some, and remember how good my grandparents had it, even in the most difficult times of which I know there were many. I try to live in a way that would make them proud as they are my measuring stick for whom I want to live up to. I do my best and I’m the only one I’m in control of.
Have a wonderful summer.
I remember that TV commercial. It was a powerful public service message that made us think. Keep doing the best you can and be gentle with yourself.
Love what you did by repurposing the DVDs, such a great idea! I agree the world is moving way too fast, people don’t slow down, relax, talk to each other, have fun with the simple things in life like a long walk. I think it’s because I’m in my 60’s and this world is so much different than the simple life before technology took over. In order for me to find peace I have to ignore phones, people, drama and create with my hands, journaling, gardening and avoid technology when I can. My brain can’t handle the overload of it anymore
Little fairy 🧚♂️ getting so big already! How time flies!
Your content is a calm and gentle gift to humanity. Thank you.
I couldn't agree with you more. This is a different world now and we must learn to navigate it. Your friend is wise, whenever I hear the words "Mind your own business", I am reminded of these verses; "that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, so that you may behave properly toward outsiders and be dependent on no one." 1Thessalonians 4: 12-12
Love to hear this, and so true. Zero waste or low-waste can be very time-consuming in Canada, and these options can be very costly for people who have tight budgets
This made me feel better about the way I’m trying to live and give to our planet. I still feel like the black sheep among so many who haven’t come to the realization of what we can be doing for Mother Earth. I pray that they will come to see that even small changes can make a big difference! 🙏🏻💐🌎🥰 Thank you!
Thank you for this video and it makes me feel better! I found zero waste living too stressful for me so resourceful is definitely a better option for me. My great grandmother,during the Great Depression in the U.S., sewed the flour and sugar cloth sacks into a bed quilt. I have that quilt now in my home. It is a wonderful visual reminder of what resourceful living is. Have a wonderful month!❤
Oh wow! What an amazing treasure! 😍
Ohh how special. Would love to see a photo of that!
Yes, there is nothing like being broke to make your lifestyle more sustainable! I grew up on hand-me-down clothes and toys and homegrown fruit & veg because we couldn't afford anything else! (And it was a great life!)
@@FairylandCottage I posted the photo on my community feed! Thanks again!
@@NewEnglandBotanicals wow! Thanks for sharing. Truly special! It still looks perfect, like it was only just made.
You made a version of a Leopold bench! How lovely. And a Leopold bench is very representative of your evolution to a sustainable resourceful life, not an “extreme” life. Aldo Leopold was one of the giants of the modern conservation movement, and designed his bench to be made with the least amount of boards and hardware. We have one ourselves. Sustainable, resourceful, functional, even lovely to the eye. Peace to you.
My focus these past few years has been on good stewardship. Taking care of what I have and being resourceful with what is available to me. I grow what I can, compost what is available in abundance, and also recycle as much as possible. It's easier to do out in the country, I think, where you aren't tempted to run to the store for every little thing.
I definitely fell into the strictness of zero waste several years ago. I searched for every alternative I could find for every item in my home. Including seeking out a WWII era flashlight so there would be no plastic parts inside of it (I never found an affordable one). I was obsessed with living a life with zero plastic. But it’s not possible in our modern world.
And now that my dog is over 18 years old and incontinent, I have to go through rolls and rolls of paper towels to keep up with her constant accidents in the house. It fills me with guilt, but I have to get over that because my current circumstances are what they are. As long as I do my best to reduce waste and plastic use where I can and within my means, it should be enough. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing.
So true. I can relate. Let’s do easy on ourselves together.
Yes! to resourceful living, and that bench is beautiful!! Love your content
I agree so much with the overload of information nowadays. I admire you for choosing your values and sticking to those. I'm still struggling with that myself. You are such an inspiration, Niamh! The wooden bench is lovely, I'm sure little fairy will get a lot of joy out of it!
Sending love, Ale
I feel that there isn't such thing as zero waste. As long as there are humans on Mother Earth there will always be waste but we can be more mindful of how we choose to live our lives.Thank you so much ❤
A lovely, inspiring and thought provoking video, Niamh. I really appreciate your insight and agree that framing our efforts in terms of ingenuity and resourcefulness is much more realistic and accessible. I love the little bench and the clip of you and your sweetheart reading a book together while sitting on it. I’m sure it will be enjoyed for years to come. Have a peaceful and happy June.
Thanks Michele. Have a fun and loving June!
I think resourcefulness is a great way to look at a sustainable lifestyle. It sounds like it adds a bit more balance to your efforts and way of living. To me, zero waste is an aspiration, but not achievable. So I try to focus on what I can do and not so much on what I cannot. Recently, I come across a new opportunity to recycle some things versus trash them, and while it is a small win, I am just so excited to be able to do one more good thing for our planet.
Love your positive words :- Resourceful and gentle. Sounds like a great way to live. Your bench is so well made and beautiful. Always good to take unnecessary pressure of ourselves as well as following our joy.
Thanks Margaret
If you have a sewing machine, you can use the reclosable bags from dried fruit, nuts etc and make totes and storage containers.
Wash the insides, dry thoroughly, trim the tops so they're even, hold the edges together and join them with a wide zigzag stitch. Adding a flat bottom is still a challenge but it's fun and kids love them.
Leonardo da Vinci said “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”. Keeping things simple, living a cost-effective lifestyle, and being resourceful and creative with what I have on hand make my life simple, comfortable, and planet-kind. For me, simple sophistication is unconsciously at the root of all my decisions, and I am very thankful for that. I, too, have moved away from the strict zero waste mindset and the aesthetics that go along with it. It’s all about doing our best with what we have available to us. One current example: I am putting on a Retirement Celebration for four iconic teachers at the school where I teach. Our small committee is making the refreshments, we are using reusable table cloths, and all decorations are being brought in from home. I am making the coursages & boutineers. There will be minimal waste and no money spent on decorations. We are using what we have on hand… and this is way more fun and creative than shopping for stuff. It’s been so enjoyable sharing ideas amongst the committee members and working together to make the event charming, simple & sophisticated. I think this is how our grandparents would have done it, and I’m very proud of this. Thanks for today’s great video Niamh. I loved the scenery, your new little bench, and seeing the little day to day activities with your family in your little homestead. Thank-you, Ⓜary🌲🌻
Thanks Mary! Love the sound of your retirement celebrations. It makes everything so effortlessly more special. ❤
A bonus is that many hands make for light work. I predict that everyone will enjoy your home-made celebration more than they would with all store bought decorations and food.
@@cltinturkey Thanks for your comment. Yes, the Retirement Celebration was amazing and everybody loved the home-made food and the no-buy decorations. To my mind, everything is more fun when I can use creative ideas and hands-on skills instead of shopping for stuff (which I find to be very boring). Ⓜ️ary🇨🇦
You make a very good point about Zero Waste being an unrealistic expectation. I like the idea of resourceful living with less waste and keeping things in perspective.
Thank you for this. I’ve been struggling with feelings of failure thinking that I should be doing more and I’m struggling to do as I used to. Thank you for helping me find my perspective ❤️
Yes, me too in the past. Let’s take the pressure off ourselves together
In my life I have seen a lot of things. If you try to use less some one will try to out do you. If you try to cook home grown food some one will try to once again out do you. So I have learned to not worry about what others think. Just do my best to care for my family and my little plot of land and be kind. I love your videos. Thank you
Very slow start to summer here in California too💁🏻🥰🍀💚I’ve wanted solar panels for years and now we finally have them up and running🌞🌻🥰❣️Also, have two huge compost bins we have had for almost 30 years now! I also used to make my boys and my clothes and cooked from Rachel Carson’s books over 40 years ago. I am a retired Registered Nurse and have been ecological in my lifestyle for many many years- Cheers🍀💚🥰🙏🏼💙
Oh my gosh ! The baby is walking and talking ! So sweet.
Sweet fairy girl looking at a book with her Momma ❤ makes my heart smile ❤️ I like living with intent. Zero waste is not practical for me. But living the way my Mom & Dad brought me up with a few changes is. You don't waste food. You save what you can from what you do use like soap. Bar soap can be turned into hand soap with the scrap pieces. You can fill holes in the wall with it or if it's Irish Spring, it can be grated & put outside to keep away critters. Sometimes you gotta think outside the box & get creative. Loved this video!! The little bench & the cd hangers were so pretty!! Take care sweet girl 💚
Thank you for this 💚 I agree we each are doing the best that we can. There is so much that we can learn from looking back to the ways our grand parents and great grand parents lived.. using what you have , finding ways to use things again, being resourceful
Your videos are always so calming and reassuring. I own a low waste refill store in the US (wisconsin) after my journey to living a lower waste lifestyle grew. I now provide affordable sustainable goods options to my local area. One thing that I focus on is education of lower waste strategies but I also remind people that perfection is not the goal. Simple, small changes still make a difference. Stressing ourselves out trying to be perfect isn't sustainable for our mental health and we still need to be mind to ourselves. I needed this reminder today that it's OK to do our best with what we have.
I'm so glad to hear about your store. I wish the idea would spread broadly throughout the U.S.
@cltinturkey thank you! There's actually quite a few low-waste shops sprinkled all over the US! I do believe there's at least 1 in every state, if not multiple. But yes, I hope more of them get going but it's been a rough year and a lot of us have had to make changes or close shop altogether. 😞
@@kaylasachse8527 I'm pulling for you Kayla! I hope things pick up and give you many customers.
@@cltinturkey thank you, that's so sweet of you!
Beautiful idea with the disks. It’s always a pleasure to see and listen to your wisdom ✌️🌞❤️
This reminds me of what my mum used to say, Keep your own council, another way of saying mind your own business,
I am so fed up of cheap imported plastic rubbish that is so disposable and breaks so fast, well that is how it is designed and yet when i go around antique shops it is full of quality items, would be good to buy and repurpose those items. Thank you for sharing always a pleasure to see your quality videos
Another lovely visit. I agree with you. We can't afford to do it all, but we CAN do what we are able to. Always looking for ways to reuse things.
I used old DVDs like that in my classroom...The children loved the rainbows that would happen in the classroom 😊
Yes I agree with your friend-mind to your own business and don’t judge. Use what you have if you can. Be more mindful of what you fill your mind and heart with. Happy a Sunday everyone!
Here is my part of the world we use old C Ds to scare the birds away from out fruit trees. Apparently the get frightened by brightness as they move with the breeze. It might be wise to see if you’re getting fewer birds visiting your garden now. Blessings 🙋🏼♀️🇦🇺
Delighted to hear your little fairy's voice ! So cute!
For me the absolute best channel on YT. Never commented before, but the mindset you talk about here resonates perfectly with me. Start where you are, use what you've got is our family motto and when things get big and complex my tendency is to go small and simple and be inspired by my late grandparents wisdom. Thank you for your monthly wisdoms....and as a ps, I'm fascinated by your hands (thumbs) 🙂💚
Awh thanks Bridie! So kind of you to say. 🥦
Hearing the little fairy talk was the highlight of the video for me 🥰
Thankyou so much for this lovely video. I heartily agree with the sentiment of living more gently/simply/resourcefully. This will have a natural effect of being kinder to the planet. We can spend too much time chasing after the perfect way to live. But by taking things more slowly it is a much more holistic way of living. And the earth will be grateful too.
For years, I've waited for things I need/want to appear at yard sales, flea markets, the thrift shop, etc. And they usually do, eventually! But since 2020 happened I felt a need to buy certain things brand new - pressure canner and supplies, soap making supplies, some power tools, etc. And although I've always preferred second hand, and am quite lucky in things coming to me, (eventually), these things almost always need to be cleaned, refurbished, etc. which takes a lot of time and energy. I feel I've reached the "click point" though, on buying new and am now back to being patient and buying second hand. I think at this time, considering what's going on in the world, it's best for each person to trust their gut and get what's important to them sooner rather than later, and not worry so much about being perfectly green. I go out of my way to avoid plastic, especially in the garden. But the other day it dawned on me that although I use cedar wood beds and terra cotta pots, my hoses are plastic, and I'm likely spraying plastic microfibers all over everything. I think it's less stressful to not sweat the small stuff and just do the best you can with what you've got. Good for you for making that bench and pointing out that we need to take some of the pressure off ourselves to be perfect. Thank you 💚
I set what I deem are realistic goals for a lower waste life. My husband and I are also on a journey to make ourselves as self-sustaining as possible because we truly believe that there is a shift in the world that is beginning to make basic living, especially in rural areas a very difficult thing to do. So we are looking into permaculture - how we can nurture, and harvest in a pure way. Your channel has helped me immensely in learning how to use natural products and adopt a more "old-fashioned" (slower and more natural) way of life. It's helped me to think about the chemicals in everything and how I can have a lot less of them in my home and on/in my body, and subsequently what is being released into the environment.
Plastic is undoubtedly the hardest thing to be rid of entirely and I've stressed about it a number of times as I empty our recycle bins, but as you said, in this world, where it is literally in everything, we have to be easier on ourselves and just do the best we can do within our budget and situation. That doesn't mean I'm still not fighting for a more non-plastic life, but I'm not letting it stress me out to the point of it getting in the way of all the good things I am doing.
I do have to say, that I'm getting excruciatingly tired of being talked down to by several powers/elites that be who themselves don't live a cleaner life in any way shape or form and therefore don't lead by example. They are too focused on setting taxes and punishments and reprimanding us for the carbon in the air from vehicles and not nearly focused enough of what we are putting into the trash, and any study tells you that the amount of carbon released by landfills is staggering, not to mention all the synthetic chemicals going into our soil and water.
Which brings me back to "lesser" waste lifestyles. If everyone could just do as much as they could, imagine the true impact we could have. Thank goodness there are channels like yours to help us find our way 💚
You are so correct about all the news being pretty much awful and then getting worried and/or upset. I am learning to stay away from that alot more and instead focus on what is right in front of me. I can only control my own environment and I try to make it and my home the most peaceful and beautiful place to be. Reusing and recycling items are top priority in my home also. Sometimes turning those things into treasures like you did with the CDs. You have a lovely channel and you bring peace and simplicity into the world. Thank you 💐
Thanks Laura ❤️
Lovely to see another video. Your little fairy’s “momma” was precious. I didn’t realize that you were so hard on yourself (I’ve watched your channel from the beginning) and it made me sad to think that you were so strict with yourself but of course I think that we can all be too hard on ourselves in life. Sometimes striving to live intentionally without the noise from the outside world is difficult because as humans we are all looking for the best way to do things, constantly trying to learn how to navigate this life, and having to do it during a global pandemic and cost of living increase has been hard on all I think. How wonderful that we all have you and your videos to help us along the way. I especially love the ones where you go to the thrift store and the ones where you show us what you’ve cooked and baked. Anyhow, I hope that you, hubby and little fairy are well. Can’t wait for you next amazing video. ❤
Thanks Amy for all your years of support! And for sharing with us. Sending you and your family love from Ireland.
It's more about the inner energy we create while we live our lives, be it in a countryside, in a city or somewhere in between. We first and foremost contribute to humanity and to a mother earth on an invisible level than, rest follows, slowly but surely. Thank you for a beautiful video and the sharing of your new approach to life. Your lifestyle, your essence and your sincerity and willingness to experiment with life is so uplifting and delightful! Thank you❤
The environment and nature itself are immensely important to me, as well. It’s to the degree that my friends and acquaintances know that about me without me ever coming out and saying it - so I guess my actions speak. But during the pandemic, and since that time, I’ve learned to be more gentle with myself, not as strict about ALWAYS doing the most environmentally sound thing. I think I’ve softened in other ways, too. Still thinking about why those changes have come about. Thank you so much for today’s message - it resonates deeply with me.
Thank you Pam. I’m thinking of that too.
Thank you for sharing your growth and shiftings of thought. We must all be kind with ourselves, doing our best, lending ourselves grace to do the best we can with the circumstances of our lives. Re-using, re-fashioning, re-inventing resources…easing the self-critical pressure, the mean-spirited self-abuse of over-thinking, and learning to flow and ebb. Thank you for the gentleness and sweetness of this reminder. Sending love from the green mountains of Julian California.
“Start where you are, with what you have, how you can”. I see that quote when I open my phone.
Thank you for the beautiful video.
I love that quote!
After I had children and decided to be a stay at home mom, I have given up a lot of the strict zero waste guidelines I set for myself and my family. Being 100% zero waste is expensive and very aesthetic driven. I could no longer keep up. I could not afford a beige minimalist bedroom for my kids. Now we are focusing more on using what we have and not carrying around our trash in a jar ❤️
Your videos always give me so much encouragement, joy, and a healthier perspective. You reminded me that what I need the most right now is to cultivate my own garden and not be looking into anybody else's :)
I totally agree with you. I think about it a lot, the guilt of living with more plastic than I'd like, against the stress of a full-time job and 2 young children. I've been trying to focus on the small changes I can make, like using all the leftover food for my mother-in-law's chickens instead of throwing it away... ♻😁
Good for you. Is all about what we can do and then let go of the rest, otherwise we’ll stress ourselves and our family out!
How I missed you dear Niamh! your videos, your voice, so much wisdom and peace in my heart after watching
Ah thanks Melanie. It warms my heart to hear you say that ❤
I agree completely with all the things you have talked about - i cant achieve zero waste living but i can achieve resourcefulness, and moderation in all things is king! I, too, feel overwhelmed and frustrated, angry at times, with all the happenings in the world. Here in the USA, we have many problems, seems they compound daily. It’s easy to get lost in all of this; but minding ones own business and staying in tune to your day-to-day resourcefulness helps me to sustain a healthy mind set. I love your videos and God bless you and peace to all ❤
I’ve been so worried about my impacts lately because there is so much I can’t do because of the high costs here in Australia. Just putting a roof over our heads is so hard. This has been a beautiful reminder to be gentle with myself when it comes to zero waste/eco conscious living. Do what I can in the season that I am currently in. Thank you 🦋 ✨
Thank you so much, I believe you are so correct in this view, we need to feed ourselves first and sort out other things later,
I have a view that yes climate change is something to think about, but perhaps too much emphasis is on this, and not changing things in everyday life. Many people are not aware that if we focused on plant based living, simple living, and being kind to ourselves and the environment around us, that our climate will be sustained. I am not zero waste, but as you said resourceful, using what we have around us without guilt of what it is made of. I work in a school, we have a wonderful recycling program, including the chickens that get all the scraps from our kitchens, a wonderful cooking garden that we cook and teach our students to use everything we grow. It begins with our little ones, and so important that we teach them.
Fondest thoughts to you from sunny Australia xx
A wise person once told me, "Perfection is the enemy of good enough." Good enough is exactly that -- good enough to do what we need, to achieve our goals, to maintain our lives. Your explanations are welcome and meaningful (and that's the first time I've heard anyone mention Maslow's Hierarchy in years!)... but there is no apology necessary. Greenwashing, the need to preserve the health of oneself & loved ones, higher costs, lower availability, more regulations, more fears... The world has indeed changed, and we all need to learn to accept good enough as being Good Enough. Namaste. :-)
Your videos always feel so peaceful and rejuvenating. I've been thinking alot about sustainable vs. zero waste living. For me, sustainable living looks like eating vegan - even if there are times I have to get things in plastic, trying to combine errands into the same trip in my car - cause I live somewhere that public transportation isn't great, and prioritizing buying things I need from local people/shops - but not feeling bad if i have to get something online because that's what fits in my budget. Being resourceful and sustainable generally means I keep a lot of stuff because I end up being able to reuse and repurpose - even when that means my home might seem a little cluttered to others. It feels comforting to know I have what I need. The pandemic really hammered that home for me.
Awh Niamh it's great see you back and that sudding voice of yours. Well done that's a fabulous bench for the little fairy 👏👏👏in these hard time's I try to be as resourceful as I can. I make and grow a lot of my food from scratch and like you I keep bit's of wood to make thing's out of. It wouldn't be anything like your bench. I must take a leaf from your book and Google a little seat to sit on beside my big tree in my front garden. I don't need a back because I want to lean my back against the tree. Thank you 👍😉🇮🇪☘️Eire
I learned so much from my grandmother about doing the most with what you have and to be grateful for those things. Her life was simple, and full of love. Whatever she did, aligned with her values of having faith and loving her family. She was my childhood example of love and joy in the present moment.
I agree with you. To me, the climate is another example of the patterns of nature. While I don't personally believe that we are single-handedly responsible for the changes in climate, I do believe we (like all living creatures on earth) do have some effect on it. And I know looking back over the lives of my own parents and grandparents, you have hit the nail on the head...their lives were less about "zero waste" and more about "how can I reuse what I have"? My maternal grandmother was a master at this as was my dear mother in law. They were so very clever in the multiple uses they could find for things. It takes a lot of imagination to do this and it is really fun to come up with new ways to look at things.
Spring Greetings from western 🇨🇦. We do much the same as you. When I was younger I was far more zealous, but, with changes in life, I too changed my perspectives. Just like items that we re-purpose, we too re-purpose some things within ourselves. A little tweak here, a little buffing there, and voila! we carry on with renewed purpose and vigour. Your wee fairy is growing; how sweet. Wishing you & your family a lovely June.
Thank you for the video today Niamh, I agree the 'green' agenda has been hijacked by all, often in situations where they carry on with no meaningful change. If we start with what we have around us already that's got to lead to consuming less. My neighbour has literally just messaged our neighbourhood whats app to say her plastic plant pots are outside her front door if anyone wants them...and so the cycle continues. Have a good month all.
Look forward to your videos every month- thank you for the inspiration! I try to reuse all the packaging I get from online purchases - which has helped toward not having to buy, or decrease my purchases in, such things as storage containers, gift boxes, trash bags, dog poop bags, etc. I’ve always reused bread bags & other food packaging & am always searching for ways to be more environmentally aware. 🌎
This video was a breath of fresh air. I have been putting way too much pressure on myself and not even realizing it... thank you for the wonderful gift of this video 💛🌻
I loved the idea with the hanging discs, thank you for the inspiration! 😍👍
Thank you very much for an array of wonderful, encouraging videos. Simple living is a true foundation of joy, peace, self-acceptance and a source of prosperity. I have been watching your videos for more than a year now and am so grateful for so much valuable human, spiritual and wholesome input. Your messages are truly a blessing and may you be blessed back with so much more peace of life, joy and serenity. Best wishes from me and my family
Another month completed for me with your video, Niamh. 😍 I am so thankful that I came across your channel, it makes me more conscious of the things and always upcycle, recycle and advocate it to my friends or acquaintances. 🙏 Covid really change my outlook in life and be conscious of my health. We have the power to change our mindset and not be conscious of what other people would think which affects our mental health.
Absolutely and beautifully said. Niamh and Fairyland cottage puts things in perspective doesn’t it x
So true my friend. I appreciate you being here ❤
Beautiful video thank you for sharing your personal journey around becoming free of the inner critic/superego ideas about "what's wrong" rather than "what's right"
What a sweet bench. Well done!
I love the bench! I can’t afford to live a life that is so “green”. I pick and choose.
A beautiful bench for a lucky little fairy! Loving the switch to resourceful living. Makes perfect sense. Best wishes to the 3 of you 🌸