Everyone always laughs at me saying one little bamboo toothbrush won't make a difference... but WE are making a difference! One Human at the time turning zero waste? will make a huge impact in the long run! We just need to make others aware! (in a nice way haha) So good luck everyone! :D
Savannah C exactly!! Especially if that one person uses bamboo toothbrushes for the rest of their life. That can add up. Say you use 4 a year, well if you start in your 20’s, that means you’d save 240 toothbrushes from going in the landfill!! So if a bunch of people did that, it would add up quickly!!
Savannah C Totally does. I got on the zero waste lifestyle a year back. It feels great. And I am from Sri Lanka, where the zero waste community is low for now.
Extra tip! If you're buying stuff online (like the bamboo toothbrushes) buy in bulk or at least a few at a time to lessen the packaging used and the pollution of delivery (someone's got to drive it to you!). I know hoarding isn't very minimalist, but for those things like toothbrushes and toothpaste and soap that you will definitely use I think it's a good idea.
I wouldn't call it hording if you buy in bulk to use over the year and use it. I'd call it being prepared and saving money/the environment. Hording is when you have alot of something and you never use it all up nor clean it out. My grandpa who grew up in the great depression horded food. My grandma had to slowly sneak food that had expired 10-20 years ago out from the basement.
In the UK the production of the plastic microbeads is now banned but they can still be sold until July when absolutely no plastic microbeads can be sold anymore! Superdrug do great own brand face washes which have plant based microbeads in and they're vegan & cruelty free so a great alternative if you don't want to make your own :)
Great vlog Blue. Many of us are on a plastic free journey or to be minimalistic. But the trouble is how many people / countries are far from being environmental friendly. Let us pray and hope in future all manufacturers get on board.
You're right, and its up to us to put the pressure on them to make those changes. I have noticed a lot of changes happening within my local area recently, they have banned balloons, plastic straws and plastic cutlery at all council events and a state-wide plastic bag ban comes in next month, it gives me hope!!
Yay great to have you back and you are looking fit well and healthy! This is a great straight to the point well explained video that I enjoyed watching however it has got me thinking and quietly smiling to myself. I am 61 years old (yes even us oldies like watching your videos!) I grew up with what in todays society I guess would be trendy green frugal parents, they never owned a car, baked their own wholemeal bread, used only wholemeal flours for all baking, no fridge for years so cold food was stored in a huge walk in pantry that had a stone floor and shelves to keep things cool, fruit and veg were grown in our large garden and we foraged for lots of different free berries, crab apples, nuts, mushrooms etc to eat, make jellies out of and preserve in Kilner jars through out the cold winter months (it was freezing where we lived in the winter and we were often snowed in) Kilner jars also preserved our garden surplus of beans, tomatoes etc. I tell you home grown potaoes cooked in the ashes of an open fire after a snowball fight are SO delicious. Everything was used and nothing was wasted bits of soap were to be stuck onto the next bar of soap not to waste etc and every week our refuse consisted of less than a bucket full. However once I hit my teenage years I was so envious of my friends parents who bought everything new, food was always shop bought, nothing in their smart homes was ever home made and this went for their clothes as well. My parents ethos was not wasted on me though and at 19 I had saved a deposit and was buying my first home (it was alot easier to do back then !) and I never looked back from there. I realise as I watch yours and all the other lovely young ladies videos on being Zero waste that alot of these zero waste tips just come as second nature to me but of late I had become tardy and started to buy things but no more and I have gone back to my roots as it were! So well done on stirring up the old me again! Sorry for the long comment but I just wanted to let you know you appeal to all ages and we none of us know it all! Keep up the great job you are doing and a big thank you. X
Thank you for your comment, Gillian. It sounds like you had a wonderful childhood! I, too, grew up closer to nature and a lot of the zero waste philosophies have been second-nature to me as well. But living in London and being surrounded by plastic packaging has made it easy to reach for less sustainable options. Which is why it now takes conscious effort to live more ethically even though it's what comes naturally to us as humans. We're separate from our natural selves and no longer in touch with nature as much as we should be. Zero waste is a slowing down process where we can take into account our actions and look a little closer at the ripple effects. So glad to be able to become a reminder for you to live more like you did in your childhood. Thank you for your lovely comment! x
the tea bag thing is a myth. not saying that loose leaf isn't better, but there are definitely entirely biodegradable options. tea pigs for example: "what are the tea temples made from? You’ll be very pleased to hear that our tea temples have NEVER contained plastic. The temples and the string attached are made from cornstarch, a natural carbohydrate extracted from corn. The label on the end of the string is made from simple, old-fashioned paper. Even the ink on the label is vegetable-based, and everything is sealed with heat - so no glue! As a result, our tea temples are fully biodegradable. "
sweetygirl165 tea pigs also has amazing tea 💗 the quality of their tea is something you can physically taste apart from others and I actually felt better drinking it. I've got a card I got in the mail when I ordered some that I leave laying around remind me to purchase more and never remembered till I saw your comment. Thank you! Ordering now 💗
I have been on a low-waste journey for a few years now. It is a challenge sometimes but well worth the effort. I DIY my own cleaning supplies, toothpaste and skin care as well as carry cloth bags, use glass straws, carry a water bottle (it is plastic but I have had it a very long time, before I started this journey so I will keep it until it dies). Keep inspiring others to live more low waste. And remember people, it's a journey that begins with awareness.
Love all your videos especially your zero waste ones! This year I am making the transition to a zero waste lifestyle and so far I'm loving it! Thank you for all the inspiration and motivation to change and I'm hoping to be able to inspire others to live a more sustainable lifestyle as well! Hope you have a wonderful day Xo ❤
That's wonderful! I'm so glad I can be a source of inspiration for you to lead a more sustainable and compassionate life. And yes, you'll certainly be inspiring others just by living your values!
Bulk Barn is a lifesaver for Canadians who want to reduce their waste. You can get tons of different products in bulk (candy, drink mixes, soup mixes, baking supplies, grains, dried fruits, nut and seed butters, flours and sugars, tea and coffee, pet food, oils, soaps, etc.) and you can either bring your own reusable containers or buy some there. Side note: I use a safety razor and definitely nick myself on the regular, but that’s because I shave super quickly in the shower.
These are great ideas. I didn't realise until today (googling) that stainless steel is recyclable. I would caution people with making their own toothpaste though (you should do it, but keep this in mind). A lot of recipes I see are very abrasive. Add sorbitol which has evidence of protecting teeth against decay, and xylitol which has evidence of not only protecting enamel but regrowing it. If you live in a place where water isn't fluoridated, consider adding this to the paste too or rather getting a fluoride rinse to use occasionally. It's true too much isn't good for your teeth but small amounts actually do help protect them (and if you're worried about ingestion, getting it from something you spit out is a good call). There is one mistake here though, the tea bags do not *all* contain plastic. *Sealed* teabags use plastic to seal them and *some* bags have a pvc layer on the inside. Obviously it has nothing to do with disintegration, most tea bags are made from a blend of vegetable and tree fibres, some from silk. I think it's best to use a reusable filter anyway though so I still agree with your general message, but we should be honest about what is available. If people really want to use teabags they could research which companies don't use plastics for the inside layer or for sealing.
If you’re looking for a set of stainless steel straws to start with, Walmart sells a set of 4 or 5 of them, bent and straight, and it also comes with a cleaner brush for them and some awesome silicon things that you put where your lips touch the straw and I’ve used these to save using a ton of plastic straws. Yes, they’re packaged with a little bit of plastic but you only buy them once and most of it is actually packaged in cardboard. Plus it’s only $3.98!!!
Ive been interested in cutting down on plastic for almost a year now, but i haven't realized until now the thing about tea bags! Thank you for pointing that out. I didnt realize they all contain some plastic, but it does make sense
one thing i love about the grocery down from my work is the discounts they give for being eco friendly. if I use my own bag and coffee cup I save about a dollar or so each time.
I follow all the tips you mentioned and another is (for the females mainly) wee wipes. I made some from an old flannel pillow case, and use an old compost bin beside my toilet to store them. They what, have a few drops of moisture on them, not a big deal, and when I wash my cleaning rags, I throw my wee wipes in with them. I do add a little borax with my soap nuts for washing tho, mainly for the cleaning rags. I only buy toilet paper once every 6 months now. I’m glad you mentioned the environmental impact on our wildlife and oceans, and there is so much more to that as well. I agree, people need to become more aware. Thank you.
There's a CoOp grocery in my city which allows you to bring your own containers to fill with goods like dried beans, quinoa, even castile soaps! I haven't been yet because it's tricky to get to from my place, but I think I'll make it a mainstay in grocery routine as the weather warms up.
One thing I'd add is take your own handkerchief. Can be used to wrap your spork or other personal cutlery. Used as a napkin for meals or a tissue for sneezing or a runny nose. Endless uses for a personal reusable towel/napkin/ handkerchief.
I think what you said at 12:30 really just hit me. Wow. I am going to try so so hard to be zero waste now. Let's forget about what I did wrong in the past and I'm going to try my best!
Ive been watching your videos for a while, and really enjoy each one :) I saw the jar and instantly thought it was about cleansing wipes for surfaces... clearly it wasnt lol, BUT i really enjoyed your tips. I have gone zero waste in many areas youve mentioned, one of which is the safety razor. I did knick myself the first couple of times. Getting the angle right for my ankle area was tricky. I still shave out of the shower, as my standup shower is tiny and dont feel comfortable. Taking it slow near the ankle and going over the knee at a diagonal as KEY. I have dry skin, and found the razor would snag my skin on the ankle. The great thing is that its a super simple fix. Ive never questioned my purchase. It was the best Christmas gift!!
great tips blue, I'm trying to slowly converting myself to zero plastic. it's a big challenge for me but with this tips it will surely help me a lot. looking forward for more of your easy to achieve tips.
Loved this video! I've been trying to come up with ways to reduce my environmental footprint. As I go along, I have realized how much the small things add up! I've been so curious about how I can eliminate the, what seems to be, essential plastics (razors, toothpaste, so on). Thank you for sharing this information because you have addressed so many of the tiny yet big issues!
Wow!!! Great tips!! 😍 I’ve been trying to find more and more ways to reduce my waste, and I think I’ll be going with the razor you mentioned!! Thank you so much!! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
I made the switch to a safety razor and I really do love it. I notice I don't want/need to shave as often. I also have some plastic smoothie straws that I had gotten before looking into the Zero Waste lifestyle so I do also reuse those. I live your videos Blue! I've also been stair stepping my way down to eating less meet. I still eat fish right now but since January I've given up Pork, Beef, Chicken and Turkey. It's still a work in progress but I've come so far! :)
I used to have that toothbrush when I lived in England, very good brand! My mother later bought me some Sedish ones that were coloured and everytime you brushed the bristles kept coming out...And I so agree about the cutlery, I had a fork that I bought in Bali but broke it while trying to take out coriander out of an ice cube trai :(
in my country many still use plastic, I'm trying the best I can to avoid using it, I always bring my own shopping bags but for groceries that I can't bring without plastic (konvensional plastic), now sometimes I bring my casava plastic (plastic that contain 20% from casava and can biodegradable it self ini 2,5 months), not sound right, but I'm still trying & learning doing my less to zero waste journey.
Thank you so much girl!!!! With that razor I get like 100 blades for 10€, the one I had before was around 30€ for a pack of 4 (!!). And of course it's way more sustainable! ❤
I'm so happy! Best UA-cam recommendation ever! This helped so much now that I'm moving soon and want to start reducing waste since I can have more control over it now. Ty! Definitely a new subscriber here❤
I love your video! Great tips! I’m trying to reduce my waste and am trying to help others do the same! I hope you don’t mind if I share your video! I love your toothbrush/toothpaste tip. That’s something I never even thought about before. I have completely stopped using soaps altogether. Idk if you’ve tried it, but the Norwex body cloth is a great way to wash your face/body without using soap...just water! Thanks for making this video!
for the face wash, get a clay based face wash from lush. most their products come in plastic pots BUT you can return the pots to them and when you bring them back 5 empty pots you get a free face mask !
Last summer I started using reusable toilet paper. I make my own, it's easy, just takes time and I have material waiting to create more as well as napkins. I know that some people use them for everything and don't designate uses but I just can't do that. I've heard some people say eww, but it's not that bad. The first time you use it it's weird, it's a completely different feeling. The second time, I was hooked. It's very soft and more absorbent than regular toilet paper. When I get the chance to make more they will replace my napkins as well. I also have a menstrual cup as well. Well, I have a few. Still trying to find my goldilocks cup. I've been making my own cat food for about a year and a half now and I was using ziplock bags to freeze it. About 6 months ago I changed over to using glass canning freezer jars. Not only am I reducing my waste, it's also so much easier to feed out of the jars. I started off using the plastic bags because I thought the glass jars would be far more expensive. I didn't know I could use canning jars to freeze. Other than these I recycle a lot of stuff, but I'd like to work at reducing the recycling as well. It's a process and I'll take it one step at a time. Thank you for all your information and encouraging words.
Oh yeah, a couple years ago I switched to a powdered toothpaste called The Dirt, though not for environmental reasons. And as soon as I can get some beeswax I plan on making some food wraps to replace plastic baggies and sedan wrap. Thanks again.
Hah, what a coincidence :D I just ordered my first set of bamboo toothbrushes, a straw and cutlery set and reusable pads a few hours ago and then I saw this. I may have to check that video for the toothpaste out for when I finish my regular one in the plastic tube.
I would love to start washing my face with oils like you do, where do you get your oils so that they don’t come in larger plastic bottles?? You’ve helped me so so much on my zero waste journey and I’m so grateful I have you as a resource!
I know what you mean about tote bags just being “around”. When they started picking up speed in Canada I collected so many because people still had the disposable mentality or they would give them to people and not want them back... so I would gather and despite giving several away when I know they would go to good use, I still have like 20+
Thank you for these great tips. I've been thinking about tea and coffee a lot lately. I'm going to look for somewhere I can buy loose coffee beans instead of buying them in packets. I think loose tea will be a good option too :)
Rice bran sounds like a great alternative! Unfortunately even when plastic is able to be recycled, it can only be recycled once. But the good news is that making your own cleansers or buying them package-free is so easy and affordable!
I find that if we look back to the way things were done before the invention of plastics there is a wealth of information to be used. Look up what was used on the internet. Also pulling up episodes of the Victorian Farm on UA-cam. So informative from home remmedies, shampoo and cleaning alternatives . I also think people that are camping enthusiasts usually have those reusable flat wear sets that snap together packed away with their camping gear. There are so many ways to reduce waste.
Please whatever reusable shopping bag you choose make sure it can go through the washing machine! Many people are using those bags sold at the grocery store made from recycled grocery bags....they cannot go through the wash so they get really gross. I dont carry the big cotton bags myself (but I appreciate those who do) I carry 3-5 ripstop nylon bags in my purse at all times. They are plastic but I bought them at the second hand store. I've used them for more than 10 years and wash them in my normal laundry after most uses. To recap I've been able to reuse the same 5 bags for 10 years and they still look brand new! As for silverware I also spent $1 at the second hand store (thrift) and bought a set that is different than my home sets and keep it in my bag. Takes no additional resources and reuses what's already existed, can be recycled or given to the thrift store again when I die.
That is untrue. There are many natural substances that are stronger than plastic and are used in tea bags that don't disintegrate when in contact with hot water.
I get it that the synthetic bristles on the brush are vegan but if they are synthetic, aren't they plastic? so they aren't in theory "zero waste" and that bit about the tea bags can't be true, can it? not because they don't dissolve in hot water means they're plastic - when you wash your clothes in hot water they don't dissolve and they're not plastic - i'm just confused haha xoxo
I didn’t like my metal straws they tasted metal, and I always worried I knock my teeth out. So I gave them away. I have a plastic one that cane with a smoothie jar years ago I just reuse that.
Love my bamboo straw! We had glass straws when I was little that my mother would use especially when we were sick and I made the mistake of biting and breaking it! Thankfully I didn't swallow any of it!
Tote bags are great! Plastic bags are getting more expensive here in Sweden, about 1.5USD in some places. This is great to make people think; Do I really need another bag or can I use the previous one? Or instead even be smart enough to get a tote bag for 5USD that they sell.
I always used to forgot my shopping bag and ended up struggling with 10 différents things in my arms not to buy one, for me it's all about organisation ♡
I just realized we use the same jar for toothpaste. Mine was jam my sister bought at the dollar store. I loved the gold lid so much, I stole it when she was through with it lol. BTW, how do you recycle the plastic bristles in the toothbrush?
Hello! What are your current body/ facial routines in the regards of products you use (particularly facial products) and has anything changed from your other videos. I am having trouble finding homemade/natural products that work and am trying to find other ideas.
Hey girl! I just found your channel. Thanks for the video :) I want to order the safety razor, but where do I order more blades/ do the blades differ by razor? I can't figure out which blades to order on amazon. A link would be great! Thank you
I love your channel. You are such an inspiration and I wonder how you are so on the money at such a young age. I'm working my way through your channel. I am making changes thanks to you xxx
Thank you 🙏🏻 a lot of young people are aware of the realities of this world in a way that older generations are having to change their mindsets to see. The future is for and created by the children!
@@blueollis true but its never to late to change the way you do things no matter young or old eh? I was already doing some stuff but now I'm doing a lot more! xTFSx
I would love to use a natural DIY kind of face wash but I am scared that they might be too oily for my skin because my skin is already a little bit oily. Any tips?
idk how often you’re replacing your toothbrush but i think you exaggerated a bit there, you only need to replace them every 2-3 months. still, bamboo is definitely better
I replace mine around every 3 months. My housemates replace theirs every week. I know people who replace them every month. Most people are mindlessly tossing them in the bin often.
Unfortunately every tea bag has at least some plastic in it which keeps it from dissolving in your hot water (if it was made from completely natural, unprocessed materials it wouldn't be able to keep strong in the heat). Thankfully loose tea is cheaper, tastier (the leaves are fresher) and totally compostable!
If bamboo toothbrush has synthetic brush part, how do you just "toss it" in to a compost? OT recycle? Is it easy to brake so I could recycle the handle and toss the brush part to normal bin? It's important to talk about the correct ways to recycle things.
Thank you for all your tips! I have a few questions: How do you recycle the old razor blades? Do you put them in the recycling bins or do you send them somewhere? (I'm Uk based too). I know some of them are bleached, but do coffee filter papers for drip coffee contain plastic like tea bags do? Are the synthetic fibres of your bamboo toothbrush biodegradable? I've read that most of them are made of nylon-4 which is petroleum-based and only breaks down under 'certain conditions' (ie. not in your compost bin...). I think the only fully biodegradable ones are the ones with pig hair bristles :(
You can pop them straight into the recycling (wrapping them in something else like newspaper or cardboard so nobody gets cut). I don't drink coffee but I suspect they do. I'd just use a cafetiere. You can buy bamboo brushes with bamboo bristles, too. I ALWAYS opt for cruelty-free.
Ah cool I didn't realise you can put them in the recycling, I've been just saving them up. In they go then! I've never seen bamboo bristles on a toothbrush but that's very cool! Do you have any links? The one in your video has BPA-free bristles according to their website, but are still made from a plastic polymer :( environmentaltoothbrush.com.au/?page_id=2
I've searched for reusable straws, bamboo toothbrushes, safety razors and bamboo cutlery... Can't find it anywhere... Only via Amazon or other online retailers outside Belgium, but that's not exactly environmentally friendly either...
I usually pick up my bamboo toothbrushes from health food stores and you can find safety razors in chemists. As for the cutlery and straws, because it's a one-time purchase I'd ship them if you can't find them locally. Amazon will purchase them from your nearest retailer. I know it's not ideal, but it's far better than using plastic.
I am from the Netherlands and I would like to give you the webshops where I bought my products. All these shops ship to Belgium. Belgium is so nearby that I think it's a good option for you. I hope it is allowed. www.greenjump.nl , www.puurmieke.nl , www.123scheermessen.nl
Here is a video about Amazon and zero waste: ua-cam.com/video/P3Z4b_sdP4Q/v-deo.html It’s not ideal but it gives tips on how to reduce waste while buying on Amazon
If you can only find them on amazon order it all together and as you proceed through your order you can request to have your items packaged together. This will generally mean less packaging and one less trip for delivery that wastes gas. They do (I believe) have the option of leaving a message with the seller on amazon to request less packaging or perhaps paper packaging/ wrap instead of plastic. Hope this helps.
I must be doing something wrong because I always cut myself (legs) when shaving with the "safety" razor. I'm almost considering going back to the plastic ones because I'm left with scars from using this thing. Does anyone have tips?
Not a silly question at all! I'd recommend wrapping them in other recyclable material like cardboard or paper so that those who handle the recycling don't get hurt.
Blue Ollis Oh good thinking, thanks for that! I had actually typed out "what about the folks that handle the recycling" in the previous comment so I guess great minds do think alike. Love what you and your videos are about 😊
I've been thinking about making the change to a safety razor for months. How do you recycle the blades? They're very sharp and I don't think you can just put them in the bin, can you? :D
I don’t know what to replace all my face products with because I use a toner and then serum and then moisturizer and then an eye cream how do I replace that?
That's a great question, that I'm not sure I can provide a satisfactory answer to lol. I always keep tea in my locker at work, but if you don't have a permanent place to keep it then I'm not sure.
Something I've been struggling with is what to do with the plastic shopping bags you have lying about. I don't want to just chuck them in the bin, but don't know how else to get rid of them 😔
You can use them as bin liners, use them as re-usable shopping bags until they break, or DIY with them... you can make them into 'yarn' and knit them into waterproof shower mats and lots of other items!
![Zero Waste Bathroom Essentials [updated] | Minimalist Living](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kJkDgW7wb3k/mqdefault.jpg)
![Zero Waste Bathroom Essentials [updated] | Minimalist Living](/img/tr.png)
Everyone always laughs at me saying one little bamboo toothbrush won't make a difference... but WE are making a difference! One Human at the time turning zero waste? will make a huge impact in the long run! We just need to make others aware! (in a nice way haha) So good luck everyone! :D
One person is the ONLY thing that EVER makes a difference. Everything started with one person.
Exactly! I will now forever reply that to people!
Savannah C exactly!! Especially if that one person uses bamboo toothbrushes for the rest of their life. That can add up. Say you use 4 a year, well if you start in your 20’s, that means you’d save 240 toothbrushes from going in the landfill!! So if a bunch of people did that, it would add up quickly!!
Savannah C Totally does. I got on the zero waste lifestyle a year back. It feels great. And I am from Sri Lanka, where the zero waste community is low for now.
Give the zero waste movement another year of momentum and who knows, countries might start banning plastic toothbrushes!!
Extra tip! If you're buying stuff online (like the bamboo toothbrushes) buy in bulk or at least a few at a time to lessen the packaging used and the pollution of delivery (someone's got to drive it to you!). I know hoarding isn't very minimalist, but for those things like toothbrushes and toothpaste and soap that you will definitely use I think it's a good idea.
Yes I do this with my toothbrushes! I order 4 bamboo toothbrushes a year for my whole year! (8 at the start of every year for my fiancé and I)
Great tip!
Elizaloutwo buying a couple toothbrushes is not hoarding.
I wouldn't call it hording if you buy in bulk to use over the year and use it. I'd call it being prepared and saving money/the environment. Hording is when you have alot of something and you never use it all up nor clean it out. My grandpa who grew up in the great depression horded food. My grandma had to slowly sneak food that had expired 10-20 years ago out from the basement.
Good idea! When ordering online I leave a message saying "please package without plastic if possible" and it has worked most of the time!
In the UK the production of the plastic microbeads is now banned but they can still be sold until July when absolutely no plastic microbeads can be sold anymore! Superdrug do great own brand face washes which have plant based microbeads in and they're vegan & cruelty free so a great alternative if you don't want to make your own :)
Is the UK banning plastic straws too? I thought I read something the other day. You guys are setting a great example to other countries.
Great vlog Blue. Many of us are on a plastic free journey or to be minimalistic. But the trouble is how many people / countries are far from being environmental friendly. Let us pray and hope in future all
manufacturers get on board.
You're right, and its up to us to put the pressure on them to make those changes. I have noticed a lot of changes happening within my local area recently, they have banned balloons, plastic straws and plastic cutlery at all council events and a state-wide plastic bag ban comes in next month, it gives me hope!!
Lush has nice face masks too! You can return 5 pots for a free pot because they reuse all the black pots so it's still zero waste.
Yay great to have you back and you are looking fit well and healthy! This is a great straight to the point well explained video that I enjoyed watching however it has got me thinking and quietly smiling to myself. I am 61 years old (yes even us oldies like watching your videos!) I grew up with what in todays society I guess would be trendy green frugal parents, they never owned a car, baked their own wholemeal bread, used only wholemeal flours for all baking, no fridge for years so cold food was stored in a huge walk in pantry that had a stone floor and shelves to keep things cool, fruit and veg were grown in our large garden and we foraged for lots of different free berries, crab apples, nuts, mushrooms etc to eat, make jellies out of and preserve in Kilner jars through out the cold winter months (it was freezing where we lived in the winter and we were often snowed in) Kilner jars also preserved our garden surplus of beans, tomatoes etc. I tell you home grown potaoes cooked in the ashes of an open fire after a snowball fight are SO delicious. Everything was used and nothing was wasted bits of soap were to be stuck onto the next bar of soap not to waste etc and every week our refuse consisted of less than a bucket full. However once I hit my teenage years I was so envious of my friends parents who bought everything new, food was always shop bought, nothing in their smart homes was ever home made and this went for their clothes as well. My parents ethos was not wasted on me though and at 19 I had saved a deposit and was buying my first home (it was alot easier to do back then !) and I never looked back from there. I realise as I watch yours and all the other lovely young ladies videos on being Zero waste that alot of these zero waste tips just come as second nature to me but of late I had become tardy and started to buy things but no more and I have gone back to my roots as it were! So well done on stirring up the old me again! Sorry for the long comment but I just wanted to let you know you appeal to all ages and we none of us know it all! Keep up the great job you are doing and a big thank you. X
Thank you for your comment, Gillian. It sounds like you had a wonderful childhood! I, too, grew up closer to nature and a lot of the zero waste philosophies have been second-nature to me as well. But living in London and being surrounded by plastic packaging has made it easy to reach for less sustainable options. Which is why it now takes conscious effort to live more ethically even though it's what comes naturally to us as humans. We're separate from our natural selves and no longer in touch with nature as much as we should be. Zero waste is a slowing down process where we can take into account our actions and look a little closer at the ripple effects. So glad to be able to become a reminder for you to live more like you did in your childhood. Thank you for your lovely comment! x
the tea bag thing is a myth. not saying that loose leaf isn't better, but there are definitely entirely biodegradable options.
tea pigs for example: "what are the tea temples made from?
You’ll be very pleased to hear that our tea temples have NEVER contained plastic. The temples and the string attached are made from cornstarch, a natural carbohydrate extracted from corn. The label on the end of the string is made from simple, old-fashioned paper. Even the ink on the label is vegetable-based, and everything is sealed with heat - so no glue! As a result, our tea temples are fully biodegradable. "
sweetygirl165 tea pigs also has amazing tea 💗 the quality of their tea is something you can physically taste apart from others and I actually felt better drinking it. I've got a card I got in the mail when I ordered some that I leave laying around remind me to purchase more and never remembered till I saw your comment. Thank you! Ordering now 💗
I like how u go in depth w/every item u discuss & how u explain the breakdwn of plastic (or lack of break dwn)
I have been on a low-waste journey for a few years now. It is a challenge sometimes but well worth the effort. I DIY my own cleaning supplies, toothpaste and skin care as well as carry cloth bags, use glass straws, carry a water bottle (it is plastic but I have had it a very long time, before I started this journey so I will keep it until it dies). Keep inspiring others to live more low waste. And remember people, it's a journey that begins with awareness.
Love all your videos especially your zero waste ones! This year I am making the transition to a zero waste lifestyle and so far I'm loving it! Thank you for all the inspiration and motivation to change and I'm hoping to be able to inspire others to live a more sustainable lifestyle as well! Hope you have a wonderful day Xo ❤
That's wonderful! I'm so glad I can be a source of inspiration for you to lead a more sustainable and compassionate life. And yes, you'll certainly be inspiring others just by living your values!
Bulk Barn is a lifesaver for Canadians who want to reduce their waste. You can get tons of different products in bulk (candy, drink mixes, soup mixes, baking supplies, grains, dried fruits, nut and seed butters, flours and sugars, tea and coffee, pet food, oils, soaps, etc.) and you can either bring your own reusable containers or buy some there.
Side note: I use a safety razor and definitely nick myself on the regular, but that’s because I shave super quickly in the shower.
These are great ideas. I didn't realise until today (googling) that stainless steel is recyclable. I would caution people with making their own toothpaste though (you should do it, but keep this in mind). A lot of recipes I see are very abrasive. Add sorbitol which has evidence of protecting teeth against decay, and xylitol which has evidence of not only protecting enamel but regrowing it. If you live in a place where water isn't fluoridated, consider adding this to the paste too or rather getting a fluoride rinse to use occasionally. It's true too much isn't good for your teeth but small amounts actually do help protect them (and if you're worried about ingestion, getting it from something you spit out is a good call). There is one mistake here though, the tea bags do not *all* contain plastic. *Sealed* teabags use plastic to seal them and *some* bags have a pvc layer on the inside. Obviously it has nothing to do with disintegration, most tea bags are made from a blend of vegetable and tree fibres, some from silk. I think it's best to use a reusable filter anyway though so I still agree with your general message, but we should be honest about what is available. If people really want to use teabags they could research which companies don't use plastics for the inside layer or for sealing.
If you’re looking for a set of stainless steel straws to start with, Walmart sells a set of 4 or 5 of them, bent and straight, and it also comes with a cleaner brush for them and some awesome silicon things that you put where your lips touch the straw and I’ve used these to save using a ton of plastic straws. Yes, they’re packaged with a little bit of plastic but you only buy them once and most of it is actually packaged in cardboard. Plus it’s only $3.98!!!
Ive been interested in cutting down on plastic for almost a year now, but i haven't realized until now the thing about tea bags! Thank you for pointing that out. I didnt realize they all contain some plastic, but it does make sense
Carina , not all of them do.
Because of you I got a safety razor about half a year ago and I woudn't want to miss it :)
one thing i love about the grocery down from my work is the discounts they give for being eco friendly. if I use my own bag and coffee cup I save about a dollar or so each time.
I follow all the tips you mentioned and another is (for the females mainly) wee wipes. I made some from an old flannel pillow case, and use an old compost bin beside my toilet to store them. They what, have a few drops of moisture on them, not a big deal, and when I wash my cleaning rags, I throw my wee wipes in with them. I do add a little borax with my soap nuts for washing tho, mainly for the cleaning rags. I only buy toilet paper once every 6 months now. I’m glad you mentioned the environmental impact on our wildlife and oceans, and there is so much more to that as well. I agree, people need to become more aware. Thank you.
PetCat Rio,if you use half sheet paper towels you also use less
Just want to say this is my most favorite zero waste essentials video I’ve seen! Very helpful and informative. Love your channel!
There's a CoOp grocery in my city which allows you to bring your own containers to fill with goods like dried beans, quinoa, even castile soaps! I haven't been yet because it's tricky to get to from my place, but I think I'll make it a mainstay in grocery routine as the weather warms up.
One thing I'd add is take your own handkerchief. Can be used to wrap your spork or other personal cutlery. Used as a napkin for meals or a tissue for sneezing or a runny nose. Endless uses for a personal reusable towel/napkin/ handkerchief.
I think what you said at 12:30 really just hit me. Wow. I am going to try so so hard to be zero waste now. Let's forget about what I did wrong in the past and I'm going to try my best!
Ive been watching your videos for a while, and really enjoy each one :)
I saw the jar and instantly thought it was about cleansing wipes for surfaces... clearly it wasnt lol, BUT i really enjoyed your tips.
I have gone zero waste in many areas youve mentioned, one of which is the safety razor. I did knick myself the first couple of times. Getting the angle right for my ankle area was tricky. I still shave out of the shower, as my standup shower is tiny and dont feel comfortable. Taking it slow near the ankle and going over the knee at a diagonal as KEY. I have dry skin, and found the razor would snag my skin on the ankle. The great thing is that its a super simple fix. Ive never questioned my purchase. It was the best Christmas gift!!
great tips blue, I'm trying to slowly converting myself to zero plastic. it's a big challenge for me but with this tips it will surely help me a lot. looking forward for more of your easy to achieve tips.
I've just started to use bambo touth brushies.....they are amzing and I love them!
Even better then a safety razor is sugaring zero waste there! I have yet to make my own sugar wax but plan to try soon for waxing my legs. ;)
Loved this video! I've been trying to come up with ways to reduce my environmental footprint. As I go along, I have realized how much the small things add up! I've been so curious about how I can eliminate the, what seems to be, essential plastics (razors, toothpaste, so on). Thank you for sharing this information because you have addressed so many of the tiny yet big issues!
Every single person should watch this video and make a change :)
Thank you so much!
Wow!!! Great tips!! 😍 I’ve been trying to find more and more ways to reduce my waste, and I think I’ll be going with the razor you mentioned!! Thank you so much!! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
Due to a current health issue I struggle to swallow fluids. So I really liked your straw idea. As I use them almost daily to drink water.
It's so good to see you again! Glad to see you're feeling better. Great video as always. 😊
So happy to be back!
I'd never thought about tea bags being plastic, good tips! 💜
I love getting my toothbrushes from Holland and Barrett they come in colour coded bottoms too so it’s great for families
I made the switch to a safety razor and I really do love it. I notice I don't want/need to shave as often. I also have some plastic smoothie straws that I had gotten before looking into the Zero Waste lifestyle so I do also reuse those. I live your videos Blue! I've also been stair stepping my way down to eating less meet. I still eat fish right now but since January I've given up Pork, Beef, Chicken and Turkey. It's still a work in progress but I've come so far! :)
This is wonderful to hear! Thank you for sharing. If ever you need help or advice going vegan you can always send me an email or DM me on Instagram.
I used to have that toothbrush when I lived in England, very good brand! My mother later bought me some Sedish ones that were coloured and everytime you brushed the bristles kept coming out...And I so agree about the cutlery, I had a fork that I bought in Bali but broke it while trying to take out coriander out of an ice cube trai :(
Great video. I’m going to look into bamboo toothbrushes . Thankyou
in my country many still use plastic, I'm trying the best I can to avoid using it, I always bring my own shopping bags but for groceries that I can't bring without plastic (konvensional plastic), now sometimes I bring my casava plastic (plastic that contain 20% from casava and can biodegradable it self ini 2,5 months), not sound right, but I'm still trying & learning doing my less to zero waste journey.
Thank you so much girl!!!! With that razor I get like 100 blades for 10€, the one I had before was around 30€ for a pack of 4 (!!). And of course it's way more sustainable! ❤
Your videos are lovely, as always :) thanks so much, these are great tips!
I'm so happy! Best UA-cam recommendation ever! This helped so much now that I'm moving soon and want to start reducing waste since I can have more control over it now. Ty! Definitely a new subscriber here❤
Thanks Blue for your tips. we do a lot of what you mentioned already
You're one of my zero waste inspirations! Loved this and am feeling SO motivated to do better!
That's great, Bel! So happy to inspire a more sustainable lifestyle.
Totally going to buy bamboo forks, spoons and knives for my apartment when I leave for uni 😍
There is a high chance the wooden cutlery will grow mold, so use stainless steel instead!
This is so helpful, thank you for making this ❤
Great video ;) i am on my zero waste or at least lesswaste journey too. ;)
I love your video! Great tips! I’m trying to reduce my waste and am trying to help others do the same!
I hope you don’t mind if I share your video!
I love your toothbrush/toothpaste tip. That’s something I never even thought about before.
I have completely stopped using soaps altogether. Idk if you’ve tried it, but the Norwex body cloth is a great way to wash your face/body without using soap...just water!
Thanks for making this video!
I’m so glad you like my video. Of course you can share it... that’s what it’s all about - sharing the knowledge and love.
for the face wash, get a clay based face wash from lush. most their products come in plastic pots BUT you can return the pots to them and when you bring them back 5 empty pots you get a free face mask !
Last summer I started using reusable toilet paper. I make my own, it's easy, just takes time and I have material waiting to create more as well as napkins. I know that some people use them for everything and don't designate uses but I just can't do that. I've heard some people say eww, but it's not that bad. The first time you use it it's weird, it's a completely different feeling. The second time, I was hooked. It's very soft and more absorbent than regular toilet paper. When I get the chance to make more they will replace my napkins as well.
I also have a menstrual cup as well. Well, I have a few. Still trying to find my goldilocks cup.
I've been making my own cat food for about a year and a half now and I was using ziplock bags to freeze it. About 6 months ago I changed over to using glass canning freezer jars. Not only am I reducing my waste, it's also so much easier to feed out of the jars. I started off using the plastic bags because I thought the glass jars would be far more expensive. I didn't know I could use canning jars to freeze.
Other than these I recycle a lot of stuff, but I'd like to work at reducing the recycling as well. It's a process and I'll take it one step at a time. Thank you for all your information and encouraging words.
Oh yeah, a couple years ago I switched to a powdered toothpaste called The Dirt, though not for environmental reasons. And as soon as I can get some beeswax I plan on making some food wraps to replace plastic baggies and sedan wrap. Thanks again.
Great and informative video as always! Perfect if we can watch a new video every day coz never gets tired of it!
Great video.I been working on going zero waist
Hah, what a coincidence :D I just ordered my first set of bamboo toothbrushes, a straw and cutlery set and reusable pads a few hours ago and then I saw this. I may have to check that video for the toothpaste out for when I finish my regular one in the plastic tube.
I never knew that there's plastic in tea bags! I usually buy some loose leaf tea and some that comes in bags, but no more! It'll be all loose leaf! :D
I would love to start washing my face with oils like you do, where do you get your oils so that they don’t come in larger plastic bottles?? You’ve helped me so so much on my zero waste journey and I’m so grateful I have you as a resource!
I usually buy mine from either health food stores or Amazon. Just a little search to find some in glass bottles.
Brilliant video.. Great suggestions.. A few new ones here I'm going to try! 🌱😍xx
You already made a video about it but I found it SUPER easy to switch from pads to a menstrual cup, it should be in this video too
I know what you mean about tote bags just being “around”. When they started picking up speed in Canada I collected so many because people still had the disposable mentality or they would give them to people and not want them back... so I would gather and despite giving several away when I know they would go to good use, I still have like 20+
You made a brilliant video. I learned a lot in this 14 minutes.
Thank you for these great tips. I've been thinking about tea and coffee a lot lately. I'm going to look for somewhere I can buy loose coffee beans instead of buying them in packets. I think loose tea will be a good option too :)
I have a scrubby face wash that uses rice bran instead of micro beads that I love. It does come in plastic, but it’s recyclable. :)
Rice bran sounds like a great alternative! Unfortunately even when plastic is able to be recycled, it can only be recycled once. But the good news is that making your own cleansers or buying them package-free is so easy and affordable!
Agreed!!
I find that if we look back to the way things were done before the invention of plastics there is a wealth of information to be used. Look up what was used on the internet. Also pulling up episodes of the Victorian Farm on UA-cam. So informative from home remmedies, shampoo and cleaning alternatives . I also think people that are camping enthusiasts usually have those reusable flat wear sets that snap together packed away with their camping gear. There are so many ways to reduce waste.
Please whatever reusable shopping bag you choose make sure it can go through the washing machine! Many people are using those bags sold at the grocery store made from recycled grocery bags....they cannot go through the wash so they get really gross.
I dont carry the big cotton bags myself (but I appreciate those who do) I carry 3-5 ripstop nylon bags in my purse at all times. They are plastic but I bought them at the second hand store. I've used them for more than 10 years and wash them in my normal laundry after most uses. To recap I've been able to reuse the same 5 bags for 10 years and they still look brand new!
As for silverware I also spent $1 at the second hand store (thrift) and bought a set that is different than my home sets and keep it in my bag. Takes no additional resources and reuses what's already existed, can be recycled or given to the thrift store again when I die.
That is untrue. There are many natural substances that are stronger than plastic and are used in tea bags that don't disintegrate when in contact with hot water.
I get it that the synthetic bristles on the brush are vegan but if they are synthetic, aren't they plastic? so they aren't in theory "zero waste" and that bit about the tea bags can't be true, can it? not because they don't dissolve in hot water means they're plastic - when you wash your clothes in hot water they don't dissolve and they're not plastic - i'm just confused haha xoxo
I love bingewatching your vids
I didn’t like my metal straws they tasted metal, and I always worried I knock my teeth out. So I gave them away. I have a plastic one that cane with a smoothie jar years ago I just reuse that.
There are so many great options... metal, glass, bamboo... glad to hear you're reusing the plastic one instead of just throwing it out.
But when you're drinking a cold smoothie through the metal straws and they get all frosty.... mmmm
Glass is much more comfy 👍
Silicon straws are also nice. They feel so soft
Love my bamboo straw! We had glass straws when I was little that my mother would use especially when we were sick and I made the mistake of biting and breaking it! Thankfully I didn't swallow any of it!
Those toothbrushes look awesome!
Tote bags are great! Plastic bags are getting more expensive here in Sweden, about 1.5USD in some places. This is great to make people think; Do I really need another bag or can I use the previous one? Or instead even be smart enough to get a tote bag for 5USD that they sell.
I always used to forgot my shopping bag and ended up struggling with 10 différents things in my arms not to buy one, for me it's all about organisation ♡
I just realized we use the same jar for toothpaste. Mine was jam my sister bought at the dollar store. I loved the gold lid so much, I stole it when she was through with it lol.
BTW, how do you recycle the plastic bristles in the toothbrush?
Hello! What are your current body/ facial routines in the regards of products you use (particularly facial products) and has anything changed from your other videos. I am having trouble finding homemade/natural products that work and am trying to find other ideas.
Lush Naked shower-gel is plastic free.
What chemicals would you suggest avoiding in beauty products? I know about micro-beads and sulphites.
Can you get loose-leaf decaf tea-bags?
When I got into sustainability I stopped shaving it’s so good for you.
I ordered steel straws today and made sure they were not from somewhere far away from me and I don’t mind the metal taste.
Very inspiring! TFS!
Thanks for this great video.
Love this video 😍💙
Hey girl! I just found your channel. Thanks for the video :) I want to order the safety razor, but where do I order more blades/ do the blades differ by razor? I can't figure out which blades to order on amazon. A link would be great! Thank you
I love your channel. You are such an inspiration and I wonder how you are so on the money at such a young age. I'm working my way through your channel. I am making changes thanks to you xxx
Thank you 🙏🏻 a lot of young people are aware of the realities of this world in a way that older generations are having to change their mindsets to see. The future is for and created by the children!
@@blueollis true but its never to late to change the way you do things no matter young or old eh? I was already doing some stuff but now I'm doing a lot more! xTFSx
@@chicvintagegifts6335 Absolutely NEVER too late :)
I would love to use a natural DIY kind of face wash but I am scared that they might be too oily for my skin because my skin is already a little bit oily. Any tips?
Many Eco toothbrushes have plant based bristles
This was a perfect video for me to transition to a more eco friendly lifestyle. As well reduce my carbon foot print. Thank you !
idk how often you’re replacing your toothbrush but i think you exaggerated a bit there, you only need to replace them every 2-3 months. still, bamboo is definitely better
I replace mine around every 3 months. My housemates replace theirs every week. I know people who replace them every month. Most people are mindlessly tossing them in the bin often.
Love your vids. Tea bags are compostable, however, right? My city accepts them as part of our composting program.
Unfortunately every tea bag has at least some plastic in it which keeps it from dissolving in your hot water (if it was made from completely natural, unprocessed materials it wouldn't be able to keep strong in the heat). Thankfully loose tea is cheaper, tastier (the leaves are fresher) and totally compostable!
I did some more digging - looks like it depends on the brand! I’m the US, the popular (and cheap and tasty) brand Bigelow is fully biodegradable.
Which blades do you use for the razor? The only ones I can find come in packs of 5 in little plastic cases in a box of 100
Just pick up an extra metal fork from a resale shop. Or grab one out of your drawer.
Yeah! This way, there is legit no waste
If bamboo toothbrush has synthetic brush part, how do you just "toss it" in to a compost? OT recycle? Is it easy to brake so I could recycle the handle and toss the brush part to normal bin? It's important to talk about the correct ways to recycle things.
If you’re using plastic bristles then yes, please do dispose of it in your general waste.
Thanks for the tips:)
Thank you for all your tips! I have a few questions:
How do you recycle the old razor blades? Do you put them in the recycling bins or do you send them somewhere? (I'm Uk based too).
I know some of them are bleached, but do coffee filter papers for drip coffee contain plastic like tea bags do?
Are the synthetic fibres of your bamboo toothbrush biodegradable? I've read that most of them are made of nylon-4 which is petroleum-based and only breaks down under 'certain conditions' (ie. not in your compost bin...). I think the only fully biodegradable ones are the ones with pig hair bristles :(
You can pop them straight into the recycling (wrapping them in something else like newspaper or cardboard so nobody gets cut). I don't drink coffee but I suspect they do. I'd just use a cafetiere. You can buy bamboo brushes with bamboo bristles, too. I ALWAYS opt for cruelty-free.
Ah cool I didn't realise you can put them in the recycling, I've been just saving them up. In they go then!
I've never seen bamboo bristles on a toothbrush but that's very cool! Do you have any links? The one in your video has BPA-free bristles according to their website, but are still made from a plastic polymer :( environmentaltoothbrush.com.au/?page_id=2
Still better than a totally plastic one obviously though!
I've searched for reusable straws, bamboo toothbrushes, safety razors and bamboo cutlery... Can't find it anywhere... Only via Amazon or other online retailers outside Belgium, but that's not exactly environmentally friendly either...
I usually pick up my bamboo toothbrushes from health food stores and you can find safety razors in chemists. As for the cutlery and straws, because it's a one-time purchase I'd ship them if you can't find them locally. Amazon will purchase them from your nearest retailer. I know it's not ideal, but it's far better than using plastic.
I am from the Netherlands and I would like to give you the webshops where I bought my products. All these shops ship to Belgium. Belgium is so nearby that I think it's a good option for you. I hope it is allowed. www.greenjump.nl , www.puurmieke.nl , www.123scheermessen.nl
Here is a video about Amazon and zero waste: ua-cam.com/video/P3Z4b_sdP4Q/v-deo.html
It’s not ideal but it gives tips on how to reduce waste while buying on Amazon
If you can only find them on amazon order it all together and as you proceed through your order you can request to have your items packaged together. This will generally mean less packaging and one less trip for delivery that wastes gas. They do (I believe) have the option of leaving a message with the seller on amazon to request less packaging or perhaps paper packaging/ wrap instead of plastic. Hope this helps.
I must be doing something wrong because I always cut myself (legs) when shaving with the "safety" razor. I'm almost considering going back to the plastic ones because I'm left with scars from using this thing. Does anyone have tips?
Hey love, how do you recycle your blades for your razor? This may sound silly but you can't just put them in the recycle bin as they are can you?
Not a silly question at all! I'd recommend wrapping them in other recyclable material like cardboard or paper so that those who handle the recycling don't get hurt.
Blue Ollis Oh good thinking, thanks for that! I had actually typed out "what about the folks that handle the recycling" in the previous comment so I guess great minds do think alike. Love what you and your videos are about 😊
Amy Somerville I've also heard from shelbizleee that you could put them in a tin drinks can and they can get recycled in that process
Amabel oh my gosh, so simple yet a perfect solution! Thanks heaps 😃
Amy Somerville I'm not 100% sure tho, but you're welcome 😊
I don't see it listed .. what is the oil combination you use for your face?
I've been thinking about making the change to a safety razor for months. How do you recycle the blades? They're very sharp and I don't think you can just put them in the bin, can you? :D
They recycle in your normal recycling bin, I'd just wrap them in newspaper, cardboard or any other natural material you have around.
Blue Ollis thank you. I already ordered one online. You inspire me every day ❤️
I don’t know what to replace all my face products with because I use a toner and then serum and then moisturizer and then an eye cream how do I replace that?
Thank you!!!!!
How do you recommend bringing loose leaf tea on the go?
I fill my tea holder before I leave, and just keep it stored inside my travel mug!
Victoria Winsor Thanks, but what if I'm out for many hours and many cups of tea?
That's a great question, that I'm not sure I can provide a satisfactory answer to lol. I always keep tea in my locker at work, but if you don't have a permanent place to keep it then I'm not sure.
Victoria Winsor Thanks. I suppose I'll take a risk and leave some loose tea in a shared space. Thanks for the advice!
Take it in a small jar.
is a bamboo toothbrush with nylon 610 bristles okay?
Can anyone recommend a bamboo toothbrush that delivers to the US? Thanks.
How would i go about recycling a safety razor blade?
Something I've been struggling with is what to do with the plastic shopping bags you have lying about. I don't want to just chuck them in the bin, but don't know how else to get rid of them 😔
You can use them as bin liners, use them as re-usable shopping bags until they break, or DIY with them... you can make them into 'yarn' and knit them into waterproof shower mats and lots of other items!
I can't find a soap bar that doesn't leave a film on my skin, any recommendations?
Castille soap