Woman Drastically Reduces Her Waste on a Journey to Zero Waste Living

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  • Опубліковано 27 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 256

  • @ExploringAlternatives
    @ExploringAlternatives  6 років тому +22

    Follow Meera on Instagram here: instagram.com/thegreenmum/
    + links below to all of the resources and initiatives she mentioned in the video:
    The Terra Cycle box that helps recycle typically non-recyclable waste:
    www.terracycle.ca/en-CA
    The Plastic Oceans movie (super informative and inspiring):
    plasticoceans.org/
    Bulk Barn reusable container program:
    www.bulkbarn.ca/Reusable-Container-Program/Program-Steps.html
    "In a business-as-usual scenario, the ocean is expected to
    contain 1 tonne of plastic for every 3 tonnes of fish by 2025,
    and by 2050, more plastics than fish (by weight)."
    World Economic Forum report: The New Plastics Economy (page 7)
    www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_The_New_Plastics_Economy.pdf

    • @jocelynelangis777
      @jocelynelangis777 6 років тому

      Exploring Alternatives is a great source of information and this video on zero waste need to be look at and it is kind of urgent that we applied the zero waste attitude. Thanks so much!

    • @jakob497
      @jakob497 6 років тому

      Thanks for all your videos! Could you maybe to a video someday about the footprint of flying. I think its very important for people who save money with minimalism to be aware of the cost of mobility. If we fly less (or not at all) it's much more impacting than many of the other things.

    • @sercem7314
      @sercem7314 6 років тому +1

      inspiring. but why not to use an eBook reader to avoid having so many hardcopy books on her shelfs? 😑

  • @_sopharo_1343
    @_sopharo_1343 5 років тому +164

    something i heard the other day was that you can't do everything the world needs, but the world needs everything you can do!

    • @CLBOO6
      @CLBOO6 5 років тому

      Georgia Anna Olivia Diana Rose _ love that quote!

    • @ericamciver4747
      @ericamciver4747 4 роки тому

      @Samii O my thoughts exactly

    • @emilyc4044
      @emilyc4044 4 роки тому +10

      Shelbizleee!

  • @loveinseattle
    @loveinseattle 6 років тому +186

    I find that gardening has helped us reduce waste without us even realizing it. It’s so easy to just grab some packaging-free herbs or hot peppers from the balcony instead of going out to buy it. I love seeing other urban gardeners. 😍😍😍

    • @gnislia
      @gnislia 5 років тому +3

      I have just planted my first seeds ever for lettuce, basil and rosemary 👍🏻

    • @AquaMelodyZz
      @AquaMelodyZz 5 років тому

      How do you guys keep the animals away from your garden? My family tried gardening a few years back, but the squirrels usually eat most of it before we get the chance to harvest. Our tomatoes, berries and even bell peppers got eaten! I thought squirrels don't eat peppers! Now we only grow some herbs and green onions

    • @user-tb7iz1vf7p
      @user-tb7iz1vf7p 5 років тому

      Yes, I started gardening and I have so much already. I have basil, oregano, strawberries, chives, peppers, cilantro, and rosemary.

    • @ellenacrystal5108
      @ellenacrystal5108 5 років тому +1

      Gardening can be an antidepressant honestly- where I live, I'm blessed with 3 trees in the front yard I'll need for compost and mulching when the leaves fall, and an avocado and lemon tree in the back. We have a garden at the front yard and back as well lmao each area for my mom and dad, and I'll sneak in some of my plants anywhere just because. My succulents are adorable tho 🔥🔥🔥

    • @uminehalimah5569
      @uminehalimah5569 4 роки тому

      @@AquaMelodyZz maybe you can try to spray garlic water. Here in Indonesia our government agro expert once told us tu use garlic water spray to get rid of rat from our garden.

  • @_sopharo_1343
    @_sopharo_1343 5 років тому +60

    the world doesn't need lots of people doing the zero-waste lifestyle perfectly, but everyone to do it imperfectly.

  • @yelisview8395
    @yelisview8395 6 років тому +85

    I love how realistic she is, I myself have started making smarter changes for the environment as well. 😊

  • @lite712
    @lite712 6 років тому +107

    The term less waste sound more friendlier than zero waste and it is more adaptable...u don't feel rigid to adapt to the lifestyle...

    • @naomimay82
      @naomimay82 5 років тому +4

      Nor Cahaya Yes!!! I agree! I can achieve a lot less waste, but zero is impossible. I have a husband and teenagers who don’t care about less waste. My husband doesn’t like change and is determined to keep things the same as always. I have to make changes slowly so he doesn’t throw a fit and go buy all the regular things. His Mountain Dew habit will be the thing that prevents zero waste in the end.

    • @priscillajimenez27
      @priscillajimenez27 4 роки тому +1

      @@naomimay82 mountain dew isn't good for you but have you tried a kitchen soda maker? I think Target Stores have it with many soda flavors to buy separately. Maybe that can reduce waste.
      My parents are rigid about change as well. Thry like convenience despite repercussions they don't see.

    • @naomimay82
      @naomimay82 4 роки тому

      Priscilla Jimenez My husband stubbornly sticks to his Mountain Dew. He is 44 years old and I have given up hope at this point. I don’t want a machine that makes pop at home; I don’t want anyone else in the house to develop a sugary drink habit. I am not a pop drinker and never have been; I actually avoid sweetened beverages altogether.

  • @KristinaB.
    @KristinaB. 6 років тому +209

    In the city I live in, plastic bags and plastic straws are banned. People have to bring their own bags, and all straws are made of paper. Also known as San Fransisco😊

  • @IshikaShanai
    @IshikaShanai 6 років тому +37

    THIS IS WHAT I NEEDED. I live in Toronto too and in the past few months I feel as though my efforts for trying to sustain a low waste lifestyle weren't good enough. (Trash created from decluttering, traveling, and having to buy a ridiculous amount of art supplies for university...) This video helped me put things into perspective that this is a journey; there's going to bumps along the way, but that doesn't mean I should stop trying to do my best. It was really nice being reminded of that.

  • @bearwennie3227
    @bearwennie3227 15 днів тому

    So touching about her action as a mum for two and a a teacher in the same time. Word is cheap, show the action is more powerful and persuasive.

  • @MrSaadia27
    @MrSaadia27 6 років тому +53

    I love her approach to it.. realistic

  • @Imaginehello7799
    @Imaginehello7799 6 років тому +42

    Meera - you are awesome. Love how much passion you have, but also how much judgment you lack for others. You recognize that everyone is at a different stage, but also that everyone can make small changes to start. Really impressed by your lifestyle changes!!

    • @meerajain8743
      @meerajain8743 6 років тому

      hello7788 Thank you so so much! I really appreciate your kind words and support!

  • @KreativeFreedom
    @KreativeFreedom 5 років тому +2

    Great video! We are extremely low waste in our tiny home on wheels by composting, using reusable grocery bags, produce bags, cups, bottles, etc. For bulk shopping, we use cloth bags that we got at Sprouts, which saves the headache of bringing our jars (which some stores also won't allow). Another bonus is that our mesh produce bags keep everything super fresh in the fridge for a long time! Love seeing people making this effort! Thanks for posting this!

  • @danishviking6254
    @danishviking6254 3 роки тому

    So inspirational!
    Recognising that you can’t be 100% no waste is important. It’s really not about the few being perfect at this but rather the majority being imperfect that will make the biggest impact on the planet.

  • @davidmarr6232
    @davidmarr6232 5 років тому +1

    Meera is intelligent, inspiring, and just a great example to all of us - I'm glad to follow in your footsteps.

  • @FreedomStrider
    @FreedomStrider 6 років тому +89

    Just goes to show you don't have to change your habits or lifestyle massively to make a massive difference. Good work, keep going to inspire more! :)

  • @ILOLnumber1
    @ILOLnumber1 6 років тому +16

    I'm one of those people who've never heard of the Terra Cycle box! I'm always learning something useful on this channel. Thanks again guys for another great and informative video!

  • @audreayarose3755
    @audreayarose3755 5 років тому +1

    I like the idea of encouraging low waste as it's more realistic than no waste. Reducing your waste in any way is a great step and contribution 😊

  • @DubAnnick
    @DubAnnick 6 років тому +26

    Love your professionalism, how nice this looks

  • @jessicagomez1760
    @jessicagomez1760 5 років тому +1

    She seems like a lovely person to hang around with

  • @amandamaki3614
    @amandamaki3614 5 років тому +19

    I LOVE my push lawn mower. I think they really have a bad reputation because people want convenience. But they are so much easier than you think and you just have to mow the grass a little more often.

  • @csrgrant20
    @csrgrant20 6 років тому +11

    I love your approach. you have inspired me to use less plastic or none at all!!!

  • @WonderingGreenMan
    @WonderingGreenMan 6 років тому +2

    Good to see that people are beginning to wake up about what we can and are doing to this planet! Thank you for sharing!

  • @writersounds9523
    @writersounds9523 5 років тому +2

    This is literally the prettiest zero waster i have ever seen.

  • @d_dave7200
    @d_dave7200 6 років тому +72

    Some of the views displayed in these comments are really extreme. If you shout down anyone who isn't perfect, or espouse extreme views in judgmental ways, you're not likely to win any arguments or further environmental goals. All you're going to do is give people justifications for dismissing the environmental movement. You're hurting the cause more than you're helping.

    • @BlueBass2
      @BlueBass2 6 років тому +3

      d_dave kindness is the only answer!

  • @shaanz2.087
    @shaanz2.087 5 років тому

    So proud of this kind lady

  • @cathylynnpietranton
    @cathylynnpietranton 6 років тому +46

    Great video. Every little bit helps the environment.

  • @shivaji735
    @shivaji735 5 років тому +2

    Excellent and impressive. As a teacher you are setting an example. Thanks for sharing.

  • @solidstream13
    @solidstream13 5 років тому +1

    Wow. We need a lot more people like her

  • @SrSrk98
    @SrSrk98 6 років тому +12

    wow so happy to see people think more about Earth and make change in anyway possible:)
    step by step, change is for the better:)

  • @kiterafrey
    @kiterafrey Рік тому +1

    For anyone looking to make shifts. The best first step is the step that is 100% free. Use what you have. Clean and reuse containers from things you purchase (like salsa jars, butter tubs, etc). Finish all your products, even if you gotta cut open the container. Try to use all your food before it goes to waste. Don't buy something new unless you need it.

  • @HolisticDetective
    @HolisticDetective 6 років тому +20

    Toilet paper: I keep an empty bottle in the bathroom and use water to wash my bits and then dry with a towel. Haven't bought TP in over a year!

    • @foxybiroxy
      @foxybiroxy 6 років тому +9

      Get a Bidet!

    • @akaurb
      @akaurb 5 років тому +1

      Or a bamboo tp... that is sustainable...

    • @mordecai8707
      @mordecai8707 4 роки тому +1

      Toilet paper is perishable, you probably shouldn’t worry about it as much as plastic

  • @flowerchild777
    @flowerchild777 6 років тому +3

    A lady after my own heart 💖👍Well done

  • @ItsAry
    @ItsAry 5 років тому +3

    So inspiring!! I agree!! I have started my zero waste journey this 2019, my youtube channel has also kept me accountable!! Thank you for sharing your story.. really enjoyed this video, I learnt alot.

  • @randalrand
    @randalrand 6 років тому +10

    Just like Meera, I have my reusable spork, knife, spoon and cup at work instead of reaching in the drawer for a plastic one.

  • @mohitaahuja4956
    @mohitaahuja4956 5 років тому

    Women definitely have the power to change the world.

  • @andrewmutavi590
    @andrewmutavi590 3 роки тому

    I want her😆these are type of people the planet needs

  • @SonnySketch
    @SonnySketch 4 роки тому

    havent seen any of your other videos. But seeing Sobeys and then hearing Toronto made me excited.
    SO often I see videos from other countries and its unrelatable but this is!

  • @asukashiraishi621
    @asukashiraishi621 5 років тому +5

    I have been noticing that I use tons of water after starting my transition into waste-less life. I live in a place where drought is a constant fear and I have been wary of water consumption since I studied about places in the world where access to water is severely limited. Do you have any tips/ideas to conserve water whilst being waste-less/zero-waste?

  • @marikaheitmann5206
    @marikaheitmann5206 3 роки тому

    What a wonderful woman. ❤🍀

  • @outdooradventuresandtravel6479
    @outdooradventuresandtravel6479 6 років тому +26

    Very interesting video.....she is awesome

  • @cullendrea
    @cullendrea 6 років тому

    Bravo to Meera and her family for going through the extra efforts. She mentioned that she may use more gasoline to travel to multiple stores. I'm curious about the increased water consumption too.

  • @ronbay05
    @ronbay05 6 років тому

    I LOVE THIS VID ITS SO INSPIRING TO ME AND TO OTHER PEOPLE, I LOVE THIS WOMAN SHE CARES ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT

  • @TorontoNeurospicyGirl
    @TorontoNeurospicyGirl 6 років тому +2

    Way to go Meera!!!!!!! So glad to see a fellow Torontonian doing this and getting some coverage! Any tips on how to increase one's Instagram and Twitter followers/exposure?

  • @ladyfae4797
    @ladyfae4797 5 років тому +2

    I really like her, she is inspiring

  • @moonsong2118
    @moonsong2118 5 років тому

    Love this! Very real and authentic, i am in the process of reducing my waste as well. This is very helpful!

  • @MsChucklebunny
    @MsChucklebunny 6 років тому +5

    This was so incredibly educational! Thank you for sharing!

  • @d_dave7200
    @d_dave7200 6 років тому +2

    This is great, everyone should be trying to do these things, but she's right -- most people (especially in the US) haven't even thought about them.
    The only issue with this is all the driving. I actually came to the conclusion that grocery delivery was better for the environment for us than going to multiple bulk stores to find things (at least based on our location). One truck delivering many people's groceries on an efficient route saves a lot of CO2. The problem is that grocery delivery in the USA involves using plastic bags right now in many places (including where we are). So it's more plastic, but significantly less net CO2 emissions even so. The only grocery delivery option I could find that used reusable bags was an individual shopper using a car, which defied the entire point. Obviously there's no best there though, it's more about what your environmental priority is.
    Of course, once we save up the money to buy an electric car and/or solar panels, then going to multiple places for groceries will become a no-brainer.

    • @d_dave7200
      @d_dave7200 6 років тому +1

      Also, the Teracycle thing is a life saver. It's super expensive, but really useful for those things that can't be bought without packaging and aren't able to be recycled through available programs locally.

  • @juliamoreno3219
    @juliamoreno3219 Рік тому

    Shopping in bulk is usually always cheaper when you compare the weight of what you're buying and the weight of the other option in plastic packaging

  • @MoeHdBO3CONTENT66
    @MoeHdBO3CONTENT66 6 років тому +4

    Amazing wish everyone could be like her :)

  • @zinaagent0094
    @zinaagent0094 6 років тому +3

    I used to love my stainless Steele lunchbox in grade school

  • @sneakerlove5313
    @sneakerlove5313 6 років тому +1

    Wow I’m so grateful for this

  • @Giveintolove94
    @Giveintolove94 5 років тому +2

    Good interview. Realistic

  • @bubblesleef4415
    @bubblesleef4415 5 років тому

    Steward of the planet... perfect way to put it.😍😍😍😍😍

  • @phyliciajoykloes
    @phyliciajoykloes 5 років тому

    I need to tackle some of the things on the list, like a compost bin, home made toothpaste, and skip plastic for bread and other grains.

  • @godricgryffindor5421
    @godricgryffindor5421 6 років тому +6

    China stopped accepting our recybleable goods at their processing centers, you guys really need to do an informative piece about that.

  • @vandanad3786
    @vandanad3786 5 років тому +1

    V r not the solution but v cn b the part of solution...thats a gr8 satisfaction.

  • @sailorgirl2017
    @sailorgirl2017 5 років тому

    So glad to hear someone talk about TerraCycle. I want to talk to the council about getting some for our town.

  • @hiteshmehta800
    @hiteshmehta800 4 роки тому

    You are doing an amazing Work.

  • @punkinpie27
    @punkinpie27 6 років тому +1

    Love this message. I'm definately going to act on it!

  • @tammyt3434
    @tammyt3434 5 років тому

    I've found waste reduction to be somewhat self-perpetuating. I take a step and as it becomes habit this leads to other good habits. Eventually this reaches an equilibrium and I WANT to take the next step because the last one was so rewarding.

  • @plug1461
    @plug1461 6 років тому +10

    I hate plastic one use straws that you automatically get given in bars pubs etc and I never buy them. when I order my drink at the bar I always say no straw thank you, my reason is I watched a program about so many Turtles get them stuck up their noses and dying because they cannot breathe. I want to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. It's a tiny step I do and I do many many more but I just wanted to share that one thing I do on top of many I do to help the planet with you guys. Thanks so much for reading.

    • @thuisotthon2580
      @thuisotthon2580 6 років тому +1

      Me too.i USE to ask the waiters but until they come back they forget about it... 🙄 when I asked ' why did u give me strow?' Their answer is .. u an throw it away.... I was like seriously???? Thank you for the offer. 😲 because obviously It is already in my drink they won't use it again.

    • @madelynbermudez4163
      @madelynbermudez4163 5 років тому

      Yeah and plus stainless steel straws look cooler. I have one 😊

  • @btdarterschannel112
    @btdarterschannel112 6 років тому +1

    Very nice! And inspiring! Thanks!! 🌿🌿

  • @TaleRavenTarot
    @TaleRavenTarot 5 років тому +2

    My concern/question is: is something less eco-friendly if it requires more water to be used to clean/maintain it? This is my conundrum.

    • @sanityisrelative
      @sanityisrelative 5 років тому

      Same

    • @elleke333
      @elleke333 5 років тому +1

      Water can be filtered and reused. Plastic stays forever

  • @andreannepinard9838
    @andreannepinard9838 6 років тому +5

    Loved this video!!!!

  • @MrGatorboy727
    @MrGatorboy727 6 років тому +3

    Smart lady

  • @chandnigupta6392
    @chandnigupta6392 3 роки тому

    I have so many questions because I want to be zero waste but I am constantly wondering what do I do with some things such as: what if a glass breaks, what do you do with the broken glass, the markers that were on her fridge - what do you do with them when they run out? I have so many more. I wish there was a place I could ask these and get an answer right away.

  • @justinsatherjfp4294
    @justinsatherjfp4294 5 років тому

    You are AMAZING!!! Can't wait to hear more!

  • @monarjcounselor9045
    @monarjcounselor9045 5 років тому

    Hi... after watching ur video I started my zero plastic which is one time use, to no. But within 2 days I have trash of chocolate wrap on a frnds birthday nd a ice cream wrap from same frnd. I am trying to keep the challenge through our whole month. Yes I am even travelling outside my country for a week even.

  • @holopalmtree
    @holopalmtree 6 років тому +4

    Your videos are amazing!

  • @jessdodge5177
    @jessdodge5177 5 років тому

    Great video! You're doing wonderful!

  • @danielle.moore.22
    @danielle.moore.22 6 років тому +2

    this was awesome man 👌

  • @Shakerman270
    @Shakerman270 5 років тому +1

    Nice video. Cheers from NB🇨🇦

  • @ZenZone19
    @ZenZone19 4 роки тому

    I am doing my bit to reduce waste.. Stopped all unnessary shopping.. Using cloth bags

  • @melonibuloni5509
    @melonibuloni5509 5 років тому

    In Canada where I live, winter we don't have farmers markets and we cant grow veggies. And the nearest farmers market is half an hour away. My family only grows veggies in the summer.

  • @MerAngel12121
    @MerAngel12121 6 років тому +1

    Yes! I Love this!

  • @priscillajimenez27
    @priscillajimenez27 4 роки тому +1

    I want to get I to Terracycling but their boxes are so expensive (for my budget). Is it a one time purchase and you box is shipped back and forth or is it a purchase everytime you need a box?

  • @alzzla2730
    @alzzla2730 6 років тому +2

    Very smart person

  • @marshakaehler7859
    @marshakaehler7859 6 років тому +9

    AWESOME

  • @EpicConspiracy
    @EpicConspiracy 6 років тому

    I own a mustang, go through 2 cases of bottled water a week, and use straws for everything. She is my opposite.

  • @anothersomebody8195
    @anothersomebody8195 6 років тому +2

    It is frustrating that I went shopping tonight and came home with 6 plastic bags, a camping pan wrapped in plastic, a 6 pack held by plastic and various products packaged in plastic.... But once you go to a third world country you realize the US/Canadian societies are a very small part of humanity. The manufacturers are ultimately the ones who will need to change. I'm also not sure burning a gallon of petroleum to avoid buying petrol based plastics is the right answer, but this gal's putting more effort in than I am. Props to that.

  • @MBest12
    @MBest12 6 років тому +4

    is that a Toronto thing where their voices go up very high at the end of their sentences i hear it alot from them

  • @abella9399
    @abella9399 5 років тому +5

    My mom used cloth diapers on the four of the children

  • @freya9709
    @freya9709 6 років тому +2

    This is inspiring! I wish everyone could be more like this. No ones gonna be perfect but if everyone at least reduces their waste thatd be awesome. I feel like it isnt enough for me to be zero waste so i want to share awareness on instagram like she did. Does anyone want to help me?

  • @ItsAry
    @ItsAry 5 років тому +2

    Loved the video. Just had one question, what do you use instead of tissues?

    • @tiredapplestar
      @tiredapplestar 5 років тому +1

      It's Ary If you’re talking tissue like Kleenex, she probably uses a hanky or has squares of fabric that can be used and washed. If you’re talking toilet paper, most just buy tp made from recycled paper or bamboo that’s wrapped in paper instead of plastic, some have bidets, and some even use “family cloth” or fabric that they wash and reuse.

    • @ItsAry
      @ItsAry 5 років тому +1

      tiredapplestar that makes sense!! Thank you so much

  • @Dream4Design
    @Dream4Design 6 років тому

    Nice, what somebody are representing like new invention, others are doing all of their life already.

  • @thesweetlovebug
    @thesweetlovebug 6 років тому +6

    Please watch What the health, there is so much more to reducing your carbon footprint. Good luck!

  • @msieeonTV
    @msieeonTV 5 років тому

    Kudos! I'm inspired!

  • @Aks1661
    @Aks1661 5 років тому

    Superb! Keep it up

  • @oxfordstyle5807
    @oxfordstyle5807 5 років тому +3

    Driving around to do all these things, or shipping those recycling boxes seems like it would undo most/all the benefit...

  • @judylaronde9695
    @judylaronde9695 5 років тому

    And if you have a garden, when you have an over abundance that you can’t all use, local food banks are always happy for donations of food.

  • @svetlanikolova7673
    @svetlanikolova7673 5 років тому

    I save my jars and then cement them in my walls instead of buying bricks.
    The jars are filled with the waste i produce

  • @Victory_n_Jesus
    @Victory_n_Jesus 5 років тому

    I go to the same person all the time for my hair. She uses whatever shampoo, sprays, and oils I bring in. Perhaps you should ask if you can bring your own. After all you are paying for a service, let you money be your vote for a less plastic option.

  • @damiangarcia9422
    @damiangarcia9422 5 років тому

    How does she deal with waste as a teacher? As a student, I have seen several other students make an extremely large amount of trash, that would end up in landfills. Does she have specific restrictions ok what can and can't go into her classroom?

  • @Routesofchange
    @Routesofchange 6 років тому

    Hey! Love what you’re doing here. I’m also exploring alternatives while I circumnavigate the planet without ever using motorized transport. Would love to connect sometime. Cheers! ps I just started a vlog too 😊.

  • @lauragomezllanos2916
    @lauragomezllanos2916 6 років тому +2

    Low waste I like that : )

  • @remyllebeau77
    @remyllebeau77 6 років тому +2

    There are other concerns about having and using plastics other than just where it ends up if it doesn't get recycled. Nor is recycling always a good solution as I have heard it takes more energy to recycle than it takes to create a new product, and plastic bottles are often recycled into CLOTHING, which is the last thing you should be doing with plastics (wearing it).

  • @rene29200
    @rene29200 6 років тому

    Thank you for sharing ❤️👍❤️🤡❤️😎❤️

  • @ForwardGuidance
    @ForwardGuidance 5 років тому +1

    meanwhile Baltimore is a landfill.

  • @GREENLALI
    @GREENLALI 6 років тому +10

    You can always live off grid and grow your on food

  • @rosskilla216
    @rosskilla216 5 років тому +1

    What can i do about toilet paper? This is one of my biggest struggles