I don’t envy your job one bit. It’s like people are just looking for things to say “gotcha!” to. You do so much already and your content really makes a difference, so thank you.
The “gotcha” attitude really bugs me! One place I constantly run into it is when people talk about wind generation for electricity. People love to show up and talk about bird deaths with that “gotcha” attitude. But they’re making this comparison in a vacuum and totally disregard the fact that coal/natural gas power plants actually kill more birds per KWh generated! And they ignore the fact that the leading cause of bird deaths is actually outdoor cats. So keeping our cats as indoor only and supporting Trap, neuter, release (TNR) programs in your local area will have a MUCH more profound effect on bird lives…
It’s as if we feel like we get higher on the “good people” list if we nitpick someone else…like, “ha! I’m better at this than you because I noticed xyz.” Tiiiiiiired
With the exception of maybe being playful with friends/family I really hate gotcha when it comes to discussions. Like it's not cool or faithfully arguing if you purposely take people out of context or ignore all nuance and makes everyone more divisive and miserable.
Well shit. I finished gardening and decided to sit by my fan with a glass of ice water and enjoy your content on my refurbished iPhone 6 (that I charged with solar!). Didn’t realize I’ve committed a multitude of sins. Some people. 🤦♀️ You’re an amazing person and activist Shelbi!
And I bet you sat on a chair of some sort which took energy to make in or around your home which has water and electricity installed. What a sinner! 😋😻
How dare you not sit flat on the ground! But also if you did sit on the ground... How dare you crush so many plants and I sects - don't you know we need to save the pollinators?! You're doing great 💕
It's really sad that people are so nit picky when they probably don't even do a QUARTER of the sustainable things you do... I'm so glad you're getting help, the internet is a cruel place a lot of the time. Your true supporters will always be grateful for everything you do. Wishing you all the strength, peace and patience!
Definitely and they blame the individual instead of corporations and governments that make sustainable living impossible. We didn’t opt-into this system. 🙄
I have never commented on any of your videos or really looked at any of the comments, but I've watched your videos religiously for the last 2 years. It seems like the nit-picky peoples voices are louder, and I just want to let you know how much I love your content. There are probably many like me who don't comment enough to let you know we hear your message, appreciate how real you are and tell you what a great example you are of your moto (both of them now). Thank you!
Yes! The extremes tend to be the loudest. That’s why I’ve started going into the comment sections to balance it out but comment sections can be so toxic 🫣
@@miss_xenia_ Yes, this. Even just adding a little comment that the video was enjoyable balances it out. I work on TH-cam (for a different creator, I'm not a creator myself) and the nice comments are noticed, trust me. The mean ones are just louder sometimes.
I will comment here just to say that absolutely I'm totally a lurker but you have helped me make so many personal changes in my day-to-day that are better for the planet and I'm so grateful for you!
I love that you show the imperfections, struggles, and process of how you decide which choices to make. The “perfect” standard is obviously impossible and makes me feel so discouraged. And the deeper videos you make are so important and needed. Sorry the internet people have been so horrible.
Some people need to go outside. Honestly, I get so much inspiration from your videos and they keep me motivated to continue towards goals of being more environmentally conscious. Your the goal I'm working toward and I learn from you with every video. So keep doing what you're doing. The naysayers always seem to have the loudest voices. You're doing great.
So many content creators deal with sustainability, environment and conscious living, yet this is the only channel that I follow religiously because you tell things as they are. I'm tired of the picture perfect lifestyle, of women who look and talk exactly like one another telling me to dump my stuff and replace it with bamboo products. I stopped following everyone who tried to showcase their yearly trash contained in a jar, because it was giving me anxiety and making me wonder why I can't reach such ridiculous goals. We are all doing the best we can with the cards we have been dealt. Sending you love from Europe! 🥰
Thanks for being so honest about what you’re going through. Don’t forget to check how liked the comments are when they’re getting you down. Im willing to bet most comments that are thankful for what you do end up with tons of likes (to the point that they’re 90% or more of your engagement) while the negative ones end up with almost none. On a personal level, you’re one of the few zero waste channels I can religiously watch BECAUSE you’re not artificial and full of crap like all the other ones.
You do you. You know not to pay attention to the nit picky. That alone is important. Folks in life that have caused me the most grief had issues worse than any they could try to create for me. We all do not have to agree on everything. R E S P E C T. You have mine.
@@charcoalmef I run into similar comments from time to time on my videos as well, but my channel’s not big enough to attract the real trolls like Shelbi’s. So I’m actually kinda mentioning it as a way of reminding myself I guess haha! It’s hard sometimes honestly. Negative stuff sticks with us more than the positive for whatever reason!
People love to knit pick and it does make creators interact less in the comments which is unfortunate and not fair for those that are supporters. Love your content!
I Love to see the “unsustainable” things you do because I need to see that as a person trying my best. If you only show perfect things it makes me feel like garbage since I could never be perfect. THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DO 💚💚💚
I get sick and stressed seeing people’s ridiculous comments on my favorite TH-camrs feeds. I can’t imagine how it weighs on you. From the bottom of my heart, I love your personality, and thank you for the great content!
I will never understand the whole "why is your fan on if it's not hot outside" 1) unless you are literally her neighbor you have no idea how hot it was when she was filming 2) a couple of kilowatts is not worth Shelby, Madison, and Tippy all getting heatstroke
Also, I don't really get the ice thing either. Literally your freezer is always on, whether there is an ice pack in there or not doesn't matter... She lives in Texas iirc, I would argue that ice is a necessity there. The people commenting on that should maybe ask why has it gotten so hot in Texas recently? Perhaps a little thing called climate change??
We love you Shelby!! Thank you for highlighting that everyone's best looks different and the most impactful changes are structural ones. Perfection isn't realistic for anyone. Your videos have helped me to make changes and to increase my awareness, thank you! 💕
Uhh, ceiling fans actually save energy! They provide extra cooling so you don't have to run your AC as cold 🤦🏻♀️ honestly girl, you and Madison are doing great. I know the negative comments can be discouraging, but please don't let them get to you! Your work is way too important and I have learned so much from you 🖤
Can I just apologize, on behalf of all the assholes...I'm so sorry that you feel discouraged from being your authentic natural self at all times. Your content is needed and appreciated. Every bit of it. "If you don't have something nice to say..." If it's not constructive, just shut up? Shelby clearly shines in this movement towards helping our Earth and encouraging others to do the same. If you don't like it, leave her alone and actually leave. End of story. Love you girl, and that wifey too! Been watching more of your vlog channel and seeing you 2 together more, and sweet Tippy! Makes me so happy. Thank you for everything over the years. 💚
Great video! Wish people would realize it’s about progress, not perfection. I agree with Ava, that often I feel guilt if I’m not doing things perfectly. And it’s killer, man. We are just trying to do better. We aren’t saints, and even they weren’t perfect. Thanks for all you do and sorry for the shit you get. You inspire so many of us!
I love the nuance you bring into this space and I appreciate your openness about all of this. I'm sorry so many people are inconsiderate and pass so much judgement on to you. I wish it was as simple as ignoring the negative comments; but I know that that's not how brains work. I hope therapy helps you and that you start making improvement.
Honestly annoyed you had to make this video, how can anyone expect you to be perfect. We're all the doing the best we can and you've always be soo open from the beginning. Keep doing you, I find your videos super helpful and full of knowledge so I love coming back to your channel.
I so get that. I feel guilty for buying convenience foods sometimes, so I skip on them all together and think I’ll make them myself but then I just end up not eating because I didn’t have time to make yogurt or bread or whatever I usually have for lunch/breakfast. I have to know my limits because I can’t always do it all.
@@Plantsandmusicandyarn Wow that sounds like a struggle. I can understand how that would happen. Remeber you can't fight for the causes you care out with out nuturing your own body first🧡
Blows my mind that people even have the audacity to say some of those things much less to someone they don't know and who is just trying to help us all be a bit better in out world. Noone is perfect nor does anyone do all of the things all of the time, we're all just trying our best. Glad you got this of your chest!! Thanks for all you have taught me over the years, it's truly appreciated. ✌️
OMG. I think you hit the nail on the head! People just want to find things to criticize. It seems to be ‘a thing’ nowadays. Not sure why but I totally appreciate all the things you show and new ideas. Thank you. Xo
I love watching your video's, you have taught me a lot and really opened my eyes to how wasteful I was. I just sit here and enjoy them, I could never find something to nit pick and criticize you on. It seems that alot of people don't know how to enjoy anything anymore and have to critique everything.
I started watching you about 3 months ago; the thing you said about “you can’t do all the good in the world, but the world can use all the good you can do” was what stuck with me and keeps me coming back for more! Shelby you are doing amazing work! 🤗
I think people who are making negative comments on your videos are projecting their own insecurities onto you because it's easier than facing reality. I think it's great that you've made this video to confront those people on this, but I really hope you will not take it to heart and let others make you feel inadequate in anyway. There are so many of us who admire how you live your life, don't forget! I really appreciate you and want to thank you for educating me on so many things. I've made some serious changes in my life with your help and am excited to do what I can to live more sustainably. Keep doing you Shelbi, cuz you're doing what you can for this planet and making others want to too!
The more I watch your channel the more I respect the hard work that goes into it. There is a level of research and realism that is not common to see. Plus, may I just say, I SO appreciate the balance of your perspective. You do a great job of inspiring me to take individual action, as well as acknowledging the systemic changes that need to happen. Plus giving specific examples of how I can use my influence to push for that change-- it gives me so much hope! I don't know if I'll be able to word this correctly, but I can't help but feel like the people who are too nit-picky are deriving satisfaction from making sustainable living seem impossible. Maybe they just like being jerks, or maybe they're trying to give themselves excuses. It's so funny (in a sad way) that they would criticize you for not being "perfect" when that's literally the opposite of what your channel is about.
Perfection is a lie. Full stop. I genuinely appreciate this channel and it has given me information to make positive changes in my life. Shelby, You are making a huge positive impact. I know your job is hard. Please don't give up on sharing and teaching.
I think we all need this reminder on a regular basis. Being a woman i feel this pressure to hold all the roles; mom, wife, professional working woman, daughter, sister equality and perfectly. You are good enough and life isn't perfect and you cant be everything to everyone. You should start or end all your videos with that quote. Little changes can have huge impact in all areas of your life. Kudos for you for being real
Thank you for this video! It's something people need to hear, although I'm sure the majority is mature enough to understand that no one is perfect (including them). I hope you won't stop posting because I genuinely consider you one of the best creators who talk about environmental issues. Specifically, because you are fair, and authentic and talk about issues others don't address. Your approach is (ironically) perfect because consider every side of an issue. So, thank you for your work.
Please.continue.being.REAL!!! It is the only reason why I watch your channel so much. It’s reality, it’s honest, and unpretentious. I don’t watch other “perfect” channels because I can’t connect with them, unlike you and your channel that is so encouraging to just start doing something, and be serious about it, but being kind to yourself at the same time. Also, I grew up in the Pacific Northwest and never understood the need for air conditioning until I moved to Texas. Anyone who has never lived here cannot understand. Ceiling fans for air circulation are also a must. I also get really pissed off at pretentious environmentalists from NYC or or the East Coast in general who have no concept of how car-dependent Texas and other spread-out areas are. When I get told that I should just start riding a bike more I just laugh and enjoy the mental image of slapping their stupid faces. Sorry that was harsh lol
You make me feel better about what I *can* do for the planet without making me feel like complete trash for what I *can't* do. Your content is both relatable and inspirational, and I love it!
I'm so sorry to hear that people criticize you so much around some of these things. You're doing the best you can (which is A LOT!) and I SO appreciate watching your videos as it allows me to learn so much about making less wasteful choices!
For what it's worth I love your slogan. It really helps any time something feels like only a small effort that won't help much to remind myself that any good I can put into the world is a positive. People love to criticise to make themselves feel justified in giving up and not trying at all. We can all only do the best we can with what we have and none of us can be perfect simply because the system doesn't allow us to but that doesn't mean we should just give up like many people sadly seem to think. Plus talking about our efforts helps everyone because we can all share ideas and it helps us all improve little by little.
Being perfect at zero waste in the society we currently live in is so difficult. I'd really like to see the people criticizng showing everyone everything they use in their life and see if it's perfect 🙃 Tbh seeing your videos is the sole reason I started to change how much I consume and throw away, swapped to a lot of zero waste stuff etc. You've already made a giant impact on so many individuals and you should be proud of yourself!
You go girl! You gotta do what's best for you, and I'm SO thankful for your honesty and transparency. I feel like the last few weeks I've slipped a lot in my sustainable habits, and I'm wanting to get back into it. But having grace for myself in the times where I'm not "perfect" is so important, if I didn't I would get burned out SO easily.
This! This is why I subscribe to you instead of other people. Your honesty and vulnerability that you share with us is a kindness that most people do not deserve. And yet you still do it. Bravo!
I'm amazed and inspired that you and your wife are able to live so sustainably and do all the things you do. It's wonderful to know that a life like yours is possible, even/especially because it's not perfect.
Hi Shelbi. I admire your perseverance in continuing to provide this content even though the nit-pickers have negatively impacted your mental health. You have greatly helped and inspired thousands of individuals to lighten their environmental footprint (you definitely have helped me greatly). You are amazing and beautiful and definitely DO NOT deserve anything but love and praise! Thank you for everything you do for us and for the earth!
I love your perfectly imperfect ways. Im shit at boundaries and do not envy your exposure to excessive commentary, i would simply crumble at a small hand full of them. You had me at vote with your dollars but im happy to watch your journey. Im so sorry for the struggle you are faced with but also grateful that you stay angry and keep fighting. You are a super hero. Thank you for being you.
Hi Shelby, I’m a huge fan of your content- not only because i’m endlessly inspired by you with new ways to live more sustainably but also because you keep it realistic and don’t hide behind a ‘perfect’ zero waste image! I’m so sorry people are always looking for things to criticise- especially now I know that’s a reason you don’t post much food content- I would LOVE to see more food/sustainable eating videos from you (and frankly i couldn’t care less about your weight/size as it’s nobody’s business but yours!) but completely understand if the needless critics make that too difficult for you. Thanks again for all of your amazing videos- you truly make SUCH a great difference to our world 💚
Sending you hugs! (Some) people can be just awful! No one is perfect. And the people who leave these comments aren't perfect either - it is just that they want to pretend that they are. One of the things that I LOVE about your channel is that you don't claim to be perfect. You show the parts of your life where you aren't perfectly sustainable. And at the same time, you call it out - you say, this is not the most sustainable thing that I do but I am doing the best that I can and that is what matters. Lots of times, you mention what is the most sustainable option for those who are able to do this (access, affordability, lifestyle, etc). There are so many people who think that they can only be environmentalists if they do everything...then, they get overwhelmed and do nothing. That is the last thing that this planet needs. Thank you for everything that you do!
I've heard it said once to the effect that if you claim to be an activist, you're never doing enough because you could always be doing more. However, Shelbi you ARE DOING BEYOND ENOUGH. I became more conscious of my habits because of you and this channel. I now look at the world through a completely different lens and try to implicate as many eco-friendly actions as I can on a daily basis because of you and this channel. And I am humbled by the privilege of being able to live sustainably because of you and this channel! You're doing your part, and I'm sorry that some people are trying to make you believe you aren't.
When people think they have to be “sustainable “ in a perfect way, it puts way to much pressure on them. They may think, “if I can’t go all the way, why bother”. I always love your tips for living sustainability and know that every little thing counts. Also, love your message, today! There is a culture now, where people look for ways to criticize everything. Ugh! Toxic! Thanks for doing what you do and keep it coming.
Thank you for this video❤️ I feel a lot of guilt around my life & I love that you give space to learn, grow, change & advocate for LARGE change. In my personal life I run into a lot of feedback that x,y,x isn’t worth the effort & I get it. & I totally see that valid point but it brings me down because it’s an action I can take big or small. That’s for showing that perfection isn’t the goal, large scale change is. Also your gorgeous so screw thee haters that say mean things about you. They are trolls & it must totally suck to live in their negative headspace.
First of all I LOVE how REAL you are. You're channel has changed the way I think about things so much. On the internet everyone has opinions, and there really are people that are just out to spread negativity. In my experience you have to just wade through the B.S. Even some of my mom's opinions I ingnore, so you better believe some random people on the internet can be ignored. Keep living YOUR life girl. No one is perfect nor will they ever be. You have a whole audience that you've inspired and believe me we support you.
Your quote at the end of your videos chimes in my head everyday. I can do as best I can, but sometimes I can’t and that’s ok and not always my fault. Thank you for being you ❤️
It's crap how much people feel the need to critique. Your channel will always be a breath of fresh air in the congested space of TH-cam. I recommend you to all my environment groups I'm in and have you on like a podcast when I'm doing chores. I love you and your content. You've inspired me to find ways to be more sustainable personally, with my family and trying to suggest ideas with my work. Thank you Shelby
Shelby- thank you for making this video. It's really unfair that people are this nitpicky with your content. When people are new to low waste/sustainability, you are usually the first person I send them to because of all the reasons you listed. You seem like a real human being! You drive a car! You eat what you want to eat! You live in a house! I have so many friends that see people like me (live in a big city with ample public transit, in a small space, etc) and think they can't make any changes because they can't make the changes I've made. And a lot of sustainability "influencers" live lifestyles even more outwardly perfect than mine. The content you make is honest and genuinely helpful and that's what I share it with so many of my friends.
i’ve been watching your channel for years now and i don’t usually comment but i love what you do! i love your videos, you’re one of the only youtubers who i consistently watch. i don’t have many people in my life who think about sustainability and i think it can be easy to fall off the wagon, but i feel like you always pull me back on. i notice how you always mention that your tech is second hand or that you prefer to buy things second hand wherever possible, and i’ve seen you waiting at the bus stop for hours with Madison in your vlogs. I am hard on myself and I feel like I need to do things perfectly but your content helps me know the things I can do, and to give myself a break for things out of my control. I’m also resolving to comment on more of your videos 😄
Shelby, I cannot even begin to tell you how much you’ve helped me with my sustainable lifestyle. It really hurts my heart that you even had to make a video like this. People who criticize you honestly just don’t understand how difficult it is to have a sustainable lifestyle particularly in the US and that you sometimes have to choose your mental health or yourself over sustainability. Yes, you can always be more sustainable, but do these people not understand you’re a human & need to live your life? It blows my mind that they have the need to comment about having AC, they obviously have never been to Texas in the summer. (Fellow San Antonian myself) 😂 y’all wouldn’t even last a day. Please know you have a huge community that supports and appreciates you! This is also honestly my first comment on one of your videos even though I’ve seen so many, just know you have tons of silent appreciators!!!
I understood your message the first video of yours I watched years ago. It was never a question for me, and I appreciated the nuance you pack in, in just one video. I immediately subscribed, and your message has helped me think critically about my choices and to have balance between doing what I can and pushing for structural change. I’m sorry that some people can just be so toxic. The work you do is so important and you communicate in such a compassionate, logical, and intelligent way.
It’s sad to be trolled and that people have have nothing else to do than find any little thing you’re not perfect. You’re a fabulous and you’re inspiring ❤️
Thank you so much for this conversation. I recently discovered your channel and I feel you! I studied architecture and environmental design back in the early 80s and can't tell you how frustrated I've felt, that we (as a society) haven't made more progress! I've been told to "get off my soapbox", "that no one wants to be preached to" and on and on. I'm now 65 and fear for future generations. Love your vlogs! Keep up the good work!
this stuff is why I'm afraid to put stuff out on the internet publicly sadly. but I always appreciate that you keep it real! you inspire me a lot and help me focus on small daily habits that are actually possible versus getting mired down in being perfect. so thank you!
I’ve been watching your channel (and Immy’s ;) ) for a while and it’s the ‘imperfections’ that make your videos so relatable. I greatly appreciate your content.
I'm thankful you made this video, but sad for you that you felt like you need to explain yourself! Full honesty, your motto of "you cannot do all the good the world needs, but the world needs all the good that you can do" ACTUALLY (like my memory pinpoints it on one of the first videos of yours I watched a little less than a year ago) to not only work more towards my footprint and being more sustainable conscious, but also drove me into being more engaged in fighting for the rights of my community (not eco-related, but definitely helped empower me to seek fighting for better working conditions in my industry, which personally I also think is powerful.) Your motto I think has attracted and empowered so many including myself, BECAUSE it inherently challenges viewers to engage in healthy thought to try one's best, while also forgiving one's self for being human, and living in a world that is not built for ultimate sustainability. I know so many people who feel defeated in the face of climate change, but I think outlooks like this one HELP encourage people to try - we don't need to give up, nor abuse ourselves for our mistakes, because that will just also make us give up, which is how this system works!!! This was a long ramble, but I just wanted to say thank you Shelby, I hope you continue to take care of yourself, and you have encouraged and empowered so many people in a world that currently feels like it needs to beat us down. You are doing all the good you can do, and that has been more than enough.
LOVE you & all of your videos! It’s helped me so much in my journey to be more sustainable and help our home planet. Don’t ever let negative / toxic keep you from posting content that is important to you or that you’d like to share & teach us about. I completely agree when you said society almost looks for something to pick at with literally everything these days. It’s not worth it to let it bother you though that’s way easier said than done. Keep being you. You’re beautiful inside and out and I appreciate everything you’re doing for our planet and for those of us trying to learn and also do better.
Thank you for sharing. I have been watching your videos for over a year and actually love this part about you. I can get pretty hard on myself or experience anxiety when the progress in our house to improve sustainability isn't moving as fast as I would like. Watching videos like yours has encouraged me so much and helps me not burnout or give up 🥰
seeing your imperfections in sustainability and watching you and your wife doing your best is what i love most about your channel. it makes living a sustainable life actually seem achievable and like something i can actually do
Shelbi, what I enjoy about your videos is that you are very well-informed and show us doing your best, even if it isn't absolutely perfect. When I see others who seem to be perfect, it often makes me feel like I'd never be able to do that and I think it has the opposite effect of alienating people. I'm a teacher and would often find myself focusing on the small percentage of things going wrong in the classroom, only to be reminded that most things are going amazingly. Similarly, I think you have a ton of people following your videos who are very inspired by what you are doing. Please keep doing what you do and don't stop being you!
I havent thought about how people could be so rough and annoying. It is very difficult to deal with those kind of people. I sincerely appreciate what you are doing and wish you the best.
Appreciate you standing up for your choices and not taking the bs. For someone who is not an internet person, my biggest critic is myself, and I have to remind myself I can only do my best. Can't imagine having that nit-picky voice amplified so much. You're doing great Shelbi; love and appreciate your channel!
I love that your content makes the sustainability world accessible to ANYone. You’re so encouraging and humble in how you live your life. It’s crazy the amount of care and thought you put into so many things, it’s kind of intimidating. But then your content is full “if this is where you’re at and what you can do that’s amazing!” I’ve learned so much here, but the biggest things are how to be encouraging to people wherever they are in their sustainable journey and allowing grace for myself when I can’t/don’t want to be perfect. THANK YOU for all you do. You’ve helped me change my life for the better!
I’m glad you’re standing up for yourself. No one can be absolutely perfect. No one should expect you to be absolutely perfect. Keep doing you! Your message is needed and truly helps.
Oh, Shelbi... I'm so sad you have to endure all of this 💔 I think you're doing an amazing job. Like you said, we have to do what we can, so there's no point in judging people based on the standard of perfection instead of reality. Keep going girl, you're a beautiful soldier of the Earth and nobody's voice is more important than the voice of your soul, so if you're at peace with yourself and your life, the rest of the world can go to hell 😘😘💚💚
It’s all about progress and not perfection. Admitting the things you were wrong about or had new information change your mind, that’s what I love about your channel! It’s okay to be human, your channel has grounded me in creating habits that are sustainable, but realistic. Thank you for being real, keep doing you, most of use appreciate it :)
I value your contributions so much! Yes, people can be incredibly hateful, and it's usually because they are miserable within themselves. I admire your gutsiness, determination, advocacy and talent. Please remember the many people who are grateful for you and your contributions!
Newby here. Thank you, you have inspired me exactly in the way I think you intended to do. I haven't shifted my life upside down but I am looking around at things that could be better. One here, another there. It's not huge by any means but you did change my outlook on things. I didn't know food going to landfill was so damaging. I didn't know aquatic life provides most of oxygen. Etc. etc. etc. Let me sneak in a little request for the off chance you do see this comment: I don't live in the US, where I live most waste is burned. Do you have any information or tips for how I can treat my garbage best? You talk a lot about landfills but that doesn't apply to my personal situation. Love for you to inform me. Thank you again so so much, your channel really helps.
I’m the same, a lot of things you can do involve reducing your waste (try doing a trash audit), upcycling as much as possible, composting (food waste takes a lot of energy to incinerate as it is so wet). Hope that helps, Good luck!
You do so much! I bet the people criticising are dealing with their own eco anxiety and/or are trying to pull you down because they think sustainability isn’t important. Your content has been so helpful to me and I have made lots of changes because of you. Thank you 🥰
I hope someday people can get it through their brains that perfection DOES NOT exist!!! I know it comes with being online & putting yourself out there but I am sorry you have to deal with it. You are beautiful & have helped me see/understand environmental topics more clearly. Thank you for being you Shelby! 😊
This video is the perfect encapsulation of why I like you so much. You're always genuine and you always keep it real. Every time I finish watching one of your videos I feel inspired to take on the world and be as sustainable as possible. Trying to nit pick at each other isn't going to accomplish anything except turn people away from trying to be sustainable at all. If I were president, I would appoint you to handle any and all things sustainable because you're one of the best there is!
Its wild how critical and intense some people can be. Especially on things that impact health and one’s comfort. You need to be healthy (i.e. not dying from heat stroke or from being malnourished from not eating) to be able to help the planet. I feel like your channel is such a positive space for people to learn about sustainability. The people who criticize just want to feel better about the lack of things they are doing. Keep being you Shelbi!
I love the video and your efforts have always been appreciated and noticed! You bring so much value to the platform as an advocate and spreading digestible awareness of climate change and action. It’s ridiculous people hold others to a standard that they themselves will never meet. Thank you Shelby!
Thank you for everything you do! A lot of times when i’m trying to figure out what product is the most sustainable choice, I look up what you use and just get that. You help me a lot in my daily life!
I've watching your videos for a year now when I started to do more research about sustainability (specifically when I wanted to get rid of single use plastic and was looking for alternatives for everything), I love every single one of them and I am so glad have found your channel! I don't say I'm perfect but I am way better than months before. I can't thank you enough! Sending you hugs from UAE!!
I have never commented on a TH-cam video before, but I wanted to thank you for your content. You have inspired me to make a lot of changes for our family. We were already fairly minimalist and not into consumerism and did some basics like reusable bags and no plastic water bottles, I even had a misto and some stasher bags, but you helped me be much more aware and take a lot of additional steps, without feeling shamed for not being perfect. Thank you!
Thank you for making this channel. I would say that catching your content somewhere on my recommended actually made me really dive deep into the zero waste/eco friendliness movement. I have been living it for almost my whole life but not on your level, so it has opened my eyes to things that I had never even heard of before. Keep doing you.
I love the way you chose to address the hate. No clickbait title, no crying, etc. You're the most thorough and informative low-waste influencer I watch, and I would never shame you for "unsustainable" actions bc I do them too lol
Thank you for all your videos and content! I appreciate when you’re honest because nobody can be perfect in this journey but we just keep doing the best we can. I’m sorry so many people are critical. Just keep doing you because that’s why so many of us love you!
Hey sis, you are doing amazing! Keep being an awesome person. Remember you don’t ever need to explain yourself to idiots who wanna be negative. And you are gorgeous, people who body shame are very insecure and obviously don’t like themselves very much. Please don’t give up on inspiring others. You have helped me so much on my journey. ♥️
Yay you! Being under the microscope is unnerving. I'm so grateful for your content and everything I've gleaned from your videos has helped me make more eco friendly shifts. Like I started composting. And here's the thing, when we look at our biology and our place in the eco system we are consumers, not in the sense of purchasing everything, but in the producer consumer relationship. I think when we try, when we give back in a culture its wonderful. Living in a drought and being a gardener is hard, but I'm sequestering carbon with my plants. I'll let my lawn dry up, but lemme grow my food and flowers so the bees have a place. It's all about balance and society has created a very unhealthy environment requiring perfection and demanding more than is realistic. And that's why I love your channel and your outro. I think it everyday. It's like my eco mantra. Keep doing what you are doing.
I really enjoyed how candid you were in this video. I completely understand why you wouldn’t want to talk about food given people being toxic and why people request it highly because as someone who has to eat gluten free at times it is super hard to try and be as low waste as I’d like and get reasonable gf food. It wasn’t my daughter turned maybe 5 months or 6 months and a female consultant for an education savings company tried to suggest how I style her hair over a zoom call that I realized how ridiculously and deeply engrained it is in our society for people to think they have a right to comment on peoples appearances. She’s just over a year and every time someone says something positive or negative about her appearance I cringe now because she doesn’t exist for the sake of other people to look at or have an opinion on her appearance, so I can only imagine how amplified that is when your career involves a public forum like TH-cam. I’m sorry that you have experienced that toxicity and I hope in the future viewers will remember what your content is actually about and keep unsolicited (especially the toxic ones) opinions to themselves
You always do your best and I look up to that. Sustainability never even crossed my mind before I started watching your videos a few years back. Although far from perfect I have added some things in my life where I can. Keep up the great work.
I’m so grateful for your content! It’s so sad that creators don’t feel like they can just be human 😩 Please keep at it, you are doing great things and reaching lots of people who need to hear what you have to say.
if you saw the thumbnail before this one.. no you didn't.
nooo but it was so funny ddsibfk
So funny
🤣😭💀
I saw it😈😈😂😂
girl put it back!!
I don’t envy your job one bit. It’s like people are just looking for things to say “gotcha!” to. You do so much already and your content really makes a difference, so thank you.
The “gotcha” attitude really bugs me! One place I constantly run into it is when people talk about wind generation for electricity. People love to show up and talk about bird deaths with that “gotcha” attitude.
But they’re making this comparison in a vacuum and totally disregard the fact that coal/natural gas power plants actually kill more birds per KWh generated! And they ignore the fact that the leading cause of bird deaths is actually outdoor cats.
So keeping our cats as indoor only and supporting Trap, neuter, release (TNR) programs in your local area will have a MUCH more profound effect on bird lives…
It’s as if we feel like we get higher on the “good people” list if we nitpick someone else…like, “ha! I’m better at this than you because I noticed xyz.”
Tiiiiiiired
With the exception of maybe being playful with friends/family I really hate gotcha when it comes to discussions. Like it's not cool or faithfully arguing if you purposely take people out of context or ignore all nuance and makes everyone more divisive and miserable.
Well shit. I finished gardening and decided to sit by my fan with a glass of ice water and enjoy your content on my refurbished iPhone 6 (that I charged with solar!). Didn’t realize I’ve committed a multitude of sins. Some people. 🤦♀️
You’re an amazing person and activist Shelbi!
And I bet you sat on a chair of some sort which took energy to make in or around your home which has water and electricity installed. What a sinner! 😋😻
How dare you not sit flat on the ground!
But also if you did sit on the ground... How dare you crush so many plants and I sects - don't you know we need to save the pollinators?!
You're doing great 💕
It's really sad that people are so nit picky when they probably don't even do a QUARTER of the sustainable things you do...
I'm so glad you're getting help, the internet is a cruel place a lot of the time. Your true supporters will always be grateful for everything you do. Wishing you all the strength, peace and patience!
I feel like that's the exact reason why they're nit picky... To put the blame on others and to not accept any blame themselves
Definitely and they blame the individual instead of corporations and governments that make sustainable living impossible. We didn’t opt-into this system. 🙄
I second that!
Yesssss you know someone is writing those comments while like making coffee with a k cup or throwing dryer sheets in their dryer lmao
I have never commented on any of your videos or really looked at any of the comments, but I've watched your videos religiously for the last 2 years. It seems like the nit-picky peoples voices are louder, and I just want to let you know how much I love your content. There are probably many like me who don't comment enough to let you know we hear your message, appreciate how real you are and tell you what a great example you are of your moto (both of them now). Thank you!
Yes! The extremes tend to be the loudest. That’s why I’ve started going into the comment sections to balance it out but comment sections can be so toxic 🫣
@@miss_xenia_ Yes, this. Even just adding a little comment that the video was enjoyable balances it out. I work on TH-cam (for a different creator, I'm not a creator myself) and the nice comments are noticed, trust me. The mean ones are just louder sometimes.
hah! ^this. I just commented basically the same thing. so, can confirm... there are more people like you out there.
Ditto!
I will comment here just to say that absolutely I'm totally a lurker but you have helped me make so many personal changes in my day-to-day that are better for the planet and I'm so grateful for you!
Girl I love you because you're normal and it's relatable
I love that you show the imperfections, struggles, and process of how you decide which choices to make. The “perfect” standard is obviously impossible and makes me feel so discouraged. And the deeper videos you make are so important and needed. Sorry the internet people have been so horrible.
Some people need to go outside. Honestly, I get so much inspiration from your videos and they keep me motivated to continue towards goals of being more environmentally conscious. Your the goal I'm working toward and I learn from you with every video. So keep doing what you're doing. The naysayers always seem to have the loudest voices. You're doing great.
So many content creators deal with sustainability, environment and conscious living, yet this is the only channel that I follow religiously because you tell things as they are.
I'm tired of the picture perfect lifestyle, of women who look and talk exactly like one another telling me to dump my stuff and replace it with bamboo products. I stopped following everyone who tried to showcase their yearly trash contained in a jar, because it was giving me anxiety and making me wonder why I can't reach such ridiculous goals. We are all doing the best we can with the cards we have been dealt.
Sending you love from Europe! 🥰
Yeah. I know reduce waste but that's unrealistic that people can fit a year's trash in a jar. I don't believe them.
Thanks for being so honest about what you’re going through. Don’t forget to check how liked the comments are when they’re getting you down.
Im willing to bet most comments that are thankful for what you do end up with tons of likes (to the point that they’re 90% or more of your engagement) while the negative ones end up with almost none.
On a personal level, you’re one of the few zero waste channels I can religiously watch BECAUSE you’re not artificial and full of crap like all the other ones.
Yes, all of this!!
You do you. You know not to pay attention to the nit picky. That alone is important. Folks in life that have caused me the most grief had issues worse than any they could try to create for me.
We all do not have to agree on everything. R E S P E C T. You have mine.
@@charcoalmef I run into similar comments from time to time on my videos as well, but my channel’s not big enough to attract the real trolls like Shelbi’s.
So I’m actually kinda mentioning it as a way of reminding myself I guess haha! It’s hard sometimes honestly. Negative stuff sticks with us more than the positive for whatever reason!
Her and SedonaChristina are the only 2 sustainability YT I watch because they're the only ones I find are actually realistic !
People love to knit pick and it does make creators interact less in the comments which is unfortunate and not fair for those that are supporters. Love your content!
I've seen some creators only interact with patrons who get advanced access to the videos and, like, fuck i get it
I Love to see the “unsustainable” things you do because I need to see that as a person trying my best. If you only show perfect things it makes me feel like garbage since I could never be perfect. THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DO 💚💚💚
well said!
I get sick and stressed seeing people’s ridiculous comments on my favorite TH-camrs feeds. I can’t imagine how it weighs on you. From the bottom of my heart, I love your personality, and thank you for the great content!
I will never understand the whole "why is your fan on if it's not hot outside"
1) unless you are literally her neighbor you have no idea how hot it was when she was filming
2) a couple of kilowatts is not worth Shelby, Madison, and Tippy all getting heatstroke
Also, I don't really get the ice thing either. Literally your freezer is always on, whether there is an ice pack in there or not doesn't matter... She lives in Texas iirc, I would argue that ice is a necessity there. The people commenting on that should maybe ask why has it gotten so hot in Texas recently? Perhaps a little thing called climate change??
We love you Shelby!!
Thank you for highlighting that everyone's best looks different and the most impactful changes are structural ones. Perfection isn't realistic for anyone. Your videos have helped me to make changes and to increase my awareness, thank you! 💕
Yes! This kind of toxic behaviors need to stop, well said.
Uhh, ceiling fans actually save energy! They provide extra cooling so you don't have to run your AC as cold 🤦🏻♀️
honestly girl, you and Madison are doing great. I know the negative comments can be discouraging, but please don't let them get to you! Your work is way too important and I have learned so much from you 🖤
Can I just apologize, on behalf of all the assholes...I'm so sorry that you feel discouraged from being your authentic natural self at all times. Your content is needed and appreciated. Every bit of it. "If you don't have something nice to say..." If it's not constructive, just shut up? Shelby clearly shines in this movement towards helping our Earth and encouraging others to do the same. If you don't like it, leave her alone and actually leave. End of story. Love you girl, and that wifey too! Been watching more of your vlog channel and seeing you 2 together more, and sweet Tippy! Makes me so happy. Thank you for everything over the years. 💚
Great video! Wish people would realize it’s about progress, not perfection. I agree with Ava, that often I feel guilt if I’m not doing things perfectly. And it’s killer, man. We are just trying to do better. We aren’t saints, and even they weren’t perfect. Thanks for all you do and sorry for the shit you get. You inspire so many of us!
I love the nuance you bring into this space and I appreciate your openness about all of this. I'm sorry so many people are inconsiderate and pass so much judgement on to you. I wish it was as simple as ignoring the negative comments; but I know that that's not how brains work. I hope therapy helps you and that you start making improvement.
Honestly annoyed you had to make this video, how can anyone expect you to be perfect. We're all the doing the best we can and you've always be soo open from the beginning. Keep doing you, I find your videos super helpful and full of knowledge so I love coming back to your channel.
This is really helpful. I tend to feel a lot of guilt for not being perfect. Perfectionism has always been a problem for me.
I so get that. I feel guilty for buying convenience foods sometimes, so I skip on them all together and think I’ll make them myself but then I just end up not eating because I didn’t have time to make yogurt or bread or whatever I usually have for lunch/breakfast. I have to know my limits because I can’t always do it all.
@@Plantsandmusicandyarn Wow that sounds like a struggle. I can understand how that would happen. Remeber you can't fight for the causes you care out with out nuturing your own body first🧡
The new quote and the graphic that goes with it are fantastic!
Blows my mind that people even have the audacity to say some of those things much less to someone they don't know and who is just trying to help us all be a bit better in out world. Noone is perfect nor does anyone do all of the things all of the time, we're all just trying our best. Glad you got this of your chest!! Thanks for all you have taught me over the years, it's truly appreciated. ✌️
OMG. I think you hit the nail on the head! People just want to find things to criticize. It seems to be ‘a thing’ nowadays. Not sure why but I totally appreciate all the things you show and new ideas. Thank you. Xo
I love watching your video's, you have taught me a lot and really opened my eyes to how wasteful I was. I just sit here and enjoy them, I could never find something to nit pick and criticize you on. It seems that alot of people don't know how to enjoy anything anymore and have to critique everything.
I started watching you about 3 months ago; the thing you said about “you can’t do all the good in the world, but the world can use all the good you can do” was what stuck with me and keeps me coming back for more! Shelby you are doing amazing work! 🤗
I think people who are making negative comments on your videos are projecting their own insecurities onto you because it's easier than facing reality. I think it's great that you've made this video to confront those people on this, but I really hope you will not take it to heart and let others make you feel inadequate in anyway. There are so many of us who admire how you live your life, don't forget! I really appreciate you and want to thank you for educating me on so many things. I've made some serious changes in my life with your help and am excited to do what I can to live more sustainably. Keep doing you Shelbi, cuz you're doing what you can for this planet and making others want to too!
Couldn't have said it any better! There must always be darkness to make us see and appreciate the light.
People are trash, but your channel is awesome and so helpful. I appreciate every video you make!
The more I watch your channel the more I respect the hard work that goes into it. There is a level of research and realism that is not common to see. Plus, may I just say, I SO appreciate the balance of your perspective. You do a great job of inspiring me to take individual action, as well as acknowledging the systemic changes that need to happen. Plus giving specific examples of how I can use my influence to push for that change-- it gives me so much hope!
I don't know if I'll be able to word this correctly, but I can't help but feel like the people who are too nit-picky are deriving satisfaction from making sustainable living seem impossible. Maybe they just like being jerks, or maybe they're trying to give themselves excuses. It's so funny (in a sad way) that they would criticize you for not being "perfect" when that's literally the opposite of what your channel is about.
Perfection is a lie. Full stop. I genuinely appreciate this channel and it has given me information to make positive changes in my life. Shelby, You are making a huge positive impact. I know your job is hard. Please don't give up on sharing and teaching.
I genuinely appreciate your channel you were one of the people that got me interested in living more sustainable and caring about the environment❤️
I think we all need this reminder on a regular basis. Being a woman i feel this pressure to hold all the roles; mom, wife, professional working woman, daughter, sister equality and perfectly. You are good enough and life isn't perfect and you cant be everything to everyone. You should start or end all your videos with that quote. Little changes can have huge impact in all areas of your life. Kudos for you for being real
Thank you for this video! It's something people need to hear, although I'm sure the majority is mature enough to understand that no one is perfect (including them). I hope you won't stop posting because I genuinely consider you one of the best creators who talk about environmental issues. Specifically, because you are fair, and authentic and talk about issues others don't address. Your approach is (ironically) perfect because consider every side of an issue. So, thank you for your work.
Please.continue.being.REAL!!! It is the only reason why I watch your channel so much. It’s reality, it’s honest, and unpretentious. I don’t watch other “perfect” channels because I can’t connect with them, unlike you and your channel that is so encouraging to just start doing something, and be serious about it, but being kind to yourself at the same time.
Also, I grew up in the Pacific Northwest and never understood the need for air conditioning until I moved to Texas. Anyone who has never lived here cannot understand. Ceiling fans for air circulation are also a must.
I also get really pissed off at pretentious environmentalists from NYC or or the East Coast in general who have no concept of how car-dependent Texas and other spread-out areas are. When I get told that I should just start riding a bike more I just laugh and enjoy the mental image of slapping their stupid faces. Sorry that was harsh lol
You make me feel better about what I *can* do for the planet without making me feel like complete trash for what I *can't* do. Your content is both relatable and inspirational, and I love it!
I'm so sorry to hear that people criticize you so much around some of these things. You're doing the best you can (which is A LOT!) and I SO appreciate watching your videos as it allows me to learn so much about making less wasteful choices!
For what it's worth I love your slogan. It really helps any time something feels like only a small effort that won't help much to remind myself that any good I can put into the world is a positive. People love to criticise to make themselves feel justified in giving up and not trying at all. We can all only do the best we can with what we have and none of us can be perfect simply because the system doesn't allow us to but that doesn't mean we should just give up like many people sadly seem to think. Plus talking about our efforts helps everyone because we can all share ideas and it helps us all improve little by little.
Being perfect at zero waste in the society we currently live in is so difficult. I'd really like to see the people criticizng showing everyone everything they use in their life and see if it's perfect 🙃
Tbh seeing your videos is the sole reason I started to change how much I consume and throw away, swapped to a lot of zero waste stuff etc. You've already made a giant impact on so many individuals and you should be proud of yourself!
You go girl! You gotta do what's best for you, and I'm SO thankful for your honesty and transparency. I feel like the last few weeks I've slipped a lot in my sustainable habits, and I'm wanting to get back into it. But having grace for myself in the times where I'm not "perfect" is so important, if I didn't I would get burned out SO easily.
This! This is why I subscribe to you instead of other people. Your honesty and vulnerability that you share with us is a kindness that most people do not deserve. And yet you still do it. Bravo!
I'm amazed and inspired that you and your wife are able to live so sustainably and do all the things you do. It's wonderful to know that a life like yours is possible, even/especially because it's not perfect.
Hi Shelbi. I admire your perseverance in continuing to provide this content even though the nit-pickers have negatively impacted your mental health. You have greatly helped and inspired thousands of individuals to lighten their environmental footprint (you definitely have helped me greatly). You are amazing and beautiful and definitely DO NOT deserve anything but love and praise! Thank you for everything you do for us and for the earth!
I love your perfectly imperfect ways.
Im shit at boundaries and do not envy your exposure to excessive commentary, i would simply crumble at a small hand full of them.
You had me at vote with your dollars but im happy to watch your journey.
Im so sorry for the struggle you are faced with but also grateful that you stay angry and keep fighting.
You are a super hero. Thank you for being you.
Hi Shelby, I’m a huge fan of your content- not only because i’m endlessly inspired by you with new ways to live more sustainably but also because you keep it realistic and don’t hide behind a ‘perfect’ zero waste image!
I’m so sorry people are always looking for things to criticise- especially now I know that’s a reason you don’t post much food content- I would LOVE to see more food/sustainable eating videos from you (and frankly i couldn’t care less about your weight/size as it’s nobody’s business but yours!) but completely understand if the needless critics make that too difficult for you.
Thanks again for all of your amazing videos- you truly make SUCH a great difference to our world 💚
Sending you hugs! (Some) people can be just awful! No one is perfect. And the people who leave these comments aren't perfect either - it is just that they want to pretend that they are. One of the things that I LOVE about your channel is that you don't claim to be perfect. You show the parts of your life where you aren't perfectly sustainable. And at the same time, you call it out - you say, this is not the most sustainable thing that I do but I am doing the best that I can and that is what matters. Lots of times, you mention what is the most sustainable option for those who are able to do this (access, affordability, lifestyle, etc). There are so many people who think that they can only be environmentalists if they do everything...then, they get overwhelmed and do nothing. That is the last thing that this planet needs. Thank you for everything that you do!
I've heard it said once to the effect that if you claim to be an activist, you're never doing enough because you could always be doing more.
However, Shelbi you ARE DOING BEYOND ENOUGH. I became more conscious of my habits because of you and this channel. I now look at the world through a completely different lens and try to implicate as many eco-friendly actions as I can on a daily basis because of you and this channel. And I am humbled by the privilege of being able to live sustainably because of you and this channel!
You're doing your part, and I'm sorry that some people are trying to make you believe you aren't.
When people think they have to be “sustainable “ in a perfect way, it puts way to much pressure on them. They may think, “if I can’t go all the way, why bother”. I always love your tips for living sustainability and know that every little thing counts. Also, love your message, today! There is a culture now, where people look for ways to criticize everything. Ugh! Toxic! Thanks for doing what you do and keep it coming.
Thank you for this video❤️ I feel a lot of guilt around my life & I love that you give space to learn, grow, change & advocate for LARGE change. In my personal life I run into a lot of feedback that x,y,x isn’t worth the effort & I get it. & I totally see that valid point but it brings me down because it’s an action I can take big or small. That’s for showing that perfection isn’t the goal, large scale change is. Also your gorgeous so screw thee haters that say mean things about you. They are trolls & it must totally suck to live in their negative headspace.
First of all I LOVE how REAL you are. You're channel has changed the way I think about things so much. On the internet everyone has opinions, and there really are people that are just out to spread negativity. In my experience you have to just wade through the B.S. Even some of my mom's opinions I ingnore, so you better believe some random people on the internet can be ignored. Keep living YOUR life girl. No one is perfect nor will they ever be. You have a whole audience that you've inspired and believe me we support you.
I LOVE boundary setting Shelbi
I'm so sorry for what you're going through. I love your channel & what you stand for. Thank you for opening up about all of this
My friends and family constantly tell me I should be a content creator but I absolutely would not want to deal with the ignorance of society.
Your quote at the end of your videos chimes in my head everyday. I can do as best I can, but sometimes I can’t and that’s ok and not always my fault. Thank you for being you ❤️
It's crap how much people feel the need to critique.
Your channel will always be a breath of fresh air in the congested space of TH-cam. I recommend you to all my environment groups I'm in and have you on like a podcast when I'm doing chores.
I love you and your content. You've inspired me to find ways to be more sustainable personally, with my family and trying to suggest ideas with my work.
Thank you Shelby
Shelby- thank you for making this video. It's really unfair that people are this nitpicky with your content. When people are new to low waste/sustainability, you are usually the first person I send them to because of all the reasons you listed. You seem like a real human being! You drive a car! You eat what you want to eat! You live in a house! I have so many friends that see people like me (live in a big city with ample public transit, in a small space, etc) and think they can't make any changes because they can't make the changes I've made. And a lot of sustainability "influencers" live lifestyles even more outwardly perfect than mine. The content you make is honest and genuinely helpful and that's what I share it with so many of my friends.
i’ve been watching your channel for years now and i don’t usually comment but i love what you do! i love your videos, you’re one of the only youtubers who i consistently watch. i don’t have many people in my life who think about sustainability and i think it can be easy to fall off the wagon, but i feel like you always pull me back on. i notice how you always mention that your tech is second hand or that you prefer to buy things second hand wherever possible, and i’ve seen you waiting at the bus stop for hours with Madison in your vlogs. I am hard on myself and I feel like I need to do things perfectly but your content helps me know the things I can do, and to give myself a break for things out of my control. I’m also resolving to comment on more of your videos 😄
Shelby, I cannot even begin to tell you how much you’ve helped me with my sustainable lifestyle. It really hurts my heart that you even had to make a video like this. People who criticize you honestly just don’t understand how difficult it is to have a sustainable lifestyle particularly in the US and that you sometimes have to choose your mental health or yourself over sustainability. Yes, you can always be more sustainable, but do these people not understand you’re a human & need to live your life? It blows my mind that they have the need to comment about having AC, they obviously have never been to Texas in the summer. (Fellow San Antonian myself) 😂 y’all wouldn’t even last a day. Please know you have a huge community that supports and appreciates you! This is also honestly my first comment on one of your videos even though I’ve seen so many, just know you have tons of silent appreciators!!!
I understood your message the first video of yours I watched years ago. It was never a question for me, and I appreciated the nuance you pack in, in just one video. I immediately subscribed, and your message has helped me think critically about my choices and to have balance between doing what I can and pushing for structural change. I’m sorry that some people can just be so toxic. The work you do is so important and you communicate in such a compassionate, logical, and intelligent way.
It’s sad to be trolled and that people have have nothing else to do than find any little thing you’re not perfect. You’re a fabulous and you’re inspiring ❤️
Thank you so much for this conversation. I recently discovered your channel and I feel you! I studied architecture and environmental design back in the early 80s and can't tell you how frustrated I've felt, that we (as a society) haven't made more progress! I've been told to "get off my soapbox", "that no one wants to be preached to" and on and on. I'm now 65 and fear for future generations. Love your vlogs! Keep up the good work!
Love this! (Love that you're calling this shit out, do not love that this is an issue in the first place) Set boundaries and protect your self. 🖤
this stuff is why I'm afraid to put stuff out on the internet publicly sadly. but I always appreciate that you keep it real! you inspire me a lot and help me focus on small daily habits that are actually possible versus getting mired down in being perfect. so thank you!
I’ve been watching your channel (and Immy’s ;) ) for a while and it’s the ‘imperfections’ that make your videos so relatable. I greatly appreciate your content.
I'm thankful you made this video, but sad for you that you felt like you need to explain yourself! Full honesty, your motto of "you cannot do all the good the world needs, but the world needs all the good that you can do" ACTUALLY (like my memory pinpoints it on one of the first videos of yours I watched a little less than a year ago) to not only work more towards my footprint and being more sustainable conscious, but also drove me into being more engaged in fighting for the rights of my community (not eco-related, but definitely helped empower me to seek fighting for better working conditions in my industry, which personally I also think is powerful.) Your motto I think has attracted and empowered so many including myself, BECAUSE it inherently challenges viewers to engage in healthy thought to try one's best, while also forgiving one's self for being human, and living in a world that is not built for ultimate sustainability. I know so many people who feel defeated in the face of climate change, but I think outlooks like this one HELP encourage people to try - we don't need to give up, nor abuse ourselves for our mistakes, because that will just also make us give up, which is how this system works!!! This was a long ramble, but I just wanted to say thank you Shelby, I hope you continue to take care of yourself, and you have encouraged and empowered so many people in a world that currently feels like it needs to beat us down. You are doing all the good you can do, and that has been more than enough.
LOVE you & all of your videos! It’s helped me so much in my journey to be more sustainable and help our home planet. Don’t ever let negative / toxic keep you from posting content that is important to you or that you’d like to share & teach us about. I completely agree when you said society almost looks for something to pick at with literally everything these days. It’s not worth it to let it bother you though that’s way easier said than done. Keep being you. You’re beautiful inside and out and I appreciate everything you’re doing for our planet and for those of us trying to learn and also do better.
Thank you for sharing. I have been watching your videos for over a year and actually love this part about you. I can get pretty hard on myself or experience anxiety when the progress in our house to improve sustainability isn't moving as fast as I would like. Watching videos like yours has encouraged me so much and helps me not burnout or give up 🥰
You do the best that you can and more... I wish people would realize that you are human.. you are amazing, keep on doing what you can.
seeing your imperfections in sustainability and watching you and your wife doing your best is what i love most about your channel. it makes living a sustainable life actually seem achievable and like something i can actually do
Shelbi, what I enjoy about your videos is that you are very well-informed and show us doing your best, even if it isn't absolutely perfect. When I see others who seem to be perfect, it often makes me feel like I'd never be able to do that and I think it has the opposite effect of alienating people. I'm a teacher and would often find myself focusing on the small percentage of things going wrong in the classroom, only to be reminded that most things are going amazingly. Similarly, I think you have a ton of people following your videos who are very inspired by what you are doing. Please keep doing what you do and don't stop being you!
I havent thought about how people could be so rough and annoying. It is very difficult to deal with those kind of people. I sincerely appreciate what you are doing and wish you the best.
Appreciate you standing up for your choices and not taking the bs. For someone who is not an internet person, my biggest critic is myself, and I have to remind myself I can only do my best. Can't imagine having that nit-picky voice amplified so much. You're doing great Shelbi; love and appreciate your channel!
I love that your content makes the sustainability world accessible to ANYone. You’re so encouraging and humble in how you live your life. It’s crazy the amount of care and thought you put into so many things, it’s kind of intimidating. But then your content is full “if this is where you’re at and what you can do that’s amazing!” I’ve learned so much here, but the biggest things are how to be encouraging to people wherever they are in their sustainable journey and allowing grace for myself when I can’t/don’t want to be perfect. THANK YOU for all you do. You’ve helped me change my life for the better!
I’m glad you’re standing up for yourself. No one can be absolutely perfect. No one should expect you to be absolutely perfect.
Keep doing you! Your message is needed and truly helps.
Here for ALLLLL your content, Shelbi! Keep doing you and f*** whatever box everyone else tries to put you in 🖤
Oh, Shelbi... I'm so sad you have to endure all of this 💔 I think you're doing an amazing job. Like you said, we have to do what we can, so there's no point in judging people based on the standard of perfection instead of reality. Keep going girl, you're a beautiful soldier of the Earth and nobody's voice is more important than the voice of your soul, so if you're at peace with yourself and your life, the rest of the world can go to hell 😘😘💚💚
It’s all about progress and not perfection. Admitting the things you were wrong about or had new information change your mind, that’s what I love about your channel! It’s okay to be human, your channel has grounded me in creating habits that are sustainable, but realistic. Thank you for being real, keep doing you, most of use appreciate it :)
When you share your perceived “imperfections” I feel like you make the zero waste movement more accessible for all. Thanks for sharing Shelbi!
You do you. I know you have opened my mind more and try to do better. We all are doing our best❤️
I value your contributions so much! Yes, people can be incredibly hateful, and it's usually because they are miserable within themselves. I admire your gutsiness, determination, advocacy and talent. Please remember the many people who are grateful for you and your contributions!
Newby here. Thank you, you have inspired me exactly in the way I think you intended to do. I haven't shifted my life upside down but I am looking around at things that could be better. One here, another there. It's not huge by any means but you did change my outlook on things. I didn't know food going to landfill was so damaging. I didn't know aquatic life provides most of oxygen. Etc. etc. etc. Let me sneak in a little request for the off chance you do see this comment: I don't live in the US, where I live most waste is burned. Do you have any information or tips for how I can treat my garbage best? You talk a lot about landfills but that doesn't apply to my personal situation. Love for you to inform me. Thank you again so so much, your channel really helps.
I’m the same, a lot of things you can do involve reducing your waste (try doing a trash audit), upcycling as much as possible, composting (food waste takes a lot of energy to incinerate as it is so wet). Hope that helps, Good luck!
You do so much! I bet the people criticising are dealing with their own eco anxiety and/or are trying to pull you down because they think sustainability isn’t important. Your content has been so helpful to me and I have made lots of changes because of you. Thank you 🥰
I hope someday people can get it through their brains that perfection DOES NOT exist!!! I know it comes with being online & putting yourself out there but I am sorry you have to deal with it.
You are beautiful & have helped me see/understand environmental topics more clearly. Thank you for being you Shelby! 😊
This video is the perfect encapsulation of why I like you so much. You're always genuine and you always keep it real. Every time I finish watching one of your videos I feel inspired to take on the world and be as sustainable as possible. Trying to nit pick at each other isn't going to accomplish anything except turn people away from trying to be sustainable at all. If I were president, I would appoint you to handle any and all things sustainable because you're one of the best there is!
Its wild how critical and intense some people can be. Especially on things that impact health and one’s comfort. You need to be healthy (i.e. not dying from heat stroke or from being malnourished from not eating) to be able to help the planet. I feel like your channel is such a positive space for people to learn about sustainability. The people who criticize just want to feel better about the lack of things they are doing. Keep being you Shelbi!
I love the video and your efforts have always been appreciated and noticed! You bring so much value to the platform as an advocate and spreading digestible awareness of climate change and action. It’s ridiculous people hold others to a standard that they themselves will never meet. Thank you Shelby!
Thank you for everything you do! A lot of times when i’m trying to figure out what product is the most sustainable choice, I look up what you use and just get that. You help me a lot in my daily life!
I've watching your videos for a year now when I started to do more research about sustainability (specifically when I wanted to get rid of single use plastic and was looking for alternatives for everything), I love every single one of them and I am so glad have found your channel! I don't say I'm perfect but I am way better than months before. I can't thank you enough! Sending you hugs from UAE!!
You’re doing amazing and don’t let anyone convince you otherwise! I love your content and am very thankful you’ve continued to make it
I have never commented on a TH-cam video before, but I wanted to thank you for your content. You have inspired me to make a lot of changes for our family. We were already fairly minimalist and not into consumerism and did some basics like reusable bags and no plastic water bottles, I even had a misto and some stasher bags, but you helped me be much more aware and take a lot of additional steps, without feeling shamed for not being perfect. Thank you!
Thank you for making this channel. I would say that catching your content somewhere on my recommended actually made me really dive deep into the zero waste/eco friendliness movement. I have been living it for almost my whole life but not on your level, so it has opened my eyes to things that I had never even heard of before. Keep doing you.
I love the way you chose to address the hate. No clickbait title, no crying, etc. You're the most thorough and informative low-waste influencer I watch, and I would never shame you for "unsustainable" actions bc I do them too lol
Thank you for all your videos and content! I appreciate when you’re honest because nobody can be perfect in this journey but we just keep doing the best we can. I’m sorry so many people are critical. Just keep doing you because that’s why so many of us love you!
You have inspired me so much and I appreciate everything you do!
You are an absolute inspiration. I am sorry some people suck and find the need to make it known to the world. I hope you never stop making content.
Hey sis, you are doing amazing! Keep being an awesome person. Remember you don’t ever need to explain yourself to idiots who wanna be negative. And you are gorgeous, people who body shame are very insecure and obviously don’t like themselves very much. Please don’t give up on inspiring others. You have helped me so much on my journey. ♥️
Yay you! Being under the microscope is unnerving. I'm so grateful for your content and everything I've gleaned from your videos has helped me make more eco friendly shifts. Like I started composting. And here's the thing, when we look at our biology and our place in the eco system we are consumers, not in the sense of purchasing everything, but in the producer consumer relationship. I think when we try, when we give back in a culture its wonderful. Living in a drought and being a gardener is hard, but I'm sequestering carbon with my plants. I'll let my lawn dry up, but lemme grow my food and flowers so the bees have a place. It's all about balance and society has created a very unhealthy environment requiring perfection and demanding more than is realistic. And that's why I love your channel and your outro. I think it everyday. It's like my eco mantra. Keep doing what you are doing.
I really enjoyed how candid you were in this video. I completely understand why you wouldn’t want to talk about food given people being toxic and why people request it highly because as someone who has to eat gluten free at times it is super hard to try and be as low waste as I’d like and get reasonable gf food.
It wasn’t my daughter turned maybe 5 months or 6 months and a female consultant for an education savings company tried to suggest how I style her hair over a zoom call that I realized how ridiculously and deeply engrained it is in our society for people to think they have a right to comment on peoples appearances. She’s just over a year and every time someone says something positive or negative about her appearance I cringe now because she doesn’t exist for the sake of other people to look at or have an opinion on her appearance, so I can only imagine how amplified that is when your career involves a public forum like TH-cam. I’m sorry that you have experienced that toxicity and I hope in the future viewers will remember what your content is actually about and keep unsolicited (especially the toxic ones) opinions to themselves
You always do your best and I look up to that. Sustainability never even crossed my mind before I started watching your videos a few years back. Although far from perfect I have added some things in my life where I can. Keep up the great work.
I’m so grateful for your content! It’s so sad that creators don’t feel like they can just be human 😩 Please keep at it, you are doing great things and reaching lots of people who need to hear what you have to say.