Wow, I cannot believe how disrespectful people are. This channel shows all the work you have done in the last decade and no one should try to discredit that! It’s 2020 girl and we are not letting ignorant people kill our spirit!!
its INSANE!!! where the hell does one thing have to do with the other....people I believe want to get educated yet want to stay stupid at the same time....its unbelievable.
The way I see "Zero waste" is like a charity donation to the future - if one person can donate $100,000, good for them, go for it! but if 1,000,000 people can donate $1 each, the total is so much higher. It's not about one person, or a few people, doing something perfectly, it's about everyone doing one or two small things, and making gradual improvements across the whole of society. We need a cultural change, and I think it's gradually happening.
As a not-thin person who really tries to live zero waste, I can't tell you how much your representation means to me. Thanks for calling it out and continuing to teach and be great!
Your channel is the ONLY "zero waste" channel I still follow. After getting into this life style about a year ago, I quickly got tired of all the other channels that are just duplicates of each other and it made me sick. You keep inspiring me and always bring new thoughts and ideas and I just appreciate your attitude and the way you see things. You have a perfect balance between giving practical solutions on one hand, and thought provoking content on the other hand. Keep up the amazing work!
you: adding multiple improvements to your house to slowly but surely make it more sustainable commenters, apparently: wHy DoNt YoU hAvE sOlAr PaNeLs???????? clam down guys it's a journey not a race
Just FYI, it does not cost $30k for solar panels. The install is free and the mortgage is less than an electricity bill. It's still not for everyone, but it is a really fantastic improvement in sustainability. I loves my solar panels!
Solar panels are the move people often make when they want to *appear* sustainable, but haven't actually done all the other less sexy things that save a lot of energy (insulation, smart thermostat, taking fewer/shorter showers, maintaining appliances, etc.).
I feel like a lot of people in the "zero waste" movement are kind of (whether intentional or not) painting themselves as being so perfect that they don't need "extra" stuff. Like not needing to take any prescription meds, having the type of hair or body that you can wash yourself and your hair and your face with one bar of soap and a spritz of ACV, being satiated on a single mango for lunch etc. It makes people who have unique circumstances feel like "zero waste" or even just sustainability is not attainable even if they use a reusable grocery bag but take medicine out of a plastic bottle without feeling guilty or like they are somehow uncommitted to the cause. You (and Immy) don't do that AT ALL and I love it. Thank you for all that you do and sorry for all the haters.
Yes, this is so true, although maybe it can take some time to fully understand it. It's great that those people can be perfect, but almost no one is actually in that position. We don't all live down the road from an aesthetic bulk store so we can shop with our little jars and bags, we don't all have good health or look great with just a bar of soap. We have jobs, families, partners, illnesses, kids and life circumstances that screw us up at every turn. I'm over trying to be perfect because it's exhausting and also impossible.
spoontacular a lot of people don’t realize how privileged they really are and it’s sad. At the end of the day if you’re trying your best to be more conscious about your choices then you’re doing great!!
If I didn’t take my medications - and I have many, including insulin by shot in a plastic syringe - I’d be dead. If anyone tried to make me feel guilty for taking my meds I’d beat them with my cane.
the only reason I even notice your size in relation to your lifestyle is me being so grateful that you have a different body type than other zero waste youtubers and that we get to see diversity in this movement because its for everyone, just like I love seeing black zero waste creators. diversity in a movement in any form is effective and makes others feel included. your size does not relate to what life style you choose or want to do. you are beautiful, worthy, smart, determined and so compassionate.
The reason your message is so good and the reason I continue to watch is that your approach is so realistic. You have to live with many different people, or at least have relationships and interaction with many different people through out life, and so you can’t just draw lines in the sand and cut off everyone who makes different decisions for their lives. You set an example, and you give realistic ways that people can implement changes in their lives, and I think sustainability in small bites seems more doable and can inspire bigger and bigger changes. I really love your videos.
Exactly! I actually feel like I can make more sustainable choices by watching your videos and seeing that you’re a normal person and not presenting yourself as some hyper-perfect person. Also you cute. Fuck em.
This. ❤ She is making a huge impact by making it seem realistic. I've already pulled in 3 people by just doing it and letting people that are interested ask the questions and get involved instead of judging people and being too vocal. I honestly barely tried before finding this channel. It just felt so pointless, and like a lot of work. But I'm loving having minimal changes to my life with huge rewards. Example: my garage (where we keep garbage until trash day) stinks less since we've started composting. Since taking my own food containers with on a daily basis just in case I get hungry when I'm out and don't have time to prepare a meal, I have much less trash and much more room in my fridge. Etcetera, etcetera. People notice and ask questions. 🤷♀️
Loved the weight discrimination rant, especially the "double f**k you" part. I've watched about 6 videos before this one out of pure curiosity about low waste, but in THIS one, I saw myself. *Subscribed*
“I don’t know how to say this without being rude.” THEN DONT SAY IT. There are so many reasons people can be overweight, and the most important thing about it is IT AINT ANYONES GOD DAMN BUSINESS.
My point is that the comment is unnecessary, ignorant, and clearly rude. She doesn’t owe anyone an explanation for being herself. And I’m really perplexed by the mental gymnastics it took for these people to come to these conclusions and then feel like it’s okay to comment about it to be honest.
The 'perfect zero waste life' does not exist - yet - for anyone. It's important we all do whatever we can and that we are aware of what is wasteful and what is more sustainable. We all (can) learn something new every day and what counts is that we ALL TRY. Everything else is just jealous bit***ing.
I so agreeI I hate when people say that everything we do as "zero wasters" doesn't matter. Of course it does! Doing nothing is what puts us in trouble...
That's why I like how she ends her video with doing all the good that we can do. I am learning and I make mistakes. I am better than I was but worse than what I will be in the future. It's a journey with fine tuning along the way but I never want perfection to be the enemy of good.
You being plus size is another reason why I love this channel so much. That someone doesn't have to be an Instagram model to live sustainably!! Absolutely keep doing what you're doing 🥰
I read all the mean comments you put on the screen and it amazes me how small-minded and shallow people think that they should start typing whenever a thought pops into their tiny brains. You are great and amazing, you are one of the few youtubers I actually follow and I love you and your content. All the best to you from Hungary.
Ben and Jerry's containers are made in a factory close to where I live, they have very sustainable packaging, and the scrap material from the ice cream containers goes on to make disposable (compostable!!!) plates
I always love your channel BECAUSE you are not like some of this skinny, perfect, never say a bad word girls. I always feel so much more connected to you because you feel so real and you give me the feeling I can achieve a lot and don't have to be the perfect zero waste instagrammer for it😊 So yeah girl. Fuck those haters! ❤
The thought process is: if someone is larger, they are eating more than they need which is therefore wasteful. Super disrespectful and not even always correct. That's just their train of thought. Not saying I agree whatsoever.
@@meRguitarLUVR But that makes no sense. Like I know so many men who eat like crazy but are super thin. The current size of a person does not always relate to their eating habits.
@@The22ana22 look I'm just saying. That's the train of thought. That has no relevance. I'm just saying that is why people say being larger is unsustainable
My thought was that zero waste people eat simple, healthy foods, and larger people would eat like a lot of fast food and packaged stuff. Thats where I thought the question came from. Still rude af though.
Thank you for touching on compromising with your spouse/partner. My husband will go along with a lot of things I do but he's similar to Madison and just not really into it - I can't just steamroll him and insist that we do something drastic because it's not just me involved. That's just not how healthy relationships work!
Same here. It's always refreshing to see that other people make the same kinds of compromises you do, have the same or similar relationship dynamics and the like.
Same with my husband. He'll even put food into the trash bin instead of compost because it's easier. I normally cook and deal with food trash so it's not a big issue overall, but he allows me to do what I want, especially if it saves money (thrift shopping for me and the kids).
I am glad you were thoughtful about how Madison felt when purchasing your home. Honoring how your life partner feels is one of the most important things you can do to have a long lasting relationship. It made my heart happy to hear you mention that.
I am plus sized and I am trying to be low impact/ zero waste. Helping the planet by being conscious of what I put in my home and my body is one of my main goals. I get looks when I have my own bags/containers and bulk shop and when I get mostly produce. When that happens I feel judged and looked down on which sucks but its not going to stop me from trying to better myself and the environment. Stay strong, be kind to each other, and dont judge. We are all on a journey ❤✌🌎
Jessica MacCannell don’t feel down when people judge you girl, they are really judging themselves because something about what your doing, bothers them. It’s not actually you. And when it happens, just think of all of us who are bringing our own bags and filling up on our bulk products. Might not be the same store and not at the same time but we’re doing it with you, day after day. And who knows, maybe someone who sees you will get interested and start doing it themselves. 💜
I shop at Winco here in Utah and the bulk section is one of the busier areas. Every packs their own groceries, so no one looks at me funny. Our 26 year old son moved in with us 3 months ago and at first he was so confused but now he loves it.
Knowing that there are people who would bring up your weight as a way of saying you don't have a voice in the sustainability movement just breaks my heart. I was in tears reading some of the things that people have said to you. You have done so much for this movement and are responsible for a lot of the things I have learned over this past year and changes I have made. I even say your quote to my teenage daughter. Please continue doing what you're doing. You are so needed and so loved.
As a plus size woman I love seeing this kind of representation so thank you so so much!! I love your content and you shouldn’t be discredited just because of how you look.
@@suides4810 Sometimes, as often happens to my mom, the pet gets you rather than the other way around. Edit: I did a lot of reading when I rescued some kittens who were dumped at my workplace and I don't remember this piece of information. It's also entirely possible her partner got the cat, not her.
those comments made me so mad about being overweight and the fact that that was what was occupying their mind when watching your videos says a lot about them as people🤷🏻♀️
Thank you for being a "plus size women who loves women" representation. It's hard to feel concerned when no one looks like you, so thank you very much ♥
I am so angry about the comment on your body. It's piss me off. I love your channel, you have a sincerity and some complexity in your thinking. (I am french so sorry for my bad english. ) I am not sorry for you, because you are a fierce woman, beautiful and brainy. I am sorry for this people who comment these atrocity. Sorry for your poor vision of life. Thanks for this video, you are a role model for me.
Hi!! I’m 40 And just started to learning. I’m super grateful that you are young and making this effort. And I’m so pissed with those people who comment about your size. For me, seeing you as a normal and real person, makes you honest give you credibility.
I used to watch a bunch of other zero and low-waste channels, but they weren't REAL. Everything always had to be perfect - perfect hair, perfect makeup, perfect organization, perfect body, perfect zero-waster. That isn't reality. That is made up for viewers. I love you and I am still here because YOU are real. :)
I have some recommendations for broke people since I was pretty broke too when I began, there were times when I couldn't even afford my period pads and just used toilet paper from the public university bathroom. So my greatest zero waste investment was a batch of medium heavy period pads that I could just wash and reuse, I was also happy to never worry about not having period pads available and I saved up for them. Second: A reusable water bottle, maybe just a glass bottle that comes with the water or a juice from the supermarket, you can also use a smaller glass bottle from a smoothie for coffee, it doesn't keep it warm though. Third: Reusable shopping bags and Fourth: Washable cotton pads to remove makeup, would be my main recommendations for broke people who want to save money. (Shampoo Bars also last (me) way longer, so it's an investment of usually about 10€ at first but that can stretch out over 11 months.) Don't buy it all at once if you can't afford it, go slowly but steadily. 💗💗 Also Shelby and Madison are such couple goals, financial literacy and eco minimalism are some of my greatest passions in life, I love that they do both. 😍
Also, if you're crafty or want to be you can make your own reusable cotton pads. There are a bunch of crochet tutorials on here showing how to make them. (I'm sure you can make them some other way, too but crochet is my craft so it's what I know.)
Great advice! The last box of tampons I ever bought was in 2015. I bought a diva cup for $28 soon after, and I still use it to this day. Definately an eco-friendly investment that’s saved me lots of money over time.
Girl, I am LIVING for your rant at the end about being discredited because of your weight. Representation is so important! You are doing amazing work and you have definitely made sustainable living more accessible. My husband is Israeli (where single use plastic reins supreme) and I am trying to get him on board with recycling and reducing plastic in our lives. I think if he had more role models who looked like him that were living more sustainable lifestyles, he wouldn't be nearly as resistant.
It’s effed up people leave comments like that, I would not have imagined this kind of stupidity and meanness. I’m sorry you have to deal with that crap. Know that most of your viewers understand and are not idiots! ❤️
You have inspired me and changed my life in ways I will never find a way to thank you for. I’ve always been an environmentalist, but also something with an addiction to shopping: specially ALL vintage and second hand shopping. So I always would “justify” my purchases as being okay since I do NOT buy fast fashion whatsoever. Not even shoes or socks. But that has come with too much stuff. My life has completely changed since becoming a minimalist and realizing how much more I could do for the environment. I was raised by a hippie mother who didn’t leave the house without her reusable grocery bags. But there’s so much more we didn’t have an opportunity to do- but NOW- I am blown away. There is almost no excuse for being wasteful if you CAN afford to do it right now. Also- you are beautiful. You are radiant. You are unbelievably positive and your energy radiates so much further than you might ever realize. I am so grateful for you. You are amazing. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for what you’re doing. It gives me peace, hope, and joy
since when does your weight have to do with sustainability?! you're gorgeous and thriving and show so much representation for this community, you and Madison both. its nice to see the real stuff, not fake edited people that have all white homes and own like 3 things lol. I really love your videos, fuck the haters!
yeah, I was really wondering that as well 😂 I mean... MAYBE if you're buying clothes and it uses more fabric but that doesn't apply when you buy secondhand sooo...?
Socrahontas yeah and the one comment left a horrible analogy that she’s eating more food? but i mean if that were true she’s not wasting cause she’s eating it. but that’s ridiculous and untrue so i don’t get people
Socrahontas it’s really sad considering how amazing she is, and what she’s done for educating people on this. she’s fucking stunning, but even if she wasn’t i don’t get why people need to bring appearances into it
I have this exact problem with regards to weight! I love sustainability and healthy eating and working out but at the same time I’m kind of chubby and it feels like I don’t belong in a community that cares about those things because I’m not thin it sucks
If only the skinny people did it, we'd never get out of this mess. Everyone doing a little bit adds up to either a bunch of good or bad. I hope that you know you are amazing and I may not know you but thank you for doing the best that you can to make the world a better place.
So sad anyone would be made to feel like they had to justify their existence, their effort or the hard work they put in. I love your channel, you inspire me to do better and I think your are stunning with beautiful hair, eyes and figure! Don't change!
I think you fill a much needed gap! I follow a few sustainable channels but the fact that you are plus size and not straight actually makes me relate to you so much more. You are actually the reason I started thrifting for clothes. I'm rarely successful as a plus size woman, but yesterday I was at the thrift store and I stumbled upon a bunch of beautiful vintage inspired dresses in my size! (Clearly all from the same person). It was such a great score! And if you didn't talk about thrifting for clothes I probably would have just kept telling myself I'd never find anything in my size.
If you’re still using that plant spray with neem oil, that may be why the cats avoid it. My ferret can’t stand the smell (and neither can I, for that matter!). It is a “pest deterrent,” after all.
Thanks for everything you do, Shelbi! I enjoy watching your videos every week. Good news! My 82 year old grandfather just started recycling! He is mostly doing it because he is bored and likes to keep busy, but he brags every week that he puts less and less into the garbage can every week. It gave him a lot of anxiety before because only one special can is provided and his garbage often wouldn't fit. I'm pretty proud of their one small change, especially since I never told them they should do it. They just asked me why I have multiple garbage cans.
Here’s why I love this channel: you are so incredibly open minded. I meet people all the time in the environmental science field that claim to be just that, but when they find out that I’m a Christian, or that I want a big family, etc., they write me off completely. It was actually one of the reasons I didn’t go into environmental science in college and chose teaching instead. With that being said, thank you for acknowledging that there are people who don’t always see eye to eye with you about everything, and for acknowledging that it’s okay. I really enjoy watching your channel because I honestly learn so much every time. We live very different lives, and you make me giggle uncomfortable sometimes when you say the F word repeatedly (hahahaha), but I’m so grateful that there is someone out here trying to educate people on sustainability! THANK YOU! Completely different tangent, but I didn’t even realize you were “plus size” until you did one of your sustainable brands clothing hauls a few months back. It just made me like you even more.
That last answer was perfect. You are honestly the best sustainability advocate on TH-cam. You don't make it this expensive, exclusive, elitist club like so many others do (intentionally or not).
I have used birthday money for my reusable produce bags (that I use to make cold brew coffee) my reusable ziplocks, and I carry my fork to work for my lunch in the pouch my bamboo straws came in. Not perfect! But trying.
Love this so much. One thing I wish we could see representation of in the “zero” waste community is people of different genders. Men don’t seem to exist there and they create waste too!
Thank you so much for addressing the fatphobia in the movement. It is something that people use against me too, to discredit my advocacy for the planet. Its so sad to hear that all they seem to want to see is your size instead of all the evidence based advise you give and the walk you walk.
22:11 YES! Someone needed to say it. This is a topic that isn't addressed enough and you just opened a conversation about it in the most unapologetic way and I LOVE THAT. I wish I had the courage to be that unapologetic about myself. And can I just say... damn people! We're all insecure about our own things and shaming someone for their APPEARANCE on a public platform where EVERYONE ELSE is able to see it... Words affect people. I love your content Shelbi keep doing awesome things!
How can you live sustainability when you’re broke af? In a lot of ways, more easily than someone who has more money and more options. You simply don’t have the opportunities to buy and consume as wastefully as someone with disposable income. Primarily, use what you have. Use a spatula, get everything out of the container. Take a good look at your supplies before going to a store. Trade items with friends and neighbours. Borrow instead of acquiring. Any reusable water bottle means free tap water (any place that serves food is required to give you free tap water to drink, regardless of being a paying customer. Please and thank you is all it costs). A cheap clip to hang it from your belt loops, backpack, or purse strap means it’s always with you, and you’re less likely to need to buy a drink. Making your hot beverage of choice at home is cheaper. If getting one when you’re out is worth it to you, feel free, a reusable cup will often get you any size you like for the size of a small. If you don’t take milk products in your beverage, paper cups can be easily rinsed and reused for occasions when you don’t want to be stuck carrying a mug the rest of the day. Reusable containers can be had in quantity from thrift stores. Check the lids fit tightly, and the containers don’t stink. A mild smell of plastic can be solved by coating them in baking sofa and leaving them a day or 2. Don’t store your empty containers sealed closed. Even cheaper, reuse the containers from margarine, yogurt, whatever. They won’t last forever, but getting a few more uses out of them before recycling is great. Same for glass jars. A lot of pasta jars will fit canning jar lids. If you like resealable plastic bags, buy name brand, heavier freezer bags and keep reusing them. They fold down to nothing to take home. If products like nuts, raisins, oatmeal come in a zip top bag, reuse it. You can even take it to a bulk store and refill it. Clothing, bags, backpacks, socks, underwear... any textile can be mended to some degree. There are wonderful tutorials online. Small holes in T-shirts can be fixed invisibility - especially black fabric. Once you notice a hole or rip, look it up and fix it before washing to prevent worse damage. Thread, fabric (big and small pieces) and buttons can often be had at thrift stores. You might need to purchase hand sewing needles new - or ask a friend or family member - most people who have ever sewed could spare a few without blinking, as well as scraps and thread and buttons and would be happy to show you how. When clothing is beyond repair or repurpose, steal the hardware for future repairs. Buttons, clasps, a cool piece of trim. The fabric itself might be good as scraps to fix another garment (I saved a chunk of undamaged fabric from my last pair of black work pants. When I get the inevitable knee holes in this pair, I’ll have a great match to fix these ones at least once). Some fabrics are useful for cleaning or dusting, or making reusable make up cloths... If furniture - particularly the “not real wood” kind is beyond repair/repurpose, Salvage the screws, shelf pegs, hinges, handles... I built my repair kits this way - and I rarely have to buy pieces to fix what I have, or salvaged or thrifted pieces I pick up. Make furniture out of cardboard if you’re in a temporary situation, or you just want to wait until you find the right long-term piece, and your budget allows. There’s instructions for some really elegant and stable pieces free online. Being an ardent environmentalist can be a great cover for being broke, if you’re in a workplace or among people who would be tacky enough to think badly of you for it. “Of course I don’t own a car”, “I’d rather reuse the containers that I can’t avoid getting, than purchase reusable ones new - reuse is always more sustainable than creating a new product” :)
For the softener salt: If you have a feed store near you for farm animals, (Farm and Fleet, Fleet Farm, Tractor Supply,) You can get 50lb blocks of salt, plastic free that you can set down inside your water softener. It is not advertised as softer salt, its feeding salt for animals. But, it does the same job if you are just buying regular, yellow bag softener salt.
I liked the last seconds of the video, because you felt even more sincere than in all your videos. Btw, love you and madisson, you both are so cute! Cheers from Spain (and trying to produce less waste) ❤️
I've been binging your vids for the last few days & I think this one is my favorite so far. I love how you address having a partner/family who lives differently than you (same), not striving for perfection, and many other things you said. Also, I'm SO here for the cussing.
Can you make a 'why im STILL vegan' video, im seeing too many 'why im no longer a vegan' ones. Think it will be good to send a positive aspect on the topic 😊
I would love to make a channel on the life of a realistic vegan. There's so many unrealistic expectations of the lifestyle that youtube could use more of us everyday vegans who've been doing it for a while.
@@michelledelkel have you seen Unnatural Vegan's channel? I think she does a pretty good job representing ordinary vegans when she does a what I ate video.
@@sanityisrelative oh yeah I've only seen her educational vids but haven't watched her in a while. I feel that Jordan Shrinks does a very good job of being a chill vegan. There are some, but I feel that youtube vegans are highly saturated with the extremists, which probably explains all the "vegans" quitting the lifestyle
honestly, I'm here for all the swearing :D you're just authentic, approachable and inclusive. how you handled the whole video about the haters thing just shows again what a considerate and reflected person you are. and you put them in their place in this one.^^ I love you
here's a quote I've shared with my kids and on my social media...... " We don't need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We NEED millions of people doing it imperfectly" anything is better than nothing at all... i love your videos and i have learned sooooooo much from you. keep them coming .
Your channel is great. When I started my deep dive into my minimalism journey, zero waste was something I didn’t factor in. Now, like you, I try my best to be zero waste while living with family. Like I read in a comment here, your representation of minimalism and zero waste is a realistic approach to a millennial who is a working adult. We all take steps into minimalism and zero waste, not full nosedives.
I know I'm late here but I just wanted to say that your size and sexual orientation has never been something I thought twice about. That is absolutely insane that other people can have that kind of mindset to put you down when what you're doing is so great. You're living your life and doing the best you can - way better than most can say for themselves. I also fucking love that you cuss on your channel. Great way to keep staying positive because yeah you really don't need those types of people following you and assuming they know your eating habits and/or overlooking the good you do based off of their own assumptions and ignorance. Keep doing what you're doing cuz I, and 215k+ other people, love it!
Reading those comments broke my heart. I’m sorry you have to deal with that. People like that are just awful miserable people. Pay them no mind like I’m sure you already do and keep trying to change the world. ❤️
Girl, you are amazing! From another woman judged by her weight...you nailed it! F#@k them! I have been drawn to "zero waste" for years, but never felt like I could commit 100%. You have taught me I dont have to! There are several zero waste channels I watch, but am not in a place to go to their level. You show people that being zero waste is a journey, not a destination...even those people who are "completely zero waste" (I have not seen one person be "completely zero waste") still strive to do more. My favorite saying is "Progress over perfection." I'm never going to be perfect, but I can progress and be better than I am...one step at a time! Thank you, Shelbi, for showing us each step counts!
Solar panels also have their own environmental impact in terms of mining/production/transportation/etc. And without energy storage solutions, they can also effect the grid and make other energy sources less efficient which leads to more green house gases.
You are my favourite sustainable blogger. You don't try to pretend like everything is perfect. It's all about intention and effort. You go girl! You go!
I love how you moved through the house for the video, that makes it so visually interesting, esp for a q&a! Also I totally relate when it comes to building wealth. It’s a very important thing to do, but one that lots of people take for granted. You never know what can happen in a lifetime.
As an overweight women finding your channel has been so positive for me! I didn't notice how much I wanted to see myself in the zero waste movement until I found your channel and it made me feel super comfortable and more motivated to get more involved in sustainability. I don't even understand how people can be so ignorant about weight. Being overweight doesn't mean you overeat, it doesn't mean you're not trying to be healthy, and it doesn't mean you're wasteful. There are so many different reasons for people to be overweight or underweight (genetics, health reasons, pre-existing conditions, etc.) and it's NO ONES business anyways. I can only hope that people become more educated on health and nutrition and society stops being so fatphobic.
YES GIRL this video is straight FIRE, I am sitting here laughing out loud and smiling and cheering you on. I love your down to earth, real, free spirit. Can't wait to see what you do in 2020 :)
in regards to arts and crafts, check the second hand shops for supplies. i sew and some of my fabrics are from second hand shops. like right now i've got 2 projects happening: a bike jersey for my husband out of thrifted fabric, and pajamas for me out of thrifted fabric.
It was very interesting when you brought up the fact that the majority of "zero/low wasters" on social media are "white, thin, females"...this would make a most fascinating university paper for those studying social or environmental sciences! I think you're awesome and have learned so much from your channel!
Rhea Hutchinson i think it has to do with the privilege associated with being able to think abt your waste and the environment because poor people (usually poc) don’t always have the means to live “zero waste.” either way it is really interesting, especially how social media has impacted the image of environmentalism!
One of the main reasons I first clicked on your videos when searching about minimalism and sustainability is because you looked more like me, and not that I don't also watch the people who don't look like me but when you see someone who is like you it becomes more relatable and less intimidating.
I'm binging on your videos for last couple of months, especially for the last couple of days. I do not comment often, because I rarely do ingage in internet activities (partially because of anxiety) but hearing about this negative things you heard from some people watching you I felt the need to tell you that YOU ARE AWESOME. Your tips on less waste, your approach to sustainability, your personality are all great. I started to be interested in less waste because of minimalism, and from all youtubers I watched at the time that were zero waters only your and Sedona's channel stayed with me. Even though I can never benefit from exact brands you reccomend, as I live in Poland were we do not have them, I started to swap a lot of things to more sustainable and locally produced versions of them because you showed or said something that spoke to me. Thank you for making videos. Greatings from other side of the world :)
I know that struggle with the weight - a feeling of having less credibility because of the body. I read somewhere that women are judged based on their bodies because we are still seen as some decoration, that our purpose is to be pretty and to bring joy. I think this was historically true and it is changing, but too slowly (I am from Eastern Europe). I ended up big by emotional overeating and it makes me mad and sad when people ask why I don't "just eat less". I was really touched when you said that these are the only comments that piss you off. Before I felt like a looser for being so touchy, but now I feel like these people who give "advice" on weight are really ignorant, if it hurts even you. Please consider doing whole video about your thoughts on this issue. I know this is not your topic, it's not zero waste, nor minimalism :) but it might help some people too.
Hi! I'm from eastern europe too! It sucks here, most girls have eating disorders and starve themselves and then balloon up when they are 35+ because their bodies can't take it anymore
I love this channel because you're so real and tell things like they are. Everyone is over the 'aesthetic' zero waste now, where everything has to be crafted from wood, and you need special branded jars for everything, and everyone is a perfect, slim, white, 20-year old girl. Nothing against those people, but caring about the environment shouldn't be related to how you look, and having all the trendy gear to be aesthetic AF. I've been an environmentalist of sorts for many years, always working on ZW and literally never getting there because there's always someone ready to force a plastic bag or spoon or wrapper on you. I now live in a country that just doesn't have all the resources at hand to be ZW. It's often depressing, but I just keep on trying my best because that's all we can do.
Oh my god, I can't, you're amazing. Please swear more, I truly love the passion! Thanks for everything you do, you have helped my sustainable journey more than you'll ever know.
I grew up in what I call a "false toxic" family(they are rude and say mean things about people, but never treat anyone different for it.. it's weird, lol) so I am guilty of definitely noticing your size the first time I watched one of your videos.. but it was never in a discrediting way. My first thoughts were, "I wonder if she just likes sweets and goodies like my grandma, or if she's diabetic like one of my old friends?" I adore you're outlook on things, and the quote, "you can't do all the good the world needs, but the world needs all you can do" is what led me to subscribe, and it removed any doubts I had about being as sustainable as possible. My depression/anxiety has made it difficult, because it's so hard to motivate myself to just do the more sustainable alternative. The idea of "all you can give" helped me realize that those times when I can't do it are okay, as long as I find a way to make it easier on myself when I'm not in a low. Thank you for your inspiration, and I'm excited to be the most sustainable I can be!
Keep up the cursing! I love it. Yeah, we're 26 years olds, and we love to curse because that's how we feel and also whenever you swear, I laugh. You make my day, girl.
I love your approach to low waste. Getting more people to to a bit is better than a small group being perfectionists. And the perfectionism turns people off! People can still do/have what makes them happy and still make giant strides toward helping the planet- it's nice to hear that in your videos. It's horrible that people can be so awful about weight when you're beautiful and you stand up for such an awesome, meaningful lifestyle as being low waste! ❤️
I know that since I found your channel a few years ago, I have been trying to be more conscious on what I am buying and recycling. Slowly I'm getting there. Keep up the great work and love what you are about 👍
Crafting is TOTALLY a low waste hobby if you really want it to be! I love crafting and am always reusing things and going to second hand stores for supplies!
Another thing, not everyone can be “zero waste” minimal waste, or low waste is much better. My boyfriend has a spinal cord injury and goes to the bathroom using a plastic catheter. Please keep in mind that not everyone can be “zero waste”
Dakota Jordyn yes she didn’t discredit anything like that, if it’s necessary for quality of life or for a medical condition then yes that’s never going to be a problem because it’s very important
I like "minimal waste" since everyone can make an effort to have as little waste as possible.. I'm chronically ill so I also have a lot of things where I can't cut down on waste.. but I try and do it in the areas where I can do it.. that's why I love Shelby she promotes doing what you can and not some impossible to reach thing
On the topic of this because of medical issues,why are medications not able to use the same bottles? Theyre very reusable, relitavely good plastic, and my personal largest waste. Why is it so hard to just use the same medication bottles???
You can safely re use urinary catheters for the same person. We have been able to do it for over 10 years with no UTIs. We use the soft silicone catheters because they are less irritating. With clean hands, just wash them and rinse well. We use an old formula G Tube syringe without the plunger to simply drain water through. Then shake them out, air dry them and wrap them in a clean cloth or paper towel. We carry them in a clean reusable zipper food pouch. We throw them out after a week to ten days. I used to boil them, but found that was not necessary. You can just soak them in very hot water before starting. After many years, this method is now the recommended way to handle them for our hospital clinic.
Shelby, some people are just d##ks, don't let them take away your beautiful sparkle. I hope your father has a speedy recovery. PS, I am nearing 60, and you teach me how to be a better person for this planet, and it ticks me off, as a child born in the 60s, my grandparents and parents lived a more sustainable life. When did we all lose our way? Much love From UK xx
Two things: first, thank you for being such an important rational voice in terms of doing the best you can and not sweating the rest, and second, your hair is stunning this way. The curls are *gorgeous*. Just say in’.
I'm so proud to watch this video and know that there is someone fighting honestly and with passion for what they believe in, all in the name of being a positive representative for those who aren't often heard or seen in the sustainability movement - You have inspired at least one person today Shelby, thank you! x
Wow, I cannot believe how disrespectful people are. This channel shows all the work you have done in the last decade and no one should try to discredit that! It’s 2020 girl and we are not letting ignorant people kill our spirit!!
its INSANE!!! where the hell does one thing have to do with the other....people I believe want to get educated yet want to stay stupid at the same time....its unbelievable.
Honestly I’m not surprised, people are pretty disrespectful for everything
On that first sentence I thought you said "YOU" instead of PEOPLE hehehehe
The way I see "Zero waste" is like a charity donation to the future - if one person can donate $100,000, good for them, go for it! but if 1,000,000 people can donate $1 each, the total is so much higher. It's not about one person, or a few people, doing something perfectly, it's about everyone doing one or two small things, and making gradual improvements across the whole of society. We need a cultural change, and I think it's gradually happening.
Such a great comment!!! Sums it ALL up.
Perfect comment.
yes sing it loud for everyone at the back!
Beautifully said!
As a not-thin person who really tries to live zero waste, I can't tell you how much your representation means to me. Thanks for calling it out and continuing to teach and be great!
Ditto!
Your channel is the ONLY "zero waste" channel I still follow. After getting into this life style about a year ago, I quickly got tired of all the other channels that are just duplicates of each other and it made me sick. You keep inspiring me and always bring new thoughts and ideas and I just appreciate your attitude and the way you see things. You have a perfect balance between giving practical solutions on one hand, and thought provoking content on the other hand. Keep up the amazing work!
you: adding multiple improvements to your house to slowly but surely make it more sustainable
commenters, apparently: wHy DoNt YoU hAvE sOlAr PaNeLs????????
clam down guys it's a journey not a race
Seriously! It costs some serious bank to do home related swaps! Sheesh!
Just FYI, it does not cost $30k for solar panels. The install is free and the mortgage is less than an electricity bill. It's still not for everyone, but it is a really fantastic improvement in sustainability. I loves my solar panels!
@@kimstegner, yeah.... not so true in various locations in Texas
Solar panels are the move people often make when they want to *appear* sustainable, but haven't actually done all the other less sexy things that save a lot of energy (insulation, smart thermostat, taking fewer/shorter showers, maintaining appliances, etc.).
@@krysk4093 or Oklahoma! In fact I'm fairly sure there's a cap on how much of your own energy you can generate here.
Imagine going on the internet and hating on someone for their size when all they try to do is spread positivity. They are completely missing the point
I feel like a lot of people in the "zero waste" movement are kind of (whether intentional or not) painting themselves as being so perfect that they don't need "extra" stuff. Like not needing to take any prescription meds, having the type of hair or body that you can wash yourself and your hair and your face with one bar of soap and a spritz of ACV, being satiated on a single mango for lunch etc. It makes people who have unique circumstances feel like "zero waste" or even just sustainability is not attainable even if they use a reusable grocery bag but take medicine out of a plastic bottle without feeling guilty or like they are somehow uncommitted to the cause. You (and Immy) don't do that AT ALL and I love it. Thank you for all that you do and sorry for all the haters.
Yes, this is so true, although maybe it can take some time to fully understand it. It's great that those people can be perfect, but almost no one is actually in that position. We don't all live down the road from an aesthetic bulk store so we can shop with our little jars and bags, we don't all have good health or look great with just a bar of soap. We have jobs, families, partners, illnesses, kids and life circumstances that screw us up at every turn. I'm over trying to be perfect because it's exhausting and also impossible.
spoontacular a lot of people don’t realize how privileged they really are and it’s sad. At the end of the day if you’re trying your best to be more conscious about your choices then you’re doing great!!
honestly. my meds use so much wasteful packaging, but not taking them isn’t really an option unless i want to be in pain a lot of the time
If I didn’t take my medications - and I have many, including insulin by shot in a plastic syringe - I’d be dead. If anyone tried to make me feel guilty for taking my meds I’d beat them with my cane.
❤❤❤❤❤
the only reason I even notice your size in relation to your lifestyle is me being so grateful that you have a different body type than other zero waste youtubers and that we get to see diversity in this movement because its for everyone, just like I love seeing black zero waste creators. diversity in a movement in any form is effective and makes others feel included. your size does not relate to what life style you choose or want to do. you are beautiful, worthy, smart, determined and so compassionate.
The reason your message is so good and the reason I continue to watch is that your approach is so realistic. You have to live with many different people, or at least have relationships and interaction with many different people through out life, and so you can’t just draw lines in the sand and cut off everyone who makes different decisions for their lives. You set an example, and you give realistic ways that people can implement changes in their lives, and I think sustainability in small bites seems more doable and can inspire bigger and bigger changes. I really love your videos.
Exactly! I actually feel like I can make more sustainable choices by watching your videos and seeing that you’re a normal person and not presenting yourself as some hyper-perfect person.
Also you cute. Fuck em.
Yes!! Exactlyy!!I learn so much from you and all in a way that is tangeble!! Thankss! you are awesome!
This. ❤ She is making a huge impact by making it seem realistic. I've already pulled in 3 people by just doing it and letting people that are interested ask the questions and get involved instead of judging people and being too vocal.
I honestly barely tried before finding this channel. It just felt so pointless, and like a lot of work. But I'm loving having minimal changes to my life with huge rewards. Example: my garage (where we keep garbage until trash day) stinks less since we've started composting. Since taking my own food containers with on a daily basis just in case I get hungry when I'm out and don't have time to prepare a meal, I have much less trash and much more room in my fridge. Etcetera, etcetera. People notice and ask questions. 🤷♀️
Loved the weight discrimination rant, especially the "double f**k you" part. I've watched about 6 videos before this one out of pure curiosity about low waste, but in THIS one, I saw myself. *Subscribed*
sameeee
Me too
Your size has nothing to do with your low waste efforts. I've learned so much from you over the past year. I've never once given your size a thought.
Emily Hennessey me
Honestly all I think when I see her is, hair. Amazing hair.
I’m saying !
Shelbi can't do all the good that the world needs.
But the world needs all the good that Shelbi does.
💚
“I don’t know how to say this without being rude.” THEN DONT SAY IT. There are so many reasons people can be overweight, and the most important thing about it is IT AINT ANYONES GOD DAMN BUSINESS.
Lol. You can still say something if it seems rude. It’s just a disclaimer
Sure, if you want to be known as a royal asshat. Otherwise, keep your nose out of other people’s business.
My point is that the comment is unnecessary, ignorant, and clearly rude. She doesn’t owe anyone an explanation for being herself. And I’m really perplexed by the mental gymnastics it took for these people to come to these conclusions and then feel like it’s okay to comment about it to be honest.
Jordan Michelle but why would you?
Lilly Watters AMEN!!!!
You're honestly the REALEST sustainability channel out there girl and also just so relatable! Preach🙏
The 'perfect zero waste life' does not exist - yet - for anyone. It's important we all do whatever we can and that we are aware of what is wasteful and what is more sustainable. We all (can) learn something new every day and what counts is that we ALL TRY. Everything else is just jealous bit***ing.
I so agreeI I hate when people say that everything we do as "zero wasters" doesn't matter. Of course it does! Doing nothing is what puts us in trouble...
A perfect "zero waste" person, just like the "perfect vegan" is a dead one. No human alive is perfectly zero waste.
That's why I like how she ends her video with doing all the good that we can do. I am learning and I make mistakes. I am better than I was but worse than what I will be in the future. It's a journey with fine tuning along the way but I never want perfection to be the enemy of good.
You being plus size is another reason why I love this channel so much. That someone doesn't have to be an Instagram model to live sustainably!! Absolutely keep doing what you're doing 🥰
I read all the mean comments you put on the screen and it amazes me how small-minded and shallow people think that they should start typing whenever a thought pops into their tiny brains. You are great and amazing, you are one of the few youtubers I actually follow and I love you and your content. All the best to you from Hungary.
Yayyy fellow Hungarian Shelby follower
I am living for the “body shaming” rant... bless you!!! You are lovely women and I am inspired by you to do more.
wow, I never thought to connect body weight with sustainability/zero waste. Sounds like a THEM problem. You're doing so much good. 🌿
Ben and Jerry's containers are made in a factory close to where I live, they have very sustainable packaging, and the scrap material from the ice cream containers goes on to make disposable (compostable!!!) plates
I always love your channel BECAUSE you are not like some of this skinny, perfect, never say a bad word girls. I always feel so much more connected to you because you feel so real and you give me the feeling I can achieve a lot and don't have to be the perfect zero waste instagrammer for it😊
So yeah girl. Fuck those haters! ❤
Still tryna figure out how ones weight and being environmentally conscious correlate ?
Youre not the only one!!
The thought process is: if someone is larger, they are eating more than they need which is therefore wasteful. Super disrespectful and not even always correct. That's just their train of thought. Not saying I agree whatsoever.
@@meRguitarLUVR But that makes no sense. Like I know so many men who eat like crazy but are super thin. The current size of a person does not always relate to their eating habits.
@@The22ana22 look I'm just saying. That's the train of thought. That has no relevance. I'm just saying that is why people say being larger is unsustainable
My thought was that zero waste people eat simple, healthy foods, and larger people would eat like a lot of fast food and packaged stuff.
Thats where I thought the question came from. Still rude af though.
Thank you for touching on compromising with your spouse/partner. My husband will go along with a lot of things I do but he's similar to Madison and just not really into it - I can't just steamroll him and insist that we do something drastic because it's not just me involved. That's just not how healthy relationships work!
Same here. It's always refreshing to see that other people make the same kinds of compromises you do, have the same or similar relationship dynamics and the like.
Same with my husband. He'll even put food into the trash bin instead of compost because it's easier. I normally cook and deal with food trash so it's not a big issue overall, but he allows me to do what I want, especially if it saves money (thrift shopping for me and the kids).
I am glad you were thoughtful about how Madison felt when purchasing your home. Honoring how your life partner feels is one of the most important things you can do to have a long lasting relationship. It made my heart happy to hear you mention that.
I am plus sized and I am trying to be low impact/ zero waste. Helping the planet by being conscious of what I put in my home and my body is one of my main goals. I get looks when I have my own bags/containers and bulk shop and when I get mostly produce. When that happens I feel judged and looked down on which sucks but its not going to stop me from trying to better myself and the environment. Stay strong, be kind to each other, and dont judge. We are all on a journey ❤✌🌎
👏that's great keep going girl! I know how you feel at least with the bags.. I get looks when I go to the store with mine.
Jessica MacCannell don’t feel down when people judge you girl, they are really judging themselves because something about what your doing, bothers them. It’s not actually you. And when it happens, just think of all of us who are bringing our own bags and filling up on our bulk products. Might not be the same store and not at the same time but we’re doing it with you, day after day. And who knows, maybe someone who sees you will get interested and start doing it themselves. 💜
Amen sister!
I shop at Winco here in Utah and the bulk section is one of the busier areas. Every packs their own groceries, so no one looks at me funny. Our 26 year old son moved in with us 3 months ago and at first he was so confused but now he loves it.
Same here!!
Knowing that there are people who would bring up your weight as a way of saying you don't have a voice in the sustainability movement just breaks my heart. I was in tears reading some of the things that people have said to you. You have done so much for this movement and are responsible for a lot of the things I have learned over this past year and changes I have made. I even say your quote to my teenage daughter. Please continue doing what you're doing. You are so needed and so loved.
I adore you Shelby and appreciate your realistic approach to “zero waste.”
Screw those haters as well!
As a plus size woman I love seeing this kind of representation so thank you so so much!! I love your content and you shouldn’t be discredited just because of how you look.
he is eating grass to get rid of hair balls in his stomach and its very important he does so.
Dont do people research before getting a pet?
@@suides4810 Sometimes, as often happens to my mom, the pet gets you rather than the other way around.
Edit: I did a lot of reading when I rescued some kittens who were dumped at my workplace and I don't remember this piece of information. It's also entirely possible her partner got the cat, not her.
@@suides4810 Research can only get you so far when it comes to pets.
Solivagant people that don’t even know pets know that
Why is it important? My cat did very rarely and he lived till he was 14-15.
but how sustainable are tiny houses is no one wants to buy it when you sell it. I'm with Madison.
I don't get tiny houses. Aren't they just hipster motor homes?!
@@johanna2690 not necessarily, because some are fixed in place. It's just a home with a smaller sqaure footage, so you can't have as much stuff.
Having multiple "families" in one home *is* sustainable.
those comments made me so mad about being overweight and the fact that that was what was occupying their mind when watching your videos says a lot about them as people🤷🏻♀️
Shelby, don't worry about not uploading on time. We understand that caring for family members is more important.
EsperanzaMX I always feel bad for youtubers that apologize for stuff like this. Like we’re gonna cancel them or something.
Thank you for being a "plus size women who loves women" representation. It's hard to feel concerned when no one looks like you, so thank you very much ♥
I am so angry about the comment on your body. It's piss me off. I love your channel, you have a sincerity and some complexity in your thinking. (I am french so sorry for my bad english. )
I am not sorry for you, because you are a fierce woman, beautiful and brainy.
I am sorry for this people who comment these atrocity. Sorry for your poor vision of life.
Thanks for this video, you are a role model for me.
Hi!! I’m 40
And just started to learning.
I’m super grateful that you are young and making this effort.
And I’m so pissed with those people who comment about your size. For me, seeing you as a normal and real person, makes you honest give you credibility.
You are my hero.
honestly, shes literally the reason i take sustainability seriously now :)
I used to watch a bunch of other zero and low-waste channels, but they weren't REAL. Everything always had to be perfect - perfect hair, perfect makeup, perfect organization, perfect body, perfect zero-waster. That isn't reality. That is made up for viewers.
I love you and I am still here because YOU are real. :)
I have some recommendations for broke people since I was pretty broke too when I began, there were times when I couldn't even afford my period pads and just used toilet paper from the public university bathroom.
So my greatest zero waste investment was a batch of medium heavy period pads that I could just wash and reuse, I was also happy to never worry about not having period pads available and I saved up for them.
Second: A reusable water bottle, maybe just a glass bottle that comes with the water or a juice from the supermarket, you can also use a smaller glass bottle from a smoothie for coffee, it doesn't keep it warm though. Third: Reusable shopping bags and
Fourth: Washable cotton pads to remove makeup, would be my main recommendations for broke people who want to save money.
(Shampoo Bars also last (me) way longer, so it's an investment of usually about 10€ at first but that can stretch out over 11 months.)
Don't buy it all at once if you can't afford it, go slowly but steadily. 💗💗
Also Shelby and Madison are such couple goals, financial literacy and eco minimalism are some of my greatest passions in life, I love that they do both. 😍
☝️☝️☝️ everything she said!
Also, if you're crafty or want to be you can make your own reusable cotton pads. There are a bunch of crochet tutorials on here showing how to make them. (I'm sure you can make them some other way, too but crochet is my craft so it's what I know.)
Great advice! The last box of tampons I ever bought was in 2015. I bought a diva cup for $28 soon after, and I still use it to this day. Definately an eco-friendly investment that’s saved me lots of money over time.
Or you could just use an oil to get the makeup loose and then wash your face with your normal facewash. That works for me
Girl, I am LIVING for your rant at the end about being discredited because of your weight. Representation is so important! You are doing amazing work and you have definitely made sustainable living more accessible. My husband is Israeli (where single use plastic reins supreme) and I am trying to get him on board with recycling and reducing plastic in our lives. I think if he had more role models who looked like him that were living more sustainable lifestyles, he wouldn't be nearly as resistant.
It’s effed up people leave comments like that, I would not have imagined this kind of stupidity and meanness. I’m sorry you have to deal with that crap. Know that most of your viewers understand and are not idiots! ❤️
You have inspired me and changed my life in ways I will never find a way to thank you for. I’ve always been an environmentalist, but also something with an addiction to shopping: specially ALL vintage and second hand shopping. So I always would “justify” my purchases as being okay since I do NOT buy fast fashion whatsoever. Not even shoes or socks. But that has come with too much stuff. My life has completely changed since becoming a minimalist and realizing how much more I could do for the environment. I was raised by a hippie mother who didn’t leave the house without her reusable grocery bags. But there’s so much more we didn’t have an opportunity to do- but NOW- I am blown away. There is almost no excuse for being wasteful if you CAN afford to do it right now.
Also- you are beautiful. You are radiant. You are unbelievably positive and your energy radiates so much further than you might ever realize. I am so grateful for you. You are amazing. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for what you’re doing. It gives me peace, hope, and joy
since when does your weight have to do with sustainability?! you're gorgeous and thriving and show so much representation for this community, you and Madison both. its nice to see the real stuff, not fake edited people that have all white homes and own like 3 things lol. I really love your videos, fuck the haters!
yeah, I was really wondering that as well 😂 I mean... MAYBE if you're buying clothes and it uses more fabric but that doesn't apply when you buy secondhand sooo...?
Socrahontas yeah and the one comment left a horrible analogy that she’s eating more food? but i mean if that were true she’s not wasting cause she’s eating it. but that’s ridiculous and untrue so i don’t get people
@@kylafish some people just need to be horrible... I dunno if it makes them feel better about themselves or what but yeah
Socrahontas it’s really sad considering how amazing she is, and what she’s done for educating people on this. she’s fucking stunning, but even if she wasn’t i don’t get why people need to bring appearances into it
Your “monologue” gave me LIFE today!!! We love you girl!
I have this exact problem with regards to weight! I love sustainability and healthy eating and working out but at the same time I’m kind of chubby and it feels like I don’t belong in a community that cares about those things because I’m not thin it sucks
That sucks !!! more power to you for being unique if you feel like you dont belong in the community , you do you sis
If only the skinny people did it, we'd never get out of this mess. Everyone doing a little bit adds up to either a bunch of good or bad. I hope that you know you are amazing and I may not know you but thank you for doing the best that you can to make the world a better place.
You belong ♥️♥️♥️
So sad anyone would be made to feel like they had to justify their existence, their effort or the hard work they put in.
I love your channel, you inspire me to do better and I think your are stunning with beautiful hair, eyes and figure! Don't change!
I don't care what anyone else says. You are my favorite TH-camr and the message you share is even more powerful. ❤️
I think you fill a much needed gap! I follow a few sustainable channels but the fact that you are plus size and not straight actually makes me relate to you so much more. You are actually the reason I started thrifting for clothes. I'm rarely successful as a plus size woman, but yesterday I was at the thrift store and I stumbled upon a bunch of beautiful vintage inspired dresses in my size! (Clearly all from the same person). It was such a great score! And if you didn't talk about thrifting for clothes I probably would have just kept telling myself I'd never find anything in my size.
If you’re still using that plant spray with neem oil, that may be why the cats avoid it. My ferret can’t stand the smell (and neither can I, for that matter!). It is a “pest deterrent,” after all.
Thanks for everything you do, Shelbi! I enjoy watching your videos every week. Good news! My 82 year old grandfather just started recycling! He is mostly doing it because he is bored and likes to keep busy, but he brags every week that he puts less and less into the garbage can every week. It gave him a lot of anxiety before because only one special can is provided and his garbage often wouldn't fit. I'm pretty proud of their one small change, especially since I never told them they should do it. They just asked me why I have multiple garbage cans.
Here’s why I love this channel: you are so incredibly open minded. I meet people all the time in the environmental science field that claim to be just that, but when they find out that I’m a Christian, or that I want a big family, etc., they write me off completely. It was actually one of the reasons I didn’t go into environmental science in college and chose teaching instead.
With that being said, thank you for acknowledging that there are people who don’t always see eye to eye with you about everything, and for acknowledging that it’s okay. I really enjoy watching your channel because I honestly learn so much every time. We live very different lives, and you make me giggle uncomfortable sometimes when you say the F word repeatedly (hahahaha), but I’m so grateful that there is someone out here trying to educate people on sustainability! THANK YOU!
Completely different tangent, but I didn’t even realize you were “plus size” until you did one of your sustainable brands clothing hauls a few months back. It just made me like you even more.
That last answer was perfect. You are honestly the best sustainability advocate on TH-cam. You don't make it this expensive, exclusive, elitist club like so many others do (intentionally or not).
I have used birthday money for my reusable produce bags (that I use to make cold brew coffee) my reusable ziplocks, and I carry my fork to work for my lunch in the pouch my bamboo straws came in. Not perfect! But trying.
I just have to say: her hair is sooooooo pretty!
Annie X she is stunning
You are beautiful my dear! Fuck the haters! Thanks for existing and filling our lives with your amazing energy!
Love this so much. One thing I wish we could see representation of in the “zero” waste community is people of different genders. Men don’t seem to exist there and they create waste too!
Its seen as "gay" and "girly" and thats dumb
Thank you so much for addressing the fatphobia in the movement. It is something that people use against me too, to discredit my advocacy for the planet. Its so sad to hear that all they seem to want to see is your size instead of all the evidence based advise you give and the walk you walk.
22:11 YES! Someone needed to say it. This is a topic that isn't addressed enough and you just opened a conversation about it in the most unapologetic way and I LOVE THAT. I wish I had the courage to be that unapologetic about myself. And can I just say... damn people! We're all insecure about our own things and shaming someone for their APPEARANCE on a public platform where EVERYONE ELSE is able to see it... Words affect people. I love your content Shelbi keep doing awesome things!
I love the way you show that being zero waste doesnt mean being perfect
You are the only sustainable living channel I look forward to seeing here on TH-cam. Why??? Because you are REAL.
How can you live sustainability when you’re broke af?
In a lot of ways, more easily than someone who has more money and more options. You simply don’t have the opportunities to buy and consume as wastefully as someone with disposable income.
Primarily, use what you have. Use a spatula, get everything out of the container. Take a good look at your supplies before going to a store. Trade items with friends and neighbours. Borrow instead of acquiring.
Any reusable water bottle means free tap water (any place that serves food is required to give you free tap water to drink, regardless of being a paying customer. Please and thank you is all it costs). A cheap clip to hang it from your belt loops, backpack, or purse strap means it’s always with you, and you’re less likely to need to buy a drink.
Making your hot beverage of choice at home is cheaper. If getting one when you’re out is worth it to you, feel free, a reusable cup will often get you any size you like for the size of a small. If you don’t take milk products in your beverage, paper cups can be easily rinsed and reused for occasions when you don’t want to be stuck carrying a mug the rest of the day.
Reusable containers can be had in quantity from thrift stores. Check the lids fit tightly, and the containers don’t stink. A mild smell of plastic can be solved by coating them in baking sofa and leaving them a day or 2. Don’t store your empty containers sealed closed.
Even cheaper, reuse the containers from margarine, yogurt, whatever. They won’t last forever, but getting a few more uses out of them before recycling is great. Same for glass jars. A lot of pasta jars will fit canning jar lids.
If you like resealable plastic bags, buy name brand, heavier freezer bags and keep reusing them. They fold down to nothing to take home. If products like nuts, raisins, oatmeal come in a zip top bag, reuse it. You can even take it to a bulk store and refill it.
Clothing, bags, backpacks, socks, underwear... any textile can be mended to some degree. There are wonderful tutorials online. Small holes in T-shirts can be fixed invisibility - especially black fabric. Once you notice a hole or rip, look it up and fix it before washing to prevent worse damage. Thread, fabric (big and small pieces) and buttons can often be had at thrift stores. You might need to purchase hand sewing needles new - or ask a friend or family member - most people who have ever sewed could spare a few without blinking, as well as scraps and thread and buttons and would be happy to show you how.
When clothing is beyond repair or repurpose, steal the hardware for future repairs. Buttons, clasps, a cool piece of trim. The fabric itself might be good as scraps to fix another garment (I saved a chunk of undamaged fabric from my last pair of black work pants. When I get the inevitable knee holes in this pair, I’ll have a great match to fix these ones at least once). Some fabrics are useful for cleaning or dusting, or making reusable make up cloths...
If furniture - particularly the “not real wood” kind is beyond repair/repurpose, Salvage the screws, shelf pegs, hinges, handles... I built my repair kits this way - and I rarely have to buy pieces to fix what I have, or salvaged or thrifted pieces I pick up.
Make furniture out of cardboard if you’re in a temporary situation, or you just want to wait until you find the right long-term piece, and your budget allows. There’s instructions for some really elegant and stable pieces free online.
Being an ardent environmentalist can be a great cover for being broke, if you’re in a workplace or among people who would be tacky enough to think badly of you for it. “Of course I don’t own a car”, “I’d rather reuse the containers that I can’t avoid getting, than purchase reusable ones new - reuse is always more sustainable than creating a new product” :)
For the softener salt: If you have a feed store near you for farm animals, (Farm and Fleet, Fleet Farm, Tractor Supply,) You can get 50lb blocks of salt, plastic free that you can set down inside your water softener. It is not advertised as softer salt, its feeding salt for animals. But, it does the same job if you are just buying regular, yellow bag softener salt.
I liked the last seconds of the video, because you felt even more sincere than in all your videos. Btw, love you and madisson, you both are so cute!
Cheers from Spain (and trying to produce less waste) ❤️
I've been binging your vids for the last few days & I think this one is my favorite so far. I love how you address having a partner/family who lives differently than you (same), not striving for perfection, and many other things you said. Also, I'm SO here for the cussing.
Can you make a 'why im STILL vegan' video, im seeing too many 'why im no longer a vegan' ones. Think it will be good to send a positive aspect on the topic 😊
I would love to make a channel on the life of a realistic vegan. There's so many unrealistic expectations of the lifestyle that youtube could use more of us everyday vegans who've been doing it for a while.
@@michelledelkel have you seen Unnatural Vegan's channel? I think she does a pretty good job representing ordinary vegans when she does a what I ate video.
@@sanityisrelative oh yeah I've only seen her educational vids but haven't watched her in a while. I feel that Jordan Shrinks does a very good job of being a chill vegan. There are some, but I feel that youtube vegans are highly saturated with the extremists, which probably explains all the "vegans" quitting the lifestyle
Off topic a bit, but if you don't know his channel you should check out Healthy Crazy Cool - he is an amazing fun, relaxed vegan.
Alexandra Panico I second the Healthy Crazy Cool recommendation ^^
Shelby, you are the only „zero“-waste youtuber that I really enjoy „spending time with“ and genuinely look up to ❤️ thanks for doing this!
honestly, I'm here for all the swearing :D you're just authentic, approachable and inclusive.
how you handled the whole video about the haters thing just shows again what a considerate and reflected person you are. and you put them in their place in this one.^^ I love you
here's a quote I've shared with my kids and on my social media...... " We don't need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We NEED millions of people doing it imperfectly" anything is better than nothing at all... i love your videos and i have learned sooooooo much from you. keep them coming .
Your channel is great. When I started my deep dive into my minimalism journey, zero waste was something I didn’t factor in. Now, like you, I try my best to be zero waste while living with family. Like I read in a comment here, your representation of minimalism and zero waste is a realistic approach to a millennial who is a working adult. We all take steps into minimalism and zero waste, not full nosedives.
I know I'm late here but I just wanted to say that your size and sexual orientation has never been something I thought twice about. That is absolutely insane that other people can have that kind of mindset to put you down when what you're doing is so great. You're living your life and doing the best you can - way better than most can say for themselves. I also fucking love that you cuss on your channel. Great way to keep staying positive because yeah you really don't need those types of people following you and assuming they know your eating habits and/or overlooking the good you do based off of their own assumptions and ignorance. Keep doing what you're doing cuz I, and 215k+ other people, love it!
Reading those comments broke my heart. I’m sorry you have to deal with that. People like that are just awful miserable people. Pay them no mind like I’m sure you already do and keep trying to change the world. ❤️
Girl, you are amazing! From another woman judged by her weight...you nailed it! F#@k them! I have been drawn to "zero waste" for years, but never felt like I could commit 100%. You have taught me I dont have to! There are several zero waste channels I watch, but am not in a place to go to their level. You show people that being zero waste is a journey, not a destination...even those people who are "completely zero waste" (I have not seen one person be "completely zero waste") still strive to do more. My favorite saying is "Progress over perfection." I'm never going to be perfect, but I can progress and be better than I am...one step at a time! Thank you, Shelbi, for showing us each step counts!
omggg last minutes were fire!! you're seriously doing a kick ass job, thank you for being an inspiration!
Solar panels also have their own environmental impact in terms of mining/production/transportation/etc. And without energy storage solutions, they can also effect the grid and make other energy sources less efficient which leads to more green house gases.
Perfection doesn't exist unless it's a taco. Tacos are on point.
But not too big of a taco or too small of a taco or a taco that has touched plastic or a taco that lives in too big of a wrapper 😂
You are my favourite sustainable blogger. You don't try to pretend like everything is perfect. It's all about intention and effort. You go girl! You go!
I love how you moved through the house for the video, that makes it so visually interesting, esp for a q&a! Also I totally relate when it comes to building wealth. It’s a very important thing to do, but one that lots of people take for granted. You never know what can happen in a lifetime.
As an overweight women finding your channel has been so positive for me! I didn't notice how much I wanted to see myself in the zero waste movement until I found your channel and it made me feel super comfortable and more motivated to get more involved in sustainability.
I don't even understand how people can be so ignorant about weight. Being overweight doesn't mean you overeat, it doesn't mean you're not trying to be healthy, and it doesn't mean you're wasteful. There are so many different reasons for people to be overweight or underweight (genetics, health reasons, pre-existing conditions, etc.) and it's NO ONES business anyways. I can only hope that people become more educated on health and nutrition and society stops being so fatphobic.
YES GIRL this video is straight FIRE, I am sitting here laughing out loud and smiling and cheering you on. I love your down to earth, real, free spirit. Can't wait to see what you do in 2020 :)
Ah the past... So full of hope 😂😂
As a fellow plus sized woman looking to get into sustainability, thank you for your work. You just got a new subscriber.
You're my favorite environmental friendly TH-camr hands down. When I see a new video I watch it right away!!! You keep being you girl. #fuckthehaters
in regards to arts and crafts, check the second hand shops for supplies. i sew and some of my fabrics are from second hand shops. like right now i've got 2 projects happening: a bike jersey for my husband out of thrifted fabric, and pajamas for me out of thrifted fabric.
It was very interesting when you brought up the fact that the majority of "zero/low wasters" on social media are "white, thin, females"...this would make a most fascinating university paper for those studying social or environmental sciences! I think you're awesome and have learned so much from your channel!
Rhea Hutchinson i think it has to do with the privilege associated with being able to think abt your waste and the environment because poor people (usually poc) don’t always have the means to live “zero waste.” either way it is really interesting, especially how social media has impacted the image of environmentalism!
@@mayleeisonline7316 Thank you maylee, your comment offers a lot of food for thought!
Rhea Hutchinson I’m attending UCLA right now, I think I’ll pass that along to a social sciences major I know. 😊
One of the main reasons I first clicked on your videos when searching about minimalism and sustainability is because you looked more like me, and not that I don't also watch the people who don't look like me but when you see someone who is like you it becomes more relatable and less intimidating.
Family first, girl! Dummies can wait
Dang, your cursing speech about people who discredit you for your size felt really good! Thank you girl
You're going to get MARRIED THIS YEAR? Another win for the female gays! 😂
Hey army💜
I'm binging on your videos for last couple of months, especially for the last couple of days. I do not comment often, because I rarely do ingage in internet activities (partially because of anxiety) but hearing about this negative things you heard from some people watching you I felt the need to tell you that YOU ARE AWESOME. Your tips on less waste, your approach to sustainability, your personality are all great. I started to be interested in less waste because of minimalism, and from all youtubers I watched at the time that were zero waters only your and Sedona's channel stayed with me. Even though I can never benefit from exact brands you reccomend, as I live in Poland were we do not have them, I started to swap a lot of things to more sustainable and locally produced versions of them because you showed or said something that spoke to me. Thank you for making videos. Greatings from other side of the world :)
I know that struggle with the weight - a feeling of having less credibility because of the body. I read somewhere that women are judged based on their bodies because we are still seen as some decoration, that our purpose is to be pretty and to bring joy. I think this was historically true and it is changing, but too slowly (I am from Eastern Europe).
I ended up big by emotional overeating and it makes me mad and sad when people ask why I don't "just eat less". I was really touched when you said that these are the only comments that piss you off. Before I felt like a looser for being so touchy, but now I feel like these people who give "advice" on weight are really ignorant, if it hurts even you.
Please consider doing whole video about your thoughts on this issue. I know this is not your topic, it's not zero waste, nor minimalism :) but it might help some people too.
Hi! I'm from eastern europe too! It sucks here, most girls have eating disorders and starve themselves and then balloon up when they are 35+ because their bodies can't take it anymore
Was one of them :(
Horrible mentality too
I love this channel because you're so real and tell things like they are. Everyone is over the 'aesthetic' zero waste now, where everything has to be crafted from wood, and you need special branded jars for everything, and everyone is a perfect, slim, white, 20-year old girl. Nothing against those people, but caring about the environment shouldn't be related to how you look, and having all the trendy gear to be aesthetic AF. I've been an environmentalist of sorts for many years, always working on ZW and literally never getting there because there's always someone ready to force a plastic bag or spoon or wrapper on you. I now live in a country that just doesn't have all the resources at hand to be ZW. It's often depressing, but I just keep on trying my best because that's all we can do.
Oh my god, I can't, you're amazing. Please swear more, I truly love the passion! Thanks for everything you do, you have helped my sustainable journey more than you'll ever know.
I grew up in what I call a "false toxic" family(they are rude and say mean things about people, but never treat anyone different for it.. it's weird, lol) so I am guilty of definitely noticing your size the first time I watched one of your videos.. but it was never in a discrediting way. My first thoughts were, "I wonder if she just likes sweets and goodies like my grandma, or if she's diabetic like one of my old friends?" I adore you're outlook on things, and the quote, "you can't do all the good the world needs, but the world needs all you can do" is what led me to subscribe, and it removed any doubts I had about being as sustainable as possible. My depression/anxiety has made it difficult, because it's so hard to motivate myself to just do the more sustainable alternative. The idea of "all you can give" helped me realize that those times when I can't do it are okay, as long as I find a way to make it easier on myself when I'm not in a low. Thank you for your inspiration, and I'm excited to be the most sustainable I can be!
Keep up the cursing! I love it. Yeah, we're 26 years olds, and we love to curse because that's how we feel and also whenever you swear, I laugh. You make my day, girl.
I love your approach to low waste. Getting more people to to a bit is better than a small group being perfectionists. And the perfectionism turns people off! People can still do/have what makes them happy and still make giant strides toward helping the planet- it's nice to hear that in your videos. It's horrible that people can be so awful about weight when you're beautiful and you stand up for such an awesome, meaningful lifestyle as being low waste! ❤️
I know that since I found your channel a few years ago, I have been trying to be more conscious on what I am buying and recycling. Slowly I'm getting there. Keep up the great work and love what you are about 👍
Crafting is TOTALLY a low waste hobby if you really want it to be! I love crafting and am always reusing things and going to second hand stores for supplies!
Another thing, not everyone can be “zero waste” minimal waste, or low waste is much better. My boyfriend has a spinal cord injury and goes to the bathroom using a plastic catheter. Please keep in mind that not everyone can be “zero waste”
Dakota Jordyn yes she didn’t discredit anything like that, if it’s necessary for quality of life or for a medical condition then yes that’s never going to be a problem because it’s very important
I like "minimal waste" since everyone can make an effort to have as little waste as possible.. I'm chronically ill so I also have a lot of things where I can't cut down on waste.. but I try and do it in the areas where I can do it.. that's why I love Shelby she promotes doing what you can and not some impossible to reach thing
On the topic of this because of medical issues,why are medications not able to use the same bottles? Theyre very reusable, relitavely good plastic, and my personal largest waste. Why is it so hard to just use the same medication bottles???
You can safely re use urinary catheters for the same person.
We have been able to do it for over 10 years with no UTIs.
We use the soft silicone catheters because they are less irritating.
With clean hands, just wash them and rinse well. We use an old formula G Tube syringe without the plunger to simply drain water through.
Then shake them out, air dry them and wrap them in a clean cloth or paper towel. We carry them in a clean reusable zipper food pouch. We throw them out after a week to ten days. I used to boil them, but found that was not necessary. You can just soak them in very hot water before starting.
After many years, this method is now the recommended way to handle them for our hospital clinic.
Shelby, some people are just d##ks, don't let them take away your beautiful sparkle. I hope your father has a speedy recovery. PS, I am nearing 60, and you teach me how to be a better person for this planet, and it ticks me off, as a child born in the 60s, my grandparents and parents lived a more sustainable life. When did we all lose our way? Much love From UK xx
Two things: first, thank you for being such an important rational voice in terms of doing the best you can and not sweating the rest, and second, your hair is stunning this way. The curls are *gorgeous*. Just say in’.
Anahid Kassabian Yes, her hair is especially beautiful... the waves and curls! 😍
I'm so proud to watch this video and know that there is someone fighting honestly and with passion for what they believe in, all in the name of being a positive representative for those who aren't often heard or seen in the sustainability movement - You have inspired at least one person today Shelby, thank you! x