Thank you for actually bringing up that pre-chopped foods have their uses!! I see so many zero-waste influencers saying that it's awful and lazy and shouldn't exist, (same thing with straws...) without realizing that there are people that need that kind of thing. That's why I really appreciate your style of low waste / eco-minimalism - understanding that not everything is going to be perfect all of the time, and everything can't apply to everyone, but personal choices matter!
Same! As an AuDHDer, I sometimes struggle a lot with taking care of myself. Especially in times of high stress, when I have a lot on my to do list. In those times, I have to rely on convenience foods like prechopped, ready to eat and instant meals. And I refuse to feel bad about that, it only makes my situation worse!
Love the concept of eco-minimalism instead of regular minimalism. I love stuff. I love thrifting stuff. I love getting hand me downs and I love garbage picking. I just can’t be happy being a true minimalist and getting rid of most of my things. I love my vintage t shirts. I love the random rocks and animal bones I’ve found hiking on my property. I love stuff! But I am happy knowing that the things I have and love, aren’t contributing negatively to our planet. I’m happy knowing that I no longer buy random junk at target or Walmart, etc. but I can still enjoy my stuff lol eco minimalism for the win
I feel exactly the same way. I love all of my magickal thrifted items and handmade items from a home business. It just brings such a sincere happiness to use or enjoy something someone's imagination created and not a marketing team.
I am by far NOT an eco-minimalist but since I started watching your videos about a year ago I have bought significantly less "stuff" in general, don't shop fast fashion anymore, and I now automatically stop myself from impulse buying and say "do I really need this?" all because of the influence of your video!
I just realized how much stuff I stopped buying simply because I'm just comfortable not trying to impress anyone. I haven't bought hair gel or nail polish, hair spray or perfume in years
Ikr, im still young but i mainly get hair products and body soaps from family, im slowley getting through them and will be switching to as many soap forms as possible😁
this quarantine helped me realise I was using makeup and perfume just because I was going to the office! So weird. I couldn'y go out without putting my perfume on, but for the last 2 months I haven't used any.
Like Shelbi has said in many previous videos..good marketing makes us think that we need these things! Perfume, hairspray and nail varnish are not necessities. And quarantine has certainly proved this.
Thank you for mentioning that convenience foods like cut fruit are for the disabled. As an RA sufferer I sometimes choose higher waste options for accessibility.
I just discovered this channel and this is one of my favorite things about it! I have been dying for eco-conscious creators who understand this stuff. When people talk about this ideal world where no one drives, uses AC, chooses pre-packaged food, yada yada, that world leaves so many people out. IMO a real “ideal low-waste world” means everyone choosing the lowest waste options they are able, so the earth has enough resources left to safely and comfortably support prepackaged cut fruit, climate control, cars, and so on for people who do need it.
I’m not a big fan of audiobooks, so I just use my kindle app. No waste and I can still get the pleasure of reading a book. It’s a good alternative if audiobooks aren’t your thing.
I've had my phone for 4 years and I wont get another one until this one completely breaks. I don't understand how people can constantly get the newest iPhone lol
mood. I only get new phones when the old one is too slow to work. Do those new models really do anything extra to warrant getting them if you already have a previous one?
Same, my phone's going on almost 6 years. The only reason I'm considering buying a new one is because this one's operating system is so behind, it doesn't allow me to download apps that I need. Also, it started to really heat up, and I'm not at all surprised, considering it's 6 yo and these phones aren't made to last this long, since the industry wants you to buy a new phone every year basically, as they keep coming up with "new, better, improved and updated" phones. The moment I saw phones having 3 cameras I knew they were getting desperate with the "new and improved" in order to convince ppl they need to buy a new phone.
Laura Blevins tip; your phone won’t slow down nearly as much if you prevent it from updating after a certain point. They usually slow down when the new OS is too powerful for the hardware.
the phone I am using rn is the first I ever got before the last one breaks or gets permenantly lost, I got my eyes on it when my old phone was lost and was still determined to get it even after I found it because the old one was so bad and cheap but yeah, I'd say I'm the same kinda. Never had an iphone too, just got an ipad as my first phone though XD
Would you mind adding subtitles/captions to your videos? There is a whole community of people missing out on them due to hearing challenges. The auto generated ones don’t make sense most of the time.
Shelbee I’ve done the same thing, I was walking to class from my apartment about 6 months ago and someone had dropped a nice scrunchie on the ground (which is great because I have curly hair the small regular bands don’t really work for me), I picked it up and brought it home, sanitized it in my washing machine and I’ve been very glad I didn’t leave it to get trashed on the ground. I understand some people may hear that kind of thing And say ‘ew just get a new one that no one else wore’ ?? It’s not like I grabbed someone else’s used toothbrush or underwear, a scrunchie is very easy and safe to sanitize just like buying any other used article of clothing like a shirt etc.
Loved how you explained the LONG process of getting products. The making, shipping, packaging, etc. Lots of people don’t talk about the waste and unethical practices before buying a product, which is a big part of it! Thanks for mentioning at the beginning of the vid!!
No shit, Shelbi, you are THE BEST UA-camR! Not only in Zero Waste, but in general. You are so genuine, creative, nice, relatable, funny.... Not arrogant at all. And you have THE BEST TIPS! For beginners, for advanced people, for young and old. I reeaaaaaally appreciate your work, sis!
I love how much stuff I haven't bought while in quarentine. I used to casually browse the shops every few days, just out of boredom, and would end up buying something I didn't need. Now I just sit at home and stare at my phone instead.
Someone threw out a whole pair of women’s winter boots in my trash bin yesterday and it confused the hell out of me, I was gonna take them out of the trash because they looked almost completely brand new (not even a tread pattern on the outside) and I wanted to sanitize them and at least give them to someone who could get good use from them because they weren’t my shoe size but my bf was too uncomfortable with the idea of removing an article from the literal trash (that’s how his family raised him as they were well-off) that already was thrown in so ???? Idk I should still grab them anyway because that makes me uncomfortable that someone was that wasteful. Even if they somehow got dirty enough that someone wanted to toss them, why didn’t they just clean them????????????? I hate that like I remember a time when I couldn’t even afford to buy a t shirt for myself let alone shoes then this sort of thing happens all the time
禄Abby When I was moving out of my dorm this year I saw two perfectly good full-size mirrors in the dumpsters and also saw a girl throw away a huge luggage bag that appeared to be in good shape. I wanted to ask her why and maybe take pictures for someone who could come get it but I didn’t :( it makes me sad how people are so wasteful with perfectly good stuff, I mean they could at least donate it to the thrift store if they have no use for it anymore, which is what I did.
do what you feel is right, don't let other people influence you with their opinions without very good reasons. And when they do have some, think it through and choose for yourself. all love to you
My grocery store markets the single bananas in the snack isle. They have a sign that says: "Have a little snack" or sth like that, which is really cool
Seeing all these pictures of old shelbi really makes me appreciate this version of you. You seem so much more genuine and radiant now. Thanks for doing all the good that you can do ❤️
It’s my birthday! And asked everyone to “wrap” the gifts in reusable bags (because we have collected so many over the years) instead of wrapping in wrapping paper or bags!
I started to do this last year, i bought a small cute shoebox and put my boyfriends christmas gifts in it. Since then it has been returned to me and will be used again soon😁
Happy Birthday 💚 I really like the idea. On my last birthday I told my family that they shouldn't wrap the present at all because I'm in my twenties and don't care about unwrapping presents. But it's such a great idea for everyone who enjoys having presents wrapped in some way
I have been watching your videos for the last two days! People always say I am weird for the things my hubby and I do or don’t buy. We never buy paper towels, I cloth diaper my kids, we have one car, I have one mascara, we have a small ass TV which people seem offended by and the more I watch your videos the more I realize I am an eco-minimalist and I didn’t even know it was a thing. I just thought I was frugal/cheap, I have really enjoyed your videos it’s nice knowing I’m not the only “weirdo” out there. I’m going to read the story of stuff!!! Thanks for all your wonderful videos !!!
been trying to stick to minimalism for about a year now. havent bought that much but not decluttering the things i do have whilst there is still use in them
Same. I found a ton of colorful pens in my room and I’m using them on my notes (which nobody will see because school is online now), as well as anything else that won’t be hurt by writing it in pink or green instead of throwing them away and getting a single black pen. I haven’t needed any pens in at least a year. It’s nice.
I LOVE that you acknowledge that you may have very different values or wants or lifestyle from other people. You never come across as preachy because of it. And I like that you combine eco & minimalism. they really play well together & I'm pursuing them in in our home too. Thank you for your channel.
Omg the artificial scents! I switched to an eco dish soap (soap bars don't work for me) which is naturally lemon- scented for about a year now. Recently I washed dishes in another house, using their regular dish soap, the one I used to buy before.. Oh. My. God. The smell was so irritating, it hurt my nose. I couldn't believe it wasn't bothering me before. The same goes for regular store bought shampoos, softeners etc.
I've got really sensitive skin so I can't buy scented anything and I find that it reduces my waste a lot because I never buy bath products or sprays or anything
I stopped buying hair ties since I saw your first video of things you've stopped buying. I started noticing all the hair ties that are just lying around in stores, on the sidewalks, in parking lots. Now I pick them up, pocket them and throw them in the wash with all my clothes. This was something i hadn't even thought of till you mentioned it in your videos! Thank you!
I really loved the part where you admited that you don't like reading, it made me realize that after all not everyone can sit around and keep focused on reading when you could listen to a book so much more comfortably. I feel persuaded to try audiobooks finally. Also I related to most things you said you stopped buying. I remember the days when I had tons of nail polish or colorful fast-jewerly that I barely wore.. Now I'm not wearing anything really.. Btw, I loved the cute editing. That text was very pretty!
I LOVE to read and my book collection is one of my most treasured items. I refuse to buy new though so I take advantage of marketplace or flea markets to buy used and save money. I'm saving up for a paperwhite but I'm not sure if it will be able to replace the feeling of a real book in my hands.
Thank you for mentioning why people still use cut up vegetables from the supermarket because so many people in the eco-friendly world just assume that the people who use cut up veggies are lazy which isn’t always the case. (I try my best to cut up my own vegetables but I have a joint disorder and if I want to roast a bunch of vegetables or make a soup I just can’t cut up that much stuff)
I think I'm pretty lucky to not have the craving to buy stuff. I've hardly ever done an impulse purchase in my life! When I first heard people talking about buying only what they needed, repeating clothes, etc. I was like 'Wait, isn't that what everyone does?' Then, I understood everyone has different needs and different things that make them happy.
Lucky! I so have that impulse. I usually buy gift ahead of time, or ask my brother's what they need for their children and get them what they need when the impulse gets really bad
Same! I’m so glad my parents taught me to be careful how I spent money! I got a small weekly allowance until I got a job my senior year of high school but my parents payed for almost nothing I did after my allowance. If I wanted to go on a youth trip, I had to be mindful of my money year round so that I could afford to pay for it. I also always shopped second hand for clothes because I could buy more with the little I had. I’m glad I had to learn this lesson young because I have been able to save sooo much money living this way!
Same! I was the opposite of shopaholic..obviously friends and family thought I am weird. But this vlog has taught me about the ultra problematic fast fashion industry. Need to distance myself from it.
I loved the old pictures of your nails and jewelry! Giving me serious 2011-2015 flashbacks to my own style. I also really liked your reasoning as to why you don’t buy books anymore. I feel like a big struggle for me has been learning to buy what I need based on my actual lifestyle, not the lifestyle I wish I had.
I actually got my family to all switch to bamboo toothbrushes and completely recycle-able toothpaste, they were kind of skeptical at first, but they ended up loving them. We already occasionally used reusable grocery bags but I got my family into keeping them in the car so we would remember them every time we go to the grocery store, my mom always tells me that it makes her feel good whenever we remember to do something better for the environment
Also in the UK, supermarkets sell 'wonky veg/fruit' at a significantly lower price if you're in a pinch and you need them before your oddbox or whatever comes!
Can you do a video about what pisses you off. For an example now that were in a pandemic I'm so tired of seeing people throw away their disposable gloves in the grocery store parking lot.
I had a HUGE collection of band tees and field trip tees and what not that were too important or throw away so I ended up cutting the main parts out an is sleeping bag for myself. It took about 3 days (on and off) and I used old fabric from my linen closet. It was the best thing I’ve ever done!
Oh my goodness, scented things! I stopped buying things with fragrance initially because of skin allergies. I was so surprised how much scents now bother me! To the point of coughing and being unable to breathe. I can't imagine the long-term health effects of breathing fragrance constantly...
shes talked about this before I think she said there are some times that it's useful but she found that they were making cheap, lower quality versions of items and selling them at TJ's or Marshalls specifically more often than not
I take these stores to be fast fashion. One reason I stay away form these stores is b/c I have friends who find a great, great deal at Marshall's (which is fine), but the day always comes when I go to their house & see soooo much crap b/c they went back again and again for the next great deal. I notice it b/c I saw myself. I'd much rather go on Ebay and find good quality 2nd hand or to a charity shop.
I’ve been told that a lot of closeout stores (and basically all outlet stores) are actually mostly just selling clothes/goods made specifically at a lower quality for that store. It used to be that they were selling overstock of imperfect products, but once they got popular they just started having stuff manufactured for them to meet the demand. So I do see it as more or less fast fashion, personally.
People pull off the bananas? That's so weird. I'll definitely keep an eye out for the singles and doubles next time! It makes no difference to me! Bananas are bananas 😂
@@tgtgtgtgtgtgtg there are plenty of bunches that only have two or three bananas on them. Would you pick leaves off of a head of lettuce because it's too big or would you find a smaller head of lettuce? Ps. Sorry, jerk was harsh and I didn't mean to offend.
@@PegasusGenie nah jerk was the correct term. Going to all of that extra by pulling off extra bananas just to get the right amount is ridiculous. Just look for a smaller bunch! Not hard! 🤷
Pre-covid, I literally watched someone touch several bunches looking for the perfect banana, ripped one off and walked away... There were so many singles about 2 feet away at the end of the shelf...people confuse me.
Same! But I think that's mostly an American thing because not everyone in the UK has all those things either. Didn't even know dryer sheets existed! We hang clothes etc outside to dry, on a nice day, and inside the majority of the rest of the time. The only time the dryer really gets used is if it's too cold outside, the indoors airer is full, and it's bedding and towels.
Australia is definitely more similar to the UK on this issue. I didn't know dryer sheets were a thing till I started watching zero-waste videos and I only knew fabric softener was a thing when I started living with Americans (while living in Europe). I think softener is sold here but I don't know anyone who actually buys it.
I LOVE how you said "I have the privilege of cutting my own fruit". Yes. It is our privilege to have the hands and arms and movement/dexterity to peel, chop, etc. I appreciate you.
I love seasonal decor. I have a small box that fits every single seasonal item I own - some of them are very old, some second-hand, some hand made from scraps by me, all of them are loved! Then when the season is right I add some natural elements: like pinecones or dried autumn leaves :)
You inspired me to go through my house yesterday, sorting my stuff from what I need and what brings me joy, to stuff I have no need or use for. I boxed up those things and they will be going to charity when they accept donations. You have brought me such a boost the past year since I started watching your videos, and especially now during break. I've been sharing my switches on Facebook and Isntagram, my friends have started making swaps here and there too. I live in WV, and it can be really hard, but I like coming on here and finding like-minded people sharing their love for the environment.
I am such a huge fan of girlfriend collective! Especially being stuck at home, their sets are my go to uniform right now. All of my sets are about a year old and still look great and hold their shape. I love that whenever they have reached the end of their wear-life I can ship the items back to girlfriend and get a small credit towards a replacement item.
When something is so cheaply made, that it looks like the object it is meant to be, but cannot function, I call them "mirage products" hahaha because you think you are getting 3$ biker shorts, but really it's an object that looks like biker shorts but doesnt function as them LOL. I've been there!! Also you're gorgeous shelbi!!
About the bananas when I used to live in Texas the Kroger I went to would put all the single bananas together and actually discount them 🙌 don't get that discount anymore where I moved to but I still buy the single ones
14:35 there is a brand called swappie. They repare old/used iPhones and resell them! A great secondhand option. But there is also a brand called Fairphone! They produce their phones & phone „accessoires“ eco-friendly & fair!
Love that you acknowledge the pre-packaged veggie thing. Me and my bf live in a space with no kitchen and are unable to have space/resources to properly cook so we usually buy pre-made, canned, or microwaveable stuff purely because it's our only option. I can't wait to be able to make meals from scratch though!
Western Canada here. Hubby was so smug. Kale was $3 a bunch(small) at the local farmers market and he was just grumbling that morning that it grows like a weed.
Shelby, I am so excited you recommend the book “ Scarcity”. It is recommended reading at my organization. We are a grass roots non profit organization providing community outreach to individuals and families living in poverty... we talk about the book all the time! So excited you recommend it.
I seriously wish everyone would watch your videos. You explain everything so well, so sensibly, so well worded! You’ve helped me come to the realizations I needed in my life and I’m so thankful for that. I wish everyone else could enjoy the liberating feeling of not being compulsive consumers like you and I used to be. Thank you Shelbi!
I try to keep my decorations seasonal (bonus: I combine spring & summer) as oppose to holiday specific. This lengthens the amount of time I have to enjoy them, creates less waste, and elevates the aesthetic pleasure of the space.
A tip for those who want to try new foundation releases without constantly having to buy the product: go to sephora and just ask for a sample of it. i bought one foundation product that is my go to and have a small collection of samples of other kinds that i like to use for other occasions. the sample lasts me for a while and if i run out of one that i like, i just go get another sample lol i also repurpose the containers they come in for traveling with other face products because they're super small and take up hardly any space.
This might be a good one, we got our house heating set up to work over WiFi. It gets cold in Ireland a lot so now instead of putting on the heating for the whole night we can just put it on for a half an hour boost when we need it. Also means if we leave the house for a few hours it doesn’t get left on, we can just turn it on 15 minutes before we come home
Just want you to know you’ve inspired me to begin the journey to a sustainable “zero waste” lifestyle. I’m taking baby steps but steps nonetheless. Thank you.
I've always had trouble not falling for advertisements or stuff being sold to me because I am easily influenced into buying and over consuming, but I'm trying to be more aware of it and discipline myself. I've been observing how my family has over consumed for so long and it's because of our past experiences of living in poverty and being afraid of having nothing. Trying to fix it won't happen in a day, but progress is key to eventually overcome our problem!
I'm so happy I did find your cannel! I cab recognize myself in the most of the things you saying! I was also a hyper consumer and I bought a lot of make -up and products I didn't need! Most of the time because I saw that in a youtube video or I was shopping just for fun. Luckily I came to my senses and now I buy most of my things second hand or think twice before buying! I'm not there yet, but I'm on my way! This kind of video's does helps al lot and I'm not watching the shopblogs of fastfashion or make up anymore! Thank you! Diana
Another way to get imperfect or near/past expiration items is if you have a local overstock store. In Fort Worth we have one called Town Talk where on Saturday there will be a produce market that can have amazing prices. I once got asparagus for $1 a bundle!! They also have some hygiene items that vary and can be amazingly cheap. When I was considering purchasing a Diva Cup for the first time, I found one there for $5!!!!! Also remember that for many shelf stable foods the best buy date is a suggestion. If there is not visible air expansion, it is still perfectly good.
I was always super sensitive to air fresheners, cleaning supplies all of that stuff, to the point my mom (when I was a child obviously) left me like 20m away of those rows and literally ran to get anything she needed cause I would get nauseous very quickly and would also faint. It got better now but I still avoid the part of the shop. We use more natural products (also for Make-up and shampoo and stuff because my skin is also super sensitive and I can’t use anything with chemicals, it’s hard but now I know what I can use, and those things may cast little bit more but last me longer so actually I’m also saving money) I also stopped doing my nails some time ago, they are soooo demaged and I still need to be super careful
Thought about this while cleaning up my backyard yesterday. My doggie keeps getting her ball stuck in this one area by our fence (it’s right by my old neighbors bedroom window😭). So to block that area I thought about what to use that I already had. Came up with large branches that fell down after a storm and it worked great! Also the animals in the backyard love them haha. Love this channel, thank you for this great content!👑👑👑👑👑👑👑
I love to watch your videos, and I also LOVE your logic way of thinking. I believe you are very intelligent, and I just love how you analyze every possible step of a product before you consider buying it. :D
I just want to say, I have watched a TON of "what I dont buy anymore" kind of videos and this one was the BEST! You made me think about thing I hadn't thought of before! So thank you, I am trying really hard to stop buying crap I dont need. Your channel is now my favorite!
Shelbie you are such a positive and inspiring person. I am currently binge watching your videos. I started my zero waste journey some years ago. it was ups and downs and i would hate myself for how much trash i would produce but since watching your videos i started more of a positive attitude towards my less waste life . thank you so much for what you are doing. greets from Poland
I buy bunches of bananas for smoothie prep kits the ready to eat ones are the best for smoothies daily. I also use them to premake diy pancakes you can freeze and reheat. I buy on a bunch of 5 or 6
so thankful for your videos, I have been becoming much more of an eco minimalist for about a year now and loved that I didn't buy any of the things you mentioned in the video, so proud! I just have a library card for my books!
I call myself a midimalist. Because I have WAY too much to be minimalist, but I come from a LITERAL horder household and tiny steps are helpful. I'm also disabled so theres an extra bit of thinking with things because a lot of the time I'm buying things to make my life easier bit then it's actually not all that good and then I feel bad for buying it even though it was thoroughly researched it still was not a good product. But I'm a lot better than I used to be!
I totally understand where you are coming from. I have parents that just have bins and bins of stuff That they either will never use or that they haven't used in 10 years. I found myself doing the same thing and while I am not throwing anything out I'm also not getting anything new and working on going through this stuff that I already have. So while my home may not look like I am on a minimalist journey my bank account does.
I took a job at Ulta a couple of years ago and after having lived pretty low-waste was just shocked at the things people still buy and the amount of waste that goes into that industry. I’m glad to see it’s mostly older generations and not really anyone my age but... it’s jolting that kind of business is still in operation.
A few years ago while I was still shaving regularly, I compared the plastic waste from "reusable" razors where you replace the entire head versus disposables and found the actual packaging waste to be almost identical. I understand that throwing away an entire razor instead of just the head is more wasteful, but there is so much less material in the disposables. And since I didn't shave super frequently, the disposables made the most sense because I could make them last almost as long. Just something to consider for anyone not ready yet for safety razors.
Giiiirrrrrl, YaasS! I just found your channel, and I feel like for the first time someone has finally put into words my personal moral code! These are some great tips! Thank you! 🙏
The single bananas are the BEST. I take two that will be my level of ripe right away, two that will be there in a couple days, and two that will be there in a few days.
i'm so glad you mention your privilege as an able person. a lot of people criticized prepackaged food for its additional waste, not fully knowing its purpose. though i do think companies should come up with a more sustainable/ more eco friendly ways to package those food.
Yes to the imperfect foods! We have a chain of grocery stores in Canada that sells “perfectly imperfect” fruit and veggies. Meaning they are usually too small, or odd shaped when sorted at the produce terminal, and would usually get tossed. I always buy my apples, or sweet potatoes this way.
Thanks to you and A Small Wardrobe, I've really begun to think about the clothes I own and buy, as I stopped impulse buying about a year ago as I realised so much was because it was 'cheap' or for my fantasy self. I'm on a real vintage kick at the moment (although I'm not buying due to COVID and the fact my job fell though, it was a contract abroad) and will only buy new if I can't buy 2nd hand (underwear/some sports kit), or on the VERY rare occasion, I fully fall in love with a piece and I know it's well made and made ethically. I've also noticed that in the past decade, fast fashion shops have become faster fashion shops, if that makes sense? I have 2 tops from a UK store called New Look (akin to H&M), that I bought 8 years ago and they're better quality than most of the tops in there now. I also exclusively shop for shower and skincare stuff at Lush (minus moisturiser because none work as well as my current one) because I like the transparency of ingredients and the reusable packaging.
In my country you can buy three types of vegetables and fruits, the ones that are national products you can find those at the Vegetable store or the fruit store, you can purchase those on the "tiangüis" in there you'll buy the products that have fallen from threes or not eye pleasent and last you can get vegetables in the supermarket those are mostly imported product.
Pre-chopped produce often costs more too. Save money by chopping your own veggies. I definitely do not want to swap my shaving cream for soap though. When I use soap, my legs get so much more dried out. If I use conditioner, my razor blade gets clogged more often. I've tried these shaving cream swaps, but every time I do, I conclude that shaving cream just really does give me the best shaving experience for myself.
Alot of these are easy if you live in a big area. Unfortunately for people like me, we have one small thrift shop in town, the next one is 3 hours away. Small towns and villages make it very hard to be eco-conscious because you are not given many options. Im just excited that we are buting a house this year and i can finally have a garden to grow my own food and hopefully shrink the amount of food i have to buy from the only store that sells fresh produce in my town
The same thing happens to me with overly scented things! I CANNOT have scented laundry anything, I have to use the ultra sensitive detergent, use dryer balls, and just outright refuse to use softener. Even when my husband uses too much of anything it gives me a headache to be near him and his clothes. I have never understood the desire to have clothes that smell like a WHOLE FIELD OF FLOWERS.
My grocery store groups the single bananas and sells them at a discounted rate! Also, I love that you used to get your nails done because I just recently broke that habit, and I am currently trying to use up all my old nail polish (art projects, painting nails if I feel like it) because I work in restaurant and it is honestly pointless to try and have cute nails anyways. This list is something to help me transition a little further! Now to convince my husband. . . I would love a video on specifically how to compost pet waste, because I use a compostable cat litter but I am not sure how it is safe to compost? And, again, my husband is skeptical. Also, pet food bag recycling or a cleaner cat food to try that makes less waste. Thank you for all that you do Shelbi!
I am a book lover but try to get all mine second-hand, from a friend, or on ThriftBooks. I’ve also been cutting down in my impulse buys this year - I’ll right a monthly wishlist of up to 4 things I want or need, and by the end of the month if I still really want them I can pick only one or two items from that list
Thank you for actually bringing up that pre-chopped foods have their uses!! I see so many zero-waste influencers saying that it's awful and lazy and shouldn't exist, (same thing with straws...) without realizing that there are people that need that kind of thing. That's why I really appreciate your style of low waste / eco-minimalism - understanding that not everything is going to be perfect all of the time, and everything can't apply to everyone, but personal choices matter!
I buy pre cut fruit all the time. I live alone and this way I throw out nothing.
Same! As an AuDHDer, I sometimes struggle a lot with taking care of myself. Especially in times of high stress, when I have a lot on my to do list. In those times, I have to rely on convenience foods like prechopped, ready to eat and instant meals. And I refuse to feel bad about that, it only makes my situation worse!
Love the concept of eco-minimalism instead of regular minimalism. I love stuff. I love thrifting stuff. I love getting hand me downs and I love garbage picking. I just can’t be happy being a true minimalist and getting rid of most of my things. I love my vintage t shirts. I love the random rocks and animal bones I’ve found hiking on my property. I love stuff! But I am happy knowing that the things I have and love, aren’t contributing negatively to our planet. I’m happy knowing that I no longer buy random junk at target or Walmart, etc. but I can still enjoy my stuff lol eco minimalism for the win
Yes. I feel 100% the same. I'm in the UK though, so it's more like Tesco and Home Bargains rather than Target and Walmart. Hehe!
I feel exactly the same way. I love all of my magickal thrifted items and handmade items from a home business. It just brings such a sincere happiness to use or enjoy something someone's imagination created and not a marketing team.
Yeah! I love how Eco-Minimalism and Goblincore can co-exist, because the key word is “buying” things :)
I am by far NOT an eco-minimalist but since I started watching your videos about a year ago I have bought significantly less "stuff" in general, don't shop fast fashion anymore, and I now automatically stop myself from impulse buying and say "do I really need this?" all because of the influence of your video!
My grocery store gives out the single bananas to kids if they are hungry while shopping!
Mine too but there is also old apples and clementines!
That's really nice. I guess they can't stand seeing food go to waste either!
Cool! My kids would get a kick out of that. It’s helpful to parents too since kids are always hungry. 😋
Love that!
A lot of grocery stores in Sweden too
I just realized how much stuff I stopped buying simply because I'm just comfortable not trying to impress anyone. I haven't bought hair gel or nail polish, hair spray or perfume in years
Angeleyes319 I still have bottles of perfume from like 5 years ago!! I totally agree lol
Ikr, im still young but i mainly get hair products and body soaps from family, im slowley getting through them and will be switching to as many soap forms as possible😁
Same, I havnt bought new clothes in 4 years, I just don't see the need
this quarantine helped me realise I was using makeup and perfume just because I was going to the office! So weird. I couldn'y go out without putting my perfume on, but for the last 2 months I haven't used any.
Like Shelbi has said in many previous videos..good marketing makes us think that we need these things! Perfume, hairspray and nail varnish are not necessities. And quarantine has certainly proved this.
Thank you for mentioning that convenience foods like cut fruit are for the disabled. As an RA sufferer I sometimes choose higher waste options for accessibility.
I just discovered this channel and this is one of my favorite things about it! I have been dying for eco-conscious creators who understand this stuff. When people talk about this ideal world where no one drives, uses AC, chooses pre-packaged food, yada yada, that world leaves so many people out. IMO a real “ideal low-waste world” means everyone choosing the lowest waste options they are able, so the earth has enough resources left to safely and comfortably support prepackaged cut fruit, climate control, cars, and so on for people who do need it.
I’m not a big fan of audiobooks, so I just use my kindle app. No waste and I can still get the pleasure of reading a book. It’s a good alternative if audiobooks aren’t your thing.
I've had my phone for 4 years and I wont get another one until this one completely breaks. I don't understand how people can constantly get the newest iPhone lol
mood. I only get new phones when the old one is too slow to work. Do those new models really do anything extra to warrant getting them if you already have a previous one?
Same, my phone's going on almost 6 years. The only reason I'm considering buying a new one is because this one's operating system is so behind, it doesn't allow me to download apps that I need. Also, it started to really heat up, and I'm not at all surprised, considering it's 6 yo and these phones aren't made to last this long, since the industry wants you to buy a new phone every year basically, as they keep coming up with "new, better, improved and updated" phones. The moment I saw phones having 3 cameras I knew they were getting desperate with the "new and improved" in order to convince ppl they need to buy a new phone.
I’ve only ever had two phones and am regretting getting an iPhone instead of just keeping my android
Laura Blevins tip; your phone won’t slow down nearly as much if you prevent it from updating after a certain point. They usually slow down when the new OS is too powerful for the hardware.
the phone I am using rn is the first I ever got before the last one breaks or gets permenantly lost, I got my eyes on it when my old phone was lost and was still determined to get it even after I found it because the old one was so bad and cheap but yeah, I'd say I'm the same kinda. Never had an iphone too, just got an ipad as my first phone though XD
The movie "The True Cost" is also really good. It talks about fast fashion and what it's really costing the environment and how it harms people.
It's not available on Netflix anymore. Do you know where else can we watch it?
i just did a huge research project on the effects fast fashion and the true cost is very!!!! informative!!!!!!
Aastha H It might be on UA-cam.
@@stephaniecasper7578 yes
Would you mind adding subtitles/captions to your videos? There is a whole community of people missing out on them due to hearing challenges. The auto generated ones don’t make sense most of the time.
I second this.
retweet
This would be wonderful!!
Agreed! I am hearing impaired. I can hear the videos usually but it’s better when I can read it at the same time
agreed! they are also great for nonnative speakers. so many people in the world benefit from subtitles
Experiences > Thangs
I like books...I do buy 2nd hands, car boots sale and swap with other people.
As a fellow creator, I love your editing. and not just the editing, your content is getting better and better and better.
Shelbee I’ve done the same thing, I was walking to class from my apartment about 6 months ago and someone had dropped a nice scrunchie on the ground (which is great because I have curly hair the small regular bands don’t really work for me), I picked it up and brought it home, sanitized it in my washing machine and I’ve been very glad I didn’t leave it to get trashed on the ground. I understand some people may hear that kind of thing And say ‘ew just get a new one that no one else wore’ ?? It’s not like I grabbed someone else’s used toothbrush or underwear, a scrunchie is very easy and safe to sanitize just like buying any other used article of clothing like a shirt etc.
Loved how you explained the LONG process of getting products. The making, shipping, packaging, etc. Lots of people don’t talk about the waste and unethical practices before buying a product, which is a big part of it! Thanks for mentioning at the beginning of the vid!!
No shit, Shelbi, you are THE BEST UA-camR! Not only in Zero Waste, but in general. You are so genuine, creative, nice, relatable, funny.... Not arrogant at all. And you have THE BEST TIPS! For beginners, for advanced people, for young and old. I reeaaaaaally appreciate your work, sis!
I love how much stuff I haven't bought while in quarentine. I used to casually browse the shops every few days, just out of boredom, and would end up buying something I didn't need. Now I just sit at home and stare at my phone instead.
Someone threw out a whole pair of women’s winter boots in my trash bin yesterday and it confused the hell out of me, I was gonna take them out of the trash because they looked almost completely brand new (not even a tread pattern on the outside) and I wanted to sanitize them and at least give them to someone who could get good use from them because they weren’t my shoe size but my bf was too uncomfortable with the idea of removing an article from the literal trash (that’s how his family raised him as they were well-off) that already was thrown in so ???? Idk I should still grab them anyway because that makes me uncomfortable that someone was that wasteful. Even if they somehow got dirty enough that someone wanted to toss them, why didn’t they just clean them????????????? I hate that like I remember a time when I couldn’t even afford to buy a t shirt for myself let alone shoes then this sort of thing happens all the time
禄Abby When I was moving out of my dorm this year I saw two perfectly good full-size mirrors in the dumpsters and also saw a girl throw away a huge luggage bag that appeared to be in good shape. I wanted to ask her why and maybe take pictures for someone who could come get it but I didn’t :( it makes me sad how people are so wasteful with perfectly good stuff, I mean they could at least donate it to the thrift store if they have no use for it anymore, which is what I did.
do what you feel is right, don't let other people influence you with their opinions without very good reasons. And when they do have some, think it through and choose for yourself. all love to you
Girl grab it and sell it for cheap or exchange it for something you want. Free profit :)
My grocery store markets the single bananas in the snack isle. They have a sign that says: "Have a little snack" or sth like that, which is really cool
Mine does as well in Seattle, wa
Using conditioner as shaving cream works really well too!
What if you dont use conditioner? ^^ I don't :P I use hair soap and it makes my hair so soft that i could ditch the conditioner
Julia Mastouri which hair soap and shaving bar do you use?
Yes! I can’t shave with regular soap bc once some of it washes off my razor doesn’t glide anymore.
I don't use conditioner or shaving cream. Water is good for me. It also helps to moisturize the hell out of your legs prior.
@@BlondeQtie heyyyy, very late I know, but which hair soap and shaving soap please?☺️☺️xx
Seeing all these pictures of old shelbi really makes me appreciate this version of you. You seem so much more genuine and radiant now. Thanks for doing all the good that you can do ❤️
It’s my birthday! And asked everyone to “wrap” the gifts in reusable bags (because we have collected so many over the years) instead of wrapping in wrapping paper or bags!
Happy Birthday!!
I started to do this last year, i bought a small cute shoebox and put my boyfriends christmas gifts in it. Since then it has been returned to me and will be used again soon😁
Happy Birthday 💚 I really like the idea. On my last birthday I told my family that they shouldn't wrap the present at all because I'm in my twenties and don't care about unwrapping presents. But it's such a great idea for everyone who enjoys having presents wrapped in some way
Katzen Lady it’s more like I can’t talk my family out of not wrapping up gifts so it’s the next best thing lol
It's the birthday of a family member of mine, too! Cumpleanos feliz.
I have been watching your videos for the last two days! People always say I am weird for the things my hubby and I do or don’t buy. We never buy paper towels, I cloth diaper my kids, we have one car, I have one mascara, we have a small ass TV which people seem offended by and the more I watch your videos the more I realize I am an eco-minimalist and I didn’t even know it was a thing. I just thought I was frugal/cheap, I have really enjoyed your videos it’s nice knowing I’m not the only “weirdo” out there. I’m going to read the story of stuff!!! Thanks for all your wonderful videos !!!
been trying to stick to minimalism for about a year now. havent bought that much but not decluttering the things i do have whilst there is still use in them
Same. I found a ton of colorful pens in my room and I’m using them on my notes (which nobody will see because school is online now), as well as anything else that won’t be hurt by writing it in pink or green instead of throwing them away and getting a single black pen. I haven’t needed any pens in at least a year. It’s nice.
I LOVE that you acknowledge that you may have very different values or wants or lifestyle from other people. You never come across as preachy because of it. And I like that you combine eco & minimalism. they really play well together & I'm pursuing them in in our home too. Thank you for your channel.
Omg the artificial scents! I switched to an eco dish soap (soap bars don't work for me) which is naturally lemon- scented for about a year now. Recently I washed dishes in another house, using their regular dish soap, the one I used to buy before.. Oh. My. God. The smell was so irritating, it hurt my nose. I couldn't believe it wasn't bothering me before. The same goes for regular store bought shampoos, softeners etc.
I’m going on a trip in the summer (to the middle of no where with my grandad who lives in a town of
I've got really sensitive skin so I can't buy scented anything and I find that it reduces my waste a lot because I never buy bath products or sprays or anything
I stopped buying hair ties since I saw your first video of things you've stopped buying. I started noticing all the hair ties that are just lying around in stores, on the sidewalks, in parking lots. Now I pick them up, pocket them and throw them in the wash with all my clothes. This was something i hadn't even thought of till you mentioned it in your videos! Thank you!
I only buy second hand clothes. It makes me feel really good about my contribution to giving items a second life. Great video ❤
I really loved the part where you admited that you don't like reading, it made me realize that after all not everyone can sit around and keep focused on reading when you could listen to a book so much more comfortably. I feel persuaded to try audiobooks finally. Also I related to most things you said you stopped buying. I remember the days when I had tons of nail polish or colorful fast-jewerly that I barely wore.. Now I'm not wearing anything really..
Btw, I loved the cute editing. That text was very pretty!
I LOVE to read and my book collection is one of my most treasured items. I refuse to buy new though so I take advantage of marketplace or flea markets to buy used and save money. I'm saving up for a paperwhite but I'm not sure if it will be able to replace the feeling of a real book in my hands.
Thank you for mentioning why people still use cut up vegetables from the supermarket because so many people in the eco-friendly world just assume that the people who use cut up veggies are lazy which isn’t always the case.
(I try my best to cut up my own vegetables but I have a joint disorder and if I want to roast a bunch of vegetables or make a soup I just can’t cut up that much stuff)
I think I'm pretty lucky to not have the craving to buy stuff. I've hardly ever done an impulse purchase in my life! When I first heard people talking about buying only what they needed, repeating clothes, etc. I was like 'Wait, isn't that what everyone does?' Then, I understood everyone has different needs and different things that make them happy.
Lucky! I so have that impulse. I usually buy gift ahead of time, or ask my brother's what they need for their children and get them what they need when the impulse gets really bad
Same! I’m so glad my parents taught me to be careful how I spent money! I got a small weekly allowance until I got a job my senior year of high school but my parents payed for almost nothing I did after my allowance. If I wanted to go on a youth trip, I had to be mindful of my money year round so that I could afford to pay for it. I also always shopped second hand for clothes because I could buy more with the little I had. I’m glad I had to learn this lesson young because I have been able to save sooo much money living this way!
Wait... There are people who don't repeat clothes?
Same! I was the opposite of shopaholic..obviously friends and family thought I am weird. But this vlog has taught me about the ultra problematic fast fashion industry. Need to distance myself from it.
I loved the old pictures of your nails and jewelry! Giving me serious 2011-2015 flashbacks to my own style. I also really liked your reasoning as to why you don’t buy books anymore. I feel like a big struggle for me has been learning to buy what I need based on my actual lifestyle, not the lifestyle I wish I had.
I actually got my family to all switch to bamboo toothbrushes and completely recycle-able toothpaste, they were kind of skeptical at first, but they ended up loving them. We already occasionally used reusable grocery bags but I got my family into keeping them in the car so we would remember them every time we go to the grocery store, my mom always tells me that it makes her feel good whenever we remember to do something better for the environment
German equivalent of imperfect foods: Etepetete Box.
Write your country's version as a comment to this one so we have them all in one place!
Someone wrote below that the Dutch version is kromkommer!
there's also Gemüsebox and ökokiste.
Its also worth checking if there's a local veggy box service in your area. Where I live there happens to be one.
UK is oddbox.
Also in the UK, supermarkets sell 'wonky veg/fruit' at a significantly lower price if you're in a pinch and you need them before your oddbox or whatever comes!
Stephanie Casper oddbox only does London and the South at the moment. I don’t think there is a box that does other areas of the UK
Can you do a video about what pisses you off. For an example now that were in a pandemic I'm so tired of seeing people throw away their disposable gloves in the grocery store parking lot.
I had a HUGE collection of band tees and field trip tees and what not that were too important or throw away so I ended up cutting the main parts out an is sleeping bag for myself. It took about 3 days (on and off) and I used old fabric from my linen closet. It was the best thing I’ve ever done!
Oh my goodness, scented things! I stopped buying things with fragrance initially because of skin allergies. I was so surprised how much scents now bother me! To the point of coughing and being unable to breathe. I can't imagine the long-term health effects of breathing fragrance constantly...
I'd be interested in your take on whether or not closeout stores (Tjmaxx, Ross, Marshalls, Off 5th Avenue) are fast fashion or not.
shes talked about this before I think she said there are some times that it's useful but she found that they were making cheap, lower quality versions of items and selling them at TJ's or Marshalls specifically more often than not
I take these stores to be fast fashion. One reason I stay away form these stores is b/c I have friends who find a great, great deal at Marshall's (which is fine), but the day always comes when I go to their house & see soooo much crap b/c they went back again and again for the next great deal. I notice it b/c I saw myself. I'd much rather go on Ebay and find good quality 2nd hand or to a charity shop.
I’ve been told that a lot of closeout stores (and basically all outlet stores) are actually mostly just selling clothes/goods made specifically at a lower quality for that store. It used to be that they were selling overstock of imperfect products, but once they got popular they just started having stuff manufactured for them to meet the demand. So I do see it as more or less fast fashion, personally.
People pull off the bananas? That's so weird. I'll definitely keep an eye out for the singles and doubles next time! It makes no difference to me! Bananas are bananas 😂
Saw someone do it right after Shelbie said it. So I grabbed her rejected ones.
Yeah, I was gonna say what jerk picks a single banana off a bunch? I just find a bunch with one less banana at that point...
@@tgtgtgtgtgtgtg there are plenty of bunches that only have two or three bananas on them. Would you pick leaves off of a head of lettuce because it's too big or would you find a smaller head of lettuce? Ps. Sorry, jerk was harsh and I didn't mean to offend.
@@PegasusGenie nah jerk was the correct term. Going to all of that extra by pulling off extra bananas just to get the right amount is ridiculous. Just look for a smaller bunch! Not hard! 🤷
Pre-covid, I literally watched someone touch several bunches looking for the perfect banana, ripped one off and walked away... There were so many singles about 2 feet away at the end of the shelf...people confuse me.
not impulse buying and waiting two weeks to buy anything new is a really good practice to adopt.
I live in a town with year round farmers markets, I love supporting small farmers and bringing my own bags.
The day you lose that hair tie I will LITERALLY CRY the fact that you rescued it makes me SO happy!!!
Love the book recommendations. Really glad I found this, it's relevant to my research in food insecurity.
we never had dryer sheets, air freshener or fabric softener growing up. my mum is kind of a first wave zero waster in many ways :D
Yeah lol same we were just poor so we couldn't afford things like that or being wasteful at all
Lotta Frost same but bc we were broke not bc my mom cared ab the planet😂😂
Same! But I think that's mostly an American thing because not everyone in the UK has all those things either. Didn't even know dryer sheets existed! We hang clothes etc outside to dry, on a nice day, and inside the majority of the rest of the time. The only time the dryer really gets used is if it's too cold outside, the indoors airer is full, and it's bedding and towels.
Australia is definitely more similar to the UK on this issue. I didn't know dryer sheets were a thing till I started watching zero-waste videos and I only knew fabric softener was a thing when I started living with Americans (while living in Europe). I think softener is sold here but I don't know anyone who actually buys it.
I LOVE how you said "I have the privilege of cutting my own fruit". Yes. It is our privilege to have the hands and arms and movement/dexterity to peel, chop, etc. I appreciate you.
I love seasonal decor. I have a small box that fits every single seasonal item I own - some of them are very old, some second-hand, some hand made from scraps by me, all of them are loved! Then when the season is right I add some natural elements: like pinecones or dried autumn leaves :)
I've been really into minimalist makeup collection walk-throughs on youtube lately, it totally breaks that culture lol and it's relaxing
You inspired me to go through my house yesterday, sorting my stuff from what I need and what brings me joy, to stuff I have no need or use for. I boxed up those things and they will be going to charity when they accept donations. You have brought me such a boost the past year since I started watching your videos, and especially now during break. I've been sharing my switches on Facebook and Isntagram, my friends have started making swaps here and there too. I live in WV, and it can be really hard, but I like coming on here and finding like-minded people sharing their love for the environment.
I am such a huge fan of girlfriend collective! Especially being stuck at home, their sets are my go to uniform right now. All of my sets are about a year old and still look great and hold their shape. I love that whenever they have reached the end of their wear-life I can ship the items back to girlfriend and get a small credit towards a replacement item.
working in a supermarket ive had people ask for reductions on the bananas as they were loose and not as a bunch.. nothing wrong with them
I never knew single bananas were considered to be worth less Oo I always buy singles because I don't eat a bunch before they turn brown.
I always buy singles especially when I'm on my way to uni or work
glad that you mentioned about fast make up! cos not many people aware of it as much as fast fashion 😳
When something is so cheaply made, that it looks like the object it is meant to be, but cannot function, I call them "mirage products" hahaha because you think you are getting 3$ biker shorts, but really it's an object that looks like biker shorts but doesnt function as them LOL. I've been there!! Also you're gorgeous shelbi!!
About the bananas when I used to live in Texas the Kroger I went to would put all the single bananas together and actually discount them 🙌 don't get that discount anymore where I moved to but I still buy the single ones
14:35 there is a brand called swappie. They repare old/used iPhones and resell them! A great secondhand option. But there is also a brand called Fairphone! They produce their phones & phone „accessoires“ eco-friendly & fair!
Love that you acknowledge the pre-packaged veggie thing. Me and my bf live in a space with no kitchen and are unable to have space/resources to properly cook so we usually buy pre-made, canned, or microwaveable stuff purely because it's our only option. I can't wait to be able to make meals from scratch though!
Kale, this food that people gave to the goats until someone thought: we can sell it for 10 times the price to hipsters :D
Huh?! I'm shocked! Kale is cheap here in Germany and we have various traditional recipes with it.
Western Canada here. Hubby was so smug. Kale was $3 a bunch(small) at the local farmers market and he was just grumbling that morning that it grows like a weed.
Omg I’m absolutely dying at the nail art montage 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 lol we’ve all been there
Shelby, I am so excited you recommend the book “ Scarcity”. It is recommended reading at my organization. We are a grass roots non profit organization providing community outreach to individuals and families living in poverty... we talk about the book all the time! So excited you recommend it.
I seriously wish everyone would watch your videos. You explain everything so well, so sensibly, so well worded! You’ve helped me come to the realizations I needed in my life and I’m so thankful for that. I wish everyone else could enjoy the liberating feeling of not being compulsive consumers like you and I used to be. Thank you Shelbi!
I try to keep my decorations seasonal (bonus: I combine spring & summer) as oppose to holiday specific. This lengthens the amount of time I have to enjoy them, creates less waste, and elevates the aesthetic pleasure of the space.
I’ve been reading The Story of Stuff and buying from threadup thanks to you. Feeling better not buying as much fast fashion.
A tip for those who want to try new foundation releases without constantly having to buy the product: go to sephora and just ask for a sample of it. i bought one foundation product that is my go to and have a small collection of samples of other kinds that i like to use for other occasions. the sample lasts me for a while and if i run out of one that i like, i just go get another sample lol i also repurpose the containers they come in for traveling with other face products because they're super small and take up hardly any space.
That's exactly what I do for concealer. I have a sample from January I can still use
Hi Shelbi you have inspired me and helped me to live a low waste life and in the process I've educated my family.
This might be a good one, we got our house heating set up to work over WiFi. It gets cold in Ireland a lot so now instead of putting on the heating for the whole night we can just put it on for a half an hour boost when we need it. Also means if we leave the house for a few hours it doesn’t get left on, we can just turn it on 15 minutes before we come home
Just want you to know you’ve inspired me to begin the journey to a sustainable “zero waste” lifestyle. I’m taking baby steps but steps nonetheless. Thank you.
I've always had trouble not falling for advertisements or stuff being sold to me because I am easily influenced into buying and over consuming, but I'm trying to be more aware of it and discipline myself. I've been observing how my family has over consumed for so long and it's because of our past experiences of living in poverty and being afraid of having nothing. Trying to fix it won't happen in a day, but progress is key to eventually overcome our problem!
I'm so happy I did find your cannel! I cab recognize myself in the most of the things you saying! I was also a hyper consumer and I bought a lot of make -up and products I didn't need! Most of the time because I saw that in a youtube video or I was shopping just for fun. Luckily I came to my senses and now I buy most of my things second hand or think twice before buying! I'm not there yet, but I'm on my way! This kind of video's does helps al lot and I'm not watching the shopblogs of fastfashion or make up anymore! Thank you! Diana
Another way to get imperfect or near/past expiration items is if you have a local overstock store. In Fort Worth we have one called Town Talk where on Saturday there will be a produce market that can have amazing prices. I once got asparagus for $1 a bundle!! They also have some hygiene items that vary and can be amazingly cheap. When I was considering purchasing a Diva Cup for the first time, I found one there for $5!!!!! Also remember that for many shelf stable foods the best buy date is a suggestion. If there is not visible air expansion, it is still perfectly good.
Those nails killed me😂😂😂
I was always super sensitive to air fresheners, cleaning supplies all of that stuff, to the point my mom (when I was a child obviously) left me like 20m away of those rows and literally ran to get anything she needed cause I would get nauseous very quickly and would also faint. It got better now but I still avoid the part of the shop. We use more natural products (also for Make-up and shampoo and stuff because my skin is also super sensitive and I can’t use anything with chemicals, it’s hard but now I know what I can use, and those things may cast little bit more but last me longer so actually I’m also saving money) I also stopped doing my nails some time ago, they are soooo demaged and I still need to be super careful
Thought about this while cleaning up my backyard yesterday. My doggie keeps getting her ball stuck in this one area by our fence (it’s right by my old neighbors bedroom window😭). So to block that area I thought about what to use that I already had. Came up with large branches that fell down after a storm and it worked great!
Also the animals in the backyard love them haha.
Love this channel, thank you for this great content!👑👑👑👑👑👑👑
I love to watch your videos, and I also LOVE your logic way of thinking. I believe you are very intelligent, and I just love how you analyze every possible step of a product before you consider buying it. :D
I just want to say, I have watched a TON of "what I dont buy anymore" kind of videos and this one was the BEST! You made me think about thing I hadn't thought of before! So thank you, I am trying really hard to stop buying crap I dont need. Your channel is now my favorite!
Shelbie you are such a positive and inspiring person. I am currently binge watching your videos. I started my zero waste journey some years ago. it was ups and downs and i would hate myself for how much trash i would produce but since watching your videos i started more of a positive attitude towards my less waste life . thank you so much for what you are doing. greets from Poland
I buy bunches of bananas for smoothie prep kits the ready to eat ones are the best for smoothies daily. I also use them to premake diy pancakes you can freeze and reheat. I buy on a bunch of 5 or 6
so thankful for your videos, I have been becoming much more of an eco minimalist for about a year now and loved that I didn't buy any of the things you mentioned in the video, so proud! I just have a library card for my books!
I call myself a midimalist. Because I have WAY too much to be minimalist, but I come from a LITERAL horder household and tiny steps are helpful.
I'm also disabled so theres an extra bit of thinking with things because a lot of the time I'm buying things to make my life easier bit then it's actually not all that good and then I feel bad for buying it even though it was thoroughly researched it still was not a good product. But I'm a lot better than I used to be!
Progress is progress. I’m proud of you for getting out of the hoarding situation.
I totally understand where you are coming from. I have parents that just have bins and bins of stuff That they either will never use or that they haven't used in 10 years. I found myself doing the same thing and while I am not throwing anything out I'm also not getting anything new and working on going through this stuff that I already have. So while my home may not look like I am on a minimalist journey my bank account does.
I have an I-phone 5 ( S, I think) that performs like a 10, and that’s all I need.
I love what ur doing. Ur instructive, your so honest and u appear so real. Im so happy i found this channel.
you've taught me so much about what really goes on behind all the products we buy. thank you!
Thanks, Shelbie! I really appreciate the book suggestions! It's like a sustainable book club!
Air drying bed sheets outside removes odor and smells really fresh. The sun works as a disinfectant as well.
I took a job at Ulta a couple of years ago and after having lived pretty low-waste was just shocked at the things people still buy and the amount of waste that goes into that industry. I’m glad to see it’s mostly older generations and not really anyone my age but... it’s jolting that kind of business is still in operation.
what i love about buying from "more expensive" scincare products such as lush because it makes me more aware of what im using and i use way less of it
A few years ago while I was still shaving regularly, I compared the plastic waste from "reusable" razors where you replace the entire head versus disposables and found the actual packaging waste to be almost identical. I understand that throwing away an entire razor instead of just the head is more wasteful, but there is so much less material in the disposables. And since I didn't shave super frequently, the disposables made the most sense because I could make them last almost as long. Just something to consider for anyone not ready yet for safety razors.
Dutch version of imperfect foods: kromkommer
Haha, die heb ik nog niet eerder gehoord :P
Kelly Van Diessen het is een bedrijf! ze maken producten van ‘imperfecte’ groenten. 😊
Oh echt? Super cool!
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Giiiirrrrrl, YaasS! I just found your channel, and I feel like for the first time someone has finally put into words my personal moral code! These are some great tips! Thank you! 🙏
The single bananas are the BEST. I take two that will be my level of ripe right away, two that will be there in a couple days, and two that will be there in a few days.
This is genius. Like beyond smart. Except I would have to ‘mess up’ for my banana bread stash but still. You could have perfect bananas for a week.
i'm so glad you mention your privilege as an able person. a lot of people criticized prepackaged food for its additional waste, not fully knowing its purpose. though i do think companies should come up with a more sustainable/ more eco friendly ways to package those food.
Yes to the imperfect foods! We have a chain of grocery stores in Canada that sells “perfectly imperfect” fruit and veggies. Meaning they are usually too small, or odd shaped when sorted at the produce terminal, and would usually get tossed. I always buy my apples, or sweet potatoes this way.
Thanks to you and A Small Wardrobe, I've really begun to think about the clothes I own and buy, as I stopped impulse buying about a year ago as I realised so much was because it was 'cheap' or for my fantasy self. I'm on a real vintage kick at the moment (although I'm not buying due to COVID and the fact my job fell though, it was a contract abroad) and will only buy new if I can't buy 2nd hand (underwear/some sports kit), or on the VERY rare occasion, I fully fall in love with a piece and I know it's well made and made ethically.
I've also noticed that in the past decade, fast fashion shops have become faster fashion shops, if that makes sense? I have 2 tops from a UK store called New Look (akin to H&M), that I bought 8 years ago and they're better quality than most of the tops in there now.
I also exclusively shop for shower and skincare stuff at Lush (minus moisturiser because none work as well as my current one) because I like the transparency of ingredients and the reusable packaging.
In my country you can buy three types of vegetables and fruits, the ones that are national products you can find those at the Vegetable store or the fruit store, you can purchase those on the "tiangüis" in there you'll buy the products that have fallen from threes or not eye pleasent and last you can get vegetables in the supermarket those are mostly imported product.
Pre-chopped produce often costs more too. Save money by chopping your own veggies.
I definitely do not want to swap my shaving cream for soap though. When I use soap, my legs get so much more dried out. If I use conditioner, my razor blade gets clogged more often. I've tried these shaving cream swaps, but every time I do, I conclude that shaving cream just really does give me the best shaving experience for myself.
Alot of these are easy if you live in a big area. Unfortunately for people like me, we have one small thrift shop in town, the next one is 3 hours away. Small towns and villages make it very hard to be eco-conscious because you are not given many options. Im just excited that we are buting a house this year and i can finally have a garden to grow my own food and hopefully shrink the amount of food i have to buy from the only store that sells fresh produce in my town
The same thing happens to me with overly scented things! I CANNOT have scented laundry anything, I have to use the ultra sensitive detergent, use dryer balls, and just outright refuse to use softener. Even when my husband uses too much of anything it gives me a headache to be near him and his clothes. I have never understood the desire to have clothes that smell like a WHOLE FIELD OF FLOWERS.
My grocery store groups the single bananas and sells them at a discounted rate! Also, I love that you used to get your nails done because I just recently broke that habit, and I am currently trying to use up all my old nail polish (art projects, painting nails if I feel like it) because I work in restaurant and it is honestly pointless to try and have cute nails anyways. This list is something to help me transition a little further! Now to convince my husband. . .
I would love a video on specifically how to compost pet waste, because I use a compostable cat litter but I am not sure how it is safe to compost? And, again, my husband is skeptical. Also, pet food bag recycling or a cleaner cat food to try that makes less waste. Thank you for all that you do Shelbi!
I am a book lover but try to get all mine second-hand, from a friend, or on ThriftBooks. I’ve also been cutting down in my impulse buys this year - I’ll right a monthly wishlist of up to 4 things I want or need, and by the end of the month if I still really want them I can pick only one or two items from that list