Isn't it weird that we are going crazy thinking about wasting as less as possible when our society and everything around us is based on the exact opposite? When will people learn?! I mean.. For example, I can't even buy a pen anymore. I have so many pens at home and I want to use them all before buying a new one. It will take years. I mean.. A pen!
exactly how i feel. the other day i was looking at fountain pens to replace pens... then i look at all my pens... and it looks like im never going to get that fountain pen >.
I have so many pens from being a student! And like 3 bags of markers for my work ??? I didn’t think about it until I started really think about my waste about a year ago... I won’t have to buy pens for about 7 years
When I began on this journey a few yrs back....the main bonus asie from low waste was that I saved so much $ cause I didnt have to buy so many things cause i already had multiples so my first yr was to use up everything I had...i havent had to buy post its pens in over 6 yrs...low waste bar of soap in over 2 yrs....clothes in 6 yrs I havent bought clothes (except undies & socks and its been 2 yrs)....i wear a uniform for work so it saves my small wardrobe...I havent bought a pair of shoes in 5 yrs my work shoes are 2 yrs old and still in great condition
I get you. Try to figure out the places where people seem to need a pen, and not always have one, or could use another one if their pens go missing. Any office, library, school or university, a bar, hotel, a convention place, any place really. Even though some places might have pens before, there's always someone who forgot to bring a pen when they needed it. Keep a few spare on you and hand them out when you see someone in need.
Same here! I'm at the point where I don't order pens for the office because I have so many perfectly good ones at home. I just bring them in whenever one runs out of ink.
But varying sizes do make sense, like I wouldn't want to carry a ginormous bottle to uni or a tiny one for doing sports etc. ...colours though, well xD mine are just see-through clear glass
So many things I can relate with! The "I deserve it" mentality after a hard day/week is such a hindrance to long term financial/physical health/low waste goals. 😣 and I totally try to get my significant other to approve my purchases as well. 😂 Sometimes you just need someone else to tell you you don't need it.
can you please share some recipes? like dinners/lunches? i was looking at all the clips of food you put in this video and practically drooling over how delicious it looked! also, your video skills have been on point! great editing (and filming)
I’m doing a no spend month in February and it’s actually quite eye opening how heavily I seemed to rely on “im having a stressful/bad/busy day I need a pick me up”. I didn’t think it was something I relied on as heavily as I did
For me 2019 is a ‘little spend year’. Realised the ‘no spend’ term is not actually true. Yet the concept is the same. One of the most important things is stop buying stuff of Amazon (though they are cheaper) the way they treat their stuff is a no no for fair trade. This is quite interesting as I have decided to give up the Amazon Prime, yet did not accomplish it. Second is not giving in to ‘new cool stuff’ same as you. Thridly manage wisely the diy trend as a lot of times I do get carried away in buying tons of almond oil, jojoba oil, apricot oil, green tea oil, coconut oil, etc you use a bit for some recipes and then it just go rancid.
I stopped using Amazon back in July when they floated the idea of replacing public libraries with Amazon bookstores and I'm a massive supporter of public libraries so I was aggravated enough to go cold turkey. I now try to either shop small businesses or I use eBay. :)
Hey Immy. Just reflecting on a theme from this video it seems like life might be easier for you if you made a conscious effort to limit your exposure to advertising. Easier said than done as obvs you work in social media. But it really does make a difference. Eg I've left Facebook and I only read BBC news as no adverts etc reading real books rather than browsing online. The longer I stay stepped out of the consumerism loop the easier and easier it gets to not want new things (as I don't know they exist!!) Xx
I stress buy too sometimes, but I also am obsessed with thrift stores. I have some great ones in my area, and I don’t feel any guilt since I’m rescuing some secondhand items and giving them a loving home :) Plus I can go crazy and buy whatever I want and only spend a few dollars, which is always a thrill
I’ve been drinking celery juice for over a year now, I had high blood pressure and needed to take medics for it (and I was only 18-19) with the celery juice I’ve stopped taking that medicine and I’m not wasting the medics bottles and saving my body from tolerating the drugs. I use the juicer everyday, I compost the food scraps or make cookies or soup with the rest. But yeah, that’s just me. If you do think it would be wasteful for you I understand, I just wanted to show a different perspective.
i don’t think she means just the celery juice in specific, but like seeing a trend and wanting to do it and having to go out and buy a bunch of new products in order to try said trend, which is wasteful
I am terrible with my shopping addiction, it's a constant battle between my shopping addiction and minimalist lifestyle. This video is just what I needed, thank you for sharing 🙂❤
Jesus the planner stuff drives me mad. The stickers and pens and all the plastic crap is just so wasteful because of them. I have a diary for work (they make me) and I use my phone calender. Much easier.
Roses are Red I fell into the planner craze as I love writing and lists etc. Literally all I use consistently is my notebook, fountain pen, a couple coloured fine liners/mild liners and occasionally washi tape. Literally don’t need stickers stamps etc etc
Another great video! I want to stop wasting water. From washing dishes to showering, I feel like I am using way more water than is ethical. It would be great if you could do a video on reducing water waste!
What I do with dishes is that I put all the super dirty dishes on the bottom of my sink, and wash everything else above them, so the water collects in those dirty dishes, and then by the time it's their turn to be washed, it's so much easier to do it, because of the warm water that collected in them :)
I live in a drought area in Africa & we do things like putting a bucket in the shower, so while you wait for it to heat up, it gets collected - we use this to water the garden, our indoor plants or flush the toilet depending on what is needed at the time!
I could never get on board with the celery juice thing. It is one food that I have never liked. I have tried to like it. I have bought it but it sits in my fridge until it turns to mush because I just KNOW I won't like it no matter what way I attempt to eat it. I don't have any particular goals in not buying this year. I quit smoking about 6 months ago and replaced it with vaping. I am hoping that during this year I can cut back on that so as of Jan 2020 I can lay it down and never look back. So I am trying to make my supplies for that last longer so I have to buy less. In regards to new technology, I am using the same laptop that I have been using for almost 10 years. I was gifted a second-hand one that is virtually new (used for one week) and it has a bunch of bells and whistles that my everyday one doesn't have, but I don't use it regularly....ok, I never use it! It sits in my closet but I think I am going to give it to my son when he comes home in July as we have no TV (and haven't in 20 years)
A few weeks ago i found a film camera (with lens, filters, camera strap and all!) in a dumpster! Bought some film and took it for a spin and it works perfectly fine. It's crazy what some people buy & even crazier what people throw out!
For destressing, I have a small list of happy shows I watch either on Netflix or UA-cam...I don't drink, I don't smoke, I don't do drugs, i exercise regularly, I live on a keto diet so food can't help me, I am very frugal and go months without spending any money except needed groceries, so my only way out when i don't want to read or write is binge watch a great comedy to take my mind off things and its been a heaven sent for the past 4 yrs :)
I know it doesn't pertain to the video, but you look so lovely and lively. I think you're so pretty and love emulating not only your eco-conscious lifestyle, but your simply chic style. Thanks for all you do for us AND our planet!
"That ones really sustainable. That ones really la la la la la" Just same! I talk myself into buying stuff but luckily i never get round to it because i end up forgetting :) Another thing is forgetting to buy the sustainable alternative or forgetting to bring it somewhere. Like a toothbrush or shampoo or something. It annoys me
i always find looking at reviews helps me with not buying things like sustainable items i already have or tech, because usually it won't be as good, e.g. the frank green cup - a lot of people have said it's way harder to clean than the keepcup, which is an issue in terms of hygiene and also laziness. reviews for me help to break down the fantasy of the purchase, like with the celery juice or blender.
Small tip: Instead of notepads or similar, I’m using the back of receipts or used envelopes to write my “to do” or lists. At least those papers get a second use before being thrown away 👌
I bought a spiralizer......did I use it???? It's somewhat collecting dust. Trying like you're said in the past by being conscious about what you buy. Now I'm find myself talking myself out of it.
Me and my boyfriend are trying to save for a campervan. I am also trying to get out of the habit of buying waste full things. I have had a habit of buying plants when mine die so I have made myself stop that. I noticed that we also spend stupid amounts on takeaway so stopping that. Those are just some of the things. Love your videos girl keep at it ❤
Love this video! Thank you for talking about stress buying because this is something I am guilty of and felt like a really bad minimalist but it’s not just me who can make mistakes.
Yooo 😂😂 I'm American so when you said " take away " I was wondering what you were talking about for like 15-20 sec. We call that To Go food in America. Lol it's so funny hearing different versions of the same things.
I love CEX for second hand tech, my partner has used them to buy phones from for years, and I plan to buy my next one from there when my current phone finally dies, plus we bought our first DSLR camera from there.
This is why I like wish lists. I have a giant wishlist at Baker Creek Seeds (rareseeds.com). There's no way that I have enough room to grow all those amazing veggies, herbs, and flowers , and I have already spent too much in seeds (but I regret none of it!!!). But I just keep "curating" my wishlist. It's a great way to go shopping without shopping, and definitely a great stress reliever/distraction/inspiration. Who doesn't love seeds?
So I am very susceptible to A. wanting to go to a store when I'm bored and B. seeing what someone else has and thinking how much I want it. BUT I am trying my best to replace those bad habits. Today I wanted to buy something between 5-10 times. What I mean is that I had a compulsion that I just needed X and then I would be satisfied. I was able to stop myself each time but it really highlighted how much I crave things, crave shopping. I don't even like spending money, I feel guilty every time I do. But it's the rush before the purchase, of how much your life is going to change if you have a tank top that looks like this, or yoga pants that look like that. It's just way to darn easy and requires a lot of will power not to fall prey to that line of thinking.
I don't know whether you read about the yamas and niyamas of yoga but one of those principles is aparigraha which means non-greed. So I think that replacing shopping with yoga is a great idea :)
Argh the struggle of the trend that seems good but make you buy a shiton of other stuff. I always feel so proud when I say to myself : "no, be ,strong, you know how it's gonna ed u!"
I’ve also started a 30ish-day yoga challenge! It can be hard to stop buying things to make yourself feel better. I find that making a fancier tea for myself (say a lavender early grey tea) is really nice or enjoying a warm bath or just laying on a heating pad does the trick. For the shop-a-holic tendencies, Pinterest is a good one to browse because you gets to see lots of pretty things without having the buy things. Hope your yoga challenge goes well!! I will be yogaing along with you, just not on the same days as I started mine just recently.
I absolutely get sucked into the vegan aisles at my food stores and am always so drawn to their branding! They all look so fun and ~healthy~ and it takes a lot of willpower for me to just grab my tofu and march along all the other overpriced items there!!
I'm doing the same with the planner, and gloves! ( i always loose them and give up looking and buy more...) but the planner i used to buy so many. But this year i am using one and seeing it through to December. And actually now that i use it for everything i love it its so helpful and less stressful to remember all the dates xx Also i never really thought about the new phone thing - still new to this so constantly learning - so i will defiently think about getting a second one when my contracts up xx
I completely agree with take aways. They keep me from eating healthy, even the “healthy” options in the restaurant are not as healthy as the food that one can cook at home. Last year I decided to go “paperless” and It was the worst idea ever! I realized I reaaalllyy need to take notes by hand to remember what I write and to connect with my thoghts. This year I’m moving abroad, and I promess myself to only buy things I love! Ofc, I will need stuff for my new place, but I will buy the furniture slowly... giving me time to only buy things that I really need and absolutely love. I don’t want to buy a sofa that is “ok” or follow the advice of my friends: “just buy a cheap one, then you sell it when you find the right one” . Have a great weekend you too!! :)
Wow. I really relate to so many of these. Especially had me at the notebooks and planners; I restrain from additional planners but have literally bought 3 new sustainable pretty notebooks on winter clearance with no dedicated use for them. Appreciate the buddy tip for keeping on track when aiming at new goals or habits. And yes, my food almost always tastes better than take out and incurs less waste. I do similar with my bf and incidental spending but haven’t thought to apply the strategy to other areas. Ah, your channel is so refreshing! So glad to have found you last week.
@@JehanineMelmoth haha. In the States I've seen an intriguingly increasing assortment in the Marshalls/TJ Maxx chain of stores. Though tbh, I haven't researched all brands so some amount of greenwashing could be taking place.
I LOVE my secondhand phone. For the last few years I've bought "practically new" iphones, about two gens behind, on ebay and it's so cheap and I can just put a tenner on with Giff Gaff every month and buy a bit more data on the off-chance I run out. I honestly couldn't bear to have a big pricey contract ever again after this.
I’m so much better at not shopping now but Paperchase is my nemesis! I’m lucky that the nearest is about 30 miles away so it’s pretty easy to avoid as I would probably buy all of their new eco range. Good luck with the yoga challenge 👍
Thank you so much for your videos, they’re really contributing to spreading awareness about the whole low impact lifestyle, especially things not everybody would initially think about e.g. stress buying. You’re doing an amazing job 👍🏼
This was another great video. I look so forward to just sitting down with my tea or coffee and having a moment with you! Your videos are so relaxing and funny! I can so relate to a lot of these! Journals and notebooks are a big issue for me! I LOVE them and want all the ones I see! My main goal this year is to spend less going out to eat! I always spend to much as we always order a couple glasses of wine too! So my friends and I are going to try to start meeting for coffee or breakfast, which is cheaper! I also am going to stop purchasing on line. I don’t shop that way often, but when I do it often goes wrong and then I am terrible at returning. I do need a new laptop however, so if you have recommendations for finding used ones, I would love to hear them! Thanks for your wisdom! 🙏🏻❤️
I'm so prone to the "I deserve it" justification, but I now try to remember that if I buy something to offset negative emotions, that thing will only ever remind me of those emotions and I'll never fully enjoy it.
I’ve always been a planner person, but this year I’ve realized that my ideal situation is a bullet journal, google calendar, and to-do list app. The bullet journal is so much more versatile, and I enjoy the process of filling it out. And it’s so much easier to edit digital lists and calendars as my schedule changes. I won’t be buying a new planner next year.
I definitely have the stress buying problem. Whenever I get stressed i find myself wanting a trip to the thrift store and I’m buying some new cabinets for an art project or something.
I’m actually SUPER relieved to hear that such inspiring low impact folk I follow have issues with consumerism sometimes! I try really hard, but fail sometimes and it’s just the world we live in that constantly shoves new shiny things in our faces. Going to remember this video for sure!
I work at Whole Foods and am surrounded by yummy vegan foods that are not sustainably packaged. Somehow I talk myself into buying them because I’ve had a bad day and want a treat when I know that I have food at home. That is one I really need to stop wasting money on this year.
A really thoughtful and helpful video, Immy. I think I’ve made all those wasteful mistakes! Stress shopping is the worst - buying something I don’t need and can’t afford just because I’ll feel good about having it for a few minutes. Sigh! Onwards and upwards!
Really nice video! I was surprised of your ideas because I see on UA-cam always the same stuff being mentioned. Keep on doing amazing work!! Greetings x
This is exactly what I've been thinking recently. I'm trying to cut out stress buying (that thing is reallll!) and stop hopping on the health-food-of-the-moment band wagon (I mean... just eating celery, maybe with some peanut butter, will give you the same minerals and health benefits, right?... and it's tastier too, so win win?) and eat more seasonally and locally. And every time I wanna buy something sustainable (because that's better for the planet, eh?) I literally have to remind myself that the best option is maybe trying to find some new ways and uses of the things I already have. As for the notebooks - I get sad when there is one lying on my desk/in the drawer and I have nothing to use it for, so next time you wanna buy one, think that It'll probably be used better by someone else. And when you need a new one, it'd be more exciting to go shopping for it then! Lots of love for you and your chilled videos! xx
My goal is to buy less plastic. I'll be focusing more on doing it with beauty products and food items. My body is showing signs of IBS/SIBO however and will be going on the FODMAP diet to help support it more. I'll be buying some items in plastic which I was hoping to avoid but I'm limited in my food options and some of the foods I can eat are not in sustainable packaging or in the buck section.
I do 'buy' online when I am feeling anxious, but I trick myself by opening an incognito window to do so, I fill my basket, this takes time of course, check why do I need every item knowing that the answer is going to be that I don't need it (sometimes I even come up with ideas on how to give my stuff new uses) then I look at the total and close the window, nothing gets saved and I feel so proud about all the money I didn't waste. The boyfriend trick is something I also do since he can even come up with flaws that those items have and I did not realized.
You are so right. I have this water cup my friends bought me for my birthday last year, and okay it's plastic and the picture is fading but it's plastic and I don't want to throw it out and it's a gift that I love. However I have to stop myself from buying new ones all the time, reminding myself I don't need another and I don't want to get rid of it until I can't use it or repair it anymore. I tend to get crazy about new trends too. Right now it's kombucha. But it feels like this one is a keeper
I was amused when you talked about the cups as I have the reverse problem. I have a frank green cup (it definitely has it's own issues) and I am frequently trying to justify buying a keep cup. I also tell myself that I am privileged that I could buy either and I made my choice so enjoy what I have!
Yes for your honesty and authenticity! 'Zero' waste can fall way too easily into being some kind of unattainable aspirational trend, and we want real lasting change. That requires us to take a good look at and be honest with ourselves.
The "consumption spiral" we're falling into is an important problem that you raise here! I totally agree. We do not need to buy other things if we do not manage enough those we already have.
Great video! I myself also want to stop buying trend-foods, like you said I usually find that I could have done without it - I'd rather save the money for a trip or something alike. :)
Mine is having a chocolate craving inthe middle of the work day and buying vegan chocolate as a snack (Wrapped in plastic) :( I much prefer making mt own zero waste cake with cocoa powder and stuff but if I get peckish mid afternoon reach for the packaged snacks
I love seeing this side of things. I have been trying to not run out and buy the new version of everything. It is a struggle to pass up cute duplicates of the items I already own.
When I feel the need to buy something and I know I don't really need anything I go to the library and check out a book, movie or music. It fulfills the shopping itch, doesn't cost anything and I can return it when I'm done so helps keep clutter down
I think the keep cup is easier to clean. I just looked up the green cup. I personally dont like stuff that has multiple pieces to clean. It stresses me out plus more room for bacteria and mold
I’m relatively new to the low waste movement, so my challenge this year is to buy only secondhand clothing. It won’t be easy because I have a fair amount to buy (nothing fits since having my baby!) but I am determined to make it work!
I just got a muji basic undated planner for this year and realised that the planner has so many undated pages that it will last me for two years (or three??). The best thing is that it’s made of recycled paper and the cover is brown paper, which means I could compost it one day after I’m done with it. And the nice notebooks I save it for journalling - I have to stop myself from buying new/secondhand notebooks cause I keep telling myself ‘you already have too many notebooks stop buying them. I get that you’re a writer, but damnit woman! ‘
On the planning front - I’m annoyed that I don’t even use my £1 one. I bought it with the mindset ‘oh it’s only a pound so it doesn’t really matter if I don’t use it much’ 😑 But in the end it’s a waste of paper and my £1
Stress buying was something I used to do A LOT. After I started really budgeting I think it helped me feel better without purchasing, too. Google calendar is also now my bestie because paper planners would work for three months and then I would totally forget about them! LOL.
#4 is so tempting for me! I'm a sucker for coffee cups, water bottles, totes, etc. that I feel like I'll use but definitely don't need. I always make a deal with myself that if I see the "perfect" coffee cup at a thrift store, I'll buy it then - it takes away some of the temptation of buying new in the moment and by the time I go to a thrift store either it's not there or I've remembered that I don't need it :P
Those are all goals of mine as well! I have so many reusable mugs, bottles, and bags. I got most of them for free, but it's still wasteful. Takeout is another big one for me. And I bought 2 planners without being realistic. Thankfully 1 of them is blank with the dates so I can just save it for next year. I also have a bunch of cute notebooks to go through.
I feel really bad watching this, i don’t even know if i should, but i do. And i’m not sure how to change, if i should change. - I have 3+ bookshelves full of notepads/handbook (not sure the right word in English) that are all intentionally unwritten. I’ve been collecting (hoarding) notepads since middle school. I buy about 10, is given 5-7 as gifts, use less beautiful ones, about 2-3 each years. The most beautiful ones are the most expensive, i buy on trips, order online from abroad. I don’t want to use any of them cuz i feel like i would ruin them. They sit there on my shelves, cleaned weekly and bring me joy daily. My mom hates them. She think they take too much space, and since i don’t wanna use them, they’re useless. I guess she’s right and i should stop, give them away or sth... but it’s been 10 years since i started hoarding them... :(( - I buy random little things (mostly notepads/handbooks) when i have a bad day. I rarely buy clothes and clothing stuff, but i buy cute little everything. My room is like Ariel’s place where she keeps her stuff from the land, full of thingsamabobs. I got scolded by my mom, i go shopping. Fight with my bff, go shopping. Break up with bf, go shopping. Late for work, go shopping. Periods come, go shopping. You know what i mean. Feel so bad but can’t stop, don’t know how to. When i have those bad days, i feel like the world is too cruel to me, so i have to treat myself right by buying things that make me smile. Is that too much?
I wanted to stop buying cotton pads bc that's just completely unnecessary and so easy to avoid. So I asked my Mum to show me how to use our sewing machine and used it the first time to sew reusable cotton pads from leftover fabric (I think an old tablecloth). I'm already trying to use as little plastic as I can and to raise awareness in my family as well (although it's a struggle bc I feel like they simply don't want to hear what I'm saying, but I'm happy I can at least make them do baby steps) and also be conscious about what I'm buying and always trying to get it second hand
my takeaway food is this thai restaurant which is close to my house so when i don't feel like cooking (for example, rn when i have a lot of exams) i go there and even though they use plastic containers - i clean them and ask them to put the food in mine so they won't waste another one for me. and since it's like 5 minutes from my home - it's still warm and delicious when i'm eating this in front of the computer studying. and my problem was (not IS) that i used to buy some stuff i thought would be useful in my zero waste journey but in the end - i don't really use them. fortunately, it's only like 3 things so not too many but for example i have 2 reusable cups for tea when im going somewhere and i barely even used them because i usually drink water and when i was at work - i had the possibility to make my tea in a normal cup etc. i also love the stationery - all of the notebooks, planners, calendars hehe
I feel guilty for many of these stuff as well... especially the notebooks/agenda stuffs... I almost bought a new one last night before I realized I actually never finished any of the ones I have. The good thing is that I'm moving every 8 months or so, so I need to keep the least stuff as possible. Keeping that in mind before buying something really helps.
I have quite a big problem talking myself out of buying kindle ebooks, especially when there are cheap. It's such a waste of money because I often end up not reading them at all :( Now I try to put them on my wishlist and see if I still "want" them in a month :D Hope it will work!
Hi there! Could you possibly make a video on how to buy second hand tech (specifically phones?) that would be so helpful I don’t even know where to start 😭😂 thank u❤️❤️❤️❤️
I find it incredibly hard not to get take out often as my school is in the centre of my city and every second day someone wants to eat out. I've been working super hard to meal prep and write down a food plan for every day of my school week to avoid doing it! 🙄
Agreed. Just speaking generally, if you feel fulfilled purchasing new items, maybe those are your values. But if you hold different values, like you care about your health or the environment, your actions and choices will reflect that. It helps me to think that if I am sold on purchasing something, I basically am being manipulated by the company to purchase something that I may or may not need. Its hard to escape, especially on social media. i recently started watching an extreme minimalist youtuber. Within weeks of her first post, she started advertising on her channel. Even if it was something like an app that doesn't create material waste, I feel like it feeds back to the idea that we have to be constant consumers. Maybe people just need to sit and reflect on their lifestyles or watch someone on youtube with a lifestyle that is different from there's, rather than be sold something.
Great video Immy! Definitely very relatable. I'm attempting my own no spend (ish) year and ohmygod I want to buy all the things! You're not alone, especially with the planners and sustainability stuff... Love your energy in this video!
You might enjoy Erich Fromm's "To Have Or To Be", maybe you already know it. Gives a bit of a perspective. I had to think of Bea Johnson's "Rs" mainly the first one: Refuse. I think its quite clever to call it Refuse since that puts you in charge. It is you that makes the (hopefully conscious) decision. Now, I personally dont want to create take away garbage either but I love the pizza from the Italian place thats literally around the corner. However, I dont like eating out by myself, so I bought 2 round baking trays to take the pizza home instead of the cardboard box. The owner was so impressed he gave me a beverage (in a recyclable bottle).
The planners always fall into aspirational spending for me. I tell myself “this is a good habit! If I spend money on a planner I have to use it!” Or “I want to sew more! I would do more sewing if I bought all the accessories I could ever possibly need!” But in reality if I was the kind of person to use a planner I’d already be doing it on my phone or in a notebook. And I own a sewing machine! If I want to sew I can just sew I don’t need little fun doodads to accomplish this, I’m the only thing holding myself back from starting these habits. This year I’ve decided if I want to spend in the hopes it will make me a different person that instead I have to start the habit by making do with what I already have.
Like your video. One must be aware of the reality of their daily life. I keep track of 4 schedules in my planner. Notebooks etc, if it is not pertinent to my life is not on my buy list. How about the recipe for those gorgeous dumplings? 😊
Oh my gosh. We actually did the first thing you listed! We wanted to start drinking green smoothies about 10 years ago so we went right out and bought a $500 Vitamix. We used it for one month. It now laughs at me from the back of the cupboard. 🙄
I let myself buy a new journal every january. Usuallu by then the onr I have from the previous year is full or almost full. But that is the only journal or notebook I will use for the year (apart from my work diary, which sits on my desk in work). I found that was a good way to stop myself buying all the beautiful notebooks and then feeling guilty about not using them.
I really appreciate you being attentive to ableism here. :) :) Some people need to use takeout food, but most of us don't. That distinction is important.
Oh man, I always wants pretty planners and this year I had to face the facts that the really fancy ones with lots of add on stuff and colors and extra pages are just not for me. I need my planner to be simple and small enough to put into my bag. I just got a Moleskin one this year and it's working perfectly.
I have almost never regretted talking myself down from buying things, but there are plenty of times I've regretted buying something because I didn't end up enjoying it much. Some things are of course worth it and I do enjoy them, but so many were not.
Isn't it weird that we are going crazy thinking about wasting as less as possible when our society and everything around us is based on the exact opposite? When will people learn?! I mean.. For example, I can't even buy a pen anymore. I have so many pens at home and I want to use them all before buying a new one. It will take years. I mean.. A pen!
exactly how i feel. the other day i was looking at fountain pens to replace pens... then i look at all my pens... and it looks like im never going to get that fountain pen >.
I have so many pens from being a student! And like 3 bags of markers for my work ??? I didn’t think about it until I started really think about my waste about a year ago... I won’t have to buy pens for about 7 years
When I began on this journey a few yrs back....the main bonus asie from low waste was that I saved so much $ cause I didnt have to buy so many things cause i already had multiples so my first yr was to use up everything I had...i havent had to buy post its pens in over 6 yrs...low waste bar of soap in over 2 yrs....clothes in 6 yrs I havent bought clothes (except undies & socks and its been 2 yrs)....i wear a uniform for work so it saves my small wardrobe...I havent bought a pair of shoes in 5 yrs my work shoes are 2 yrs old and still in great condition
I get you. Try to figure out the places where people seem to need a pen, and not always have one, or could use another one if their pens go missing. Any office, library, school or university, a bar, hotel, a convention place, any place really. Even though some places might have pens before, there's always someone who forgot to bring a pen when they needed it. Keep a few spare on you and hand them out when you see someone in need.
Same here! I'm at the point where I don't order pens for the office because I have so many perfectly good ones at home. I just bring them in whenever one runs out of ink.
It somehow looks like the plant 🌱 is petting you 🥰 she is like : u r a good girl 👧🏽 😂😍💋
Yes! I keep buying reusable water bottles, I have about 5 of varying colours and sizes. It's such a strange habit!
But varying sizes do make sense, like I wouldn't want to carry a ginormous bottle to uni or a tiny one for doing sports etc. ...colours though, well xD mine are just see-through clear glass
So many things I can relate with! The "I deserve it" mentality after a hard day/week is such a hindrance to long term financial/physical health/low waste goals. 😣 and I totally try to get my significant other to approve my purchases as well. 😂 Sometimes you just need someone else to tell you you don't need it.
Hahaha so much yes to this! The “I deserve it” is so real - I used to use that to justify anything !
can you please share some recipes? like dinners/lunches? i was looking at all the clips of food you put in this video and practically drooling over how delicious it looked!
also, your video skills have been on point! great editing (and filming)
Yes please!
I’m doing a no spend month in February and it’s actually quite eye opening how heavily I seemed to rely on “im having a stressful/bad/busy day I need a pick me up”. I didn’t think it was something I relied on as heavily as I did
For me 2019 is a ‘little spend year’. Realised the ‘no spend’ term is not actually true. Yet the concept is the same. One of the most important things is stop buying stuff of Amazon (though they are cheaper) the way they treat their stuff is a no no for fair trade. This is quite interesting as I have decided to give up the Amazon Prime, yet did not accomplish it.
Second is not giving in to ‘new cool stuff’ same as you.
Thridly manage wisely the diy trend as a lot of times I do get carried away in buying tons of almond oil, jojoba oil, apricot oil, green tea oil, coconut oil, etc you use a bit for some recipes and then it just go rancid.
You can put some vitamin E on the oils to avoid them getting rancid.
I stopped using Amazon back in July when they floated the idea of replacing public libraries with Amazon bookstores and I'm a massive supporter of public libraries so I was aggravated enough to go cold turkey. I now try to either shop small businesses or I use eBay. :)
Hey Immy. Just reflecting on a theme from this video it seems like life might be easier for you if you made a conscious effort to limit your exposure to advertising. Easier said than done as obvs you work in social media. But it really does make a difference. Eg I've left Facebook and I only read BBC news as no adverts etc reading real books rather than browsing online. The longer I stay stepped out of the consumerism loop the easier and easier it gets to not want new things (as I don't know they exist!!) Xx
You Tube Haul videos are an enemy 😊
So true.
I stress buy too sometimes, but I also am obsessed with thrift stores. I have some great ones in my area, and I don’t feel any guilt since I’m rescuing some secondhand items and giving them a loving home :) Plus I can go crazy and buy whatever I want and only spend a few dollars, which is always a thrill
I’ve been drinking celery juice for over a year now, I had high blood pressure and needed to take medics for it (and I was only 18-19) with the celery juice I’ve stopped taking that medicine and I’m not wasting the medics bottles and saving my body from tolerating the drugs. I use the juicer everyday, I compost the food scraps or make cookies or soup with the rest. But yeah, that’s just me. If you do think it would be wasteful for you I understand, I just wanted to show a different perspective.
i don’t think she means just the celery juice in specific, but like seeing a trend and wanting to do it and having to go out and buy a bunch of new products in order to try said trend, which is wasteful
Can’t one just eat celery? Why do you have to juice it?
I am terrible with my shopping addiction, it's a constant battle between my shopping addiction and minimalist lifestyle. This video is just what I needed, thank you for sharing 🙂❤
Thanks for watching and commenting
Jesus the planner stuff drives me mad. The stickers and pens and all the plastic crap is just so wasteful because of them. I have a diary for work (they make me) and I use my phone calender. Much easier.
Roses are Red I fell into the planner craze as I love writing and lists etc.
Literally all I use consistently is my notebook, fountain pen, a couple coloured fine liners/mild liners and occasionally washi tape.
Literally don’t need stickers stamps etc etc
I agree about the planner thing and all those stickers. Why not use money that they spend on planners and stickers and put it on debt or savings.
I agree!
Another great video! I want to stop wasting water. From washing dishes to showering, I feel like I am using way more water than is ethical. It would be great if you could do a video on reducing water waste!
Anna Owens I need this, too!!
Thrive Compassionately thank you for this! I am happy to hear about your successful reduction of water waste. These will be really helpful!
What I do with dishes is that I put all the super dirty dishes on the bottom of my sink, and wash everything else above them, so the water collects in those dirty dishes, and then by the time it's their turn to be washed, it's so much easier to do it, because of the warm water that collected in them :)
I live in a drought area in Africa & we do things like putting a bucket in the shower, so while you wait for it to heat up, it gets collected - we use this to water the garden, our indoor plants or flush the toilet depending on what is needed at the time!
I could never get on board with the celery juice thing. It is one food that I have never liked. I have tried to like it. I have bought it but it sits in my fridge until it turns to mush because I just KNOW I won't like it no matter what way I attempt to eat it. I don't have any particular goals in not buying this year. I quit smoking about 6 months ago and replaced it with vaping. I am hoping that during this year I can cut back on that so as of Jan 2020 I can lay it down and never look back. So I am trying to make my supplies for that last longer so I have to buy less. In regards to new technology, I am using the same laptop that I have been using for almost 10 years. I was gifted a second-hand one that is virtually new (used for one week) and it has a bunch of bells and whistles that my everyday one doesn't have, but I don't use it regularly....ok, I never use it! It sits in my closet but I think I am going to give it to my son when he comes home in July as we have no TV (and haven't in 20 years)
A few weeks ago i found a film camera (with lens, filters, camera strap and all!) in a dumpster! Bought some film and took it for a spin and it works perfectly fine. It's crazy what some people buy & even crazier what people throw out!
I NEEEEED to stop buying lunch at uni. Even when it comes in a vegware container it's still waste that could be avoided by making a packed lunch.
For destressing, I have a small list of happy shows I watch either on Netflix or UA-cam...I don't drink, I don't smoke, I don't do drugs, i exercise regularly, I live on a keto diet so food can't help me, I am very frugal and go months without spending any money except needed groceries, so my only way out when i don't want to read or write is binge watch a great comedy to take my mind off things and its been a heaven sent for the past 4 yrs :)
I know it doesn't pertain to the video, but you look so lovely and lively. I think you're so pretty and love emulating not only your eco-conscious lifestyle, but your simply chic style. Thanks for all you do for us AND our planet!
why thank you very much xxx
"That ones really sustainable. That ones really la la la la la" Just same! I talk myself into buying stuff but luckily i never get round to it because i end up forgetting :)
Another thing is forgetting to buy the sustainable alternative or forgetting to bring it somewhere. Like a toothbrush or shampoo or something. It annoys me
i always find looking at reviews helps me with not buying things like sustainable items i already have or tech, because usually it won't be as good, e.g. the frank green cup - a lot of people have said it's way harder to clean than the keepcup, which is an issue in terms of hygiene and also laziness. reviews for me help to break down the fantasy of the purchase, like with the celery juice or blender.
Small tip: Instead of notepads or similar, I’m using the back of receipts or used envelopes to write my “to do” or lists. At least those papers get a second use before being thrown away 👌
I bought a spiralizer......did I use it???? It's somewhat collecting dust. Trying like you're said in the past by being conscious about what you buy. Now I'm find myself talking myself out of it.
Omg immy, please share dumpling homemade recipe PLEASE LOVE THANKS FOREVER GRATEFUL!!
Me and my boyfriend are trying to save for a campervan. I am also trying to get out of the habit of buying waste full things. I have had a habit of buying plants when mine die so I have made myself stop that. I noticed that we also spend stupid amounts on takeaway so stopping that. Those are just some of the things. Love your videos girl keep at it ❤
Love this video! Thank you for talking about stress buying because this is something I am guilty of and felt like a really bad minimalist but it’s not just me who can make mistakes.
Yooo 😂😂 I'm American so when you said " take away " I was wondering what you were talking about for like 15-20 sec. We call that To Go food in America. Lol it's so funny hearing different versions of the same things.
I'm Canadin and was also confused
I love CEX for second hand tech, my partner has used them to buy phones from for years, and I plan to buy my next one from there when my current phone finally dies, plus we bought our first DSLR camera from there.
This is why I like wish lists. I have a giant wishlist at Baker Creek Seeds (rareseeds.com). There's no way that I have enough room to grow all those amazing veggies, herbs, and flowers , and I have already spent too much in seeds (but I regret none of it!!!). But I just keep "curating" my wishlist. It's a great way to go shopping without shopping, and definitely a great stress reliever/distraction/inspiration. Who doesn't love seeds?
So I am very susceptible to A. wanting to go to a store when I'm bored and B. seeing what someone else has and thinking how much I want it. BUT I am trying my best to replace those bad habits. Today I wanted to buy something between 5-10 times. What I mean is that I had a compulsion that I just needed X and then I would be satisfied. I was able to stop myself each time but it really highlighted how much I crave things, crave shopping. I don't even like spending money, I feel guilty every time I do. But it's the rush before the purchase, of how much your life is going to change if you have a tank top that looks like this, or yoga pants that look like that. It's just way to darn easy and requires a lot of will power not to fall prey to that line of thinking.
I don't know whether you read about the yamas and niyamas of yoga but one of those principles is aparigraha which means non-greed. So I think that replacing shopping with yoga is a great idea :)
ooooh amazing thank you for the insight! xx
Argh the struggle of the trend that seems good but make you buy a shiton of other stuff. I always feel so proud when I say to myself : "no, be ,strong, you know how it's gonna ed u!"
I’ve also started a 30ish-day yoga challenge! It can be hard to stop buying things to make yourself feel better. I find that making a fancier tea for myself (say a lavender early grey tea) is really nice or enjoying a warm bath or just laying on a heating pad does the trick. For the shop-a-holic tendencies, Pinterest is a good one to browse because you gets to see lots of pretty things without having the buy things. Hope your yoga challenge goes well!! I will be yogaing along with you, just not on the same days as I started mine just recently.
I absolutely get sucked into the vegan aisles at my food stores and am always so drawn to their branding! They all look so fun and ~healthy~ and it takes a lot of willpower for me to just grab my tofu and march along all the other overpriced items there!!
Could you make a video about food waste and alternatives to take away food? I am trying to reduce my food waste this year. It's a massive issue.
I have a video on food waste hacks! But happy to make another xx
I'm doing the same with the planner, and gloves! ( i always loose them and give up looking and buy more...) but the planner i used to buy so many. But this year i am using one and seeing it through to December. And actually now that i use it for everything i love it its so helpful and less stressful to remember all the dates xx
Also i never really thought about the new phone thing - still new to this so constantly learning - so i will defiently think about getting a second one when my contracts up xx
I completely agree with take aways. They keep me from eating healthy, even the “healthy” options in the restaurant are not as healthy as the food that one can cook at home.
Last year I decided to go “paperless” and It was the worst idea ever! I realized I reaaalllyy need to take notes by hand to remember what I write and to connect with my thoghts.
This year I’m moving abroad, and I promess myself to only buy things I love! Ofc, I will need stuff for my new place, but I will buy the furniture slowly... giving me time to only buy things that I really need and absolutely love. I don’t want to buy a sofa that is “ok” or follow the advice of my friends: “just buy a cheap one, then you sell it when you find the right one” .
Have a great weekend you too!! :)
Wow. I really relate to so many of these. Especially had me at the notebooks and planners; I restrain from additional planners but have literally bought 3 new sustainable pretty notebooks on winter clearance with no dedicated use for them. Appreciate the buddy tip for keeping on track when aiming at new goals or habits. And yes, my food almost always tastes better than take out and incurs less waste. I do similar with my bf and incidental spending but haven’t thought to apply the strategy to other areas. Ah, your channel is so refreshing! So glad to have found you last week.
seaglass My first thought was, where can I buy those sustainable notebooks at clearance price?!
@@JehanineMelmoth haha. In the States I've seen an intriguingly increasing assortment in the Marshalls/TJ Maxx chain of stores. Though tbh, I haven't researched all brands so some amount of greenwashing could be taking place.
I LOVE my secondhand phone. For the last few years I've bought "practically new" iphones, about two gens behind, on ebay and it's so cheap and I can just put a tenner on with Giff Gaff every month and buy a bit more data on the off-chance I run out. I honestly couldn't bear to have a big pricey contract ever again after this.
I’m so much better at not shopping now but Paperchase is my nemesis! I’m lucky that the nearest is about 30 miles away so it’s pretty easy to avoid as I would probably buy all of their new eco range. Good luck with the yoga challenge 👍
Thank you so much for your videos, they’re really contributing to spreading awareness about the whole low impact lifestyle, especially things not everybody would initially think about e.g. stress buying. You’re doing an amazing job 👍🏼
Thanks so much !! xx
This was another great video. I look so forward to just sitting down with my tea or coffee and having a moment with you! Your videos are so relaxing and funny! I can so relate to a lot of these! Journals and notebooks are a big issue for me! I LOVE them and want all the ones I see! My main goal this year is to spend less going out to eat! I always spend to much as we always order a couple glasses of wine too! So my friends and I are going to try to start meeting for coffee or breakfast, which is cheaper! I also am going to stop purchasing on line. I don’t shop that way often, but when I do it often goes wrong and then I am terrible at returning. I do need a new laptop however, so if you have recommendations for finding used ones, I would love to hear them! Thanks for your wisdom! 🙏🏻❤️
I'm so prone to the "I deserve it" justification, but I now try to remember that if I buy something to offset negative emotions, that thing will only ever remind me of those emotions and I'll never fully enjoy it.
I'm doing Adrienne's 30 day yoga journey. Is this what you are doing too?
yes i'm doing the dedicate one! But I started in the middle of January oops!
@@SustainablyVegan you will love, I've finished Dedicate I'm know doing true.
I’ve always been a planner person, but this year I’ve realized that my ideal situation is a bullet journal, google calendar, and to-do list app. The bullet journal is so much more versatile, and I enjoy the process of filling it out. And it’s so much easier to edit digital lists and calendars as my schedule changes. I won’t be buying a new planner next year.
i always do diy on things that can be repurpose instead of buying new ones, that way nothing's spent at all..
I definitely have the stress buying problem. Whenever I get stressed i find myself wanting a trip to the thrift store and I’m buying some new cabinets for an art project or something.
I'm doing a plasticfree february. I live in Canada and with Bulk Barn all around me I figured I don't really have any valid excuses not to, haha!
I love Bulk Barn! Also do a lot of food shopping at Strictly Bulk, they're a bit cheaper and it's easier to fill your own containers. 💚
Is strictly bulk a chain? Never heard of it!
@@TheKduke There's more than one location, so I'm guessing it's a chain but I'm not sure.
I’m actually SUPER relieved to hear that such inspiring low impact folk I follow have issues with consumerism sometimes! I try really hard, but fail sometimes and it’s just the world we live in that constantly shoves new shiny things in our faces. Going to remember this video for sure!
Im trying to order less takeaways for health and money reasons lol. I had a minimum of one a week like I have a problemmm
I work at Whole Foods and am surrounded by yummy vegan foods that are not sustainably packaged. Somehow I talk myself into buying them because I’ve had a bad day and want a treat when I know that I have food at home. That is one I really need to stop wasting money on this year.
A really thoughtful and helpful video, Immy. I think I’ve made all those wasteful mistakes! Stress shopping is the worst - buying something I don’t need and can’t afford just because I’ll feel good about having it for a few minutes. Sigh! Onwards and upwards!
Really nice video! I was surprised of your ideas because I see on UA-cam always the same stuff being mentioned. Keep on doing amazing work!! Greetings x
I'm glad I offered something a little different xx
This is exactly what I've been thinking recently. I'm trying to cut out stress buying (that thing is reallll!) and stop hopping on the health-food-of-the-moment band wagon (I mean... just eating celery, maybe with some peanut butter, will give you the same minerals and health benefits, right?... and it's tastier too, so win win?) and eat more seasonally and locally. And every time I wanna buy something sustainable (because that's better for the planet, eh?) I literally have to remind myself that the best option is maybe trying to find some new ways and uses of the things I already have. As for the notebooks - I get sad when there is one lying on my desk/in the drawer and I have nothing to use it for, so next time you wanna buy one, think that It'll probably be used better by someone else. And when you need a new one, it'd be more exciting to go shopping for it then! Lots of love for you and your chilled videos! xx
My goal is to buy less plastic. I'll be focusing more on doing it with beauty products and food items. My body is showing signs of IBS/SIBO however and will be going on the FODMAP diet to help support it more. I'll be buying some items in plastic which I was hoping to avoid but I'm limited in my food options and some of the foods I can eat are not in sustainable packaging or in the buck section.
Your point about already having sustainable items really resonates for me! I've had to talk myself out of buying so many cute reusable straws...
I do 'buy' online when I am feeling anxious, but I trick myself by opening an incognito window to do so, I fill my basket, this takes time of course, check why do I need every item knowing that the answer is going to be that I don't need it (sometimes I even come up with ideas on how to give my stuff new uses) then I look at the total and close the window, nothing gets saved and I feel so proud about all the money I didn't waste.
The boyfriend trick is something I also do since he can even come up with flaws that those items have and I did not realized.
You are so right. I have this water cup my friends bought me for my birthday last year, and okay it's plastic and the picture is fading but it's plastic and I don't want to throw it out and it's a gift that I love. However I have to stop myself from buying new ones all the time, reminding myself I don't need another and I don't want to get rid of it until I can't use it or repair it anymore.
I tend to get crazy about new trends too. Right now it's kombucha. But it feels like this one is a keeper
I love your honesty and your voice is so soothing!! Thank you for all your videos
I was amused when you talked about the cups as I have the reverse problem. I have a frank green cup (it definitely has it's own issues) and I am frequently trying to justify buying a keep cup. I also tell myself that I am privileged that I could buy either and I made my choice so enjoy what I have!
Yes for your honesty and authenticity! 'Zero' waste can fall way too easily into being some kind of unattainable aspirational trend, and we want real lasting change. That requires us to take a good look at and be honest with ourselves.
The "consumption spiral" we're falling into is an important problem that you raise here! I totally agree. We do not need to buy other things if we do not manage enough those we already have.
Great video! I myself also want to stop buying trend-foods, like you said I usually find that I could have done without it - I'd rather save the money for a trip or something alike. :)
Mine is having a chocolate craving inthe middle of the work day and buying vegan chocolate as a snack (Wrapped in plastic) :( I much prefer making mt own zero waste cake with cocoa powder and stuff but if I get peckish mid afternoon reach for the packaged snacks
I love seeing this side of things. I have been trying to not run out and buy the new version of everything. It is a struggle to pass up cute duplicates of the items I already own.
When I feel the need to buy something and I know I don't really need anything I go to the library and check out a book, movie or music. It fulfills the shopping itch, doesn't cost anything and I can return it when I'm done so helps keep clutter down
I think the keep cup is easier to clean. I just looked up the green cup. I personally dont like stuff that has multiple pieces to clean. It stresses me out plus more room for bacteria and mold
8£ for your phone plan? Are you kidding me? That works out to be about $14 Canadian. My husband and I pay $275 per month. I need to move to the UK!!
I’m relatively new to the low waste movement, so my challenge this year is to buy only secondhand clothing. It won’t be easy because I have a fair amount to buy (nothing fits since having my baby!) but I am determined to make it work!
I just got a muji basic undated planner for this year and realised that the planner has so many undated pages that it will last me for two years (or three??). The best thing is that it’s made of recycled paper and the cover is brown paper, which means I could compost it one day after I’m done with it. And the nice notebooks I save it for journalling - I have to stop myself from buying new/secondhand notebooks cause I keep telling myself ‘you already have too many notebooks stop buying them. I get that you’re a writer, but damnit woman! ‘
Hey Immy, what do you use to wash your clothes? I’ve recently bought the Eco Egg and was wondering if you’d used one yourself! Xx
I just got a notification that my computer will not longer be supported/ updated by windows but there is nothing wrong with it! This is infuriating!
This gave me such a great mindset for a part of my life that needs improvement in this new year
On the planning front - I’m annoyed that I don’t even use my £1 one.
I bought it with the mindset ‘oh it’s only a pound so it doesn’t really matter if I don’t use it much’ 😑
But in the end it’s a waste of paper and my £1
Stress buying was something I used to do A LOT. After I started really budgeting I think it helped me feel better without purchasing, too. Google calendar is also now my bestie because paper planners would work for three months and then I would totally forget about them! LOL.
#4 is so tempting for me! I'm a sucker for coffee cups, water bottles, totes, etc. that I feel like I'll use but definitely don't need. I always make a deal with myself that if I see the "perfect" coffee cup at a thrift store, I'll buy it then - it takes away some of the temptation of buying new in the moment and by the time I go to a thrift store either it's not there or I've remembered that I don't need it :P
This is making me feel better about the takeaways etc. I fall back on. But obvs will try to cut down.
Those are all goals of mine as well! I have so many reusable mugs, bottles, and bags. I got most of them for free, but it's still wasteful. Takeout is another big one for me. And I bought 2 planners without being realistic. Thankfully 1 of them is blank with the dates so I can just save it for next year. I also have a bunch of cute notebooks to go through.
your so right about that foodtrend thing. 🍃
I feel really bad watching this, i don’t even know if i should, but i do. And i’m not sure how to change, if i should change.
- I have 3+ bookshelves full of notepads/handbook (not sure the right word in English) that are all intentionally unwritten. I’ve been collecting (hoarding) notepads since middle school. I buy about 10, is given 5-7 as gifts, use less beautiful ones, about 2-3 each years. The most beautiful ones are the most expensive, i buy on trips, order online from abroad. I don’t want to use any of them cuz i feel like i would ruin them. They sit there on my shelves, cleaned weekly and bring me joy daily. My mom hates them. She think they take too much space, and since i don’t wanna use them, they’re useless. I guess she’s right and i should stop, give them away or sth... but it’s been 10 years since i started hoarding them... :((
- I buy random little things (mostly notepads/handbooks) when i have a bad day. I rarely buy clothes and clothing stuff, but i buy cute little everything. My room is like Ariel’s place where she keeps her stuff from the land, full of thingsamabobs. I got scolded by my mom, i go shopping. Fight with my bff, go shopping. Break up with bf, go shopping. Late for work, go shopping. Periods come, go shopping. You know what i mean. Feel so bad but can’t stop, don’t know how to. When i have those bad days, i feel like the world is too cruel to me, so i have to treat myself right by buying things that make me smile. Is that too much?
I wanted to stop buying cotton pads bc that's just completely unnecessary and so easy to avoid. So I asked my Mum to show me how to use our sewing machine and used it the first time to sew reusable cotton pads from leftover fabric (I think an old tablecloth). I'm already trying to use as little plastic as I can and to raise awareness in my family as well (although it's a struggle bc I feel like they simply don't want to hear what I'm saying, but I'm happy I can at least make them do baby steps) and also be conscious about what I'm buying and always trying to get it second hand
Disposer pads, I’m no longer buying for 2019. I bought my cloth pads and they are way heather.
my takeaway food is this thai restaurant which is close to my house so when i don't feel like cooking (for example, rn when i have a lot of exams) i go there and even though they use plastic containers - i clean them and ask them to put the food in mine so they won't waste another one for me. and since it's like 5 minutes from my home - it's still warm and delicious when i'm eating this in front of the computer studying.
and my problem was (not IS) that i used to buy some stuff i thought would be useful in my zero waste journey but in the end - i don't really use them. fortunately, it's only like 3 things so not too many but for example i have 2 reusable cups for tea when im going somewhere and i barely even used them because i usually drink water and when i was at work - i had the possibility to make my tea in a normal cup etc.
i also love the stationery - all of the notebooks, planners, calendars hehe
I have a perfect 40 year old great blender that my grandfather didn't use anymore!
I feel guilty for many of these stuff as well... especially the notebooks/agenda stuffs... I almost bought a new one last night before I realized I actually never finished any of the ones I have. The good thing is that I'm moving every 8 months or so, so I need to keep the least stuff as possible. Keeping that in mind before buying something really helps.
I have quite a big problem talking myself out of buying kindle ebooks, especially when there are cheap. It's such a waste of money because I often end up not reading them at all :( Now I try to put them on my wishlist and see if I still "want" them in a month :D Hope it will work!
Hi there! Could you possibly make a video on how to buy second hand tech (specifically phones?) that would be so helpful I don’t even know where to start 😭😂 thank u❤️❤️❤️❤️
I find it incredibly hard not to get take out often as my school is in the centre of my city and every second day someone wants to eat out. I've been working super hard to meal prep and write down a food plan for every day of my school week to avoid doing it! 🙄
Agreed. Just speaking generally, if you feel fulfilled purchasing new items, maybe those are your values. But if you hold different values, like you care about your health or the environment, your actions and choices will reflect that. It helps me to think that if I am sold on purchasing something, I basically am being manipulated by the company to purchase something that I may or may not need. Its hard to escape, especially on social media. i recently started watching an extreme minimalist youtuber. Within weeks of her first post, she started advertising on her channel. Even if it was something like an app that doesn't create material waste, I feel like it feeds back to the idea that we have to be constant consumers. Maybe people just need to sit and reflect on their lifestyles or watch someone on youtube with a lifestyle that is different from there's, rather than be sold something.
Great video Immy! Definitely very relatable. I'm attempting my own no spend (ish) year and ohmygod I want to buy all the things! You're not alone, especially with the planners and sustainability stuff... Love your energy in this video!
You might enjoy Erich Fromm's "To Have Or To Be", maybe you already know it. Gives a bit of a perspective.
I had to think of Bea Johnson's "Rs" mainly the first one: Refuse. I think its quite clever to call it Refuse since that puts you in charge. It is you that makes the (hopefully conscious) decision. Now, I personally dont want to create take away garbage either but I love the pizza from the Italian place thats literally around the corner. However, I dont like eating out by myself, so I bought 2 round baking trays to take the pizza home instead of the cardboard box. The owner was so impressed he gave me a beverage (in a recyclable bottle).
The planners always fall into aspirational spending for me. I tell myself “this is a good habit! If I spend money on a planner I have to use it!” Or “I want to sew more! I would do more sewing if I bought all the accessories I could ever possibly need!” But in reality if I was the kind of person to use a planner I’d already be doing it on my phone or in a notebook. And I own a sewing machine! If I want to sew I can just sew I don’t need little fun doodads to accomplish this, I’m the only thing holding myself back from starting these habits. This year I’ve decided if I want to spend in the hopes it will make me a different person that instead I have to start the habit by making do with what I already have.
Yoga seriously helps me destress. I just don't make myself actually do yoga ! Hard to create an actual habit.
Like your video. One must be aware of the reality of their daily life. I keep track of 4 schedules in my planner. Notebooks etc, if it is not pertinent to my life is not on my buy list. How about the recipe for those gorgeous dumplings? 😊
Oh my gosh. We actually did the first thing you listed! We wanted to start drinking green smoothies about 10 years ago so we went right out and bought a $500 Vitamix. We used it for one month. It now laughs at me from the back of the cupboard. 🙄
I have seen Frank Green cups and I also would LOVE one but I don't need it (I already own a KeepCup).
Cute stationery is also my weakness
I let myself buy a new journal every january. Usuallu by then the onr I have from the previous year is full or almost full. But that is the only journal or notebook I will use for the year (apart from my work diary, which sits on my desk in work). I found that was a good way to stop myself buying all the beautiful notebooks and then feeling guilty about not using them.
I really liked the b roll footage in the video! I am committing to using up my notebooks this year
I really appreciate you being attentive to ableism here. :) :) Some people need to use takeout food, but most of us don't. That distinction is important.
absolutely xx
Oh man, I always wants pretty planners and this year I had to face the facts that the really fancy ones with lots of add on stuff and colors and extra pages are just not for me. I need my planner to be simple and small enough to put into my bag. I just got a Moleskin one this year and it's working perfectly.
I have almost never regretted talking myself down from buying things, but there are plenty of times I've regretted buying something because I didn't end up enjoying it much. Some things are of course worth it and I do enjoy them, but so many were not.