It is more sustainable to have an extra set of sheets and air dry them instead of throwing them in the dryer. That is why people have extra sheets. Because they don't own a dryer. ;-)
I know! I don't have a dryer and it would be impossible to wash and use the sheets on the same day. And i live in a humid place so sometimes I can't dry anything for weeks. You can never have to many bed sheets.
Also I have older pets and night sweats, having that extra pair gives me the rest of night to sleep. Not to mention surprise guests who need the master bed.
Ngl I’m American and don’t even know how I’d go about doing laundry without a dryer, especially since I live in an apartment. When I was a child in Pennsylvania we would sometimes air dry laundry weather permitting, but as an adult I’ve only lived in apartments with either no outdoor space, or extremely dirty outdoor space. Right now I have an outdoor patio in an apartment complex but there’s constantly trash being thrown from the levels above, upstairs neighbors smoking cigarrettes, etc it’s just a really dirty environment. Plus I live in Seattle now and for a lot of the year it’s raining nearly constantly
Oh my god yes, a second set of sheets is a must, its not even that big a deal or not minimalist, its just practical and they really don't take up that much space, you can keep them under the bed even.
As a Swede I'm very confused right now. There are so many products that you seem to have in the US that we don't use at all here? Dryer sheets and plastic shower liners? Why can't you just have one normal shower curtain? Many of the other things I totally agree on though! :D
I use at least 2 sets of sheets coz I air dry. It’s impossible to air dry it so quickly that it would be okay to put bedding back on the bed on the same day. I would rather have couple of sets of sheets than a whole drier that can srart fire hazard and that eats so much energy without any need really.
@@Nmbr1fan The first time I stumbled upon dryers was when I moved to the States. I've never had one and neither has my family. None of our apartments/houses ever molded whatsoever. I think if there's a will, there's a way. I don't know anyone who uses a dryer on a regular basis and again, no mold issues ;)
I hate to be that person but I just need to specify that the “scent” to put on dryer balls is not “regular” essential oils but specific drying oils; essential oils can be flammable in the dryer! I love these videos and the direction your channel is taking SO MUCH! You have been one of my favorite you tubers for years; I enjoy seeing your evolution as it still resonates with my values as well!
As a european i can assure you that a dryer machine is absolutely unnecessary. Dry your clothes on a rack, rather than buying a machine that eats up energy. If the whole world would use a dryer machine we would have a serious energy crisis.
I am german and I don't have a dryer. I'm using a rack, just like Tamara said. I don't have enough space for another big device and I'm not willing to pay for unneccessary energy. My laundry needs a day or two to dry (during summer when I can put it on the balcony it's dry after a few hours) which is why I own two sets of sheets/bedspreads.
I alternate between the dryer and drying rack accordingly to the load (towels go in the dryer, délicates are hung, etc) Most homes were I live (Quebec, Canada) have space for a washer dryer and less for a drying rack, so those drying balls come in very handy to reduce drying time and static (static is insane with our winters(
I will say this about the sheet thing: spare sheets come in handy when your dog throws up on your bed at 1am or your cat decides to be spiteful and pees on your bed lol. Cuz ya girl ain't doing laundry at that time and I can't sleep on a bare mattress 😂
Yep - fellow dog owner here. There's been times my dog peed on the bed in the middle of the night, and there's no way I'm going to do laundry in the middle of the night. Also, waterproof mattress protectors are a worthwhile investment if you're a pet owner.
Yeahhhh animals and kids usually require at least ONE back up sheet per kid per bed haha I have one in a crib, one in a twin, and our queen size. But I’m not a frequent new sheet buyer. Also, we never use a top sheet. So target sells the separates and I love that I can buy ONE single, by itself, fitted sheet. And not all the extra bullshit that comes in a set.
I suggest looking up Package Free Shop! They have resuable silicone ziplock bags, sustainable floss containers, wooden brushes and combs, and sooo much more!
i’ve Never heard of constantly throwing away and repurchasing plastic liners for shower!!?? ours isn’t fabric but it’s a plastic and i wash it every time i clean my bathroom, and i wipe it down after i’m done with my shower. it doesn’t get very dirty if you just take care of it ... and don’t bunch it up when it’s still wet just let it dry hanging straight down ... i’ve had the same one for years and idk it’s working fine ... 0.o
The only time I've had to replace plastic shower liners was when my sister threw my good one away for no reason and kept buying replacements at the dollar store, which would stick to your body while you were showering and shred if you moved them too fast. After a couple months of her buying a new one every paycheck because they were awful, I got a new heavy-duty one and it lasted ages. I've never actually replaced a decent-quality one, but I have had to leave a couple behind when moving because I just didn't have time to pack them.
Honestly a lot of the things she listed I wasn't aware people were doing. I also use a plastic one and it's lasted for years 🤷. It should be fine as long as people clean it regularly.
As an Eastern-European I do not really understand the concept of driers. Most people just hang-dry their clothing which can be organised even in tiny spaces (trust me, I lived in a tiny room with 4 other girls during university). I barely ever have to iron anything. I spent a few months in the US and the driers literally ate up my clothes so I don't think it's worth it unless you have like 3 children and they get everything dirty all the time.
Katalin Kelemen exactly! they shrink things, they wrinkle them terribly !!! i started air drying my clothes while i’m still in my parents house so i have to hang everything in my bedroom haha
True, no one uses dryers in Europe. We just hang-dry them and I barely iron them because they don’t really need ironing, it also doesn’t take up space.
I'm an Interior Design student and one of the things I can't stand is home decor that has no purpose but taking up space. You know those decorative balls that sit in decorative bowls on decorative end tables just because the space "needed something". Or tall vases with decorative sticks in them. So glad you included pointless trend led home decor in this list; so much of it gets thrown away! However anything that brings you joy when you look at it is not pointless and serves an important purpose. Great video!
I don’t even have a dryer. Thats why I need more then one set of bedsheets. I can’t wash and use the same ones in one day. Unless I want to sleep with a wet blanket.
Well the difference I've noticed is dryer sheets make the clothes softer and reduce static electricity. I always use biodegradable and unscented, can't stand the smell of scented ones!
Rechargeable batteries. Oh my god I had forgotten those existed, how silly of me! Thanks for the cue! With a 4 month old all toys use batteries and we have been going through them like crazy
sanb05 yessss and it just gets worse haha my monster in law just gave my 2.5 year old walkie talkies. They require 6 AAA batteries PER walkie talkie. I find this RIDICULOUS and INSANELY wasteful lol
Stephanie Mickle omg 6 per walkie talkie that’s ridiculous even if you do get rechargeable ones 😂 Has the toy industry not heard of USB charging yet? Haha
sanb05 seriously drives me insane. And drives the battery business apparently haha it’s so annoying. 12 AAA batteries for a damn toy walkie talkie that probably work like within 15 ft of each other and that’s it 🤣🤣
I honestly wont buy toys that need batteries because of the waste of batteries as well as children can play without noise. But if we are gifted toys i will use them until the battery dies and then sell or donate them
why does everyone feel the need to defend themselves for having more than one set of sheets. i have never heard of anyone only having one set and i'm not going to run the washing machine and dryer just because one set of sheets if an accident happens
Idk, I only have one set because I'm poor and it's not a justifiable expense, plus I have a tiny apartment with no storage space, so I wouldn't even have anywhere to put a second set. My heavy blankets spend the summer months just crumpled up on the side of my bed next to the wall because I have nowhere to put them.
Hi 👋🏼 an idea for that gold hexagon thing (I don’t know my shapes lol) you could DIY it to hang from the ceiling and even DIY it further and hang an airplant or something in it! Then it’s functional and not taking up space on a shelf ☹️ ALSO!! If you do buy candles, once they’ve burned down, you can put the jars in the freezer for a few days and then easily chip the leftover wax away and reuse the jars for toothbrush holders, makeup brush holders, etc. I have so many old candle jars serving a purpose around my home. Lastly, I have switched entirely to bar soap for my hand soap! You can buy brands that just comes in cardboard wrapping or paper wrapping that can easily be recycled (just better than the plastic jugs). I adore you for this eco-friendly, mindful and minimalist content. I’m so grateful for TH-camrs like you Sarah ✨✨✨✨✨
As soon as she held that gold geometric thingy up that's what I thought! Or finagle it into a funky light fixture of some sort. Either would definitely be miles better than letting it sit on a shelf!
+Han Nah plus Lush is great for bringing your own wrapping/bags/containers! I always buy soap and put it in a reusable container :-) that way it's even less waste!
the fact that the all the toothbrushes i’ve ever owned are still on the earth is insane n really eye opening,, i love these videos and i look forward to more in the future :))
I recommend buying mesh bags for fresh produce that you get at the store so that you don't use the plastic bags. Sometimes I just grab the veggies or fruit without a bag anyway but I highly recommend the mesh bags
Griffon Taylor there are also so many small businesses who handmake reusable produce bags! I live in a small town in Canada and I know a girl who makes handmade reusable produce bags, makeup bags as well as resuable beeswax food wraps!
I agree with everything except cards. It's a dying tradition and it's sad to me. I love getting cards and I don't throw them away ... I go back and look at them every now and then and it makes me feel good. But that's just my opinion. 😊
Just to let you know there are a lot of creative and fun options for digital cards nowadays!! Not saying give up physical cards if that makes you happy, but just informing you! Maybe try it once and see how you feel about it and switch back if you don't like it :)
Cathy i’ve always hand made or at least written a letter inside the card i bought so like, same. i’ve never bought a card only to sign it and be done. it’s just so impersonal lol
Just so you know *MEYERS* is a *GREEN-WASHED* company *SHELBIZLEEE* ( a channel on low waste and sustainability here on TH-cam) did a video about it because she thought the soap was eco friendly as well. I'd recommend *DR.BRONNER'S* soap instead. It's really potent so you'll have to dilute it which makes it last a pretty long time. They sell bigger containers than that Meyers one you're holding, but the smaller ones honestly lasts pretty long too. Perhaps that's the best soap in your area though.
Obviously, these types of stores aren't available everywhere, but some stores have big containers of soaps and stuff so you can bring your own containers and fill them up and you just pay by weight. Similar to how you can buy spices and grains in bulk at some stores. If anyone has access to one of these stores, they are great and prevent you from even needing to buy the big plastic jugs of soap/laundry detergent/etc!
That octagon gold thing. Wrap it up in wire fairy lights and attach a chain and hang it. I have one very similar and wondered why I got it, but it serves a purpose for me now!
What is the point in dryer sheets? I never use them. I only use a dryer due to my disability, otherwise I'd air dry everything. lol Wish they sold eco electric toothbrushes...as I can't use a manual toothbrush brush!
Sarah Camley honestly I always thought they were for the smell, and to make your clothes less static-y lol don’t know the real word I wanna use but hopefully you get what I mean here lol
id say they are more eco friendly already being that instead of throwing the whole toothbrush away you only throw away the head it's not a perfect solution but it's less plastic in the landfill which is a step in the right direction and since you do need to use it don't feel bad!
Marketing scheme that generations grew up with and think are required lol. All that shit is actually bad for the fibers of your clothes too. Reduces longevity. Dont use dryer sheets
I didnt know there was such a thing as dryer sheets. Because in Germany most people don't have a dryer, just a washing machine. We hang the wet clothes on a clothes rack and let them dry over night. That way, you save a ton of energy for something that takes a little bit longer but is happening all by itself. Therefore we do need a spare set of bedding, though. Because the washed one usually takes 2 days to dry.
I think she is a wannabe. Going Zero Waste is a journey, that's ok, some take smaller steps, some bigger. But Sarah presents herself as the new good person who is sth better, although she is still "so american". Every average person in europe or latin america lives more minimalistic and ecofriendly than she does.
@@oliviagonia6617 I'm sorry but I'm from Germany so I don't know what soaps you have in the US. But I guess if you google for vegan soaps you might find some (online) shops. I'm from Berlin (capital) and we have a lot of nice little shops that sell eco friendly, handmade and vegan stuff but even bigger drug stores here have some. Guess I'm pretty lucky with that.
a great option for buying dvd’s is to go to a library sale! i always buy my books and dvd’s from library sale, as they’re usually way way cheaper and it’s a great way to buy books secondhand
depending on how the library sale works near you / how old you are, you might be able to volunteer there and get first dibs on books you see! I volunteered at my local library's book sale all through high school and got to take home a pile of ~40 books, dvds, and cds every year for free! If you get your friends to join you its super fun too!
FYI, you can just wash plastic shower liners too. I throw mine in the wash on warm with a bit of bleach and it makes them last basically forever. You don't have to throw it out when it gets moldy. Just so ya know! ☺️
I got gifted a bath and body works candle for christmas and to my surprise it is made of soy wax. At least they're adjusting to customer feedback! I still do no purchase from them but that the fact that theyre soy now blew my mind.
For fabric softener you only need vinegar... It cares for your clothes as well for washing machine :) and it doesn't leave any smell as people think :)
I got some sustainability items for Christmas! I was super excited. Now I have a compost pail, bamboo toothbrushes, cloth napkins. I do have 2 sets of sheets: one flannel and one regular
I've never really understood all the hassle with dryers. I've never owned one, my family never had one. I wouldn't even have room for one in my small apartment. I don't think it makes life thaaaat much easier anyway haha! That's also the reason why I own 2 sets of bedsheets, while the other ones are air drying, I use the second set. That's pretty much the only thing that not owning a dryer affects. (plus on the topic of fabric softener; there's no point in it, you can actually do more harm for your clothes/textiles with it.)
@@magicme39 the drying rack doesn't take that much space, and I can just have it in the bathroom or balcony or basically wherever it fits. Of course it might be annoying to have one around but usually stuff dries over night so I can just fold it up the next day.
@@magicme39 I think it makes s huge difference to have a 1 square meter dryer standing in my home all the time or using a 2 square meter drying rack once a week for a day. Besides the drying rack costs around 20€ once, while the dryer is more expensive in the purchase and in the long run. Maybe you can find a used one Craigslist and give it a try. :)
The second set of sheets is definitely a contentious one because here in the UK, no one really has dryers - everything is air dried on a rack. Unless I want to sleep on damp, smelly sheets, a second set is a must. It brings up the question of what is more sustainable (or at least, less damaging) - a dryer or a second set of sheets?
I try to not get to go cups anymore. If I'm out and about I try to have my own drink with me. It's not just the plastic straws that are harmful, but the cups and lids too. If I go out to eat, I also try to remember to bring a container for leftovers so I dont have to get a styrofoam one. But I'm terrible at remembering them...
if you don't have a dryer (which is a good thing cause air drying your laundry uses no electricity and is better for your laundry), you definitely need 2 sets of bedding. air drying usually takes a while, especially in the winter
My English teacher used to give my class 3-5 papers every lesson. So 25 ish kids gets 4 pieces of paper and we didn’t even use them. She told us to throw them away! Also I can 100% recommend searching for cds in thrift stores. They usually have some green day and they are usually cheaper than new ones. Half of my cd collection is from thrift stores.
Love your channel! I am getting into this myself and I'm really curious about different sustainability philosophies. Particularly-- how do you evaluate reusable plastic vs. biodegradable products to determine which is better? RE: Plastic toothbrushes vs. bamboo/ parchment baking paper vs. reusable silicone pads. I read that (surprisingly!) the cost of producing and washing a single ceramic cup everyday for a year vs. using disposable plastic cups can be offset by reusing the plastic cups 2-3 times each, and that plastic grocery bags are superior per-use in environmental cost to paper since paper requires more land-resources to create, and if the paper bag biodegrades without oxygen (in a landfill) it will release methane (much more toxic than CO2), vs. the plastic which is more easily recyclable and will not release greenhouse gases unless burned. SO fascinating! I love the simplicity of "lower volume of trash is better" and biodegradable>plastic trash, but would LOVE a more in-depth analysis/conversation as well.
You guys insult me and assume I have no knowledge of other cultures. This is actually a tool I learned from living abroad for 5 years. It should work fine even in humidity if the heating is on inside your house.
i live in an apartment and have to drive to the laundromat so we have 2 things of sheets cuz it takes forever to actually go and do all our laundry and dirty sheets make me feel gross lol
Spare sheets are great when you want to switch up the colors or use a different material for each season. I’ll use warmer sheets during the winter and sheets that are thinner during the summer nights!
I think the metal icosahedron could look really cool if you have a very viney plant just grow all the way around it. But I do know that one of the ivies (English ivy I think?) is bad for cats so you probably have to be very careful about which one you pick.
instead of dryer sheets [which contain wax and over time can damage your dryer and even your clothes] i do a second rinse cycle and add a cup of white vinegar to the cycle. for towels and blankets i usually do a cup and a half. not only does it soften the fabric but it also kills any mildew smells, smoke smells, grease smells etc. works great if you work in fast food and you wanna get rid of that french fry grease stench! the vinegar smell goes away once the clothes dry if not sooner
I don't buy anything to dryer, we wash our hands with normal hard soap so we don't have any bottles ( they sell that soap in paper) but that bamboo toothbrushes is amazing I am gonna switch to that!!
I have more than two sheets. Too many times I don't get around to washing and drying my sheets on time. I have 3 cats, accidents happen, too many reasons to have more sheets.
Spare sheet is also good If you dont have a dryer. It takes at least 2-3 days before your clothes or sheets are dry. Hello from Europe, when we dont use dryer that much.
The item from 4.49 can have many purposes. You can hang i from the ceiling or from a shelf if you don't want it to take up shelf space. But you can use it to hang your keys, jewelry, gloves, scarves or other small items that are easily lost. There ya go, a purpose for hat cool purposeless thing.
In Greece we don't have dryers we usually let our laundry dry outside so we need extra sheets, because usually and especially in winter they don't dry the same day.
Loving these minimalist/sustainable/money saving videos of yours! I'm working towards living more like that as well. Stopped buying plastic toothbrushes a while ago, and recently started using hand soap and hair conditioner bars instead of plastic bottles (tried a shampoo bar once, but it made my scalp really itchy. Planning on trying another one next time). Regular wrapping paper is also something I don't purchase anymore. I either use brown paper (they come with different designs as well, at least in Norway) or gift bags. Birhday and christmas cards I really love, but only if they're either handmade or really personal. I make a lot of unique, personal cards for people in my life, and I do like recieving some as well. But that's just personal taste!
Could you add pegs, magnets or something to the metal hexagon to use it to show photos or postcards? Or put dangly earrings on it... or both! Not sure how it will look but might give it a purpose! If not a plant would look cute inside 🍃❤
I though about putting a candle inside it but the plant idea sounds so cute! love the thought that everything should serve a purpose, im going to use that fo my shopping.
I am looking to get a hemp shower liner after the current liner I have gets gross. I think hemp is naturally mold resistant based on what I have read and its all natural (just dont get a bleached one!) Its more pricey but will pay for itself in about a year or two depending on how often you would replace the PVC counterpart.
This annoys me so much as well! Apart from the sources and make of their products ofc, I recently watched a documentary about how they extract wealth from the areas where they sell and set up distribution centers, next to having very little arrangements for their employees. Since watching that, the sentence "I got it from Amazon" gives me shudders
Fantastic video, its made me think about a lot of things. In the uk, we brought in paying for bags and theyre considering putting up the price so we think about it more! Also, on the hairdryer thing, ive had mine for just over ten years. Theres nothing wrong with it so ive never decided to by a new one just so it "new". Ive also decided to switch over to 2nd hand clothing after the new year, never minded it so thought I might as well make a complete switch! :D
I have to have spare linen. I live in a city with 70% average humidity and no dryer. Dyers take up space both in your home and then also in the landfill every 5 years because that's how long appliances seem to last and ware your clothes down. I do cut my old sheets up and use as cloths
I use Lubriderm with sunscreen for my whole body, hands and face! I also keep Hempz lotion in my purse for on the go which is a good cruelty free and vegan option.
loved this video! planning on moving out in a year or so and i’ll definitely keep this stuff in mind! also i absolutely love your aesthetic it’s lovely💕
Plastic shower curtains: mine is plastic, I have a designated shower curtain scrubber. Yes, my curtain gets gross so I just scrub it clean with some vinegar water with a bit of essential oils. Works fine. I’ve also heard you can in fact out a plastic shower curtain in the washing machine. Not the dryer
Also just google where you can recycle batteries and old electronics. Don’t throw them in the garbage omg it’s so bad. Think about the little animals in landfills who eat the batteries ; _ ;
Nothing is biodegradable when it's in a plastic trash bag. We can't throw our trash on the ground because it's marketed as biodegradable and if it's not something that can be recycled, it will need to be put in a trash bag and taken to a landfill unless you want it piling up inside your home. Some trash collecting companies won't take waste that is not safely bagged meaning it cannot be leaking or spilling out and most likely will need to be in a plastic trash bag. If you produce waste (we all do) it has to be disposed of. I commend you for your efforts to reduce and reuse, I make every effort to do the same. In reality we will have waste that has to be dealt with on a day to day bases and in hindsight, we all know it's too little too late. Humans are a dying species and waste is at the top of our disease list.
I have backup sheets because most apartments in Germany don't have a dryer, so you hang your laundry to dry. This means I can't make my bed the same day with the sheets I just washed, because they'd be wet! Also every so often one of my cats stress-pees, and sometimes she does it on my bed. I have a waterproof protective cover over my mattress, but obviously the sheets would need to be washed immediately and... yeah.
Omg the “home decor that doesn’t serve a purpose” YES! we have a fairly small house and it just felt so cluttered. Donated so much and then promised myself all of my “decor” has to serve a purpose. For example I wanted to hang things on my walls in my kitchen. Now there’s a cute sign with hooks that holds my pans 😂 and a wire basket shelf that holds my produce. It makes so much more sense!
When I lived with my family, we had many sheets and other bedware, which served us for a very long time, and if they became too old, they still could be cut in peaces and used for cleaning etc. Now I live alone and have two-three sheets and only one bedwary set, but I do change (therefore throw out) them from time to time as they just become old of everyday use.
We have an extra pair of sheets in our houshold because we don't have a dryer, we air-dry the laundry, and let me tell you, it takes at least a day and a half where I live to have the sheets completely dry.
Something that I never realised was so wasteful was shampoo & conditioner and body wash in bottles! One day it just dawned on me, it sounds dumb I know. Just how plastic is so common and not even thought about is really scary. I’ve since switched to shampoo bars (you don’t even need conditioner! If you think you do, you can buy conditioner bars or just put some oil through your ends) a bulk food store in my area sells them and they’re vegan too. I also now use regular old soap bars. You can find great ones nowadays. I assume most shampoo bars are safe for coloured hair, too. My hair is pink and it’s fine. There’s nothing bad in them that would ruin your colour! ❤️
I use parchment paper from the brand if you care, and it's fully compostable. I prefer that because it's biodegradable, which silicone isn't. But either way you are producing waste so probably the best option would be to use nothing and just bake things straight onto a metal/glass/ceramic tray. I am also cutting as much out as I can. Now most of my bathroom items are solid and packaging free. I have a soap bar, shampoo + conditioner bar, deodorant bar, lotion bar, and a cleanser bar. It's mostly from Lush but I'm sure there are plenty of other brands that do that :) But I never even thought about the fabric softener, i've just been blindly using it all these years but I think i'll start going without it and also doing as much air drying as possible to save energy :) Great tips!
@@monicaheartsgypsy7877 It's okay if you question things. I'm just trying to spread some hopefully helpfull ideas :) you can put your selfmade liquid soap in a glas jar lika the one she showed in the video. Or you can reuse an old bottle you have at home. It's not about having no plastic in your home, but more about not buying new plastic that gets thrown away after one use :)
Two sets of sheets because I'm at uni and don't have a tumble dryer! So I have to leave them out to dry in the air, and this usually takes more than a day so I throw the dirty ones in the wash in the morning, come back at lunch, hang them up, then in the evening I put on the other sheets and then the next day I'll fold up and put away the now clean sheets.
For my sheets I wash them and replace them the same day, but I do have some old sheets from my childhood that I use when that time of the month comes just in case :)
I started working at bath and body works this year and a little resolution of mine is to not buy anything from the store!! When I started I got caught up in sales and bought way too much, definitely won’t need to restock this year
Thank you SO MUCH for mentioning purpose in relation to decor. I don't own any decor (I move way too much to own any). The only "decor" I own is a tiny homemade painting that a friend did for me. It's lightweight and even if I move via taking an airplane I can take it because it doesn't take up a lot of space and weight. There are so many decorative items out there that collect nothing but dust - I am all for function over fashion! :)
Some people have spare sets of sheets because they don't have the means to wash and dry them all in one day, or the time. I'm a student with only a washing machine and no dryer or heating in the cold winter my sheets take days to dry. I also work nights so even if my sheets do manage to dry I don't want to be remaking my bed before I can get in it at 3am.
I have a few sets of bedding because I don't want to wash them once a week, running a half-filled washing machine. I'm pretty sure having several bedding options is really common where I come from (Denmark)
I get where you are coming from for most of the listed things. I don't know if it's really related to culture or not but here in europe most of the households don't own a dryer because we air-dry our chlothes which also applies to bed sheets. So owning two or several sets of bed sheets just makes more sense for me (also because I don't really have something to put over my bed at day, I like to change the colour or pattern sometimes. But at this point it's more of a personal opinion :)) Aaaaanyways I've been really enjoying your content and I loooove your aesthetic. Love from Austria
Usb charging instead of batteries Glass, wood, metal (and others) instead of plastic DIY multipurpose skin products and detergents that you can store DIY or second hand gifting THRIFT LIFE Buy refillables Food that are not in plastic packages when single ones are available Etc....
Great recommendations about bar soap with less packaging!! This can also be applied to shampoo and conditioner. I am new to reducing waste, so the only company I know of to find bar shampoo and conditioner is Lush, which is expensive, but offer many kinds of shampoo and conditioners in bar form that are package free and really high quality!! I love this discussion so much!! Thank you for bringing attention to this Sarah!!!
having a spare set of sheets is necessary if you live in a cold, damp country where most houses/flats don't have tumble dryers - it takes at least 4 hours for my sheets to dry while draped over a bannister or door. just fyi
For a lot of things she talks about, like the soap containers and straws, I just reuse the plastic ones that I already have. This is just something I started doing because I'm poor.. I wash plastic straws and plastic spoons until they fall apart. Also, for water bottles I saved some glass bottles like snapple.
yes! I try to live cruelty-free, so when I wanted a pair of shearling slippers I bought some from a company in the UK that makes them out of discarded skins that come from the meat industry. I'd rather it be used than go to waste!
It is more sustainable to have an extra set of sheets and air dry them instead of throwing them in the dryer. That is why people have extra sheets. Because they don't own a dryer. ;-)
I know!
I don't have a dryer and it would be impossible to wash and use the sheets on the same day. And i live in a humid place so sometimes I can't dry anything for weeks. You can never have to many bed sheets.
Also I have older pets and night sweats, having that extra pair gives me the rest of night to sleep. Not to mention surprise guests who need the master bed.
Ngl I’m American and don’t even know how I’d go about doing laundry without a dryer, especially since I live in an apartment. When I was a child in Pennsylvania we would sometimes air dry laundry weather permitting, but as an adult I’ve only lived in apartments with either no outdoor space, or extremely dirty outdoor space. Right now I have an outdoor patio in an apartment complex but there’s constantly trash being thrown from the levels above, upstairs neighbors smoking cigarrettes, etc it’s just a really dirty environment. Plus I live in Seattle now and for a lot of the year it’s raining nearly constantly
Spare sheets are necessary for us women who may have a rough time at least once a month. Someone had to say it.
Robyn Lately girrrrrrrrl good point !
facts
Yeah I was thinking the same thing! I don't think it's unreasonable to have one spare set of sheets
Yeah my cat puked in my bed one night so I definitely think spare sheets are a good idea!
Oh my god yes, a second set of sheets is a must, its not even that big a deal or not minimalist, its just practical and they really don't take up that much space, you can keep them under the bed even.
As a Swede I'm very confused right now. There are so many products that you seem to have in the US that we don't use at all here? Dryer sheets and plastic shower liners? Why can't you just have one normal shower curtain? Many of the other things I totally agree on though! :D
The plastic shower liner is useful for the fact it prevents water from making you're floor/curtain wet. Not really a stupid idea.
Same was my thought... USA seems to be Cluttered with unnecessary stuff and I wonder why
Garden HO why shouldn’t the curtain get wet though? It dries out
I use at least 2 sets of sheets coz I air dry.
It’s impossible to air dry it so quickly that it would be okay to put bedding back on the bed on the same day.
I would rather have couple of sets of sheets than a whole drier that can srart fire hazard and that eats so much energy without any need really.
Saaame
Same!!
Exactly, same! Not everyone has a dryer, but even if I did, I prefer air-drying my laundry
this!!! all about the climat but using a dryer that's really bad for the climat :-(
@@Nmbr1fan The first time I stumbled upon dryers was when I moved to the States. I've never had one and neither has my family. None of our apartments/houses ever molded whatsoever. I think if there's a will, there's a way. I don't know anyone who uses a dryer on a regular basis and again, no mold issues ;)
I hate to be that person but I just need to specify that the “scent” to put on dryer balls is not “regular” essential oils but specific drying oils; essential oils can be flammable in the dryer!
I love these videos and the direction your channel is taking SO MUCH! You have been one of my favorite you tubers for years; I enjoy seeing your evolution as it still resonates with my values as well!
ahh thank you for clarifying this! and I’m so glad you’re loving the new content :)
sanb05 Great point!!!! I would also like to add that these scented oils can be dangerous to animals.
As a european i can assure you that a dryer machine is absolutely unnecessary. Dry your clothes on a rack, rather than buying a machine that eats up energy. If the whole world would use a dryer machine we would have a serious energy crisis.
I am german and I don't have a dryer. I'm using a rack, just like Tamara said. I don't have enough space for another big device and I'm not willing to pay for unneccessary energy. My laundry needs a day or two to dry (during summer when I can put it on the balcony it's dry after a few hours) which is why I own two sets of sheets/bedspreads.
I alternate between the dryer and drying rack accordingly to the load (towels go in the dryer, délicates are hung, etc) Most homes were I live (Quebec, Canada) have space for a washer dryer and less for a drying rack, so those drying balls come in very handy to reduce drying time and static (static is insane with our winters(
I will say this about the sheet thing: spare sheets come in handy when your dog throws up on your bed at 1am or your cat decides to be spiteful and pees on your bed lol. Cuz ya girl ain't doing laundry at that time and I can't sleep on a bare mattress 😂
haha definitely understand that struggle however Ryan and I will just sleep on the bare mattress for the rest of the night 😂
i haaaaate bare mattresses!!! i have to own at least 1 spare sheet set for this exact situation, i have 5 cats!
Yep - fellow dog owner here. There's been times my dog peed on the bed in the middle of the night, and there's no way I'm going to do laundry in the middle of the night. Also, waterproof mattress protectors are a worthwhile investment if you're a pet owner.
uh my rabbit just chews really big holes in my sheets...
Yeahhhh animals and kids usually require at least ONE back up sheet per kid per bed haha I have one in a crib, one in a twin, and our queen size. But I’m not a frequent new sheet buyer. Also, we never use a top sheet. So target sells the separates and I love that I can buy ONE single, by itself, fitted sheet. And not all the extra bullshit that comes in a set.
I suggest looking up Package Free Shop! They have resuable silicone ziplock bags, sustainable floss containers, wooden brushes and combs, and sooo much more!
Lowg3n OHHHHHH thank you i’m so glad i kept scrolling in the comments i am gonna look this up !!!!! awesome !!!!! 💖💖💖💖💖💖
Lowg3n I just went there this week for the first time and fell in love!
i’ve Never heard of constantly throwing away and repurchasing plastic liners for shower!!?? ours isn’t fabric but it’s a plastic and i wash it every time i clean my bathroom, and i wipe it down after i’m done with my shower. it doesn’t get very dirty if you just take care of it ... and don’t bunch it up when it’s still wet just let it dry hanging straight down ...
i’ve had the same one for years and idk it’s working fine ... 0.o
The only time I've had to replace plastic shower liners was when my sister threw my good one away for no reason and kept buying replacements at the dollar store, which would stick to your body while you were showering and shred if you moved them too fast. After a couple months of her buying a new one every paycheck because they were awful, I got a new heavy-duty one and it lasted ages. I've never actually replaced a decent-quality one, but I have had to leave a couple behind when moving because I just didn't have time to pack them.
Oh man, I NEED to replace mine.. I don't even like to look at it, but yeah, don't know anyone who changed them a lot.
Honestly a lot of the things she listed I wasn't aware people were doing. I also use a plastic one and it's lasted for years 🤷. It should be fine as long as people clean it regularly.
We have backup sheets because we don't have a dryer. The sheets have to air dry and depending on the weather it will not dry in one day.
As an Eastern-European I do not really understand the concept of driers. Most people just hang-dry their clothing which can be organised even in tiny spaces (trust me, I lived in a tiny room with 4 other girls during university). I barely ever have to iron anything. I spent a few months in the US and the driers literally ate up my clothes so I don't think it's worth it unless you have like 3 children and they get everything dirty all the time.
Katalin Kelemen exactly! they shrink things, they wrinkle them terribly !!! i started air drying my clothes while i’m still in my parents house so i have to hang everything in my bedroom haha
True, no one uses dryers in Europe. We just hang-dry them and I barely iron them because they don’t really need ironing, it also doesn’t take up space.
Yep! My mother taught me how to air dry and fold precisely so that i dont have to iron. 🇭🇺
You're missing out. Dryers are wonderful machines that makes you're clothes warm and dry fast.
@@gardenho173 The sun does the same.
I'm an Interior Design student and one of the things I can't stand is home decor that has no purpose but taking up space. You know those decorative balls that sit in decorative bowls on decorative end tables just because the space "needed something". Or tall vases with decorative sticks in them. So glad you included pointless trend led home decor in this list; so much of it gets thrown away! However anything that brings you joy when you look at it is not pointless and serves an important purpose. Great video!
Why are dryer sheets such a trend in America? Are your dryers different than European ones? We don’t use them here at all 😂
Luce With Love yeah i'm over here like what? why is this a thing hahah (proud Croatian over here)
Like what are they even?? I don’t know what they are for 😂
I don’t even have a dryer. Thats why I need more then one set of bedsheets. I can’t wash and use the same ones in one day. Unless I want to sleep with a wet blanket.
Kadri Lees-Leesmaa Same! I am pretty sure an extra pair of sheets is more sustainable than a dryer, true 😂
Well the difference I've noticed is dryer sheets make the clothes softer and reduce static electricity. I always use biodegradable and unscented, can't stand the smell of scented ones!
Rechargeable batteries. Oh my god I had forgotten those existed, how silly of me! Thanks for the cue! With a 4 month old all toys use batteries and we have been going through them like crazy
sanb05 yessss and it just gets worse haha my monster in law just gave my 2.5 year old walkie talkies. They require 6 AAA batteries PER walkie talkie. I find this RIDICULOUS and INSANELY wasteful lol
Stephanie Mickle omg 6 per walkie talkie that’s ridiculous even if you do get rechargeable ones 😂 Has the toy industry not heard of USB charging yet? Haha
sanb05 seriously drives me insane. And drives the battery business apparently haha it’s so annoying. 12 AAA batteries for a damn toy walkie talkie that probably work like within 15 ft of each other and that’s it 🤣🤣
I honestly wont buy toys that need batteries because of the waste of batteries as well as children can play without noise. But if we are gifted toys i will use them until the battery dies and then sell or donate them
why does everyone feel the need to defend themselves for having more than one set of sheets. i have never heard of anyone only having one set and i'm not going to run the washing machine and dryer just because one set of sheets if an accident happens
Idk, I only have one set because I'm poor and it's not a justifiable expense, plus I have a tiny apartment with no storage space, so I wouldn't even have anywhere to put a second set. My heavy blankets spend the summer months just crumpled up on the side of my bed next to the wall because I have nowhere to put them.
Hi 👋🏼 an idea for that gold hexagon thing (I don’t know my shapes lol) you could DIY it to hang from the ceiling and even DIY it further and hang an airplant or something in it! Then it’s functional and not taking up space on a shelf ☹️ ALSO!! If you do buy candles, once they’ve burned down, you can put the jars in the freezer for a few days and then easily chip the leftover wax away and reuse the jars for toothbrush holders, makeup brush holders, etc. I have so many old candle jars serving a purpose around my home.
Lastly, I have switched entirely to bar soap for my hand soap! You can buy brands that just comes in cardboard wrapping or paper wrapping that can easily be recycled (just better than the plastic jugs).
I adore you for this eco-friendly, mindful and minimalist content. I’m so grateful for TH-camrs like you Sarah ✨✨✨✨✨
That's such a good idea 👍
Lush is great for bars of soap and it comes in a recyclable paper bag
As soon as she held that gold geometric thingy up that's what I thought! Or finagle it into a funky light fixture of some sort. Either would definitely be miles better than letting it sit on a shelf!
+Han Nah plus Lush is great for bringing your own wrapping/bags/containers! I always buy soap and put it in a reusable container :-) that way it's even less waste!
the fact that the all the toothbrushes i’ve ever owned are still on the earth is insane n really eye opening,, i love these videos and i look forward to more in the future :))
I recommend buying mesh bags for fresh produce that you get at the store so that you don't use the plastic bags. Sometimes I just grab the veggies or fruit without a bag anyway but I highly recommend the mesh bags
I try to avoid bags when I can but these are on my list to switch over! :)
Griffon Taylor there are also so many small businesses who handmake reusable produce bags! I live in a small town in Canada and I know a girl who makes handmade reusable produce bags, makeup bags as well as resuable beeswax food wraps!
Yes, I just recently got a set and they're fantastic!
@@MarleeCM does she have an etsy shop
I agree with everything except cards. It's a dying tradition and it's sad to me. I love getting cards and I don't throw them away ... I go back and look at them every now and then and it makes me feel good. But that's just my opinion. 😊
Same! I hardly get any cards but I refuse to stop sending them because I know I would love to get a card. It makes my day..
Just to let you know there are a lot of creative and fun options for digital cards nowadays!! Not saying give up physical cards if that makes you happy, but just informing you! Maybe try it once and see how you feel about it and switch back if you don't like it :)
@@RambleMaven Been doing that for a while years ago, not the same, sadly.
Cathy i’ve always hand made or at least written a letter inside the card i bought so like, same.
i’ve never bought a card only to sign it and be done. it’s just so impersonal lol
You can probably use that geometric gold thing on a light fixture sort of like a lamp shade.
Just so you know *MEYERS* is a *GREEN-WASHED* company *SHELBIZLEEE* ( a channel on low waste and sustainability here on TH-cam) did a video about it because she thought the soap was eco friendly as well. I'd recommend *DR.BRONNER'S* soap instead. It's really potent so you'll have to dilute it which makes it last a pretty long time. They sell bigger containers than that Meyers one you're holding, but the smaller ones honestly lasts pretty long too. Perhaps that's the best soap in your area though.
Obviously, these types of stores aren't available everywhere, but some stores have big containers of soaps and stuff so you can bring your own containers and fill them up and you just pay by weight. Similar to how you can buy spices and grains in bulk at some stores. If anyone has access to one of these stores, they are great and prevent you from even needing to buy the big plastic jugs of soap/laundry detergent/etc!
That octagon gold thing. Wrap it up in wire fairy lights and attach a chain and hang it. I have one very similar and wondered why I got it, but it serves a purpose for me now!
if you don't have a dryer, that is why you would have more than one set of sheets. and dryers are not really that popular in europe.
I thought so too! Having two sheets also seems more sustainable than using a dryer...
Dryer also damages fibers of sheets and clothes and makes them look bad a lot faster.
@@thisiswhyyouare Thank you for bringing this up. THIS is why I'd never use a dryer. It's wears your clothing/textiles down SO MUCH FASTER.
That’s what yo thought as well. Also it seemed so weird for me: not having spare sheets but using bulks of dryer sheets ???? What are those even.
In many places in the US it’s illegal to air dry on a clothesline.
What is the point in dryer sheets? I never use them. I only use a dryer due to my disability, otherwise I'd air dry everything. lol
Wish they sold eco electric toothbrushes...as I can't use a manual toothbrush brush!
Sarah Camley honestly I always thought they were for the smell, and to make your clothes less static-y lol don’t know the real word I wanna use but hopefully you get what I mean here lol
There are actually electric toothbrushes which are a little more eco-friendly. I saw another TH-cam using them :)
id say they are more eco friendly already being that instead of throwing the whole toothbrush away you only throw away the head it's not a perfect solution but it's less plastic in the landfill which is a step in the right direction and since you do need to use it don't feel bad!
we don't use a dryer, we live in a sunny place so we always hang dry but if it's winter, we'll dry inside since we have the heater on anyways :')
Marketing scheme that generations grew up with and think are required lol. All that shit is actually bad for the fibers of your clothes too. Reduces longevity. Dont use dryer sheets
I didnt know there was such a thing as dryer sheets. Because in Germany most people don't have a dryer, just a washing machine. We hang the wet clothes on a clothes rack and let them dry over night. That way, you save a ton of energy for something that takes a little bit longer but is happening all by itself. Therefore we do need a spare set of bedding, though. Because the washed one usually takes 2 days to dry.
Why don't you try (vegan) solid soap? (hope the translation is right). You can buy these wrapped in paper and they last a lot longer than liquid soap.
I think she is a wannabe. Going Zero Waste is a journey, that's ok, some take smaller steps, some bigger. But Sarah presents herself as the new good person who is sth better, although she is still "so american". Every average person in europe or latin america lives more minimalistic and ecofriendly than she does.
right? the jug she buys seems to be enough for 2 fillings max, so many plastic containers.
Beautyful Apocalypse do you have any good soap recommendations?? I live in a very small town in the US, so there’s not always good options locally.
@@oliviagonia6617 I'm sorry but I'm from Germany so I don't know what soaps you have in the US. But I guess if you google for vegan soaps you might find some (online) shops. I'm from Berlin (capital) and we have a lot of nice little shops that sell eco friendly, handmade and vegan stuff but even bigger drug stores here have some. Guess I'm pretty lucky with that.
@@oliviagonia6617 Dr. Bronners bar soap
a great option for buying dvd’s is to go to a library sale! i always buy my books and dvd’s from library sale, as they’re usually way way cheaper and it’s a great way to buy books secondhand
yup! and you also support your libraries!
depending on how the library sale works near you / how old you are, you might be able to volunteer there and get first dibs on books you see! I volunteered at my local library's book sale all through high school and got to take home a pile of ~40 books, dvds, and cds every year for free! If you get your friends to join you its super fun too!
Avneet Sandhu yep! additionally, you can become a friend or member of your library (depending on the library ofc) and get sales a day or two early!
FYI, you can just wash plastic shower liners too. I throw mine in the wash on warm with a bit of bleach and it makes them last basically forever. You don't have to throw it out when it gets moldy. Just so ya know! ☺️
I got gifted a bath and body works candle for christmas and to my surprise it is made of soy wax. At least they're adjusting to customer feedback! I still do no purchase from them but that the fact that theyre soy now blew my mind.
For fabric softener you only need vinegar... It cares for your clothes as well for washing machine :) and it doesn't leave any smell as people think :)
It also takes any smells OUT of your clothes!
I got some sustainability items for Christmas! I was super excited. Now I have a compost pail, bamboo toothbrushes, cloth napkins. I do have 2 sets of sheets: one flannel and one regular
I've never really understood all the hassle with dryers. I've never owned one, my family never had one. I wouldn't even have room for one in my small apartment. I don't think it makes life thaaaat much easier anyway haha! That's also the reason why I own 2 sets of bedsheets, while the other ones are air drying, I use the second set. That's pretty much the only thing that not owning a dryer affects. (plus on the topic of fabric softener; there's no point in it, you can actually do more harm for your clothes/textiles with it.)
Tau where do you have room to hang all your clothes?? confused american lol
@@magicme39 the drying rack doesn't take that much space, and I can just have it in the bathroom or balcony or basically wherever it fits. Of course it might be annoying to have one around but usually stuff dries over night so I can just fold it up the next day.
@@magicme39 I think it makes s huge difference to have a 1 square meter dryer standing in my home all the time or using a 2 square meter drying rack once a week for a day. Besides the drying rack costs around 20€ once, while the dryer is more expensive in the purchase and in the long run. Maybe you can find a used one Craigslist and give it a try. :)
The second set of sheets is definitely a contentious one because here in the UK, no one really has dryers - everything is air dried on a rack. Unless I want to sleep on damp, smelly sheets, a second set is a must. It brings up the question of what is more sustainable (or at least, less damaging) - a dryer or a second set of sheets?
I try to not get to go cups anymore. If I'm out and about I try to have my own drink with me. It's not just the plastic straws that are harmful, but the cups and lids too. If I go out to eat, I also try to remember to bring a container for leftovers so I dont have to get a styrofoam one. But I'm terrible at remembering them...
if you don't have a dryer (which is a good thing cause air drying your laundry uses no electricity and is better for your laundry), you definitely need 2 sets of bedding.
air drying usually takes a while, especially in the winter
My English teacher used to give my class 3-5 papers every lesson. So 25 ish kids gets 4 pieces of paper and we didn’t even use them. She told us to throw them away!
Also I can 100% recommend searching for cds in thrift stores. They usually have some green day and they are usually cheaper than new ones. Half of my cd collection is from thrift stores.
Love your channel! I am getting into this myself and I'm really curious about different sustainability philosophies.
Particularly-- how do you evaluate reusable plastic vs. biodegradable products to determine which is better?
RE: Plastic toothbrushes vs. bamboo/ parchment baking paper vs. reusable silicone pads.
I read that (surprisingly!) the cost of producing and washing a single ceramic cup everyday for a year vs. using disposable plastic cups can be offset by reusing the plastic cups 2-3 times each, and that plastic grocery bags are superior per-use in environmental cost to paper since paper requires more land-resources to create, and if the paper bag biodegrades without oxygen (in a landfill) it will release methane (much more toxic than CO2), vs. the plastic which is more easily recyclable and will not release greenhouse gases unless burned. SO fascinating!
I love the simplicity of "lower volume of trash is better" and biodegradable>plastic trash, but would LOVE a more in-depth analysis/conversation as well.
Why even use dryer balls? A drying rack is much better for your clothes and the environment.
Not when ur in the UK and your clothes smell of damp dog afterwards
Because she is "so american".
You guys insult me and assume I have no knowledge of other cultures. This is actually a tool I learned from living abroad for 5 years. It should work fine even in humidity if the heating is on inside your house.
@@LilacsAdore I refered to Sarah Hawkinson.
LilacsAdore literally no one insulted you lmao
At 5:00 you could wrap and intertwine string lights around it and hang it as a light! 😊
maybe shampoos and conditioners?? I just recently switched to a shampoo bar (two showers ago lol) but, it's worth trying!
i live in an apartment and have to drive to the laundromat so we have 2 things of sheets cuz it takes forever to actually go and do all our laundry and dirty sheets make me feel gross lol
haha well that’s a great reason to have a backup set!
Spare sheets are great when you want to switch up the colors or use a different material for each season. I’ll use warmer sheets during the winter and sheets that are thinner during the summer nights!
I think the metal icosahedron could look really cool if you have a very viney plant just grow all the way around it. But I do know that one of the ivies (English ivy I think?) is bad for cats so you probably have to be very careful about which one you pick.
Your geometric golden thing could be transformed in a light fixture. :) it would look beautiful and useful.
something ive heard for home decor is if you pick it up and it brings you a happy feeling - if you pick it up and feel nothing get rid of it
instead of dryer sheets [which contain wax and over time can damage your dryer and even your clothes] i do a second rinse cycle and add a cup of white vinegar to the cycle. for towels and blankets i usually do a cup and a half.
not only does it soften the fabric but it also kills any mildew smells, smoke smells, grease smells etc. works great if you work in fast food and you wanna get rid of that french fry grease stench! the vinegar smell goes away once the clothes dry if not sooner
I don't buy anything to dryer, we wash our hands with normal hard soap so we don't have any bottles ( they sell that soap in paper) but that bamboo toothbrushes is amazing I am gonna switch to that!!
I have more than two sheets. Too many times I don't get around to washing and drying my sheets on time. I have 3 cats, accidents happen, too many reasons to have more sheets.
I love these videos! I try to change my life with the things you teach. I’d love to see more of these!
I wish more influencers were encouraging this less wasteful lifestyle, it's so important
We stan a sustainable queen 🌼
Spare sheet is also good If you dont have a dryer. It takes at least 2-3 days before your clothes or sheets are dry. Hello from Europe, when we dont use dryer that much.
I don’t have a washer/dryer in my apartment so a back up set of sheets is a must have for emergencies.
The item from 4.49 can have many purposes. You can hang i from the ceiling or from a shelf if you don't want it to take up shelf space. But you can use it to hang your keys, jewelry, gloves, scarves or other small items that are easily lost. There ya go, a purpose for hat cool purposeless thing.
In Greece we don't have dryers we usually let our laundry dry outside so we need extra sheets, because usually and especially in winter they don't dry the same day.
Loving these minimalist/sustainable/money saving videos of yours! I'm working towards living more like that as well. Stopped buying plastic toothbrushes a while ago, and recently started using hand soap and hair conditioner bars instead of plastic bottles (tried a shampoo bar once, but it made my scalp really itchy. Planning on trying another one next time). Regular wrapping paper is also something I don't purchase anymore. I either use brown paper (they come with different designs as well, at least in Norway) or gift bags.
Birhday and christmas cards I really love, but only if they're either handmade or really personal. I make a lot of unique, personal cards for people in my life, and I do like recieving some as well. But that's just personal taste!
Could you add pegs, magnets or something to the metal hexagon to use it to show photos or postcards? Or put dangly earrings on it... or both! Not sure how it will look but might give it a purpose! If not a plant would look cute inside 🍃❤
Omg these are great ideas! I love the plant idea
I though about putting a candle inside it but the plant idea sounds so cute! love the thought that everything should serve a purpose, im going to use that fo my shopping.
@@rocioiribe5841 Thank you!xx
@@Sealprincess The candle would be so cute!xx
I am looking to get a hemp shower liner after the current liner I have gets gross. I think hemp is naturally mold resistant based on what I have read and its all natural (just dont get a bleached one!) Its more pricey but will pay for itself in about a year or two depending on how often you would replace the PVC counterpart.
also about the candles: regular candles are made out of parrafine, which is made of oil!
please be aware that shopping via amazon is by no means sustainable or good for the environment OR ethical.
Progress not perfection.
Sussanne Randall lol bye. it’s really, REALLY easy to not use amazon, one of the most visibly unethical companies in existence at present
This annoys me so much as well! Apart from the sources and make of their products ofc, I recently watched a documentary about how they extract wealth from the areas where they sell and set up distribution centers, next to having very little arrangements for their employees. Since watching that, the sentence "I got it from Amazon" gives me shudders
@@0ROX0ful Which documentary is this? I'm interested in watching.
@@0ROX0ful Yes, what is this documentary called?
If you compost you should look up compostable sandwich bags! You can wash and reuse them a lot and once you’re done just throw them in a compost pile
Fantastic video, its made me think about a lot of things. In the uk, we brought in paying for bags and theyre considering putting up the price so we think about it more! Also, on the hairdryer thing, ive had mine for just over ten years. Theres nothing wrong with it so ive never decided to by a new one just so it "new". Ive also decided to switch over to 2nd hand clothing after the new year, never minded it so thought I might as well make a complete switch! :D
I have to have spare linen. I live in a city with 70% average humidity and no dryer. Dyers take up space both in your home and then also in the landfill every 5 years because that's how long appliances seem to last and ware your clothes down. I do cut my old sheets up and use as cloths
I throw my plastic shower curtain in the washer with some white vinegar and comes out like new
Something I recently got into are reusable produce bags. Absolute game changer!
I use Lubriderm with sunscreen for my whole body, hands and face! I also keep Hempz lotion in my purse for on the go which is a good cruelty free and vegan option.
loved this video! planning on moving out in a year or so and i’ll definitely keep this stuff in mind! also i absolutely love your aesthetic it’s lovely💕
Plastic shower curtains: mine is plastic, I have a designated shower curtain scrubber. Yes, my curtain gets gross so I just scrub it clean with some vinegar water with a bit of essential oils. Works fine. I’ve also heard you can in fact out a plastic shower curtain in the washing machine. Not the dryer
Also just google where you can recycle batteries and old electronics. Don’t throw them in the garbage omg it’s so bad. Think about the little animals in landfills who eat the batteries ; _ ;
We have two sets of sheets because one is flannel for winter/fall and the other is like a linen for summer/spring.
i like the ideas that you've mentioned! very refreshing and down-to-earth personality you have :) def added rechargeable batteries on my list
Nothing is biodegradable when it's in a plastic trash bag. We can't throw our trash on the ground because it's marketed as biodegradable and if it's not something that can be recycled, it will need to be put in a trash bag and taken to a landfill unless you want it piling up inside your home. Some trash collecting companies won't take waste that is not safely bagged meaning it cannot be leaking or spilling out and most likely will need to be in a plastic trash bag. If you produce waste (we all do) it has to be disposed of. I commend you for your efforts to reduce and reuse, I make every effort to do the same. In reality we will have waste that has to be dealt with on a day to day bases and in hindsight, we all know it's too little too late. Humans are a dying species and waste is at the top of our disease list.
I feel like that random gold geometric thing could be turned into a cool hanging light fixture!
as a student who is trying to learn how to budget and become more sustainable etc, i really appreciate this kind of content 💗
I have backup sheets because most apartments in Germany don't have a dryer, so you hang your laundry to dry. This means I can't make my bed the same day with the sheets I just washed, because they'd be wet!
Also every so often one of my cats stress-pees, and sometimes she does it on my bed. I have a waterproof protective cover over my mattress, but obviously the sheets would need to be washed immediately and... yeah.
Omg the “home decor that doesn’t serve a purpose” YES! we have a fairly small house and it just felt so cluttered. Donated so much and then promised myself all of my “decor” has to serve a purpose. For example I wanted to hang things on my walls in my kitchen. Now there’s a cute sign with hooks that holds my pans 😂 and a wire basket shelf that holds my produce. It makes so much more sense!
When I lived with my family, we had many sheets and other bedware, which served us for a very long time, and if they became too old, they still could be cut in peaces and used for cleaning etc. Now I live alone and have two-three sheets and only one bedwary set, but I do change (therefore throw out) them from time to time as they just become old of everyday use.
We have an extra pair of sheets in our houshold because we don't have a dryer, we air-dry the laundry, and let me tell you, it takes at least a day and a half where I live to have the sheets completely dry.
Love this! I definitely need to change to a cloth shower curtain. I feel like the plastic ones look dirty so quickly too.
Something that I never realised was so wasteful was shampoo & conditioner and body wash in bottles! One day it just dawned on me, it sounds dumb I know. Just how plastic is so common and not even thought about is really scary. I’ve since switched to shampoo bars (you don’t even need conditioner! If you think you do, you can buy conditioner bars or just put some oil through your ends) a bulk food store in my area sells them and they’re vegan too. I also now use regular old soap bars. You can find great ones nowadays. I assume most shampoo bars are safe for coloured hair, too. My hair is pink and it’s fine. There’s nothing bad in them that would ruin your colour! ❤️
I use parchment paper from the brand if you care, and it's fully compostable. I prefer that because it's biodegradable, which silicone isn't. But either way you are producing waste so probably the best option would be to use nothing and just bake things straight onto a metal/glass/ceramic tray. I am also cutting as much out as I can. Now most of my bathroom items are solid and packaging free. I have a soap bar, shampoo + conditioner bar, deodorant bar, lotion bar, and a cleanser bar. It's mostly from Lush but I'm sure there are plenty of other brands that do that :) But I never even thought about the fabric softener, i've just been blindly using it all these years but I think i'll start going without it and also doing as much air drying as possible to save energy :) Great tips!
I haven't done it myself yet, but if you like liquid soap you can buy a bar of soap and boil it with some water :) there are tutorials online
lol, or you could buy a big container of liquid soap. Bar soap comes in a box as well.
@@monicaheartsgypsy7877 but most soap bars come in a cardcoard box an liquid soap mostly in plastic
@@FritziWagenrad when you make the liquid soap you have to put it in plastic anyway.. Sorry, I'm being nitpicky, it's a cool idea.
@@FritziWagenrad And in lush there is bar soap and shampoo that has zero packaging so I can see how that could be useful
@@monicaheartsgypsy7877 It's okay if you question things. I'm just trying to spread some hopefully helpfull ideas :) you can put your selfmade liquid soap in a glas jar lika the one she showed in the video. Or you can reuse an old bottle you have at home. It's not about having no plastic in your home, but more about not buying new plastic that gets thrown away after one use :)
I would be very interested in a video about all the changes you are thinking about making in the future! Great video xo
I think having at least one backup product is ok because I find that the same product one buys goes up in price next time you need to buy it.
Two sets of sheets because I'm at uni and don't have a tumble dryer! So I have to leave them out to dry in the air, and this usually takes more than a day so I throw the dirty ones in the wash in the morning, come back at lunch, hang them up, then in the evening I put on the other sheets and then the next day I'll fold up and put away the now clean sheets.
For my sheets I wash them and replace them the same day, but I do have some old sheets from my childhood that I use when that time of the month comes just in case :)
I started working at bath and body works this year and a little resolution of mine is to not buy anything from the store!! When I started I got caught up in sales and bought way too much, definitely won’t need to restock this year
Thank you SO MUCH for mentioning purpose in relation to decor. I don't own any decor (I move way too much to own any). The only "decor" I own is a tiny homemade painting that a friend did for me. It's lightweight and even if I move via taking an airplane I can take it because it doesn't take up a lot of space and weight. There are so many decorative items out there that collect nothing but dust - I am all for function over fashion! :)
Some people have spare sets of sheets because they don't have the means to wash and dry them all in one day, or the time. I'm a student with only a washing machine and no dryer or heating in the cold winter my sheets take days to dry. I also work nights so even if my sheets do manage to dry I don't want to be remaking my bed before I can get in it at 3am.
I have a few sets of bedding because I don't want to wash them once a week, running a half-filled washing machine. I'm pretty sure having several bedding options is really common where I come from (Denmark)
I get where you are coming from for most of the listed things. I don't know if it's really related to culture or not but here in europe most of the households don't own a dryer because we air-dry our chlothes which also applies to bed sheets. So owning two or several sets of bed sheets just makes more sense for me (also because I don't really have something to put over my bed at day, I like to change the colour or pattern sometimes. But at this point it's more of a personal opinion :)) Aaaaanyways I've been really enjoying your content and I loooove your aesthetic.
Love from Austria
Usb charging instead of batteries
Glass, wood, metal (and others) instead of plastic
DIY multipurpose skin products and detergents that you can store
DIY or second hand gifting
THRIFT LIFE
Buy refillables
Food that are not in plastic packages when single ones are available
Etc....
Extra bed sheets are good to have if you want to air-dry them, and not use the dryer which unnecessarily uses a lot of energy
Great recommendations about bar soap with less packaging!! This can also be applied to shampoo and conditioner. I am new to reducing waste, so the only company I know of to find bar shampoo and conditioner is Lush, which is expensive, but offer many kinds of shampoo and conditioners in bar form that are package free and really high quality!! I love this discussion so much!! Thank you for bringing attention to this Sarah!!!
5:00 You could put a plant in there. Air plant would fit.
having a spare set of sheets is necessary if you live in a cold, damp country where most houses/flats don't have tumble dryers - it takes at least 4 hours for my sheets to dry while draped over a bannister or door. just fyi
i dont have a dryer, so i need backup sheets
You can also just hang out your clothes, it saves energy, money, and your clothes smell amazing 😉
@@tinybarabo i do that, how would my clothes ever dry otherwise? 😂
Haha same
For a lot of things she talks about, like the soap containers and straws, I just reuse the plastic ones that I already have. This is just something I started doing because I'm poor.. I wash plastic straws and plastic spoons until they fall apart. Also, for water bottles I saved some glass bottles like snapple.
there is also cruelty free wool and eci friendly leather made coming from the meat industry for anyone who is not that strict i wanted to let you know
yes! I try to live cruelty-free, so when I wanted a pair of shearling slippers I bought some from a company in the UK that makes them out of discarded skins that come from the meat industry. I'd rather it be used than go to waste!
In the UK people often don't have room for a dryer so extra sheets are needed for when the other are dying...
you can use that hexagonal home decoration thing for jewelry, especially bigger earings :) or necklaces I guess