I have seen reviews for these kinds of staplers. Their great if you have just a few pages but aren't good for bigger documents. Just something to keep in mind. I'm a student and really use and abuse the documents I have for school, especially being a history major. But i would be interested in trying the stapler for small things along with binder clips for bigger documents.
This is BY FAR my favorite zero waste swap video! My jaw literally dropped at the staple free stapler, biodegradable vibe, and electric lighter. What a time to be alive. If people can come up with a staple-less stapler, we can come up with anything XD
I am a gum addict and it's been bothering me for a while how wasteful it is. Thank you so much for showing me this better option. Added Simply Gum to my cart for my next order.
I would recommend Glee gum (sugar free) if you're making the switch. the flavor, the texture, and the packaging is much much better (in my opinion). it's also a bit more traditional and isn't as sticky as simply :)
Emily Horne I talk more about it in a recent video here, DITL: Sustainable Living ♻️🌎🌿 DIYs & MicroPlastic Filter for Second Hand Clothes th-cam.com/video/5FaE7yGVZeQ/w-d-xo.html
I’ve been thinking about buying a new vibrator, now I know which one I’m going to be buying! Thanks for bringing this up since most people would be too ashamed to talk about this subject and we need more people who are willing to talk about sex openly in regards to zero waste/low waste
Here are a couple other low waste cosmetic swaps that I've come across! These are a bit specific, but hopefully someone will find these useful. 1. Using whitening trays instead of whitening strips. 2. Choosing magnetic fake lashes (the ones that use magnets to grab onto lashes), instead of ones that require glue or magnetic eyeliner, so that you're dealing with fewer products in plastic. 3. Not wearing fake nails and using nail polish instead. (I know there are some reusable stick on nails.) 4. Opting for a backless silicone stick on bra instead of single use petal stickers. 5. Using eye liner and lip liner pencils instead of twist up plastic version.
That ice dispenser! What a great idea!! I have a question about the vibrator.....since its biodegradable......does it break down as it is used through its lifespan? I mean....? AND as far as lighters....try out the Tesla lighter!!
Yup. Even years it doesn't snow it's probably still only just above freezing. Do not, however leave pop cans outside for more than a couple hours if it's below freezing... or in your car... unless you like drinking slushee from jagged edged shrapnel.
My mom told me that for Christmas her theme for a lot of those extra gifts was sustainability because I was mentioning a lot of fun unusual swaps. Like the electric lighter. She also got people rubber or silicone gloves that had scrubbers in them so we don’t have to use sponges. There was a lot of others but I can’t list them here! And this is because I talked more about them because of your videos! So thank you for helping me inspire my family to think even a bit more sustainably!
That ice was seriously so helpful!!! I noticed one of those dispensers pop up in town. I thought it just dispensed bags like normal. I’ll go there now on when I need ice. Thank you!
I love these swaps! I added the electric lighter and staple free stapler to my saved for later in my Amazon cart for when it's time for a replacement. I wish the gum came in more flavors! My 11 year old nephew loves gum, he asked how it was made and I told him there was plastic in it and now he doesn't want to chew it lol they need some kid friendly flavors. Thanks!!
I only recently found your channel but I've been binge watching your videos and I really love your channel! You mention a lot of wasteful things I had never previously thought about, especially how much waste the production of a product can cause and that companies should do more to become zero waste instead of leaving it up to us consumers to find more sustainable alternatives. So informative and entertaining at the same time!
I can’t tell you how many “refillable” lighters I’ve bought and thrown away because I didn’t know how to actually refill them 😅 I use them for candles all the time. Glad to see there’s a swap for it!
Fyi: the stapler only holds a few sheets of paper at the time. But it's great for that. I have tried the gum, and it was weird and not really tasty. Not a hit for me.
I was really intrigued by the electric lighter--that's something I need for sure! Also, the ice dispenser is such a cool option--I have an event planning job and swaps for putting on events are hard because you often have to choose more wasteful options because of cost and amount of work. Anytime I hear for swaps that could be useful for that feels great to know and keep in mind!
Event planning proved really challenging for my eco-heart. Many venues (in CANADA) didn't even have recycling, because businesses (which all the venues are) have to pay for their own recycling pickup from a private company, they're not included with city pickup. And green bin? Hahahaha...
Oh I had a stapleless stapler forever! It got left at an old job and I didn't need staples for yeeaaaars, so I totally forgot about it! The lighter is interesting. I use matches for candles and incense, and that's made me wonder which is the most sustainable pocket fire option. Also, what is the sustainability of candles and incense themselves? Through manufacturing and burning, what are the most eco-friendly options?
My dad has one of the electric lighters. He likes it because the wind wont blow out the flame. I'm not the biggest fan because of the sound it makes. It's a really high pitched sound that my dad cant hear but I can.
Jessica Hammond the sound drives me crazy! I was the only one who could hear it amongst ~20 people at a birthday party and it was wild that no one else could hear it
I got my husband an electric lighter for Christmas. We have a wood burning fireplace, and we used a lot of matches during the colder months. It works so well! I'm stoked about it because I'm the one who is zero waste friendly in our house, and it's an easy switch that he liked, too.
Glass dildoes are life. Also, no one talks about reusable shower curtains/liners. Seems obvious but I haven't heard anyone talk about it. Is it just me?
I would love to use reusable shower curtains but my roomate showers twice everyday and the reusable ones dont dry as fast.. It really stresses me out that we have to use plastic and buy a new every few months. I dont get why she has to shower twice and its not even summer😩
I bought a water and mildew resistant fabric curtain at Wal-Mart for 15$. I just throw it in the washing machine when it gets dirty (cold water, delicate) and then reuse it. It dries pretty fast. I've had it for a year and a half and it's still in great condition.
Staplefree staplers have actually been around for quite a long time. With zippo/zippo type lighters, you just refill it till the fibre block is soaked. You do have to replace the fibre block and flint, but only every few years. Phosphorus is what is on the end of matches. Look forward to seeing the next video!
I get so excited when you upload anew video! And here’s something I haven’t heard much about: zero waste sewing thread? Obviously there’s going to be waste throwing out unused thread, but there must be better alternatives than normal Nylon or Polyester thread that typically comes wrapped around plastic?
We have a staple-less stapler at my work and customers are always impressed when we use it. They are also durable. We have dropped ours countless times and we are able to put it back together!!! 😄
Thanks for all of your great ideas and everything you've shared with us. Here's one we can swap out or eliminate: Helium for party balloons. Helium is a non-renewable resource needed for more important processes (like cooling MRI machines and science equipment) than our party balloons. Possible alternatives: reusable balloons or paper lanterns?
Awesome video, as a new member of the zero waste community this is so helpful. So important to spread the word to people who don't know how EASY it is to start reducing their waste!
I dont think you can smoke a bowl with those electric lighters. I live in Canada and enjoy the legal cannabis 😊 I zippo lighter is refilled directly into the fluid reservoir in the lighter and the can the fluid comes in is recyclable. Not to mention one can fill your lighter many many times
My partner lights hemp cord with his electric lighter and then uses the flaming cord to light up his bowl. Zippos are good too though, absolutely timeless and they're my no.2 choice for sustainable lighters
That stapler one is so creative! I have heard of this but never thought of it as a zero-waste swap! Omg that vibrator?! That is insaneeeee! These are all so great :)
Oh my gosh!! We have a "Twice the Ice" stand not far from my house (rural area - town has population of 9,000). I had no clue about the details on it, I guess I just kinda figured that it sold bags of ice similar to gas stations. We don't use ice in our drinks, but this is very helpful to know for holiday parties. Thanks so much!!
Mind. Blown. I had NO idea those little ice station things dispense it! Definitely doing that now on! We have a refillable lighter that I honestly never thought about as being sustainable! It's not very good for deep/big candles, so I'm checking that electronic one out!
Yesss refillable lighters and electric lighters are key! I do a lot beach cleanup and find lighters 24/7, we collected over 20 in one day this past weekend! Love these videos, so many tips and swaps people never think about 💃🏼
Heyy ! :) I was wondering if you could do something about how to throw a low waste party?? Something I always struggle with is things like plastic plates and the balloons. Currently looking for wedding ideas but I thought if you did a video on general parties it would be more relevant to everyone! Xx
okay so my bf has a zippo. it can be refilled using lighter fluid (which comes in an metal canister that lasts for a while). if the wick and cotton needs replacing, you can do so. I’m sure those come in plastic, but research to see if you can buy bulk or local! however, he actually purchased a butane insert which is refillable, and doesn’t evaporate like lighter fluid. FYI he’s not the most sustainable person, but I’m proud he appreciates items that seldom need replacing. Hope this helped. Another great vid Shelby 🌸💕
Found your channel like 3 days ago and FELL IN LOVE. Like seriously I have surely watched 20-30 videos already and I’m going to continue until I’ve seen all of them
Looking forward to watch your next video! I use fennel too and I agree, that's great! I'll even make it grow in my garden probably this year...😁 Thank you for this video!!!
I knew about the staple-free stapler, but I’ve been a stationary/fountain pen fanatic for years. I’ve definitely slowed down my pen purchases because I shelled out for my ideal fountain pen (it’s a Pilot Vanishing Point) and stopped trying to find a cheaper version of my dream FP.
I have been binge watching your videos. I'm always looking forward to a new one and learning more. I've been trying to switch over my day to day usage of things. I just want to say thank you
There's a lot of gum alternatives out there! This is my favorite zero waste swap, because finding the swaps is even more fun than the original! I like to get actual chiclet gum made from the real plant sap and available with all the standard gum flavors, and then there's pine sap and other historical options.
In my town, ice machines are everywhere! Like at every corner lol I'm guilty of buying a bag of ice for a party because me and my husband forget to get ice earlier in the day. But now they have a biodegradable ice chest at Sprouts/Target that will be great to keep ice for a party😊
My town is so small that we do not have a recycling program. An hour away there is a town that you can take your aluminum cans but that's the only option I know of. So sometimes you have to just reduce and reuse.
@@brookebutler8539 I get ya, but when I see people living within minutes of recycling depots and then I see them throwing cans and bottles into garbage cans, it's super frustrating.
I've had a staple-less stapler since I was like 8! Long before I was trying to reduce my waste, I just thought it was cool. It doesn't hold as well but definitely works!! And I love that gum. I personally don't like to chew gum for very long so I love it! My friends and family don't really like it because it is and looks so natural. & I love their fun flavors-I've tried them all!
Omg ive never heard of a rechagable electric lighter.....we light candles everyday this is a wonderful alternative!! I'm defiantly buying one! Thank you for sharing.
I just found your channel this week and I can't stop watching! I love your content and it's really motivating me to make better choices. I just needed to let you know that you are amazing. Love love love.
I have a swap for you! I don't think you've mentioned this one before. Instead of plastic hair clips you can use a wooden hair pin, a hair fork, chopsticks, or a wooden hair clip. The wooden hair clips are my favorite they come in different shapes like flowers and birds and things. You put your hair in a bun and put the round part around the bun then stick the wooden pin through the bun. When searching for the wooden hair clips look up "shawl pins" because they're also used to pin shawls together. Hair pins, hair forks, chopsticks, they all come in so many pretty designs. You can find a bunch hand made on etsy or in little gift shops and boutiques in your local town. My comment is now as long as your intros, haha, hope this was helpful! Love all your videos!
As a smoker I found filter tips are made of cellulose acetate (plastic) but there are biodegradable versions made of paper. There are also unbleached cigarette papers and instead of buying plastic packs of tobacco you can go to a tobaccoist where they sell it loose from big tubs. The waste from smoking is insane but if you're not ready to quit like me there are options :) thank you for talking about the 'unfashionable' side of the zero waste movement. You're so real if that makes sense 😂💚
In the UK, buying ice isn't really the norm. We tend to just make our own in the freezer. Bear in mind that the UK is much cooler (temperature wise, that is) than the US. The electric lighter is a good one. Throughout Chanukah and every Shabbat evening, I wondered about what was the best zero waste option for that - I tend to use matches. I've discovered some plastic free gum in the zero waste bulk shop that I found. My dad is a big fan of chewing gum so I'll get some for him. Thanks as always Shelby. Keep up the good work.
absolutely loved these swaps! i never heard of any of them but i have thought about most of them wondering if there were swaps. very intrigued by stapless stapler! thanks shelby!!
Great information! I have had a staple-less stapler since the early '90's. Our little town has one of the ice maker thingies. It is a pretty cool thing to be able to take your cooler and fill it with ice at the station.
The gum one makes my life so much better because I chew gum like a fiend and I always feel like it's a waste. I'll be checking it out! Thank you so much!
speaking of the ice thing, we recently started using reusable ice packs for our coolers when we go camping. We've somehow over time inherited SO MANY. Of course, the ice maker thing you talk about is better, but I was kinda proud of myself for actually thinking of a use for all these things that fell in our lap that I was contemplating throwing away or donating to Good Will. Plus, now we don't have to worry about our food getting wet & soggy from melted ice.
I had never heard of stapleless staplers - I'm interested in how they work. Same with electric lighters. Without burning a fuel how do you get a flame?
The stapleless staplers I've seen fold the paper on itself to hold it together. It works pretty well for a few sheets of paper, but if you've got a large stack you need to staple, it doesn't hold very well. They might have improved the way they work, but that used to be the case. I have a rechargeable lighter. It's got an electric current that you use to light your candles or whatever. It makes a high pitch sound, but it works really well. I love it.
Electric current , also give you a nice shock lol . I used to smoke and I got one , it’s rechargeable just plug it in . Usually just 10$ it’s not as easy to lift a cig but it works . I stopped smoking now but I still have it to light candles and stuff
Same way lightnings burn trees. Electricity has heat energy. The other two things fire needs besides heat are oxygen and flammable material. The flammable material/fuel is the heart of the candle, tree, or anything you're lighting up, basically. You can also light a fire with batteries and cord, if you're hc enough.
It's cracking me up how much you are excited about the ice stations. They are on every corner here in South Mississippi. We don't have access to many sustainable things, but we have plenty of ice!
I just ordered the vibrator a few days ago 😎 was super hoping you’d talk about it and I clicked so fast!! This is something I hadn’t thought about, but I’ll be really excited if it’s not gimmicky!
About refillable lighters - zippo fluid comes in a metal container and you literally just pour it straight into the lighter. The only thing that gets disposed of is the fluid container once you are done, but you can fill a single lighter a good amount of times with one container. A PSA to my friends in green states: I don't recommend a zippo for any kind of pipe or bong smoking. Because you hold the lighter to the apparatus, you breathe in the fumes and I highly don't recommend huffing butane.
In Italy, there were water stations in the neighborhoods (similar to the ice dispensers you talked about) where you could get clean filtered water (as an alternative to bottled water) or carbonated water for something like 20 cents a liter
Loved all the swaps in this video + learned a lot as well lol. Going to definitely check out the lighter, the gum & the STAPLER OMG SHOOK. Tried to look into the ice dispenser but no luck :( but thank you for putting it out there.
There is also the option of chewing tree resin. It's biodegradable as well, u can get it for free in the woods, and it has such a natural taste. You either hate it or love it, but it's worth trying in my opinion. There are surely also companies that sell a "cleaned" version of it, at least here in sweden. (It also prevents teeth problems and is a natural antiseptic).
I was going to comment on one of these previous vids and ask you to talk about those lighters bc I just bought one of them and they’re so cool! Mine looks like a tiny taser at the end and I’ve been loving this swap!!!
Well, I still have my first stapler from the 80s with the first package of staples in my desk because I hardly ever staple papers. I'd rather use paper clips or folders instead. And I always reuse those. We have a lighter in the kitchen which we haven't used in years because we stopped burning candles. But if it ever got empty I would buy such a rechargeable electric one. Here in Germany you can drink the tap water. So we just make ice cubes out of tap water in ice cube trays. We have 4 of them that we bought in the 90s. For parties we just make ice cubes in advance: Fill the trays, let them freeze in the freezer, get the cubes out and store them in bigger boxes in the freezer. Then fill the trays, again. And so on. I'm not into gum. But I find a natural alternative really important. Thank you for the sex talk. I think it is very important to talk about it, especially these days when conservatives want us to shut up.
These videos are actually one of my favorite’s you do! Thanks for another one :) I was wondering if you could PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do a video on USING thredUP?? I’ve found searching for particular things is a lot harder than on Poshmark (for me) and I haven’t found any videos on like pro tips for using thredUP the most efficiently. I also would love to hear more about how you handle going to events with so much waste and staying sane. This past Christmas with my boyfriends parents I went home so overwhelmed I cried because it was just so much waste and stuff I didn’t need. Thanks again for all you do!! Sending happy thoughts your way
About the stapler: I'm an archivist and I can't recommend it for organizations at least. I bought one and is frigging cool indeed BUT, it makes a hole in the paper so, if the documents are historical or legal, it could affect the live of the paper if this little hole get bigger and bigger with the use, so please use it on your personal documents but don't do it if those documents could be important 20 years for now. (Sorry if my english is confusing, not my first language)
Love all these types of videos! But i know u mentioned before about how yall were thinking about getting reuseable air filter for your house but i never saw anything else about it. Did u end up getting it? or decide that it wasnt worth it?
Cool the stapler sounds great, didn’t know about the vibrator. Getting ice from somewhere else than you own freezer, where you yourself put it earlier, if SUCH an american thing, I never bought ice in my whole life. I hate gum and now knowing the regular one is made from plastic makes me hate it even more. Didn’t know about the lighter, sounds also great. I got refill gas in a can, it has a plastic lid though, but it will last me for the next 10 years probably. Nice job 👍
You can refill a Zippo with a bottle of lighter fluid! They probably aren't as sustainable as a rechargeable one, but they are more sustainable than other disposable or even refillable lighters because if your lighter breaks, you can send it to their factory to have it repaired for free (they come with a lifetime warranty). They're also super durable. I did a museum exhibit on Zippo lighters so I ended up learning a ton about them.
I've been a long time watcher, but recent subscriber (sorry, I thought I had subscribed). First time commentor, and I love that stapler idea! I'm planning on starting a zero waste Insurance agency hopefully next year, this will definitely help. I absolutely hate how wasteful most insurance places I've worked for are! I've suggested many ideas to all my past jobs and I've gotten in trouble for recycling even. (Ask every place you patron what they're doing to reduce their waste!) I love watching your unconventional zero waste swaps.
Since your family is big on chewing gum, another gum that doesn’t use plastic and is also biodegradable and gets shipped in paper tubes, if you buy bulk, is Glee. We picked it up in a smaller paper box from the Natural Grocer’s chain here in SATX.
I use Spry gum. It’s all plant based, and you can buy it in really big containers which are annoyingly plastic but our family of four goes through one big tub every three months. A lot less waste, and they are sugar free, unlike Simply Gum which uses cane sugar. Kind of counterproductive if you’re using it to keep teeth clean during the day like we do.
I screamed when she said “I just use SPIT!” I just love this channel even more.
xxzombiexxpsychoxx , same here!! LOL
YESSS!! Ha!!! Love Shelbizzle!!
I haven’t watched yet but I can only think it’s for sex😂
Ok but have you ever tried a lube that deadass works worse than spit 😭😭 the worst
I think the stapler is great when you’re near a young child, no pointy staples
Or if you're clumsy... I cut myself on staples all the time
I have seen reviews for these kinds of staplers. Their great if you have just a few pages but aren't good for bigger documents. Just something to keep in mind. I'm a student and really use and abuse the documents I have for school, especially being a history major. But i would be interested in trying the stapler for small things along with binder clips for bigger documents.
I’ve seen the vibrators but not the stapler! Shows where my priorities are 😂 bahaha
Izzy G 😏😏🤨🤨
😂💜😂
This is BY FAR my favorite zero waste swap video! My jaw literally dropped at the staple free stapler, biodegradable vibe, and electric lighter. What a time to be alive. If people can come up with a staple-less stapler, we can come up with anything XD
I am a gum addict and it's been bothering me for a while how wasteful it is. Thank you so much for showing me this better option. Added Simply Gum to my cart for my next order.
Simply gum is really good, I like the cinnamon and coffee flavors the most. It is also low fodmap as well
I would recommend Glee gum (sugar free) if you're making the switch. the flavor, the texture, and the packaging is much much better (in my opinion). it's also a bit more traditional and isn't as sticky as simply :)
You could also try the Chicza gum, it’s a Mexican brand and you would be helping indigenous people, check it out if you can 🙃🙃🙃😉😉
LMFAOOOO “I USUALLY JUST USE SPIT”
Same girl, same 😂
Love your videos, am 60 years old and have learned quite a bit. Keep it going.
Nina Casali sis you are cool 💯💯💯
Shelby, I know you have pets, how do you choose sustainable things for them?
Emily Horne there are biodegradable waste bags, if you have to use one
If you’re looking for dog food, yora is great since it uses bugs as protein (less space, water, energy to produce) and comes in a paper bag.
Emily Horne I talk more about it in a recent video here,
DITL: Sustainable Living ♻️🌎🌿 DIYs & MicroPlastic Filter for Second Hand Clothes th-cam.com/video/5FaE7yGVZeQ/w-d-xo.html
Yes ! Cat waste specifically
@@rebeccap.9835 paper pellet litter!!
I’ve been thinking about buying a new vibrator, now I know which one I’m going to be buying! Thanks for bringing this up since most people would be too ashamed to talk about this subject and we need more people who are willing to talk about sex openly in regards to zero waste/low waste
I love the way you and Immy support each other with content after all we can not do this journey alone ❤️
Here are a couple other low waste cosmetic swaps that I've come across! These are a bit specific, but hopefully someone will find these useful.
1. Using whitening trays instead of whitening strips.
2. Choosing magnetic fake lashes (the ones that use magnets to grab onto lashes), instead of ones that require glue or magnetic eyeliner, so that you're dealing with fewer products in plastic.
3. Not wearing fake nails and using nail polish instead. (I know there are some reusable stick on nails.)
4. Opting for a backless silicone stick on bra instead of single use petal stickers.
5. Using eye liner and lip liner pencils instead of twist up plastic version.
I never heard of any of these swaps before except the vibrator. You make zero waste sound easy and fun.
That ice dispenser! What a great idea!!
I have a question about the vibrator.....since its biodegradable......does it break down as it is used through its lifespan? I mean....?
AND as far as lighters....try out the Tesla lighter!!
Check out Nox shop, I think they have a section on their blog all about it!
The bag of ice i can’t understand 😂 Because im from Canada 🇨🇦 So at christmas we just put snow from outside 😂 or put the stuff outside directly 🤷♀️😂
Oh that’s so dope!
Good ol Canadian bar fridge. It’s so handy!
Shelbizleee i think its the most ecofriendly possible ! 💕
Yup. Even years it doesn't snow it's probably still only just above freezing. Do not, however leave pop cans outside for more than a couple hours if it's below freezing... or in your car... unless you like drinking slushee from jagged edged shrapnel.
Lynn i did that one time at -35 and forgot to grab the pop with me xd EXPLOSION 💥
I love your channel and the fact that you are not afraid to talk about anything.
My mom told me that for Christmas her theme for a lot of those extra gifts was sustainability because I was mentioning a lot of fun unusual swaps. Like the electric lighter. She also got people rubber or silicone gloves that had scrubbers in them so we don’t have to use sponges. There was a lot of others but I can’t list them here! And this is because I talked more about them because of your videos! So thank you for helping me inspire my family to think even a bit more sustainably!
That ice was seriously so helpful!!! I noticed one of those dispensers pop up in town. I thought it just dispensed bags like normal. I’ll go there now on when I need ice. Thank you!
I love these swaps! I added the electric lighter and staple free stapler to my saved for later in my Amazon cart for when it's time for a replacement. I wish the gum came in more flavors! My 11 year old nephew loves gum, he asked how it was made and I told him there was plastic in it and now he doesn't want to chew it lol they need some kid friendly flavors.
Thanks!!
I only recently found your channel but I've been binge watching your videos and I really love your channel! You mention a lot of wasteful things I had never previously thought about, especially how much waste the production of a product can cause and that companies should do more to become zero waste instead of leaving it up to us consumers to find more sustainable alternatives. So informative and entertaining at the same time!
I can’t tell you how many “refillable” lighters I’ve bought and thrown away because I didn’t know how to actually refill them 😅 I use them for candles all the time. Glad to see there’s a swap for it!
Fyi: the stapler only holds a few sheets of paper at the time. But it's great for that.
I have tried the gum, and it was weird and not really tasty. Not a hit for me.
But... A regular stapler only works for a few pages also, so no biggie, right?
I was really intrigued by the electric lighter--that's something I need for sure! Also, the ice dispenser is such a cool option--I have an event planning job and swaps for putting on events are hard because you often have to choose more wasteful options because of cost and amount of work. Anytime I hear for swaps that could be useful for that feels great to know and keep in mind!
Event planning proved really challenging for my eco-heart. Many venues (in CANADA) didn't even have recycling, because businesses (which all the venues are) have to pay for their own recycling pickup from a private company, they're not included with city pickup. And green bin? Hahahaha...
As a heavy smoker 😭 instantly ordered the lighter you mentioned. Thanks for the hint!! 😍 Now that I think about it... nobrainer 😂
Oh I had a stapleless stapler forever! It got left at an old job and I didn't need staples for yeeaaaars, so I totally forgot about it!
The lighter is interesting. I use matches for candles and incense, and that's made me wonder which is the most sustainable pocket fire option.
Also, what is the sustainability of candles and incense themselves? Through manufacturing and burning, what are the most eco-friendly options?
My dad has one of the electric lighters. He likes it because the wind wont blow out the flame. I'm not the biggest fan because of the sound it makes. It's a really high pitched sound that my dad cant hear but I can.
Jessica Hammond the sound drives me crazy! I was the only one who could hear it amongst ~20 people at a birthday party and it was wild that no one else could hear it
@@cableknit i hate the sound, and i can hear it on the other side of the property. I bet the animals hate it just as much as i do.
The spit statement had me rolling. I literally have never heard someone say they do that too 😂
i actually recently ordered the lube and vibrator lol i don't have any batteries tho so i'm going to get some rechargeable batteries for it
Blake Ahrens I LOVE rechargeable batteries
I got my husband an electric lighter for Christmas. We have a wood burning fireplace, and we used a lot of matches during the colder months. It works so well! I'm stoked about it because I'm the one who is zero waste friendly in our house, and it's an easy switch that he liked, too.
Glass dildoes are life.
Also, no one talks about reusable shower curtains/liners. Seems obvious but I haven't heard anyone talk about it. Is it just me?
I didn't know single-use shower curtains existed...
They are disposable when they get dirty/moldy. You change them once a month or so. Ends up being a lot of plastic in the garbage.
I would love to use reusable shower curtains but my roomate showers twice everyday and the reusable ones dont dry as fast.. It really stresses me out that we have to use plastic and buy a new every few months. I dont get why she has to shower twice and its not even summer😩
@@bbygrlpt2 Reusable plastic or plastic/wax coated curtains? I think that's what we have in Finland, though I have never had shower curtains myself.
I bought a water and mildew resistant fabric curtain at Wal-Mart for 15$. I just throw it in the washing machine when it gets dirty (cold water, delicate) and then reuse it. It dries pretty fast. I've had it for a year and a half and it's still in great condition.
Staplefree staplers have actually been around for quite a long time.
With zippo/zippo type lighters, you just refill it till the fibre block is soaked. You do have to replace the fibre block and flint, but only every few years. Phosphorus is what is on the end of matches.
Look forward to seeing the next video!
I get so excited when you upload anew video!
And here’s something I haven’t heard much about: zero waste sewing thread? Obviously there’s going to be waste throwing out unused thread, but there must be better alternatives than normal Nylon or Polyester thread that typically comes wrapped around plastic?
We have a staple-less stapler at my work and customers are always impressed when we use it. They are also durable. We have dropped ours countless times and we are able to put it back together!!! 😄
Thanks for all of your great ideas and everything you've shared with us. Here's one we can swap out or eliminate:
Helium for party balloons. Helium is a non-renewable resource needed for more important processes (like cooling MRI machines and science equipment) than our party balloons.
Possible alternatives: reusable balloons or paper lanterns?
Awesome video, as a new member of the zero waste community this is so helpful. So important to spread the word to people who don't know how EASY it is to start reducing their waste!
I dont think you can smoke a bowl with those electric lighters. I live in Canada and enjoy the legal cannabis 😊 I zippo lighter is refilled directly into the fluid reservoir in the lighter and the can the fluid comes in is recyclable. Not to mention one can fill your lighter many many times
A penny never spent to repair a zippo.
My partner lights hemp cord with his electric lighter and then uses the flaming cord to light up his bowl. Zippos are good too though, absolutely timeless and they're my no.2 choice for sustainable lighters
That stapler one is so creative! I have heard of this but never thought of it as a zero-waste swap! Omg that vibrator?! That is insaneeeee! These are all so great :)
Oh my gosh!! We have a "Twice the Ice" stand not far from my house (rural area - town has population of 9,000). I had no clue about the details on it, I guess I just kinda figured that it sold bags of ice similar to gas stations. We don't use ice in our drinks, but this is very helpful to know for holiday parties. Thanks so much!!
That ice dispenser is fabulous! I didn't know that was a thing! All of these swaps are great. Thanks for sharing!
Mind. Blown. I had NO idea those little ice station things dispense it! Definitely doing that now on! We have a refillable lighter that I honestly never thought about as being sustainable! It's not very good for deep/big candles, so I'm checking that electronic one out!
Yesss refillable lighters and electric lighters are key! I do a lot beach cleanup and find lighters 24/7, we collected over 20 in one day this past weekend! Love these videos, so many tips and swaps people never think about 💃🏼
Heyy ! :) I was wondering if you could do something about how to throw a low waste party?? Something I always struggle with is things like plastic plates and the balloons. Currently looking for wedding ideas but I thought if you did a video on general parties it would be more relevant to everyone! Xx
okay so my bf has a zippo. it can be refilled using lighter fluid (which comes in an metal canister that lasts for a while). if the wick and cotton needs replacing, you can do so. I’m sure those come in plastic, but research to see if you can buy bulk or local! however, he actually purchased a butane insert which is refillable, and doesn’t evaporate like lighter fluid. FYI he’s not the most sustainable person, but I’m proud he appreciates items that seldom need replacing. Hope this helped. Another great vid Shelby 🌸💕
Found your channel like 3 days ago and FELL IN LOVE. Like seriously I have surely watched 20-30 videos already and I’m going to continue until I’ve seen all of them
Hahaha I'm totally with you on the spit!
Looking forward to watch your next video! I use fennel too and I agree, that's great! I'll even make it grow in my garden probably this year...😁 Thank you for this video!!!
I knew about the staple-free stapler, but I’ve been a stationary/fountain pen fanatic for years. I’ve definitely slowed down my pen purchases because I shelled out for my ideal fountain pen (it’s a Pilot Vanishing Point) and stopped trying to find a cheaper version of my dream FP.
I have been binge watching your videos. I'm always looking forward to a new one and learning more. I've been trying to switch over my day to day usage of things. I just want to say thank you
There's a lot of gum alternatives out there! This is my favorite zero waste swap, because finding the swaps is even more fun than the original! I like to get actual chiclet gum made from the real plant sap and available with all the standard gum flavors, and then there's pine sap and other historical options.
In my town, ice machines are everywhere! Like at every corner lol I'm guilty of buying a bag of ice for a party because me and my husband forget to get ice earlier in the day. But now they have a biodegradable ice chest at Sprouts/Target that will be great to keep ice for a party😊
I'd love to hear about cat litter ! What you use, eco friendly options, and the best way to get rid of/dispose the poop! Love your channel ❤️
it's sulphur at the end of a match Shelbi x
I can't stand when people say "I dont recycle"! I don't understand how someone doesn't recycle 😭
My town is so small that we do not have a recycling program. An hour away there is a town that you can take your aluminum cans but that's the only option I know of. So sometimes you have to just reduce and reuse.
@@brookebutler8539 I get ya, but when I see people living within minutes of recycling depots and then I see them throwing cans and bottles into garbage cans, it's super frustrating.
apartments
I've had a staple-less stapler since I was like 8! Long before I was trying to reduce my waste, I just thought it was cool. It doesn't hold as well but definitely works!! And I love that gum. I personally don't like to chew gum for very long so I love it! My friends and family don't really like it because it is and looks so natural. & I love their fun flavors-I've tried them all!
Omg ive never heard of a rechagable electric lighter.....we light candles everyday this is a wonderful alternative!! I'm defiantly buying one! Thank you for sharing.
I just found your channel this week and I can't stop watching! I love your content and it's really motivating me to make better choices. I just needed to let you know that you are amazing. Love love love.
I have a swap for you! I don't think you've mentioned this one before. Instead of plastic hair clips you can use a wooden hair pin, a hair fork, chopsticks, or a wooden hair clip. The wooden hair clips are my favorite they come in different shapes like flowers and birds and things. You put your hair in a bun and put the round part around the bun then stick the wooden pin through the bun.
When searching for the wooden hair clips look up "shawl pins" because they're also used to pin shawls together.
Hair pins, hair forks, chopsticks, they all come in so many pretty designs. You can find a bunch hand made on etsy or in little gift shops and boutiques in your local town.
My comment is now as long as your intros, haha, hope this was helpful! Love all your videos!
As a smoker I found filter tips are made of cellulose acetate (plastic) but there are biodegradable versions made of paper. There are also unbleached cigarette papers and instead of buying plastic packs of tobacco you can go to a tobaccoist where they sell it loose from big tubs. The waste from smoking is insane but if you're not ready to quit like me there are options :) thank you for talking about the 'unfashionable' side of the zero waste movement. You're so real if that makes sense 😂💚
Amazing!!! Thank you for being en example of an open mind!
In the UK, buying ice isn't really the norm. We tend to just make our own in the freezer. Bear in mind that the UK is much cooler (temperature wise, that is) than the US.
The electric lighter is a good one. Throughout Chanukah and every Shabbat evening, I wondered about what was the best zero waste option for that - I tend to use matches.
I've discovered some plastic free gum in the zero waste bulk shop that I found. My dad is a big fan of chewing gum so I'll get some for him.
Thanks as always Shelby. Keep up the good work.
absolutely loved these swaps! i never heard of any of them but i have thought about most of them wondering if there were swaps. very intrigued by stapless stapler! thanks shelby!!
I love all these swaps. honestly was not aware of these even before I started my sustainable journey this year! Thank you for doing these videos!
That Twice the Ice story had me cryinnnn you were so excited lol
Great information! I have had a staple-less stapler since the early '90's. Our little town has one of the ice maker thingies. It is a pretty cool thing to be able to take your cooler and fill it with ice at the station.
I have been using the little fabric bags my 40cean bracelets came in as additional bags for my soap nuts...
One of my 2020 goals is to be more mindful of little things like this! I love your videos! I always learn something new.
The gum one makes my life so much better because I chew gum like a fiend and I always feel like it's a waste. I'll be checking it out! Thank you so much!
You could also try the chicza gum, it’s a Mexican brand and you would be helping indigenous people, check it out if you can 🙃🙃🙃😉😉
Ive been using twice the ice for YEARS. I love it!
Pls keep doing these swap videos if you can. They're very entertaining AND knowledgable 😊
speaking of the ice thing, we recently started using reusable ice packs for our coolers when we go camping. We've somehow over time inherited SO MANY. Of course, the ice maker thing you talk about is better, but I was kinda proud of myself for actually thinking of a use for all these things that fell in our lap that I was contemplating throwing away or donating to Good Will. Plus, now we don't have to worry about our food getting wet & soggy from melted ice.
I had never heard of stapleless staplers - I'm interested in how they work. Same with electric lighters. Without burning a fuel how do you get a flame?
The stapleless staplers I've seen fold the paper on itself to hold it together. It works pretty well for a few sheets of paper, but if you've got a large stack you need to staple, it doesn't hold very well. They might have improved the way they work, but that used to be the case.
I have a rechargeable lighter. It's got an electric current that you use to light your candles or whatever. It makes a high pitch sound, but it works really well. I love it.
Electric current , also give you a nice shock lol . I used to smoke and I got one , it’s rechargeable just plug it in . Usually just 10$ it’s not as easy to lift a cig but it works . I stopped smoking now but I still have it to light candles and stuff
Same way lightnings burn trees. Electricity has heat energy. The other two things fire needs besides heat are oxygen and flammable material. The flammable material/fuel is the heart of the candle, tree, or anything you're lighting up, basically.
You can also light a fire with batteries and cord, if you're hc enough.
It's cracking me up how much you are excited about the ice stations. They are on every corner here in South Mississippi. We don't have access to many sustainable things, but we have plenty of ice!
I just ordered the vibrator a few days ago 😎 was super hoping you’d talk about it and I clicked so fast!! This is something I hadn’t thought about, but I’ll be really excited if it’s not gimmicky!
My mind is blown about the electric lighter! I had no idea that existed and it’s the perfect solution for my needs. Thank you!!!
You can buy the reusable lighter fluid at any smoke shop! They sell really big cans to refill your zippo and last a long time too. 🙂
These swaps are so great! Never knew that most of them were a thing!🥰
About refillable lighters - zippo fluid comes in a metal container and you literally just pour it straight into the lighter. The only thing that gets disposed of is the fluid container once you are done, but you can fill a single lighter a good amount of times with one container.
A PSA to my friends in green states: I don't recommend a zippo for any kind of pipe or bong smoking. Because you hold the lighter to the apparatus, you breathe in the fumes and I highly don't recommend huffing butane.
In Italy, there were water stations in the neighborhoods (similar to the ice dispensers you talked about) where you could get clean filtered water (as an alternative to bottled water) or carbonated water for something like 20 cents a liter
Omg thank you so much for the stapler idea! I have a problem that I always run out of staples and then can't find any new ones! Thanks again!!
Loved all the swaps in this video + learned a lot as well lol. Going to definitely check out the lighter, the gum & the STAPLER OMG SHOOK. Tried to look into the ice dispenser but no luck :( but thank you for putting it out there.
I dont use/need most of the things u mention in this video but I’m happy it can help many others. I use matches all the time and never liked gum. ☺️♥️
There is also the option of chewing tree resin. It's biodegradable as well, u can get it for free in the woods, and it has such a natural taste.
You either hate it or love it, but it's worth trying in my opinion. There are surely also companies that sell a "cleaned" version of it, at least here in sweden.
(It also prevents teeth problems and is a natural antiseptic).
I was going to comment on one of these previous vids and ask you to talk about those lighters bc I just bought one of them and they’re so cool! Mine looks like a tiny taser at the end and I’ve been loving this swap!!!
The only one I had previous knowledge of was the staple-free stapler. Everything else blew my mind!! Thanks for this!!
Well, I still have my first stapler from the 80s with the first package of staples in my desk because I hardly ever staple papers. I'd rather use paper clips or folders instead. And I always reuse those.
We have a lighter in the kitchen which we haven't used in years because we stopped burning candles. But if it ever got empty I would buy such a rechargeable electric one.
Here in Germany you can drink the tap water. So we just make ice cubes out of tap water in ice cube trays. We have 4 of them that we bought in the 90s. For parties we just make ice cubes in advance: Fill the trays, let them freeze in the freezer, get the cubes out and store them in bigger boxes in the freezer. Then fill the trays, again. And so on.
I'm not into gum. But I find a natural alternative really important.
Thank you for the sex talk. I think it is very important to talk about it, especially these days when conservatives want us to shut up.
I just love your videos, I love your tips and hacks pretty much all your content 👌
These videos are actually one of my favorite’s you do! Thanks for another one :) I was wondering if you could PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do a video on USING thredUP?? I’ve found searching for particular things is a lot harder than on Poshmark (for me) and I haven’t found any videos on like pro tips for using thredUP the most efficiently.
I also would love to hear more about how you handle going to events with so much waste and staying sane. This past Christmas with my boyfriends parents I went home so overwhelmed I cried because it was just so much waste and stuff I didn’t need.
Thanks again for all you do!! Sending happy thoughts your way
About the stapler: I'm an archivist and I can't recommend it for organizations at least. I bought one and is frigging cool indeed BUT, it makes a hole in the paper so, if the documents are historical or legal, it could affect the live of the paper if this little hole get bigger and bigger with the use, so please use it on your personal documents but don't do it if those documents could be important 20 years for now. (Sorry if my english is confusing, not my first language)
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 I hadn't heard of any of these. What would make the stapler iconic is if it was made out of post-consumed materials.
lmao the spit, i'm with ya. Super renewable resource 😂
Another interesting collection of swaps! Only knew about the Stapler! Looking forward to the next video 😊 keep up the good work! x
Love all these types of videos! But i know u mentioned before about how yall were thinking about getting reuseable air filter for your house but i never saw anything else about it. Did u end up getting it? or decide that it wasnt worth it?
Cool the stapler sounds great, didn’t know about the vibrator. Getting ice from somewhere else than you own freezer, where you yourself put it earlier, if SUCH an american thing, I never bought ice in my whole life. I hate gum and now knowing the regular one is made from plastic makes me hate it even more. Didn’t know about the lighter, sounds also great. I got refill gas in a can, it has a plastic lid though, but it will last me for the next 10 years probably. Nice job 👍
these are SO helpful. def wanna try the stapless stapler after I run out of staples. thanks shelbi :)
You can refill a Zippo with a bottle of lighter fluid! They probably aren't as sustainable as a rechargeable one, but they are more sustainable than other disposable or even refillable lighters because if your lighter breaks, you can send it to their factory to have it repaired for free (they come with a lifetime warranty). They're also super durable. I did a museum exhibit on Zippo lighters so I ended up learning a ton about them.
I've been a long time watcher, but recent subscriber (sorry, I thought I had subscribed). First time commentor, and I love that stapler idea! I'm planning on starting a zero waste Insurance agency hopefully next year, this will definitely help.
I absolutely hate how wasteful most insurance places I've worked for are! I've suggested many ideas to all my past jobs and I've gotten in trouble for recycling even. (Ask every place you patron what they're doing to reduce their waste!)
I love watching your unconventional zero waste swaps.
Since your family is big on chewing gum, another gum that doesn’t use plastic and is also biodegradable and gets shipped in paper tubes, if you buy bulk, is Glee. We picked it up in a smaller paper box from the Natural Grocer’s chain here in SATX.
That ice thing is so cool! Definitely never heard of that.
I appreciate these swap videos soooo much! Thank you for continuing to do you!!! 💕🌻
Also glass dildos are recycle-able and much more easy to clean and you can buy customized ones
Yaaasss!! 🙌 Plus, temperature play... 👀
I use Spry gum. It’s all plant based, and you can buy it in really big containers which are annoyingly plastic but our family of four goes through one big tub every three months. A lot less waste, and they are sugar free, unlike Simply Gum which uses cane sugar. Kind of counterproductive if you’re using it to keep teeth clean during the day like we do.
Never heard of a staple less stapler!! Genius!!!