you probably dont care but does anyone know a method to get back into an instagram account..? I was dumb forgot my account password. I would love any tips you can give me
@Oscar Davis Thanks for your reply. I found the site thru google and I'm in the hacking process now. I see it takes quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.
I love that you mention having the plastic chopping board because you've had it forever and it would be wasteful to throw it away. I feel like a lot of youtube is obsessive decluttering videos about constantly getting rid of things, which always strikes me as wasteful.
i love you and your girl for not waste the plastic that you already have in your kitchen, i can not understand why people tell us in youtube zero waste videos "plastic is very bad, don't have plastic stuff in your home".. if i buy, long time ago, and is in good shape, i continue using.. sorry my english, i hope you understand my message, and thanks for show us your simple, not "perfect" zero waste kitchen. love from Portugal **
• Ana Sofia • it's so true, I have plastic chopping boards left from University 6 years ago... They still work so I'm not going to chuck them away because that would be wasteful!
That's my thought too. If my plastic stuff breaks or wears out, then I'll replace them with non-plastic alternatives. Until then, I'm still gonna use what I have!
True cast iron pans are a great option that can last multiple generations if properly taken care of. Could be a great idea for a video is learning to cook and care for cast iron and can totally be thrifted.
This was my suggestion too! My mother-in-law is using her grandmother's pans and has been for over 20 years (plus the use her grandmother gave to them). Even if you find one in iffy condition second hand it's pretty easy to re-season it so it's good as new.
Also wd40 is great for that, although it is not a truly zero waste product. If you have it in your home, use it for any stubborn labels, it comes right off, better than any oil or alcohol or acetone I tried
I love what you said in the beginning about don't beat yourself up about the things you can't control. I have been struggling with that a lot over the last year. My family grew up pretty poor, so my parents have always done their best to feed us with what they have. Now being 24 years old, my partner and I live with my parents to help them out and to save money for a house. I have tried very hard to help my parents switch over slowly to more sustainable options, which they are super open to (most of the time). But when it comes to making swaps (like dish soap and dishwasher pods) they will always buy the cheap bottle from Aldi's over a package free option. In their eyes a lot of the options are out of their price range and they are forced to buy the traditional items. I have a lot of their traits ingrained in me to save money where ever you can, so I find myself constantly feeling defeated by pricing of things. I know a lot of people who are similar to them in that they want to make a difference but many of the swaps and items are either not available to them or not an affordable option. My entire life I have been passionate about how "healthy" food has always been more expensive and that poor people end up being much more unhealthy as a result. This feels just like that to me. People who live in poverty are not likely to make sustainable or package free choices because it is just not an option. This really just shows to me that we need to make wide spread changes to the way our system works so that these "health" foods or sustainable and package free options are widely available to people. Sorry for the long ramble but I just love your platform and your message and I feel very inspired to make wide spread change !
All the twist ties people have been saving- you can now use them in the nose area of fabric masks, if you are making them, or donate them to someone who is making them. Lots of people don't have any wire to use on the nose of masks, and twist ties work great.
I love how you emphasize on not getting rid of things if they still work. I felt bad at first having somethings and not the “zero waste” option but I stopped when you said that in a video a while back. I’ve been saving so much money on being more conscientious about what I buy. Thanks!
The electric can opener changed my life! My mom has a lot do pain in her hands and cannot use a manual can opener anymore. It has made things very easy for her!
I’ve though about getting one because of that too. I’ve used the same manual can opener for 20 years and it works perfectly, but I have issues with my hands that make it difficult and uncomfortable for me to use.
Meghann Shae If you feel bad about getting rid of the manual one, put it on BUNZ. Then, someone who needs it can have it and you can switch entirely to the electric one.
You are so plesantly human! Like, it's so easy to imagine hanging out with you IRL. And it's not in the way "I'm so weird and quirky, omg I'm so relatable" - You are just honest in a very good way. When you're not sure - you say so, and your argumentation always on point. So nice)))
I cut my sponges in half. They are easier for me to hold and I don't go through a package of sponges as fast. I also put my sponge and brushes in the dishwasher to get sanitized.
Okay so growing up in a low income neighborhood I find it hilarious that you save all of the sauces and napkins aswell. Like I am drowning in napkins just out of habit and I thought it made me look poor. Now you've given me some new light to this old habit. I'm not poor I'm just practicing sustainability!
My husband and I recently invested in a stainless steel cookware set and it has been the best thing ever! We had random pots and pans that were non stick and shedding the lining too. So happy that we made this investment as there were more pieces in the set we got than we already had, but there was somehow more space left in our cabinet afterwards.
For people whose grocery stores don't accept reusable bags right now: We started just putting our food directly into the cart and keeping our bags in the car. That way, you still save the plastic! Yes, we wipe down the cart beforehand (but folx you need to do that for as-you're-shopping anyhow so it's not really different to then just take the cart outside.) It's really just as easy and maybe even nicer to not feel rushed bagging our groceries out at the car!
We keep our plastic containers give them to people when we have party and they take food home. Some don't return them, so we don't care if they're gone.
I feel you on the dishes 100%! My SO and I are so sick of doing dishes after EVERY meal. No dishwasher for us, eating out of the pans we cook in to avoid having to wash plates 🤣
All of my local grocery stores (even locally owned ones that are more sustainable) will not let anyone use their own bags. I’ve been loading everything into my cart and then bagging it with reusable bags in my car when I’m in a safe area. I’ve really been missing buying in bulk. Thankfully, I still have access to some bulk goods, but I have to get them packaged in plastic containers. These are crazy times we’re living in though. I don’t think anyone should beat themselves up for not being able to do everything they’re used to.
This is the same situation where I am, even (again) at the local, more sustainable places. No reusable bags, no bulk bins. I get it, and of course I want the state to continue following science to do what needs to be done as long as needs to be done to keep people healthy, but it's frustrating.
I live in NC and last weekend was the first time I have run into that. I went to Trader Joe's and Target. The good news is that they both let me bag my own, which is fine with me. The bad news, is I had finally gotten reusable produce bags which I cannot use any more, because the cashiers can't touch them, and unlike other products, I don't want to set produce in the cart with no covering. i am also seeing more and more produce prepackaged in plastic, which has always got on my nerves. Ears of corn with the shuck still on, in plastic.
Same... sort of. One grocery store won’t accept reusable bags and if you want to use them then you have to take your cart to your car and bag them that way. Another grocery store will accept reusable bags but you have to pack them yourself. The grocery store I work at (it’s a small local grocery store) we can’t unload people’s baskets or pack their groceries.
Same where I live, due to the virus. Even the bulk food area is gone (cereal, almonds, in bins). I've been doing the same thing with my forgeries, just having them be put back into the cart. Though at first I was asking for paper.
to get the sticky-ness off of labels and jars, i make my own "goo-gone" out of any kitchen oil (i use vegetable oil because that's what i always buy) and baking soda to make a paste. soak the paper label off first in water, and after you peel as much of it off as you can, you just apply the paste and wait a few minutes, the rub with your fingers. it works on ANYTHING sticky.
I'm so happy. I've been slowly introducing sustainable/environmental friendly things into my life and everyday routine. I life with my mom cause I'm still in high school, but because I'm starting to do some simple things, my mom has become interested in living more sustainable. She isn't wanting to change her life as much as I am, but she wants to change some things. She's even asked me if I can help her change stuff in our kitchen to be more eco friendly.
“If it’s out of your control, it’s out of your control. Focus on the things that you can change.” Literally how I started my journey years ago. Menstrual cloth pads + cups I changed first but also some other self care products. Right now I’m almost moving into my first home and bc I have a chronic illness there’s a lot of things that are out of my control. I don’t have the energy to go to the market every week for my fruit and veggies but I can get the things in my local store that are low waste. I can buy the cucumber without plastic over the one with. I can use a safety razor instead of the plastic ones that never work properly. It’s about swapping and doing what you can, where you can. It’s not about being perfectly plastic free. It bout being mindful to reduce as much as you can. I feel very guilty about the waste my medication makes, but I know I can’t love without it. I know not everything I do is the best option but I do try where I can and that’s enough.
i swear your videos come out at just the right time! ive been looking into how people do their zero waste kitchens since i'm planning on moving into my own space after the pandemic. since i'll pretty much be starting from almost nothing, i want to go straight into being as low-waste as possible when it comes to building up my kitchen space since thats honestly where most of my waste comes from. seriously, thank you for the work you do!
My head exploded in a good way when I saw the reusable bags hanging from a hanger over the w/d. It’s just such a “duh” thing. Mine are hanging on a coat rack and I have to dodge them when I walk through the foyer area so I’ll be moving my bags lmao
I found your channel when I searched up "plant tours" this month. I love your channel so much! Thank you for educating me on simple ways I can reduce my waste. I am no where near zero waste but have made tremendous strides since I started eating more plant based. Your channel has inspired me to make greater efforts. Thank you!
Seeing you save your sauces too makes me feel a bit less of a um...penny pincher lol. I cook alot so I may find other uses for the sauces that restraunts provide.
Ahhh, the bags!! I don’t have those little silicone bags, but when I first started dating my boyfriend he used a LOT of Ziploc bags, so instead of trying to change too much at once, I turned him onto hand washing and air drying the Ziplocs! I’d much rather have the Silicone bags, but we don’t need them since we wash the Zilpocs?? Some have inevitably torn over time, so maybe if they all die eventually we can invest in the Silicone ones. :) Thanks for telling me about them!!!!!!
The most affordable way to get amazing pots and pans is to buy from a restaurant supply store. The pants they sell are made to be used thousands of times every single week. Stores mark up pans for absolutely no reason. You can get better quality going where the restaurants go.
I love how real you are when you show your home. Because nobody that I know is more environmentally conscious than you and you still have old plastic containers or old plastic cutter that shows that just because you want to help the environment doesn't mean you have to just get rid of all the plastic you already own to have to buy everything new! This is why I love your channel so much! I also think I am the second biggest fan of Earth Hero (you would be the 1st lol) because of you! I just want to buy EVERYTHING THEY SELL and they usually always have whatever I need! I'm happy they still sponsor you so people can get to know them
I'm mexican, and the tortilla press is useful just for corn tortilla, for the tortilla made of wheat flour you need a roller, because the dough is elastic.
Thank you for sharing all your ideas! As a homeowner I really look forward to implementing some of the low waste/zero waste improvements you have made. And as others have said, that dress is so beautiful on you!!
I got gifted a whole second hand vintage lecruset pan set 🤯 Using my old nonstick set in the garden, plan is to make a silly water feature, but for now I use them as pot holders.
For those of us who live in areas where reusable bags still aren’t allowed, just ask them to put the stuff back into the cart, and put your items in your bags when you get to the car! Simple, but effective way to keep up the zero waste effort! I love this channel, thank you Shelbi!
I started saving spaghetti sauce and salsa jars soak in warm water. Label comes right off. Thenput chalk stick labels on them so I could easily relabel anytime. I use them for spices, dried peppers, Splenda, bacon bits\sunflower seeds. Gallon pickle jars are good for laundry soaps, flour, sugar etc
Sometimes when I do something wrong (like simple stuff, ex: not closing the water in the bathroom in time) I think "omg shelbi would be so mad at me" 😂😂😂
I absolutely agree with the kitchen gadgets thing. I have a dumpling press that I get so much use out of. I'll usually make HUGE batches of dumplings to freeze and use when I want so it makes things easier and I actually make them more often because I got the little press
Run your jar under hot water for a few seconds until the label is saturated and warmed. Combine a tablespoon washing soda and 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil in a glass bowl. Stir together until the oil has melted. Put the mixture all over the label and let it sit for a minute or two. Then use a spoon to wipe the label off. Once the label is off put the mixture on the remaining glue and use a brush to scrub under hot water. It should come right off with ease.
A great way to be low waste with pots and pan is cast irons. They literally last for generations. We found one literally in my grandparents garage all rusted and washed the rust off and use it now! It’s more work to take care of them, but they’re naturally nonstick and AMAZING for cooking. It’s all we use in our house
I just started using Swedish Dish Cloths to do my dishes - I LOVE THEM! They're like a sponge and a paper towel in one, but compostable (and reusable/washable)! and they have cute patterns too :)
I placed my first order with EarthHero! Thank you for recommending them, I can't wait to get my goodies and stop buying some plastic items! I'm going to repurpose the plastic containers into starter pots for my plants! 💗💗Love your channel!!
One thing I like to do is hunt for knives at the thrift store or garage sales, sometimes you can find a really nice brand. It's also a good idea to learn how to sharpen a knife (using a sharpening stone in my opinion will let it last longer, as mechanical and pull-through sharpeners take off the most metal, but whatever method you're actually going to use is the most sustainable!)
I recently got All Clad stainless steel pans and they're so good! I kept an eye on Williams Sonoma and Sur La Table for sales and got them almost half off.
Funny fact: I get Sushi from this place that sends the food in a box and the soy sauce on a small glass bottle. Is actually so great and have reused the bottle sometimes.
I got a lot of my pots and pans at the thrift store. 2 cast iron pans in different sizes. 2 large pots for soup in different sizes. And a Dutch oven and sautee pan with lid. The only thing I bought new at Ross was a sauce pan.
LOOK INTO Prestige Eco pan set! My partner and I went to a local shop and were able to buy just a pan, so I can't speak for them all, but we LOVE that pan!
I have 5 kids, and I am new to transitioning to the zero waste life style. I am only two months on, and I must say I still fail at something every day. But every day I'm trying and myself and family are getting better. But because I have such a large family, and the pandemic did start right after I started making changes to zero waste... I'm both saving all glass jars, and bought some as I needed new Tupperware anyways. So instead of buying plastic I bought larger glass sets, and jars. But it's a one time purchase I'll likely never have to make again and can also be passed down to my children❤
If there is a Burlington near you. Run! They have an awesome select of pots and pans. I especially like the brand Delmonico's. It's mostly stainless steel. Reasonably priced. And they have layaway. I also like the cast iron and enamel pots and pans.
I would say when it comes to secondhand for kitchen pots and pans may not be all wise. I got cusinart steel pots and pans that were horrible. They had a plate in the bottom that once heated could not regulate properly and ended up burning EVERYTHING and took soaking for hours to clean with hard scrubbing. I have to invest in a better alternative then and throw out the pans or use it for idk what.
I keep wanting to purge with purpose through my things, but all my kids are close to moving out soon and I am planning on letting them "shop from home" first. My friend did this with hers, she made sure they knew what was "not available" and then let them take from the rest. She says it was great to help her kids and freeing for her.
Thanks for the tour! Would love a pantry tour too ;) I love your point about kitchen gadgets, I was in love with them in my 20's and now in my 30's most have been purged because I seldom used them. I did however requested (specific) practical gifts over the years and have upgraded as I wear out things, like for stainless steel pots and pans, grown up knife set (with easy knife sharpener), pyrex cooking bakeware and upgrading my cooking and eating utensils to high quality stainless (no rusting in dishwasher) and wooden ones. Worth the upgrade and what can't you do really with a really sharp knife and quality pans. I have a travel mug addiction too - why do we love them so! Thanks so much too for the clean kanteen nesting cup recommendation! We are transitioning my toddler from sippy to real cups, and I am not liking the plastic and that they take up so much room. These ones can pull double duty while camping too as they nest, and dishwasher safe so they will be a good investment.
I love these kinds of videos! Once the shelter in place orders are lifted, would love to see videos specific to SATX; where you shop, fave restaurants, etc. ❤️❤️
Have you tried making a paste to take off jar labels? I swear by my soap/ baking soda mixture. Just mix up a jar of it with equal parts dish soap and baking soda, then coat your jars with them and when you get around to scrubbing them off it comes off SOOOOOO easily. You’ll be hooked. I also use it in place of grout/ bathroom cleaner so it’s non-toxic.
These videos are coming at a great time for me! My partner and I are moving into our first house next week and these have been great in guiding me on the best things to get!
hi! I just watched this episode today and I wanted to tell you how much I love your videos! they are so informative and I love how you are so honest about everthing you do. BUT... I really wanted to comment on how much I love your dress. the blue dress with lemons 🍋! I love it. anyhow keep doing what you do. I just discovered you so I've been binge watching for days!
I save the condiment packets, too! Businesses always give out so many! Sometimes I will use them if I don't have the condiment on on hand (between grocery trips- especially now when I am going to the grocery sparingly) or when I go camping. Since they are so small they are easy to toss in a cooler, use, and pack out🙂
I love your videos so much, it’s started me to take a dive head first into the deep pool that is low waste and zero waste living. I am going to start this lifestyle (No not just getting rid of all of my stuff I am going to slowly start this) once everything settles down and I’m allowed to go to the store. I have been into Cottagecore ever since I found it near the beginning of quarantine, and a lot of Cottagecore people are low waste or zero waste living.
I found it interesting how you said you don’t use glass cups for guests. My family prioritizes glass cups for guests. You are right about how guests are more likely to not be careful. You changed my mind about that.
for collapsible bags, just learn how to ranger roll and almost any bag can be deemed collapsible. not always to the small size of bags that were made to do that, but it works pretty well if its all you have access to.
I believe if you keep silicone close enough to touch it starts to break down so I’d recommend a different storage solution if you want the stashed bags to last a long time :)
Firstly, love love LOVE the lemon dress. And love this video, very realistic :) I use luffa slices as my dish sponges, as well as a "bottle brush" made of wood and plant bristles. My partner loves the brush, I love the sponge. I relate to this :)
Shelbi, thank you so much for keeping up the content and for keeping us all informed and INSPIRED! It must be challenging to keep up with your posts given everything that is going on in the world, so I just wanted to make sure you know that your efforts are worth as much now as they were before, if not even MORE. Your outlook on sustainability empowers people when they might be feeling disempowered in other areas of life. Quarantine times have meant that I've slipped WAY more than I'd like in my zero-waste habits, but I'm motivated to keep doing my best regardless. I have you and your videos to thank for helping me along this path! Also, shoutout to Madison for her camera skillz, lol
Your videos have been so positive and uplifting during these difficult times, it is so appreciated! I can’t wait until earthero starts to ship international 😄
this is so great! i love your videos. always so helpful and your vibe is just THE BEST. keep being you mama! oh and shout out to Madison for helping behind the scenes!
I'm a big cook and have been for 20+ years... I never bought anything teflon or plastic and I'm still using everything I purchased 20 years ago... all cast iron, wood, le creuset, ceramic, stainless steel. You can find good stuff at flea markets as well.
I have a glass jar obsession, so the one you found with the flower pattern is amazing. There is a local place near me that you can by olive oil at, tones of flavors! You bring back your old used bottles and they reuse them. Love them. :)
The electric can opener is super useful! I kinda scoffed at it when i was younger but my mom loves hers (and had second hand for 12+ years) and she has issues with her wrists so it's great for those with disabilities or those who just have problems with their wrists. Jokes on me now, my wrists also suck and i'm 30 and would really like them.
Just a comment on the sauce sachets. You could use them to refill bottles you already have or use them when you take homemade lunches. My teen son's use the ones that we didn't manage to avoid for lunches like soy sauce with sushi or put it in your pantry and use them up making dinners
Gal that dress is fire, another great video as per usual. hope you and all your family are safe and healthy during these uncertain times, love from Ireland X X X
I just invested in some nice pots and pans. It had been on my todo list for a while. My old pots and pans were all scratched up and I knew they were leaching toxins into my food. Pots and pans are such a great investment!
I totally like your approach on "use what you have" over buying new and trying to make use out of what is already there. There are gadgets that are life-changing for one person while they are completely unnecessary for another. For me, this would be the rice cooker. Before that, I basically never ate rice. Now I could just eat rice all day, every day. xD A good can-opener is essential. Bad ones will you get insured more easily and the sharp edges also might damage the rubbish bag or hurt your animal etc. I absolutely feel you when you say that the dishes keep coming and coming (thank God for the dishwasher!). I am definitely not a person that eats out or has take out a lot, but these times also give me the spirit to try out more great dishes that I did not come around making before and to get deeper into buying less in plastic. Which often times requires making things from scratch than just ripping open a bag (gnocchi, croquettes, dumplings, etc.)
I got a similar oil sprayer found at my local spice shop after seeing it on a prior video of yours! We also use either dish rags (has a rough side for scrubbing fond off pans) or reusable silicone sponges that can be cleaned in the dishwasher for most of our dishes. Unfortunately due to COVID, the local stores' bulk sections are closed and the stores won't allow us to even bring in our own reusable bags - have to take the plastic.
I love my misto bottles. I’m glad they come in different colors because I use them for lots of things. I keep one in the shower form body oils, they also work well for cleaners etc. they are awesome!
Use your hair dryer or fill the jar with hot water to make it easier to remove the stickers. It softens the adhesive and you can go in with your brush super easy 👍
DID YOU MISS MY LAST VIDEO?? Check it out here (it's where I got this dress 😉) ua-cam.com/video/i00Hetj3k3A/v-deo.html
you probably dont care but does anyone know a method to get back into an instagram account..?
I was dumb forgot my account password. I would love any tips you can give me
@Oscar Davis Thanks for your reply. I found the site thru google and I'm in the hacking process now.
I see it takes quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.
@Oscar Davis It worked and I finally got access to my account again. I'm so happy!
Thank you so much you saved my ass !
@Jaylen Yousef glad I could help =)
I love that you mention having the plastic chopping board because you've had it forever and it would be wasteful to throw it away. I feel like a lot of youtube is obsessive decluttering videos about constantly getting rid of things, which always strikes me as wasteful.
Hannah R yes I totally agree, when we declutter we should be so mindful of being wasteful and give things away before throwing them in the bin!
"We did this for the aesthetic but it actually saved so much space" is such a mood
Anna-May Moon 😂inlove this and love how she's so real and down to earth!
I’m like “bamboo is super cute! But it’s good for the earth too so yay”
i love you and your girl for not waste the plastic that you already have in your kitchen, i can not understand why people tell us in youtube zero waste videos "plastic is very bad, don't have plastic stuff in your home".. if i buy, long time ago, and is in good shape, i continue using..
sorry my english, i hope you understand my message, and thanks for show us your simple, not "perfect" zero waste kitchen.
love from Portugal **
Your English is really good!
• Ana Sofia • it's so true, I have plastic chopping boards left from University 6 years ago... They still work so I'm not going to chuck them away because that would be wasteful!
@@katekilgannon9305 thanks. I learn with youtube videos. :D
@@RooSeadon i agree. I have plastic tupperware and i still use. :)
That's my thought too. If my plastic stuff breaks or wears out, then I'll replace them with non-plastic alternatives. Until then, I'm still gonna use what I have!
True cast iron pans are a great option that can last multiple generations if properly taken care of. Could be a great idea for a video is learning to cook and care for cast iron and can totally be thrifted.
Racheal Sylvester yes!!
Yup absolutely!
Also the old ones are better
Yes all of mine I’ve found used, or my grandma gave me two my only true collection I have 8 and love them all.
This was my suggestion too! My mother-in-law is using her grandmother's pans and has been for over 20 years (plus the use her grandmother gave to them). Even if you find one in iffy condition second hand it's pretty easy to re-season it so it's good as new.
LITTLE TIP, when you are reusing jars and taking off the labels a little coconut oil really helps get the sticky residue off!!
thanks :))
Also wd40 is great for that, although it is not a truly zero waste product. If you have it in your home, use it for any stubborn labels, it comes right off, better than any oil or alcohol or acetone I tried
Also peanut butter!
@Alyssa Andrews ^^ 100% that's the real hack
I was low-key shocked how well it works
thank u so much
I love what you said in the beginning about don't beat yourself up about the things you can't control. I have been struggling with that a lot over the last year. My family grew up pretty poor, so my parents have always done their best to feed us with what they have. Now being 24 years old, my partner and I live with my parents to help them out and to save money for a house. I have tried very hard to help my parents switch over slowly to more sustainable options, which they are super open to (most of the time). But when it comes to making swaps (like dish soap and dishwasher pods) they will always buy the cheap bottle from Aldi's over a package free option. In their eyes a lot of the options are out of their price range and they are forced to buy the traditional items. I have a lot of their traits ingrained in me to save money where ever you can, so I find myself constantly feeling defeated by pricing of things. I know a lot of people who are similar to them in that they want to make a difference but many of the swaps and items are either not available to them or not an affordable option. My entire life I have been passionate about how "healthy" food has always been more expensive and that poor people end up being much more unhealthy as a result. This feels just like that to me. People who live in poverty are not likely to make sustainable or package free choices because it is just not an option. This really just shows to me that we need to make wide spread changes to the way our system works so that these "health" foods or sustainable and package free options are widely available to people. Sorry for the long ramble but I just love your platform and your message and I feel very inspired to make wide spread change !
All the twist ties people have been saving- you can now use them in the nose area of fabric masks, if you are making them, or donate them to someone who is making them. Lots of people don't have any wire to use on the nose of masks, and twist ties work great.
I love how you emphasize on not getting rid of things if they still work. I felt bad at first having somethings and not the “zero waste” option but I stopped when you said that in a video a while back. I’ve been saving so much money on being more conscientious about what I buy. Thanks!
The electric can opener changed my life! My mom has a lot do pain in her hands and cannot use a manual can opener anymore. It has made things very easy for her!
I’ve though about getting one because of that too. I’ve used the same manual can opener for 20 years and it works perfectly, but I have issues with my hands that make it difficult and uncomfortable for me to use.
We have had the same electric can opener my entire life. We bought it at a london drugs. It still does the trick.
Meghann Shae If you feel bad about getting rid of the manual one, put it on BUNZ. Then, someone who needs it can have it and you can switch entirely to the electric one.
Sadaf Ali Or pop the manual one into your Emergency Prep kit!
I was thinking that!! I've never seen one of those before and I could really use something like that for my bad wrist days 😁😁
You are so plesantly human! Like, it's so easy to imagine hanging out with you IRL. And it's not in the way "I'm so weird and quirky, omg I'm so relatable" - You are just honest in a very good way. When you're not sure - you say so, and your argumentation always on point. So nice)))
I cut my sponges in half. They are easier for me to hold and I don't go through a package of sponges as fast. I also put my sponge and brushes in the dishwasher to get sanitized.
I NEVER EVEN THOUGHT ABOUT PUTTING IT THROUGH THE DISHWASHER 😱😱😱
I always wash my sponges with my laundry (with my whites and kitchen towels as that has the hot cycle with bleach to sanitize)
You can never clean a sponge. You have to extange every week
Okay so growing up in a low income neighborhood I find it hilarious that you save all of the sauces and napkins aswell. Like I am drowning in napkins just out of habit and I thought it made me look poor. Now you've given me some new light to this old habit. I'm not poor I'm just practicing sustainability!
My husband and I recently invested in a stainless steel cookware set and it has been the best thing ever! We had random pots and pans that were non stick and shedding the lining too. So happy that we made this investment as there were more pieces in the set we got than we already had, but there was somehow more space left in our cabinet afterwards.
This dress looks so cute on you! Love this video - such great energy in this one, Shelbi!
For people whose grocery stores don't accept reusable bags right now: We started just putting our food directly into the cart and keeping our bags in the car. That way, you still save the plastic! Yes, we wipe down the cart beforehand (but folx you need to do that for as-you're-shopping anyhow so it's not really different to then just take the cart outside.) It's really just as easy and maybe even nicer to not feel rushed bagging our groceries out at the car!
We keep our plastic containers give them to people when we have party and they take food home. Some don't return them, so we don't care if they're gone.
I feel you on the dishes 100%! My SO and I are so sick of doing dishes after EVERY meal. No dishwasher for us, eating out of the pans we cook in to avoid having to wash plates 🤣
You sound so passive aggressive towards your sister in this video 😂😂
All of my local grocery stores (even locally owned ones that are more sustainable) will not let anyone use their own bags. I’ve been loading everything into my cart and then bagging it with reusable bags in my car when I’m in a safe area. I’ve really been missing buying in bulk. Thankfully, I still have access to some bulk goods, but I have to get them packaged in plastic containers. These are crazy times we’re living in though. I don’t think anyone should beat themselves up for not being able to do everything they’re used to.
This is the same situation where I am, even (again) at the local, more sustainable places. No reusable bags, no bulk bins. I get it, and of course I want the state to continue following science to do what needs to be done as long as needs to be done to keep people healthy, but it's frustrating.
I live in NC and last weekend was the first time I have run into that. I went to Trader Joe's and Target. The good news is that they both let me bag my own, which is fine with me.
The bad news, is I had finally gotten reusable produce bags which I cannot use any more, because the cashiers can't touch them, and unlike other products, I don't want to set produce in the cart with no covering.
i am also seeing more and more produce prepackaged in plastic, which has always got on my nerves. Ears of corn with the shuck still on, in plastic.
Same... sort of. One grocery store won’t accept reusable bags and if you want to use them then you have to take your cart to your car and bag them that way. Another grocery store will accept reusable bags but you have to pack them yourself. The grocery store I work at (it’s a small local grocery store) we can’t unload people’s baskets or pack their groceries.
Same where I live, due to the virus. Even the bulk food area is gone (cereal, almonds, in bins).
I've been doing the same thing with my forgeries, just having them be put back into the cart. Though at first I was asking for paper.
Same I put my groceries back into my cart and bag them at the car. Even at Whole Foods they think I’m weird
Can we all just take a minute to appreciate how amazing your hair is?
Looking at this I think Indian Desi moms are Earth's Hero. An Indian middle class reuse everything.. even compost is a normal thing in our home.
Exactly 😂😂. Our homes are also filled with stainless steel utensils and tiffin boxes.
to get the sticky-ness off of labels and jars, i make my own "goo-gone" out of any kitchen oil (i use vegetable oil because that's what i always buy) and baking soda to make a paste. soak the paper label off first in water, and after you peel as much of it off as you can, you just apply the paste and wait a few minutes, the rub with your fingers. it works on ANYTHING sticky.
I'm so happy. I've been slowly introducing sustainable/environmental friendly things into my life and everyday routine. I life with my mom cause I'm still in high school, but because I'm starting to do some simple things, my mom has become interested in living more sustainable. She isn't wanting to change her life as much as I am, but she wants to change some things. She's even asked me if I can help her change stuff in our kitchen to be more eco friendly.
“If it’s out of your control, it’s out of your control. Focus on the things that you can change.” Literally how I started my journey years ago. Menstrual cloth pads + cups I changed first but also some other self care products. Right now I’m almost moving into my first home and bc I have a chronic illness there’s a lot of things that are out of my control. I don’t have the energy to go to the market every week for my fruit and veggies but I can get the things in my local store that are low waste. I can buy the cucumber without plastic over the one with. I can use a safety razor instead of the plastic ones that never work properly. It’s about swapping and doing what you can, where you can. It’s not about being perfectly plastic free. It bout being mindful to reduce as much as you can. I feel very guilty about the waste my medication makes, but I know I can’t love without it. I know not everything I do is the best option but I do try where I can and that’s enough.
i swear your videos come out at just the right time! ive been looking into how people do their zero waste kitchens since i'm planning on moving into my own space after the pandemic. since i'll pretty much be starting from almost nothing, i want to go straight into being as low-waste as possible when it comes to building up my kitchen space since thats honestly where most of my waste comes from. seriously, thank you for the work you do!
My head exploded in a good way when I saw the reusable bags hanging from a hanger over the w/d. It’s just such a “duh” thing. Mine are hanging on a coat rack and I have to dodge them when I walk through the foyer area so
I’ll be moving my bags lmao
I found your channel when I searched up "plant tours" this month. I love your channel so much! Thank you for educating me on simple ways I can reduce my waste. I am no where near zero waste but have made tremendous strides since I started eating more plant based. Your channel has inspired me to make greater efforts. Thank you!
me: she’s cool and her partners name is madison
my partner: wow i relate to her already
Seeing you save your sauces too makes me feel a bit less of a um...penny pincher lol. I cook alot so I may find other uses for the sauces that restraunts provide.
I love how real you are, and show that you still use plastic once in a while.
Ahhh, the bags!! I don’t have those little silicone bags, but when I first started dating my boyfriend he used a LOT of Ziploc bags, so instead of trying to change too much at once, I turned him onto hand washing and air drying the Ziplocs! I’d much rather have the Silicone bags, but we don’t need them since we wash the Zilpocs?? Some have inevitably torn over time, so maybe if they all die eventually we can invest in the Silicone ones. :) Thanks for telling me about them!!!!!!
Basic household in our country!! Being middle class in asian country!! Never throwing out glass jar plastic jar or even polythene bags
The most affordable way to get amazing pots and pans is to buy from a restaurant supply store. The pants they sell are made to be used thousands of times every single week. Stores mark up pans for absolutely no reason. You can get better quality going where the restaurants go.
I love how real you are when you show your home. Because nobody that I know is more environmentally conscious than you and you still have old plastic containers or old plastic cutter that shows that just because you want to help the environment doesn't mean you have to just get rid of all the plastic you already own to have to buy everything new! This is why I love your channel so much! I also think I am the second biggest fan of Earth Hero (you would be the 1st lol) because of you! I just want to buy EVERYTHING THEY SELL and they usually always have whatever I need! I'm happy they still sponsor you so people can get to know them
I'm mexican, and the tortilla press is useful just for corn tortilla, for the tortilla made of wheat flour you need a roller, because the dough is elastic.
Thank you for sharing all your ideas! As a homeowner I really look forward to implementing some of the low waste/zero waste improvements you have made. And as others have said, that dress is so beautiful on you!!
this dress is adorable omg I want it
I got gifted a whole second hand vintage lecruset pan set 🤯
Using my old nonstick set in the garden, plan is to make a silly water feature, but for now I use them as pot holders.
For those of us who live in areas where reusable bags still aren’t allowed, just ask them to put the stuff back into the cart, and put your items in your bags when you get to the car! Simple, but effective way to keep up the zero waste effort! I love this channel, thank you Shelbi!
I started saving spaghetti sauce and salsa jars soak in warm water. Label comes right off. Thenput chalk stick labels on them so I could easily relabel anytime. I use them for spices, dried peppers, Splenda, bacon bits\sunflower seeds. Gallon pickle jars are good for laundry soaps, flour, sugar etc
For some reason I never thought of using a jar to store twist ties and rubber bands, going to do that now! Thank you for your videos :)
Sometimes when I do something wrong (like simple stuff, ex: not closing the water in the bathroom in time) I think "omg shelbi would be so mad at me" 😂😂😂
Remember: being low waste isnt about perfection. It's about doing what you can. Every bit makes a difference. 💜
I absolutely agree with the kitchen gadgets thing. I have a dumpling press that I get so much use out of. I'll usually make HUGE batches of dumplings to freeze and use when I want so it makes things easier and I actually make them more often because I got the little press
Run your jar under hot water for a few seconds until the label is saturated and warmed. Combine a tablespoon washing soda and 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil in a glass bowl. Stir together until the oil has melted. Put the mixture all over the label and let it sit for a minute or two. Then use a spoon to wipe the label off. Once the label is off put the mixture on the remaining glue and use a brush to scrub under hot water. It should come right off with ease.
Thank you... labels are so annoying
I really love your dress, it looks so happy with the yellow lemons :)
A great way to be low waste with pots and pan is cast irons. They literally last for generations. We found one literally in my grandparents garage all rusted and washed the rust off and use it now! It’s more work to take care of them, but they’re naturally nonstick and AMAZING for cooking. It’s all we use in our house
I just started using Swedish Dish Cloths to do my dishes - I LOVE THEM! They're like a sponge and a paper towel in one, but compostable (and reusable/washable)! and they have cute patterns too :)
Those stainless steel containers are very popular here in India for carrying your lunch to school or work! Literally every single household has them.
Can you talk about your zero waste lifestyle in terms of meals and eating habits? I feel like you always inspire everyone 🥰
I placed my first order with EarthHero! Thank you for recommending them, I can't wait to get my goodies and stop buying some plastic items! I'm going to repurpose the plastic containers into starter pots for my plants! 💗💗Love your channel!!
as someone who has arthritis and struggles to open things, that can opener looks very enticing
I use my canning jars for storage. So they have double use.
One thing I like to do is hunt for knives at the thrift store or garage sales, sometimes you can find a really nice brand. It's also a good idea to learn how to sharpen a knife (using a sharpening stone in my opinion will let it last longer, as mechanical and pull-through sharpeners take off the most metal, but whatever method you're actually going to use is the most sustainable!)
I recently got All Clad stainless steel pans and they're so good! I kept an eye on Williams Sonoma and Sur La Table for sales and got them almost half off.
Funny fact: I get Sushi from this place that sends the food in a box and the soy sauce on a small glass bottle. Is actually so great and have reused the bottle sometimes.
I got a lot of my pots and pans at the thrift store. 2 cast iron pans in different sizes. 2 large pots for soup in different sizes. And a Dutch oven and sautee pan with lid. The only thing I bought new at Ross was a sauce pan.
LOOK INTO Prestige Eco pan set! My partner and I went to a local shop and were able to buy just a pan, so I can't speak for them all, but we LOVE that pan!
Love the tour, but I honestly have to say I had to comment because, I freakin' love your dress! So cute.
I was thinking the same! I want that dress!!
Me too! Please tell us where the dress is from!!!
@@corrinebruning7953 I think it was in her recent thred up haul
I have this dress it’s from forever 21!
Sticky wall hooks are an amazing way to organize pot and pan lids on the inside of cabinet door. A plan for myself when I move.
I have 5 kids, and I am new to transitioning to the zero waste life style. I am only two months on, and I must say I still fail at something every day. But every day I'm trying and myself and family are getting better. But because I have such a large family, and the pandemic did start right after I started making changes to zero waste... I'm both saving all glass jars, and bought some as I needed new Tupperware anyways. So instead of buying plastic I bought larger glass sets, and jars. But it's a one time purchase I'll likely never have to make again and can also be passed down to my children❤
If there is a Burlington near you. Run! They have an awesome select of pots and pans. I especially like the brand Delmonico's. It's mostly stainless steel. Reasonably priced. And they have layaway. I also like the cast iron and enamel pots and pans.
I would say when it comes to secondhand for kitchen pots and pans may not be all wise. I got cusinart steel pots and pans that were horrible. They had a plate in the bottom that once heated could not regulate properly and ended up burning EVERYTHING and took soaking for hours to clean with hard scrubbing. I have to invest in a better alternative then and throw out the pans or use it for idk what.
Chasssur pots are where its at big investment but you'll only need 2 shapes and youre set 🙌
I keep wanting to purge with purpose through my things, but all my kids are close to moving out soon and I am planning on letting them "shop from home" first. My friend did this with hers, she made sure they knew what was "not available" and then let them take from the rest. She says it was great to help her kids and freeing for her.
“Welcome to my kitchen while I drag my sister for buying plastic” 🤣👌🏽
I was gonna say. Poor sister.
Thanks for the tour! Would love a pantry tour too ;) I love your point about kitchen gadgets, I was in love with them in my 20's and now in my 30's most have been purged because I seldom used them. I did however requested (specific) practical gifts over the years and have upgraded as I wear out things, like for stainless steel pots and pans, grown up knife set (with easy knife sharpener), pyrex cooking bakeware and upgrading my cooking and eating utensils to high quality stainless (no rusting in dishwasher) and wooden ones. Worth the upgrade and what can't you do really with a really sharp knife and quality pans. I have a travel mug addiction too - why do we love them so!
Thanks so much too for the clean kanteen nesting cup recommendation! We are transitioning my toddler from sippy to real cups, and I am not liking the plastic and that they take up so much room. These ones can pull double duty while camping too as they nest, and dishwasher safe so they will be a good investment.
I love these kinds of videos! Once the shelter in place orders are lifted, would love to see videos specific to SATX; where you shop, fave restaurants, etc. ❤️❤️
Yes! ❤️
Yes
Same me and a friend were just talking about how we can’t believe you live here and are zero waste
Have you tried making a paste to take off jar labels? I swear by my soap/ baking soda mixture. Just mix up a jar of it with equal parts dish soap and baking soda, then coat your jars with them and when you get around to scrubbing them off it comes off SOOOOOO easily. You’ll be hooked. I also use it in place of grout/ bathroom cleaner so it’s non-toxic.
These videos are coming at a great time for me! My partner and I are moving into our first house next week and these have been great in guiding me on the best things to get!
Wow you look beautiful in that dress. Also please do a pan/cookware video when you get them. I've been wanting to invest in good quality too.
I inherited my grandmother's iron skillets. If you can find a seasoned skillet in a thrift store, buy it immediately.
hi! I just watched this episode today and I wanted to tell you how much I love your videos! they are so informative and I love how you are so honest about everthing you do. BUT... I really wanted to comment on how much I love your dress. the blue dress with lemons 🍋! I love it. anyhow keep doing what you do. I just discovered you so I've been binge watching for days!
I save the condiment packets, too! Businesses always give out so many! Sometimes I will use them if I don't have the condiment on on hand (between grocery trips- especially now when I am going to the grocery sparingly) or when I go camping. Since they are so small they are easy to toss in a cooler, use, and pack out🙂
I love your videos so much, it’s started me to take a dive head first into the deep pool that is low waste and zero waste living. I am going to start this lifestyle (No not just getting rid of all of my stuff I am going to slowly start this) once everything settles down and I’m allowed to go to the store. I have been into Cottagecore ever since I found it near the beginning of quarantine, and a lot of Cottagecore people are low waste or zero waste living.
As a family of 5, I have never loaded and unloaded the dishwasher soooo much as now !
I found it interesting how you said you don’t use glass cups for guests. My family prioritizes glass cups for guests. You are right about how guests are more likely to not be careful. You changed my mind about that.
for collapsible bags, just learn how to ranger roll and almost any bag can be deemed collapsible. not always to the small size of bags that were made to do that, but it works pretty well if its all you have access to.
I believe if you keep silicone close enough to touch it starts to break down so I’d recommend a different storage solution if you want the stashed bags to last a long time :)
Firstly, love love LOVE the lemon dress. And love this video, very realistic :)
I use luffa slices as my dish sponges, as well as a "bottle brush" made of wood and plant bristles. My partner loves the brush, I love the sponge. I relate to this :)
Omg that's such a good idea. How do you cut to make the sponges? Will a regular serrated knife work?
In the UK I find rubber bands on the roads, I think they are from the Postie's when they deliver mail and fall out of there pockets and bags.
Shelbi, thank you so much for keeping up the content and for keeping us all informed and INSPIRED! It must be challenging to keep up with your posts given everything that is going on in the world, so I just wanted to make sure you know that your efforts are worth as much now as they were before, if not even MORE. Your outlook on sustainability empowers people when they might be feeling disempowered in other areas of life. Quarantine times have meant that I've slipped WAY more than I'd like in my zero-waste habits, but I'm motivated to keep doing my best regardless. I have you and your videos to thank for helping me along this path! Also, shoutout to Madison for her camera skillz, lol
thank you. this means more to me right now than I can even begin to explain. Thank you thank you thank you 💕
Your videos have been so positive and uplifting during these difficult times, it is so appreciated! I can’t wait until earthero starts to ship international 😄
this is so great! i love your videos. always so helpful and your vibe is just THE BEST. keep being you mama! oh and shout out to Madison for helping behind the scenes!
I am totally agree with what you are doing with plastic items you have already. I learned a lot from your video, thank you☺️
I'm a big cook and have been for 20+ years... I never bought anything teflon or plastic and I'm still using everything I purchased 20 years ago... all cast iron, wood, le creuset, ceramic, stainless steel. You can find good stuff at flea markets as well.
I have a glass jar obsession, so the one you found with the flower pattern is amazing.
There is a local place near me that you can by olive oil at, tones of flavors! You bring back your old used bottles and they reuse them. Love them. :)
The electric can opener is super useful! I kinda scoffed at it when i was younger but my mom loves hers (and had second hand for 12+ years) and she has issues with her wrists so it's great for those with disabilities or those who just have problems with their wrists. Jokes on me now, my wrists also suck and i'm 30 and would really like them.
One day when I have my own place I want to have a kitchen like yours 😍 honestly I’m in love with the astetics of a zero waste lifestyle !
Just a comment on the sauce sachets. You could use them to refill bottles you already have or use them when you take homemade lunches. My teen son's use the ones that we didn't manage to avoid for lunches like soy sauce with sushi or put it in your pantry and use them up making dinners
I have the same Trader Joe’s oil container and reuse it all the time I love it! I need that sprayer though I’ve never seen that that’s cool
I thoroughly enjoyed the kitchen tour. I hope everyone is doing OK and staying safe
Gal that dress is fire, another great video as per usual. hope you and all your family are safe and healthy during these uncertain times, love from Ireland X X X
Can Madison please do a loc care video?!
I use Dr. Bronners soap and their conditioner rinse, but I am just curious!
She has an older one here, ua-cam.com/video/fiPGKh57v8I/v-deo.html
I just invested in some nice pots and pans. It had been on my todo list for a while. My old pots and pans were all scratched up and I knew they were leaching toxins into my food. Pots and pans are such a great investment!
I totally like your approach on "use what you have" over buying new and trying to make use out of what is already there.
There are gadgets that are life-changing for one person while they are completely unnecessary for another. For me, this would be the rice cooker. Before that, I basically never ate rice. Now I could just eat rice all day, every day. xD
A good can-opener is essential. Bad ones will you get insured more easily and the sharp edges also might damage the rubbish bag or hurt your animal etc.
I absolutely feel you when you say that the dishes keep coming and coming (thank God for the dishwasher!). I am definitely not a person that eats out or has take out a lot, but these times also give me the spirit to try out more great dishes that I did not come around making before and to get deeper into buying less in plastic. Which often times requires making things from scratch than just ripping open a bag (gnocchi, croquettes, dumplings, etc.)
I got a similar oil sprayer found at my local spice shop after seeing it on a prior video of yours! We also use either dish rags (has a rough side for scrubbing fond off pans) or reusable silicone sponges that can be cleaned in the dishwasher for most of our dishes. Unfortunately due to COVID, the local stores' bulk sections are closed and the stores won't allow us to even bring in our own reusable bags - have to take the plastic.
I love my misto bottles. I’m glad they come in different colors because I use them for lots of things. I keep one in the shower form body oils, they also work well for cleaners etc. they are awesome!
Use your hair dryer or fill the jar with hot water to make it easier to remove the stickers. It softens the adhesive and you can go in with your brush super easy 👍