I am so sorry I forgot to mention this but in honor of this situation & Earth Day I wrote a guide + made a video about how to write to businesses & our representatives! Hope it helps! www.shelbizleee.com/change
I love how you obsessively go into the nitty gritty on if something is really sustainable from production to sale of the product. I would love to see you do a video on regenerative agriculture and the Regenerative Organic Certification (i believe its still in the pilot program or just finished the pilot program) that Dr. Bronners is involved in.
This is all great and I agree with what you’ve said and it really hit me, if we boycott in silence, do they even know? Food for thought. Maybe, brands that might be good but may compete could get a blog mention? Or be on a list? Like, I decided to branch out and try another bamboo tp besides wgac because I love wgac but my husband wasn’t sure so we tried no. 2. We decided we like wgac better, together, and that was valuable. (Still don’t like their paper towels though we try to use dish towels and cloth towels and euro towels and compostable sponges more...) Great video! I love seeing how much you’ve grown in this channel and your thought process because it’s real. It’s a journey we’re all on, just possibly different stages. Thank you for all you do. ❤️
Thanks for this resource Shelbi 🙏🏽 writing to brands is one thing I have learnt from u, I think it is such an important practice that as consumers I think needs to become more normalised
Wow! When I was watching the video I literally thought it would be so nice if there were some examples on how to write to companies etc 😳 You're the best!
I think they see it in the reduction of their sales. Report have clearly shown that the new consumers look for environmentally responsible companies and products. Most of them are not changing because of laws or for greenwashing, if they are changing (even a bit) is because they are noticing the shift in their consumers.
@@merrivideo True, but the message that they're being boycott isn't loud and clear. They get the idea that their products are not selling as much, but don't necessarily know why
That part really hit lol. I struggle with this all the time and have decided that even if I'm boycotting in silence I can be proud of my choices. And if I want to be less silent I can send the company email
Thank you for rejecting less-than-perfect sponsorships, it's a major factor of why I trust your channel so much and take your advice seriously, because I know you're not just trying to sell us something or building an entire video around the product you're trying to promote, that's also shady. Thank you Shelbi! One of the best channels on sustainability out there :)
I think as a consumer, we can support certain brands if they are trying to do good but they are not yet completely sustainable. But as an influencer, it is better to avoid sponsorships from such brands. I think one of the reasons we watch your channel is the complete trust you have built by being true to your words. 👍
totally agree! for example, i love how ikea has a lot of sustainable, affordable and accessible options (and also A LOT of vegan food in the restaurant, which they've only started doing because more and more people are buying it, and if no one buys because ikea as a brand is not fully sustainable, obviously they're not gonna continue). so i want to support them and show that there's a demand for those options, but i wouldn't accept a sponsorship from them.
I think there is benefit to doing videos that are more of a "If you can't get this particular product, consider that product instead" based on price and accessibility. Many people are interested in trying to incorporate sustainability into their every day lives and take pieces of your videos and use them to be the change they are capable of.
agreed - maybe a 'dupes' style video, or you collect suggestions of people's tried and true from the comments? This would especially help people in outside of the US as they (me) have a different selection of sustainable brands available to them
I just wanted to say that this is what influencers should be like. Like for real influencing people to do good things. Thank you so much for standing by in what you believe in and not swayed by the amount of money you could've made by partnering with these brands. 💚💚💚
I’d love to know what companies are doing to push sustainability, with the caveat that they aren’t wholly sustainable. I’ve worked in retail for years, and at the end of the day, those larger companies are a mix of people who care and don’t care. We vote with our dollars, and I feel like, a lot of the times, by ignoring the sustainability initiatives of these big companies, we’re voting 3rd party- all good and well symbolically, but not conducive to large-scale change, even if that change is a mixed bag.
Woah I am early for once... what a great video. I can't believe how many fast fashion companies got in touch with me for Earth month! What a joke! Love love love this Shelbi xxx
Love the interactions between you both. You're my favorite sustainability TH-camrs, and I can't believe how much I've learned from both of you. Thanks so much! And this video raised some really thoughtful questions about affordability and sustainability and how to drive companies towards better practices.
I'm making the transition to go as zero waste and minimalistic as possible. I've been using this channel to help fill in the gaps. Some of this I was already doing, but I honestly found the most plastic in my kitchen and bathroom.
As a Marketing major, it’s so difficult sometimes to learn about things that go against my own personal morals. However, as I’m minoring in Sustainability and hoping to get my master’s degree in Sustainability as well, I hope to one day work for a company that actually cares about it’s consumers and the environment.
@@jessonken2863 nonprofit marketing is definitely not perfect either. For example, I donate to a handful of environmental related non-profits regularly, however, most of these share your name/ address with other organizations. I think they make money from selling address lists. All but 1, to my knowledge, are opt out rather than opt in. This is a huge consumer privacy problem obviously, but besides that I receive SO MUCH mail from this, which is a huge waste of paper and sometimes plastic junk that organizations send too (which is especially ironic since these are environmental charities). To give you an idea, there’s approximately 10-15 charities I’ve donated to over the past 5 years or so, but at one point I was receiving mail from literally 100-150 different organizations (I tracked it). Trying to “unsubscribe “ and also get your name off all the lists is very difficult, time consuming, and untransparent. Over the past year, I’ve been working on this process steadily and I also moved about 6 months ago, so I receive much less mail now, but it makes me very untrusting of these organizations with my personal information. They are just as bad as for-profits in this regard.
This is definitely a nuanced topic, but i really appreciate how high your standards are when it comes to talking about a brand, and you always do a wonderful job of acknowledging that accessibility isn’t universal. I think emphasizing writing to brands is a better approach than maybe taking a sponsorship with a company you don’t fully feel good about. You’re doing great Shelbi!
I think a way to go about not being confusing could be to continue “rating” on the table you’ve made before different products/companies. This way, we know exactly what each brand is working on and what they can do better. Thank you for educating us!
Shelbi, this is THE reason I follow you and listen to you, because of your Integrity, your high standards and your fight for Truth and Transparency. You have helped me on my journey to change my life for the better. And I am one of your golden oldie subs. Love to you and the fam.
I think your new serie where you rate brands is answering the need to bring more visibility to brands that are doing good but not enough, for your standard. And it's clear enough to not get us confused
I rarely comment but I had to chime in: your integrity is inspirational! So many creators are willing to compromise on their values for a buck, or at least they are not transparent about why they do/don't support certain brands. Your willingness to be completely open about your thought process and your commitment to your values (and the planet!) is something I would love to see more of on TH-cam!
Another thing to think about (sorry if you brought this up later in the video, I'm on the IKEA section) is that someone may buy a lower quality item but look after it well, due to them having a low income and therefore it was manufactured not very sustainability but they are making sure it gets used as much as possible before it becomes landfill so that could be something to consider too. A lot of people don't look after things and they may buy a high quality, more sustainabile brand, but then not use for a long time, maybe dispose of it in an unsustainable way etc. Therefore the person who didn't actually set out with a sustainable goal has actually got a more sustainable lifestyle despite that not necessarily being their intention if that makes sense? They don't have the money so they value the things they do buy. Not saying everyone who doesn't have a high income is sustainable and everyone who has a high income isn't but it's something I think about. Love you, your earth day talks were great! I asked the Unilever question, been a subscriber for over a year now, changed my life ❤️
I feel similarly! I purchased a dining set I adore (color, size, construction) from them and I know I will cherish it for decades. I tried to purchase something second hand in my area, but I don't have a car and no one from FB Marketplace, OfferUp etc would deliver. New to the city, so no friends to ask either. I have made peace with my choice, because it was right for me.
I agree with your sentiment about care of items. I have a lot of IKEA furniture that I purchased as a college student. Is it lower quality? Yes. Have I taken care of it and kept them clean? Yes. My furniture is no way close to being worthy of a landfill. Even with a better income, I feel no need to replace anything for the sake of replacing it with sturdier or higher end furniture. I plan on owning and using the furniture until the end of its lifespan, as one should. (If not, I’ll give it away on an online marketplace) Honestly, the furniture is still as good as it was when I bought 10 years ago, so I assume it can hold up for another decent amount of time.
Yes! It's good to know people cherish things too because I know a lot of people either don't care or just go on a rant to say things are less quality than they used to be as that's focusing on something that isn't really in their control, who they purchase from is. When I moved out for the first time I had to get cheaper things but I looked after them and I plan to use them again the next time I move. Thanks for your reply :)
I agree my favorite sweater is from forever 21, I bought it in 2006 and it is still going strong. I always try to buy second hand or higher quality items as I’m privileged enough to afford it now, but growing up and until I finished grad school I had a very low income so we bought what we could and took great care of it. Case in point...the ikea bed frame my parents bought when we were around 10 still lives in their house..I’m almost 33 now.
@@krispy777 yes! This is the mindset everyone should have, so many people replace things when they have a higher income when really it's a waste because the items don't need replaced and a lot of people also don't want to take the time to sell it or give it away because they just want rid and it sucks :(
I feel like ikea is tricky because there are a lot of people who can’t afford sustainable furniture and don’t have time to search for/clean/repair second hand items. If you’re privileged enough to be able to buy sustainable brands that’s amazing but a lot of people can’t. There’s a lot of grey area
I see a lot of absolutist thinking in this niche, but at the end of the day, the important thing is to support companies/products and take actions that make us DO BETTER. You touched on this in the video: "the most sustainable option" may not be the best option for everyone for many different reasons, but we can all make changes in our lives to live more sustainable lives. Progress, not perfection. I enjoyed hearing you talk through this with us. Thanks Shelbi! 💕
There is a difference between supporting a brand by buying one product from them and advertising a brand in front of several hundred thousand people. It's crucial for her to be a lot more picky when doing the latter than when doing the former, and I am glad she is being picky.
About competitors, I think you should mention them, speak about why they're sustainable how they ship and what they cost, so that people can get a better picture of what's out there.
i don’t think i have ever realized the power my money has on businesses, when you mentioned that we can influence more sustainability in brands if we support the more sustainable options but also demanding more sustainability transparency. because living in central florida it’s hard for me to find brands to support but i hope this changes in the next few years
I admire how honest and open you are, you really set an example for "influencers" and the rest of us alike. Thank you so much for your dedication to your channel!
Suggestion: A video of "sustainable X at 3 price points" - if you can't afford much, do A or buy A; if you can afford a little more, do B or buy B; and if the sky's the limit, do C or buy C. That way you can highlight IKEA's sustainable line or the shampoo bars or whatever (even without partnering with them) as option As for college kids or low-income folks. One of the things I like the most about your channel is that you meet folks where they are - encouraging them to move toward sustainability where ever they can and not judging those things they can't do.
I’d love to see a “let’s do better” or “small changes for the planet” series! Highlight a brand that like you said may be more affordable/accessible that is making an effort but needs to do better! Positive reinforcement for the changes they have made and also open discussion on steps they could take next to continue improving with consumer motivation behind it. Giving focus to set brands to send positive and motivating feedback on their lines to make sustainable products the norm.
It does get confusing when the performative brands come out during earth month. I appreciate your honesty and high standards for what you choose to support. I enjoy when your create videos comparing the different options, such as shampoo bars. We still get the option to see what is out there and we know on paper it looked good or you wouldn't mention them in a video. As with anything, no one brand will work for everyone. Also, thank you for posting the link about how to write to businesses. It is something I have been wanting to do yet had no idea where to start.
As a subscriber I don't feel that sharing different brands of the same type of item is confusing for me. I personally want to have multiple sustainable options to choose from. So by having you share a few different deodorants that work well, would allow me to try them out and find out which one I personally like best. That goes for any item too. Hope this helps!
Yeah maybe you could do like a tiered review of sustainable brands like 1. Product I personally use 2. Product that's great but not my preference 3. Sustainable but wouldn't make my 1st choice because ..... Or something like that to keep things clear about what brands you support but also other brands that are sustainable
I’d like to hear a LOT more about different brands from you. I like Stasher and Native too but not everyone else does and they are going to need different option recommendations to try and figure out what will work for them. Plus I just like hearing your opinion on things in general because you are “no BS” and you just tell it like it is.
Love your transparency! Was heading to bed and I saw a notification for you new video so I had to watch! I have made so many changes since watching your channel. Some major ones are that I have stopped eating meat, I now buy in bulk where I can so there’s no packaging, I have unpaper towels and stasher bags and I just found out I have been accepted into the masters program for environmental sustainability and management at university! Thank you for all the effort you put into your content, love watching both your channels xx
I feel like you should do more sustainable brand sponsorships because competition between sustainable brands is better than box store brands dominating the market
I think it‘s easy to feel like sending an complaint or suggestion to a company won‘t make much of a difference. I‘ve been having this daydream of setting aside time each month to meet with friends and other activists for like a brunch and discussion/writing angry emails together session. I hope I can do something like that post covid :)
i definitely think you giving other options for products isn't "confusing" often times i would love multiple options especially in price so even if its not your highest rated product i can still be sustainable in small ways
As for working with competitors, I’d love to hear about more affordable products/companies even if they aren’t your #1 choice! You always are so clear about why you support or don’t support companies I think we all would understand where you are coming from 💛
That's how I've been trying to approach it with friends and coworkers. Different levels of sustainability based on different levels of disposable income. I'd love a list or link or chart from you to be able to send to them explaining it!
I totally get you not wanting to confuse us by talking about brands other than the ones you use in your daily life (like native), but as you mentioned accessibility is a huge factor in why so many people can't and don't choose more sustainable products etc. To find a middle ground, what if you began a series where you recommended different brands (for deodorant for example) that you think are worth supporting, but always preface them by saying that you use x brand? They could even be shorts/reels/tiktoks as it would allow more people to see them and (hopefully) wouldn't be as time consuming to produce? as always, I'm so appreciative of all the work you put into this channel and can't wait to see your next video!
I think we also need to talk more about the responsibility of the consumer to dispose of products sustainably. I've seen more and more content on youtube focusing on thrift hauls where TH-camrs are being "more sustainable" by purchasing second-hand in absurd amounts and then getting rid of those clothes and reselling constantly. What are the emissions of the re-sale market? What's happening to all these thrifted clothes? How is this affecting the cost of clothing for people who relied on this for their own clothes?
I havent been here for long, but i truly admire an influencer who respects their followers by not selling out. You literally chose us over money 🥺 thank you so much!!
I’m Irish, I’ve only ever been able to find 2 things you’ve mentioned (and I’ve been a viewer for years). I think blog posts or special stand alone videos on different items you approve of (e.g. sustainable deodorants) is the best bet.
There's another TH-camr who Shelbi has collaborated with who lives in the UK (Im blanking out on what her name is) and there's Gittermary who lives in Europe
I love the question of where the line is on this. First - you've pointed me in a MUCH more sustainable direction over the years. However some of your preferred things weren't in my price range so you saying something like "this is MY favorite, the company is great, the quality is great, this works for ME... but this other thing is also another great option" has always been helpful. Those comments gave me options that were better than I was currently doing and then when I could save up or had access to some of your faves I knew about them already.
Sometimes it's just about looking around you. In my search for a shampoo bar (éthique and such) I found a local shop that handmade shampoo bar. Such a nice surprise, and way more affordable!
Love this conversation and how you touched upon the nuances. One of the issues with a lot of the current"zero-waste" products is that they have low brand visibility/awareness. Like, I only learned about things like shampoo bars, refillable bathroom cleaners, and Stasher bags in the past year through your and similar YT channels. I found most of these products through not-widely-known online stores. Up until then, I bought whatever I saw in Target/CVS like most people. If a lot of the mainstream brands found in Target/CVS start coming out with plastic-free stuff, like cleaning tablets, shampoo bars, bamboo toothbrushes etc, I consider that a win.
Happy Earth Month! This year I was able to get a few people to actually sit down and watch a few of your videos! Hoping they are inspired to make a few small but meaningful changes in their lives.
Re: the IKEA discussion, it is so interesting to try to discern what market displacement is happening with a new sustainable line. Like are they displacing other better sustainable options in the market, or are they displacing worse options? This question is important for literally every single semi-sustainable product imo, and it is different for each market and so so complex
LOVE this discourse! Also - the fact that you are so particular about who you partner with makes me trust what you share even more. Thanks for always doing research and sharing what brands are actually doing the work!
I LOVE this topic! I’ve definitely purchased less than “perfect” sustainable products (like the Dove stainless steel deodorants) just to show there’s a consumer drive for change. But I’m also not an influencer, with people trying to learn how to do the correct decision from my purchases and sponsorships. Maybe a “Good, Better, Best” series would be an opportunity to explore alternatives from the absolute correct answer.
I was looking for a desk and I almost bought one from ikea but luckily it was out of stock. I ended up taking an old desk from my grandpa's house and repainting it so I'm using that now.
I love your videos so much. Since I’ve started watching your videos, you have really provoked a lot of thought in how I can live a more sustainable lifestyle and what it means to live sustainably. You are so true to the sustainable lifestyle and what brands you like and choose to support.
I think, to simply mention brand programs/products that are a solid attempt at thoughtful sustainability you like is a great way to toe that line. That way you're not advocating for an unsustainable brand but applauding a good sustainable product/program of that brand and essentially telling that brand "Hey, we see you. We like this. There's room for improvement so keep it up." For the brand, you essentially direct and inform subscribers of programs you personally like which in turn is free advertising for a program/product you like. Hopefully, more purchases in that program/product would mean the brand answers with more sustainable initiatives.
Thank you for addressing this issue. The struggle between ethical choices and budgeting decisions has definitely been a difficult issue for us to figure out. I totally understand wanting to be loyal to the brands you believe in, but I think you can still talk about other brands to help viewers decide what’s best for their context without giving up that loyalty. Just my opinion 😀 Thank you for not giving in to the temptation of money and being willing to go without so that your viewers can have an honest view of brands.
I have thought about this question often. As a single parent who has to balance both what we can afford, what will last/ quality and what is a better sustainable item, it can get tricky. I understand you not wanted to personally benefit financially from a company that doesn’t align w/ you values all the way. I think havering videos and conversation like this is what is helpful. I personally have gotten into the habit of reaching out to companies that I’ve purchased an item from their “eco friendly” line saying I am in support of large companies transforming into more ethical and sustainable brands.
You certainly give us a lot to think about! My concern is that “green” and “sustainable” is the next new marketing ploy and we get sucked in! How many people actually do the research? You of course thankfully and you have mad research skills.. believe me I try but you ferret out much better info. I like the idea of purchasing a more sustainable item from a company and then contacting them with encouragement! And even if people DO purchase a sustainable item from a not so sustainable company, but it’s what they can afford AND then they contact the company it’s a start. Many of the items from great sustainable companies are super expensive.. we understand why, but people with less disposable income have to make choices. Once they realize that reduce, reuse, repurpose is beneficial to their income it’ll be great! We all have to do our part to, with respect and caring, EDUCATE! Thanks for another great video! ❤️
Thank you for all your informational video about sustainability! You have been a great resource to watch since the beginning of my sustainability journey.
I would love to see more deodorants and stuff! We know which ones you like, it maybe you could make “hyram style” video, where you talk about just deodorants or hygiene products that are sustainable but also mention which ones you personally use. I live in Europe and most things you talk about I don’t have access too, I’m trying my best over here but would love your tips as well!
IKEA is actually a little unique as “fast” products go, since some of their items have a cult following among interior decorators (for the design and not only because they are cheaper versions of pricier designer pieces). They aren’t making their money off those few iconic IKEA items, of course, but the hundreds of other cheaply made ones meant to be disposable. But it’s still an interesting distinction. I don’t know any stylists that swear by a particular Forever 21 graphic tee lol. Great video. These are definitely all good questions worth discussing,p. ❤️
I absolutely loved this video. I really appreciate the honesty. I thought maybe something that would be cool is if u talk about sustainability at different price points, because u do make a point that a lot of sustainable brands are expensive, and the un-sustainable brands that are trying to do sustainable initiatives are affordable. I think it would be helpful to learn how to analyze a brand to see if their sustainability initiative is real, and not just a temporary thing for marketing points.
You preach for transparency from brands and here you are- working on practicing what you preach. I also appreciate that you are not just bringing awareness (which is important, but to me people are willing to help bring awareness and stop at that) but also giving resources/links. Thank you!
Your ability to differentiate a sustainable brand from a sustainable initiative run by a non sustainable brand is one of the reasons why you are my favourite TH-camr. I have seen some other sustainable influencers support brands that own plant based products but that are owned by large unsustainable companies and whilst I agree that we do need to support big brands developing sustainable products it’s not something that I expect from influencers with a sustainable focus without them highlighting it.
Thank you for not shaming people for not shopping the best based on finances. I love that you're opening this dialogue so that consumers can grow and do better, and that we can have ultimate goals when the resources are available. It's important to understand that we should be intentional at all levels of cost and interest.
This is awesome - thank you so much for honestly discussing your thought process like this! I am interested in writing letters to companies to encourage sustainable practices, but I have no idea how to start and the process honestly seems a bit daunting. Would you ever consider making a video outlining what would be effective for us as consumers to write in a letter like that?
I cannot explain how you have helped me so much (as well as your other sustainable friends). I’m starting to compost now in an apartment!! I’m so excited for sprouts to go back to bulk bins though because I hate the plastic 🥺 Love this video, the channels, and all the solid information you bring to the table. I feel like I learn something every time I watch you.
I think there's a new Playlist!👀 (greenwashing or progress) I think you are amazing at delivering information and really breaking it down for others to understand. Therefore a greenwashing or progress Playlist would allow other to make the choice with your videos. Doing a review of the sustainable line from ikea and then the brand as a whole would gives so much clarity. For people starting out or with little accessibility it would help so much! If your a pro sustainability imagine beginners trying to make the decision. 🥰 hope you see this. Thank you for your constant amazing content ❤
Well, I think what you are doing rn it's a good way to talk about specific brands without having to rely on their income. Talking about Ikea because it's the one I'm most familiar with, I think you've been pretty fair talking about them as a "fast furniture" company but at the same time you show us how accesibility is important, and how they can be a posible solution to it in terms of a wide audience knowing things can be different.
I really appreciate that you've got such a detailed screening process and that you're bringing up all the points rather than just saying no they suck! Really makes me think more!
This is a great conversation. I am personally slowly working to become more sustainable. Living in a small area with having low money I always felt like I couldn’t afford or have access to sustainable things. It’s really hard to not be tricked by companies are being performative. I trust you and what you promote. Thanks for putting so much thought into this.
I feel you really articulated the nuances of this discussion well. It's hard to know when to support a business' efforts to be more sustainable versus holding out for "true" sustainability. Like you said, it gets even more difficult when cost and accessibility come into play. I really appreciate channels like yours parsing out the details and giving the real tea on these brands!
One idea for talking about alternatives to your favorite brands would be writing blog posts (or making videos) explaining other alternatives to your favorite brand and why you still recommend them, but also what makes your favorite brand better. That way, alternatives that are more accessible to someone can be chosen over non-sustainable options!
For someone like me who is new to a sustainable lifestyle and doing my best to make changes, this really helps! Your channel is amazing & has opened my eyes to so many things I wasn’t aware of! I’m a new mom and the world I want for my daughter is one I’m trying to create & implement through everyday choices like this. So thank you so much for making this video!
This might have already been done and may sound dumb, but I think what may help is a "Sustainable Thinking' series where you talk through your thought process for different types of brands and things. Very similar to this video in how you spoke about your thought process for partnerships. Some potential ideas, sustainable thinking for cars, food, agriculture, clothing, bank ( know you did this one), furniture, pets, and I'm sure there is more. My thought here is that it would be more directional so rather than just here is a sustainable practice it would be here is the general sustainable idea and different ways to go about it depending on your location and feasibility. I think this will allow a larger net to keep exploring these conversations.
I use a local meal delivery service. The meals are mostly pre cooked but she uses local seasonal produce as often as possible packages it in jars, lunchbox sized coolers and icepacks that get returned each week. I usually work when our farmers market is held so I feel so good being able to support local farmers and a local boss lady starting her own business.
I love this video. So honest! Sometimes, if I don’t want or have time to research a company, I just look at brands you support and go with them because I can trust that you have done the research in all aspects of their business. I have started emailing or reaching out via social media to companies about what I’d like to see. I just recently messaged wgac TP about wanting to see an unbleached bamboo tp, and a link to one brand that offers it. I just ordered my first box from them, so I’ll be good for a year or more. Lol
one of your best videos, ever. This is a very real conversation and so many gray areas. I guess we just have to muddle through for a while, before the water becomes clear and so does the answer.
I honestly would love you talking about these baby step companies. Where they are putting out these trail sustainable lines, please do videos about these products when you hear it. I live unbelievably remotely in the world and only has access to big box items - but knowing big boxes that have sustainable lines that I can buy from is great
That line is such a tricky one to figure out when and where to cross. I personally think small business, local, & second hand deserve more attention than big brands with small intentives. Bigger stores will notice market trends even if I'm purchasing from their smaller competitors.
I really like what you've been doing and have been sharing. I'm only a few months in and you make it a lot easier. I think when you talk about the whole process of an object, you get the point across as to what consumers should be looking for.
You talk about sustainability subjects very thoughtfully. You’re probably the most thoughtful and well spoken advocate for sustainability that I watch on TH-cam.
You know what I miss?... being able to take damaged appliances to machine shops and either having them repaired, or the shop breaking it down for parts. Maybe I am just old, but I definitely remember my dad taking me to shops like that and having things repaired or just giving the item to have the motor taken out or broken down for parts to be re-used. Does anyone know of companies that do this anymore/places where you can take items like this? I live in the Houston area, so if there are places that are local... I will certainly head there!
This is such a controversial topic but so good! We’re all in different places at a certain time. Different budgets, different priorities in life and all of this is where we need to decide what level of sustainability we can afford
I am so sorry I forgot to mention this but in honor of this situation & Earth Day I wrote a guide + made a video about how to write to businesses & our representatives!
Hope it helps!
www.shelbizleee.com/change
I love how you obsessively go into the nitty gritty on if something is really sustainable from production to sale of the product.
I would love to see you do a video on regenerative agriculture and the Regenerative Organic Certification (i believe its still in the pilot program or just finished the pilot program) that Dr. Bronners is involved in.
This is all great and I agree with what you’ve said and it really hit me, if we boycott in silence, do they even know? Food for thought.
Maybe, brands that might be good but may compete could get a blog mention? Or be on a list? Like, I decided to branch out and try another bamboo tp besides wgac because I love wgac but my husband wasn’t sure so we tried no. 2. We decided we like wgac better, together, and that was valuable. (Still don’t like their paper towels though we try to use dish towels and cloth towels and euro towels and compostable sponges more...)
Great video! I love seeing how much you’ve grown in this channel and your thought process because it’s real. It’s a journey we’re all on, just possibly different stages.
Thank you for all you do. ❤️
Thanks for this resource Shelbi 🙏🏽 writing to brands is one thing I have learnt from u, I think it is such an important practice that as consumers I think needs to become more normalised
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Wow! When I was watching the video I literally thought it would be so nice if there were some examples on how to write to companies etc 😳
You're the best!
“If we are boycotting in silence, how do they know we’re boycotting?”...that hit hard.
I think they see it in the reduction of their sales. Report have clearly shown that the new consumers look for environmentally responsible companies and products. Most of them are not changing because of laws or for greenwashing, if they are changing (even a bit) is because they are noticing the shift in their consumers.
@@merrivideo True, but the message that they're being boycott isn't loud and clear. They get the idea that their products are not selling as much, but don't necessarily know why
The question I'm sure a lot of us had in the back of our minds.
That part really hit lol. I struggle with this all the time and have decided that even if I'm boycotting in silence I can be proud of my choices. And if I want to be less silent I can send the company email
@@Diana8Matienzo Agree wholeheartedly, and I think that's what Shelbi is trying to say in the video.
Thank you for rejecting less-than-perfect sponsorships, it's a major factor of why I trust your channel so much and take your advice seriously, because I know you're not just trying to sell us something or building an entire video around the product you're trying to promote, that's also shady. Thank you Shelbi! One of the best channels on sustainability out there :)
I agree!!
I think as a consumer, we can support certain brands if they are trying to do good but they are not yet completely sustainable. But as an influencer, it is better to avoid sponsorships from such brands. I think one of the reasons we watch your channel is the complete trust you have built by being true to your words. 👍
Exactly!!
totally agree! for example, i love how ikea has a lot of sustainable, affordable and accessible options (and also A LOT of vegan food in the restaurant, which they've only started doing because more and more people are buying it, and if no one buys because ikea as a brand is not fully sustainable, obviously they're not gonna continue). so i want to support them and show that there's a demand for those options, but i wouldn't accept a sponsorship from them.
I think it's fine as long as she is allowed to make clear that she is just supporting the sustainable line and not the whole brand.
100% ! Great comment :)
I think there is benefit to doing videos that are more of a "If you can't get this particular product, consider that product instead" based on price and accessibility. Many people are interested in trying to incorporate sustainability into their every day lives and take pieces of your videos and use them to be the change they are capable of.
10000% agree! I typed out something similar but you put it so much more eloquently lol
Thirded! I don’t think such videos would confuse viewers at all, and could be very useful.
agreed - maybe a 'dupes' style video, or you collect suggestions of people's tried and true from the comments? This would especially help people in outside of the US as they (me) have a different selection of sustainable brands available to them
This!
I said the same thing but you worded it so much better
I just wanted to say that this is what influencers should be like. Like for real influencing people to do good things. Thank you so much for standing by in what you believe in and not swayed by the amount of money you could've made by partnering with these brands. 💚💚💚
YEs! I love this kind of convo! Thanks for talking about this!
I would love to see a collab here....
@@konzertina9685 SAAAAME!
Go off Levi
Good to see you here Levi!
I’d love to know what companies are doing to push sustainability, with the caveat that they aren’t wholly sustainable. I’ve worked in retail for years, and at the end of the day, those larger companies are a mix of people who care and don’t care. We vote with our dollars, and I feel like, a lot of the times, by ignoring the sustainability initiatives of these big companies, we’re voting 3rd party- all good and well symbolically, but not conducive to large-scale change, even if that change is a mixed bag.
DAMN, she is exposing all of the disingenuous brands who are sliding into her emails and speaking the truth. 🙌🏾🙌🏾
Woah I am early for once... what a great video. I can't believe how many fast fashion companies got in touch with me for Earth month! What a joke! Love love love this Shelbi xxx
Thank you for doing the right thing 💚💚💚 You guys are the best!
It has indeed been cringey! 😅 love you ❤️
Love the interactions between you both. You're my favorite sustainability TH-camrs, and I can't believe how much I've learned from both of you. Thanks so much! And this video raised some really thoughtful questions about affordability and sustainability and how to drive companies towards better practices.
I'm making the transition to go as zero waste and minimalistic as possible. I've been using this channel to help fill in the gaps.
Some of this I was already doing, but I honestly found the most plastic in my kitchen and bathroom.
@@weislang well said
As a Marketing major, it’s so difficult sometimes to learn about things that go against my own personal morals. However, as I’m minoring in Sustainability and hoping to get my master’s degree in Sustainability as well, I hope to one day work for a company that actually cares about it’s consumers and the environment.
This the reason I do nonprofit marketing!
I love this!!! Learn the rules before you break them. I study business for the very same reason
@@jessonken2863 nonprofit marketing is definitely not perfect either. For example, I donate to a handful of environmental related non-profits regularly, however, most of these share your name/ address with other organizations. I think they make money from selling address lists. All but 1, to my knowledge, are opt out rather than opt in. This is a huge consumer privacy problem obviously, but besides that I receive SO MUCH mail from this, which is a huge waste of paper and sometimes plastic junk that organizations send too (which is especially ironic since these are environmental charities). To give you an idea, there’s approximately 10-15 charities I’ve donated to over the past 5 years or so, but at one point I was receiving mail from literally 100-150 different organizations (I tracked it). Trying to “unsubscribe “ and also get your name off all the lists is very difficult, time consuming, and untransparent. Over the past year, I’ve been working on this process steadily and I also moved about 6 months ago, so I receive much less mail now, but it makes me very untrusting of these organizations with my personal information. They are just as bad as for-profits in this regard.
This is definitely a nuanced topic, but i really appreciate how high your standards are when it comes to talking about a brand, and you always do a wonderful job of acknowledging that accessibility isn’t universal. I think emphasizing writing to brands is a better approach than maybe taking a sponsorship with a company you don’t fully feel good about. You’re doing great Shelbi!
I think a way to go about not being confusing could be to continue “rating” on the table you’ve made before different products/companies. This way, we know exactly what each brand is working on and what they can do better. Thank you for educating us!
Shelbi, this is THE reason I follow you and listen to you, because of your Integrity, your high standards and your fight for Truth and Transparency. You have helped me on my journey to change my life for the better. And I am one of your golden oldie subs. Love to you and the fam.
I think your new serie where you rate brands is answering the need to bring more visibility to brands that are doing good but not enough, for your standard. And it's clear enough to not get us confused
I rarely comment but I had to chime in: your integrity is inspirational! So many creators are willing to compromise on their values for a buck, or at least they are not transparent about why they do/don't support certain brands. Your willingness to be completely open about your thought process and your commitment to your values (and the planet!) is something I would love to see more of on TH-cam!
Another thing to think about (sorry if you brought this up later in the video, I'm on the IKEA section) is that someone may buy a lower quality item but look after it well, due to them having a low income and therefore it was manufactured not very sustainability but they are making sure it gets used as much as possible before it becomes landfill so that could be something to consider too. A lot of people don't look after things and they may buy a high quality, more sustainabile brand, but then not use for a long time, maybe dispose of it in an unsustainable way etc. Therefore the person who didn't actually set out with a sustainable goal has actually got a more sustainable lifestyle despite that not necessarily being their intention if that makes sense? They don't have the money so they value the things they do buy. Not saying everyone who doesn't have a high income is sustainable and everyone who has a high income isn't but it's something I think about. Love you, your earth day talks were great! I asked the Unilever question, been a subscriber for over a year now, changed my life ❤️
I feel similarly! I purchased a dining set I adore (color, size, construction) from them and I know I will cherish it for decades. I tried to purchase something second hand in my area, but I don't have a car and no one from FB Marketplace, OfferUp etc would deliver. New to the city, so no friends to ask either. I have made peace with my choice, because it was right for me.
I agree with your sentiment about care of items. I have a lot of IKEA furniture that I purchased as a college student. Is it lower quality? Yes. Have I taken care of it and kept them clean? Yes. My furniture is no way close to being worthy of a landfill. Even with a better income, I feel no need to replace anything for the sake of replacing it with sturdier or higher end furniture. I plan on owning and using the furniture until the end of its lifespan, as one should. (If not, I’ll give it away on an online marketplace) Honestly, the furniture is still as good as it was when I bought 10 years ago, so I assume it can hold up for another decent amount of time.
Yes! It's good to know people cherish things too because I know a lot of people either don't care or just go on a rant to say things are less quality than they used to be as that's focusing on something that isn't really in their control, who they purchase from is. When I moved out for the first time I had to get cheaper things but I looked after them and I plan to use them again the next time I move. Thanks for your reply :)
I agree my favorite sweater is from forever 21, I bought it in 2006 and it is still going strong. I always try to buy second hand or higher quality items as I’m privileged enough to afford it now, but growing up and until I finished grad school I had a very low income so we bought what we could and took great care of it. Case in point...the ikea bed frame my parents bought when we were around 10 still lives in their house..I’m almost 33 now.
@@krispy777 yes! This is the mindset everyone should have, so many people replace things when they have a higher income when really it's a waste because the items don't need replaced and a lot of people also don't want to take the time to sell it or give it away because they just want rid and it sucks :(
the ikea portion of this chat- super insightful. thank you for making things inclusive and talking about the harder topics
Suggestion: a video solely for great sustainable brands you don’t personally regularly use.
I second this! I’d love to see more brands Shelbi approves of but doesn’t necessarily use
Agreed
Agreed!
Absolutely would love this
I feel like ikea is tricky because there are a lot of people who can’t afford sustainable furniture and don’t have time to search for/clean/repair second hand items. If you’re privileged enough to be able to buy sustainable brands that’s amazing but a lot of people can’t. There’s a lot of grey area
if you take care of your cheap things and have them for a long time, that is still more sustainable than constantly buying new sustainable pieces.
Sustainable furniture can be using a second hand piece that might not fit an aesthetic or design but cheaper even than IKEA.
I see a lot of absolutist thinking in this niche, but at the end of the day, the important thing is to support companies/products and take actions that make us DO BETTER. You touched on this in the video: "the most sustainable option" may not be the best option for everyone for many different reasons, but we can all make changes in our lives to live more sustainable lives. Progress, not perfection.
I enjoyed hearing you talk through this with us. Thanks Shelbi! 💕
There is a difference between supporting a brand by buying one product from them and advertising a brand in front of several hundred thousand people. It's crucial for her to be a lot more picky when doing the latter than when doing the former, and I am glad she is being picky.
It's refreshing to see someone walk through their thought process for sponsorships. Thanks for doing this
About competitors, I think you should mention them, speak about why they're sustainable how they ship and what they cost, so that people can get a better picture of what's out there.
Subscription boxes are the biggest waste of energy, resources, and money. I can’t handle it
Love the point about subscription boxes! I’ve never thought about how consumerist they are!
i don’t think i have ever realized the power my money has on businesses, when you mentioned that we can influence more sustainability in brands if we support the more sustainable options but also demanding more sustainability transparency. because living in central florida it’s hard for me to find brands to support but i hope this changes in the next few years
I admire how honest and open you are, you really set an example for "influencers" and the rest of us alike. Thank you so much for your dedication to your channel!
Since I’ve seen your channel, I see companies NOW as “You could do better, I’m not gonna buy you” rather than “You did your best”
Suggestion: A video of "sustainable X at 3 price points" - if you can't afford much, do A or buy A; if you can afford a little more, do B or buy B; and if the sky's the limit, do C or buy C.
That way you can highlight IKEA's sustainable line or the shampoo bars or whatever (even without partnering with them) as option As for college kids or low-income folks.
One of the things I like the most about your channel is that you meet folks where they are - encouraging them to move toward sustainability where ever they can and not judging those things they can't do.
I’d love to see a “let’s do better” or “small changes for the planet” series! Highlight a brand that like you said may be more affordable/accessible that is making an effort but needs to do better! Positive reinforcement for the changes they have made and also open discussion on steps they could take next to continue improving with consumer motivation behind it. Giving focus to set brands to send positive and motivating feedback on their lines to make sustainable products the norm.
It does get confusing when the performative brands come out during earth month. I appreciate your honesty and high standards for what you choose to support. I enjoy when your create videos comparing the different options, such as shampoo bars. We still get the option to see what is out there and we know on paper it looked good or you wouldn't mention them in a video. As with anything, no one brand will work for everyone. Also, thank you for posting the link about how to write to businesses. It is something I have been wanting to do yet had no idea where to start.
As a subscriber I don't feel that sharing different brands of the same type of item is confusing for me. I personally want to have multiple sustainable options to choose from. So by having you share a few different deodorants that work well, would allow me to try them out and find out which one I personally like best. That goes for any item too. Hope this helps!
Agree!
Yeah maybe you could do like a tiered review of sustainable brands like
1. Product I personally use
2. Product that's great but not my preference
3. Sustainable but wouldn't make my 1st choice because .....
Or something like that to keep things clear about what brands you support but also other brands that are sustainable
I’d like to hear a LOT more about different brands from you. I like Stasher and Native too but not everyone else does and they are going to need different option recommendations to try and figure out what will work for them. Plus I just like hearing your opinion on things in general because you are “no BS” and you just tell it like it is.
Love your transparency! Was heading to bed and I saw a notification for you new video so I had to watch! I have made so many changes since watching your channel. Some major ones are that I have stopped eating meat, I now buy in bulk where I can so there’s no packaging, I have unpaper towels and stasher bags and I just found out I have been accepted into the masters program for environmental sustainability and management at university! Thank you for all the effort you put into your content, love watching both your channels xx
Omg, congrats!
@@ireneewight8761 thank you xxx
Wow that's amazing! Congratulations!
@@raapyna8544 thank you!
I 100% agree on the subscription box thing, it seems so temping at first but then you're getting extra stuff you don't want plus the packaging!!
I feel like you should do more sustainable brand sponsorships because competition between sustainable brands is better than box store brands dominating the market
I think it‘s easy to feel like sending an complaint or suggestion to a company won‘t make much of a difference. I‘ve been having this daydream of setting aside time each month to meet with friends and other activists for like a brunch and discussion/writing angry emails together session. I hope I can do something like that post covid :)
If you ever do it virtually, I would love to join!
i definitely think you giving other options for products isn't "confusing" often times i would love multiple options especially in price so even if its not your highest rated product i can still be sustainable in small ways
As for working with competitors, I’d love to hear about more affordable products/companies even if they aren’t your #1 choice! You always are so clear about why you support or don’t support companies I think we all would understand where you are coming from 💛
Exactly what I was thinking!
I think making a sustainability for different budgets video could give you an opportunity to shout out multiple brands of different accessibilities
That's how I've been trying to approach it with friends and coworkers. Different levels of sustainability based on different levels of disposable income. I'd love a list or link or chart from you to be able to send to them explaining it!
please!
Agreeeeed!
I totally get you not wanting to confuse us by talking about brands other than the ones you use in your daily life (like native), but as you mentioned accessibility is a huge factor in why so many people can't and don't choose more sustainable products etc. To find a middle ground, what if you began a series where you recommended different brands (for deodorant for example) that you think are worth supporting, but always preface them by saying that you use x brand? They could even be shorts/reels/tiktoks as it would allow more people to see them and (hopefully) wouldn't be as time consuming to produce?
as always, I'm so appreciative of all the work you put into this channel and can't wait to see your next video!
I think we also need to talk more about the responsibility of the consumer to dispose of products sustainably. I've seen more and more content on youtube focusing on thrift hauls where TH-camrs are being "more sustainable" by purchasing second-hand in absurd amounts and then getting rid of those clothes and reselling constantly. What are the emissions of the re-sale market? What's happening to all these thrifted clothes? How is this affecting the cost of clothing for people who relied on this for their own clothes?
That title got me, here a bit earlier then usual lol
Same!
I havent been here for long, but i truly admire an influencer who respects their followers by not selling out. You literally chose us over money 🥺 thank you so much!!
I’m Irish, I’ve only ever been able to find 2 things you’ve mentioned (and I’ve been a viewer for years). I think blog posts or special stand alone videos on different items you approve of (e.g. sustainable deodorants) is the best bet.
There's another TH-camr who Shelbi has collaborated with who lives in the UK (Im blanking out on what her name is) and there's Gittermary who lives in Europe
I love the question of where the line is on this. First - you've pointed me in a MUCH more sustainable direction over the years. However some of your preferred things weren't in my price range so you saying something like "this is MY favorite, the company is great, the quality is great, this works for ME... but this other thing is also another great option" has always been helpful. Those comments gave me options that were better than I was currently doing and then when I could save up or had access to some of your faves I knew about them already.
Sometimes it's just about looking around you. In my search for a shampoo bar (éthique and such) I found a local shop that handmade shampoo bar. Such a nice surprise, and way more affordable!
How cool!
Love this conversation and how you touched upon the nuances. One of the issues with a lot of the current"zero-waste" products is that they have low brand visibility/awareness. Like, I only learned about things like shampoo bars, refillable bathroom cleaners, and Stasher bags in the past year through your and similar YT channels. I found most of these products through not-widely-known online stores. Up until then, I bought whatever I saw in Target/CVS like most people. If a lot of the mainstream brands found in Target/CVS start coming out with plastic-free stuff, like cleaning tablets, shampoo bars, bamboo toothbrushes etc, I consider that a win.
Happy Earth Month! This year I was able to get a few people to actually sit down and watch a few of your videos! Hoping they are inspired to make a few small but meaningful changes in their lives.
Re: the IKEA discussion, it is so interesting to try to discern what market displacement is happening with a new sustainable line. Like are they displacing other better sustainable options in the market, or are they displacing worse options? This question is important for literally every single semi-sustainable product imo, and it is different for each market and so so complex
One of the reasons I watch your videos is because you are honest and show integrity. Thank you for your honesty.
LOVE this discourse! Also - the fact that you are so particular about who you partner with makes me trust what you share even more. Thanks for always doing research and sharing what brands are actually doing the work!
I LOVE this topic! I’ve definitely purchased less than “perfect” sustainable products (like the Dove stainless steel deodorants) just to show there’s a consumer drive for change. But I’m also not an influencer, with people trying to learn how to do the correct decision from my purchases and sponsorships. Maybe a “Good, Better, Best” series would be an opportunity to explore alternatives from the absolute correct answer.
I was looking for a desk and I almost bought one from ikea but luckily it was out of stock. I ended up taking an old desk from my grandpa's house and repainting it so I'm using that now.
Cool! I also got an old table at our house for a desk.
I love your videos so much. Since I’ve started watching your videos, you have really provoked a lot of thought in how I can live a more sustainable lifestyle and what it means to live sustainably. You are so true to the sustainable lifestyle and what brands you like and choose to support.
I think, to simply mention brand programs/products that are a solid attempt at thoughtful sustainability you like is a great way to toe that line. That way you're not advocating for an unsustainable brand but applauding a good sustainable product/program of that brand and essentially telling that brand "Hey, we see you. We like this. There's room for improvement so keep it up." For the brand, you essentially direct and inform subscribers of programs you personally like which in turn is free advertising for a program/product you like. Hopefully, more purchases in that program/product would mean the brand answers with more sustainable initiatives.
Thank you for addressing this issue. The struggle between ethical choices and budgeting decisions has definitely been a difficult issue for us to figure out. I totally understand wanting to be loyal to the brands you believe in, but I think you can still talk about other brands to help viewers decide what’s best for their context without giving up that loyalty. Just my opinion 😀 Thank you for not giving in to the temptation of money and being willing to go without so that your viewers can have an honest view of brands.
I have thought about this question often. As a single parent who has to balance both what we can afford, what will last/ quality and what is a better sustainable item, it can get tricky. I understand you not wanted to personally benefit financially from a company that doesn’t align w/ you values all the way. I think havering videos and conversation like this is what is helpful.
I personally have gotten into the habit of reaching out to companies that I’ve purchased an item from their “eco friendly” line saying I am in support of large companies transforming into more ethical and sustainable brands.
You certainly give us a lot to think about! My concern is that “green” and “sustainable” is the next new marketing ploy and we get sucked in! How many people actually do the research? You of course thankfully and you have mad research skills.. believe me I try but you ferret out much better info. I like the idea of purchasing a more sustainable item from a company and then contacting them with encouragement! And even if people DO purchase a sustainable item from a not so sustainable company, but it’s what they can afford AND then they contact the company it’s a start. Many of the items from great sustainable companies are super expensive.. we understand why, but people with less disposable income have to make choices. Once they realize that reduce, reuse, repurpose is beneficial to their income it’ll be great! We all have to do our part to, with respect and caring, EDUCATE! Thanks for another great video! ❤️
Your point at 14:00, maybe you can make a “best of” video to mention a variety of brands you like with different accessibility.
Thank you for all your informational video about sustainability! You have been a great resource to watch since the beginning of my sustainability journey.
I would love to see more deodorants and stuff! We know which ones you like, it maybe you could make “hyram style” video, where you talk about just deodorants or hygiene products that are sustainable but also mention which ones you personally use. I live in Europe and most things you talk about I don’t have access too, I’m trying my best over here but would love your tips as well!
She uses the package free native deodorant something she swears by.
I love how transparent you are about how you rate things! It's really helped me find more brands I want to support and can afford.
IKEA is actually a little unique as “fast” products go, since some of their items have a cult following among interior decorators (for the design and not only because they are cheaper versions of pricier designer pieces). They aren’t making their money off those few iconic IKEA items, of course, but the hundreds of other cheaply made ones meant to be disposable. But it’s still an interesting distinction. I don’t know any stylists that swear by a particular Forever 21 graphic tee lol. Great video. These are definitely all good questions worth discussing,p. ❤️
I had you in my head when I decided not to get a Causebox. I want a couple things, but not all of it.
Thank you for not selling out and being honest. It’s so hard to sort through who we can trust and I REALLY, TRULY appreciate that I can trust you.
I absolutely loved this video. I really appreciate the honesty. I thought maybe something that would be cool is if u talk about sustainability at different price points, because u do make a point that a lot of sustainable brands are expensive, and the un-sustainable brands that are trying to do sustainable initiatives are affordable. I think it would be helpful to learn how to analyze a brand to see if their sustainability initiative is real, and not just a temporary thing for marketing points.
You preach for transparency from brands and here you are- working on practicing what you preach. I also appreciate that you are not just bringing awareness (which is important, but to me people are willing to help bring awareness and stop at that) but also giving resources/links.
Thank you!
Your ability to differentiate a sustainable brand from a sustainable initiative run by a non sustainable brand is one of the reasons why you are my favourite TH-camr. I have seen some other sustainable influencers support brands that own plant based products but that are owned by large unsustainable companies and whilst I agree that we do need to support big brands developing sustainable products it’s not something that I expect from influencers with a sustainable focus without them highlighting it.
Your consistency is what I love about your channel. I feel like I can trust you more than others that flip flop brands all the time.
Thank you for not shaming people for not shopping the best based on finances. I love that you're opening this dialogue so that consumers can grow and do better, and that we can have ultimate goals when the resources are available.
It's important to understand that we should be intentional at all levels of cost and interest.
This kind of nuanced conversation is so freaking important and I lurv it.
Maybe make a video series of brands you don’t use but are options for your favorite! I would totally watch :)
This is awesome - thank you so much for honestly discussing your thought process like this! I am interested in writing letters to companies to encourage sustainable practices, but I have no idea how to start and the process honestly seems a bit daunting. Would you ever consider making a video outlining what would be effective for us as consumers to write in a letter like that?
Hi!! So sorry I forgot to mention I just did a post on this is response to this situation 🙈
Check it out here, www.shelbizleee.com/change
I cannot explain how you have helped me so much (as well as your other sustainable friends). I’m starting to compost now in an apartment!! I’m so excited for sprouts to go back to bulk bins though because I hate the plastic 🥺
Love this video, the channels, and all the solid information you bring to the table. I feel like I learn something every time I watch you.
Love that you're discussing these nuances!
I think there's a new Playlist!👀 (greenwashing or progress) I think you are amazing at delivering information and really breaking it down for others to understand. Therefore a greenwashing or progress Playlist would allow other to make the choice with your videos. Doing a review of the sustainable line from ikea and then the brand as a whole would gives so much clarity. For people starting out or with little accessibility it would help so much! If your a pro sustainability imagine beginners trying to make the decision. 🥰 hope you see this. Thank you for your constant amazing content ❤
Well, I think what you are doing rn it's a good way to talk about specific brands without having to rely on their income. Talking about Ikea because it's the one I'm most familiar with, I think you've been pretty fair talking about them as a "fast furniture" company but at the same time you show us how accesibility is important, and how they can be a posible solution to it in terms of a wide audience knowing things can be different.
I really appreciate that you've got such a detailed screening process and that you're bringing up all the points rather than just saying no they suck! Really makes me think more!
This is a great conversation. I am personally slowly working to become more sustainable. Living in a small area with having low money I always felt like I couldn’t afford or have access to sustainable things. It’s really hard to not be tricked by companies are being performative. I trust you and what you promote. Thanks for putting so much thought into this.
In my family almost all our furniture is from Ikea and we have had these things for as long as I can remember. (At least 10 years)
I feel you really articulated the nuances of this discussion well. It's hard to know when to support a business' efforts to be more sustainable versus holding out for "true" sustainability. Like you said, it gets even more difficult when cost and accessibility come into play. I really appreciate channels like yours parsing out the details and giving the real tea on these brands!
One idea for talking about alternatives to your favorite brands would be writing blog posts (or making videos) explaining other alternatives to your favorite brand and why you still recommend them, but also what makes your favorite brand better. That way, alternatives that are more accessible to someone can be chosen over non-sustainable options!
I’ve been doing this for a while! It’s just really time consuming for a resource that is rarely used but I am building them out over time!
I would actually love an entire video that is clearly labeled as 'not the best option but /an option/ for people on a budget.'
For someone like me who is new to a sustainable lifestyle and doing my best to make changes, this really helps! Your channel is amazing & has opened my eyes to so many things I wasn’t aware of! I’m a new mom and the world I want for my daughter is one I’m trying to create & implement through everyday choices like this. So thank you so much for making this video!
I started watching your channel a few months ago and it has changed the way I purchase products. Thank you!
This might have already been done and may sound dumb, but I think what may help is a "Sustainable Thinking' series where you talk through your thought process for different types of brands and things. Very similar to this video in how you spoke about your thought process for partnerships. Some potential ideas, sustainable thinking for cars, food, agriculture, clothing, bank ( know you did this one), furniture, pets, and I'm sure there is more. My thought here is that it would be more directional so rather than just here is a sustainable practice it would be here is the general sustainable idea and different ways to go about it depending on your location and feasibility. I think this will allow a larger net to keep exploring these conversations.
Thank you for your transparency with sponsorships. I wish more creators would be this open with their audiences on their sponsorships.
I use a local meal delivery service. The meals are mostly pre cooked but she uses local seasonal produce as often as possible packages it in jars, lunchbox sized coolers and icepacks that get returned each week. I usually work when our farmers market is held so I feel so good being able to support local farmers and a local boss lady starting her own business.
I love this video. So honest! Sometimes, if I don’t want or have time to research a company, I just look at brands you support and go with them because I can trust that you have done the research in all aspects of their business.
I have started emailing or reaching out via social media to companies about what I’d like to see. I just recently messaged wgac TP about wanting to see an unbleached bamboo tp, and a link to one brand that offers it. I just ordered my first box from them, so I’ll be good for a year or more. Lol
one of your best videos, ever. This is a very real conversation and so many gray areas. I guess we just have to muddle through for a while, before the water becomes clear and so does the answer.
I honestly would love you talking about these baby step companies. Where they are putting out these trail sustainable lines, please do videos about these products when you hear it.
I live unbelievably remotely in the world and only has access to big box items - but knowing big boxes that have sustainable lines that I can buy from is great
I love how much you truly care & how passionate you are.❣️
That line is such a tricky one to figure out when and where to cross. I personally think small business, local, & second hand deserve more attention than big brands with small intentives. Bigger stores will notice market trends even if I'm purchasing from their smaller competitors.
I really like what you've been doing and have been sharing. I'm only a few months in and you make it a lot easier. I think when you talk about the whole process of an object, you get the point across as to what consumers should be looking for.
You talk about sustainability subjects very thoughtfully. You’re probably the most thoughtful and well spoken advocate for sustainability that I watch on TH-cam.
I almost always come away from your videos with a new perspective on my choices and checking in with my own values. Thank you ❤️
You know what I miss?... being able to take damaged appliances to machine shops and either having them repaired, or the shop breaking it down for parts. Maybe I am just old, but I definitely remember my dad taking me to shops like that and having things repaired or just giving the item to have the motor taken out or broken down for parts to be re-used.
Does anyone know of companies that do this anymore/places where you can take items like this? I live in the Houston area, so if there are places that are local... I will certainly head there!
Love how candid you are! You truly are one of the few influencers I trust.
Love how in depth your processing on this is!! 🥰 lots of intersections to mull over and become educated on!
This is such a controversial topic but so good! We’re all in different places at a certain time. Different budgets, different priorities in life and all of this is where we need to decide what level of sustainability we can afford