I wish I could :( . But I’m allergic to gluten. I hope that eventually ice cream trucks let you bring your own cup. Especially because the cones probably came in plastic anyway
@@mariabezymyannaya4219 Celiac disease, allergies etc. Some cones just taste like cardboard. For kids a cup is also a less messy alternative. I'd much rather choose the cone but not everyone wants / can.
@@jessicarodman7629 Yep. I don't treat or water mine. I do mow it (well, my husband does) so that it's not a complete jungle, but I see absolutely no point in watering or fertilizing it. I also don't seed it. I just let whatever grows there grow there, albeit at short heights. I think it looks fine.
I think we should switch to moss lawns! There's also grass species that only grow to a certain height and don't need to be mowed. Orrrrr we could also normalize having natural yards, planting only local species and letting whatever happens, happen (within reason, lol!)
@@laneatkinson6441 I did that in my back yard and prairie grass and weeds are the only things back there. I have to cut around the gas meter, it gets so tall.
This is basically the type of video a sensible adult craves when they're trying to be more sustainable. Was really tired of all the generic cutlery and stainless steel straw videos. So thank you ❤️ ❤️
They’re also WAY better for your nails too. Your nails are made up of fibers in an X woven pattern, and when you use emory boards to file your nails and file your nails back and forth makes your nails fragile and weak over time, you’ll also notice your nails will fray on the ends. Glass nail files totally prevent that from happening and basically last forever if you take good care of them!
My mom will line her trash can with a normal bag, but then place a paper grocery bag inside. Then she throws out the paper bag regularly and only tosses the plastic one when needed every few weeks.
@@BLiNGyourALARMclock I was wondering why such a rule about clear bags would be in place, like why would anyone want to see the trash? Then I remembered it’s not that uncommon for people to dump bodies/parts in the trash 🤭😬💀
@@Emiliapocalypse I get it for the recycling bags as it's always kind of clean and it makes it easier to not throw our stuff in the wrong trash can, but regular garbage? I imagine how gross it would be if you have to leave the bags directly on the sidewalk like where I live!
Grilled corn swap: buy the corn with the husk on it. Soak in water for about 10-20 minutes with the husk on. Put on grill and cook with husk on. Husk can be composted.
Right? Like isn't that the only way to grill corn? The whole thing with the grill bag baffles me. What's wrong with putting stuff directly on the grill? Sounds as silly as crockpot liners
We order TerraCycle boxes for my store. I am commited to being as Low-Waste of a store as possible and have been since I took it over. We cycle through the boxes in order to make people aware of the types that TerraCycle has available, and do they know they are also available to anyone to order for their home. We currently have an Oral Care waste box. We sell low-waset/Zero-waste oral care options, and so if someone is dropping off an item into the TerraCycle Box they get 15% off the purchase of any Zero-Waste Oral Care item (1 per item they bring in).
Please please please get into how fucked up lawns are, I’d love to hear your take on it! Because I completely agree. Also, what do you think of moss lawns?
The only place moss grows on my property is where it’s damp and cool/shaded. It’s soft underfoot and requires a lot less maintenance but I doubt it would be practical for a lot of climates or properties.
I don't have much time to use for eco friendly research, so I really appreciate your channel. I don't have excess time or energy, but I do care, and you make everything so digestible ❤️
I live in an apartment and i compost like this: two big plastic paint buckets (that used to carry 20 liters of paint) stacked. The one on the top has lots of holes for airetion. The bucket on the bottom catches the fluids of the vermicompost. 100% free and you are reusing old buckets of paint that would otherwise be thrown to the landfill
@@turtlescanfly7 A V and Epic gardening are two that helped me out alot in getting started. Use Jim's worms online to order your worms, they come in a bag (none of them escaped) and if a certain percentage of worms die they'll send you more for free. happy vermicomposting 😄
I refer back to this series SO much. Every time something dies and I need to replace it, I'm like, didn't Shelbi recommend something more sustainable than this? xD Thank you for all the links!
I use my blender to mix up my food scraps that I can't eat and mix them and coffee grounds into the soil in my flower beds or big garden containers. It works great!
These are actually such good swaps that REALLY no one talks about! I’ve watched other videos titled the same thing and they’re literally swaps that I’ve already seen everywhere but these are actually so good and ones that I haven’t rly heard of before!
The contact recycling is such a good tip! I wore contacts for years and hated the waste. I was lucky enough to be able to finance Lasik surgery. ( I know this isn’t accessible to everyone, but for those who can afford it I always encourage them to discuss if they’re eligible for the procedure with an eye doctor.) It’s life changing in many ways!
DO NOT GET LASIK SURGERY!!!!!!! It's super risky, for many people their eyes get worse and need "touch up" (so it's not permanent) and the even the person who FDA approved it regrets approving it. EDIT: yes some people might not have had issues but the risks are so great I'd highly recommend doing lots of research first
@@alexandra1415 ah glad you left your comment, lasik downsides are rarely are talked about. I was considering shelling out for it, until I read about several su!c!des that happened after lasik resulted in constant stabbing eye pain that never went away. That being said, it’s not a huge statistic of people, but it’s worthy to remind people: research research!
I work at a zero waste store and when I first started I was amazed at all the stuff we had I never thought of! Like sunscreen in metal tins instead of plastic bottles
As someone who's super new to greener living, you've really opened up my eyes to the possibilities. I didn't even think of half of these things. This is gonna be SO much easier than I thought! Thank you
Women who use cast iron regularly are less likely to need iron supplements to replace iron lost in menstruation. So, yes, the iron leaches into your food, but that's not necessarily a bad thing, And I love my grandma's skillets...they're so easy to clean and absolutely impervious. Just don't soak them in water.
Rechargeable batteries: If the item uses C or D cells, there are spacer inserts that will allow you to use AA or AAA batteries in those devices. There are two types of inserts: single battery spacers and multi-battery spacers. If you go for the multi-battery spacers, make sure that they are wired in parallel, not series so that you don't increase the voltage. Also, most rechargeable AA and AAA batteries are nickel metal hydride. This chemistry has a voltage of about 1.2 volts. Regular alkaline batteries are 1.5 volts. Unfortunately, that difference in voltage can cause problems for some motors. If you have noticed problems with a motorized item and NiMH batteries, it may not be a good candidate for standard rechargeables.
I've loved this series because it shows how sustainability really is not a black and white, single solution but actually many-faceted and highly dependent on the circumstances! Thank you so much for all the effort you've put into it, Shelby, and for continuing to shed light on how complex sustainability is!
Totally agree with composting inside, or in general! When I moved to SA, I hadn’t met anyone who composted & when I discussed it, I was clearly judged. So many people would ask about smell or get grossed out. I wish more people did it in south TX
Thank you for this series! I’m only a teenager, but your videos give me the motivation (and tips) for becoming more sustainable throughout my day-to-day life & being able to minimize purchases. Also, Howdy from Texas! 🌟I love following other Folks from Texas!!
This is such a great list you compiled. I just learned that gum had plastic in it and was mind blown. I shared this information and BOOM! Same reaction! I think the more education we gain, the better we want to be so thank you for sharing!
I quit chewing gum completely years ago when I learned they were plastic! Ugh! It's a nasty habit anyway and I was a loud, slurpy chewer. It's more polite to chew a dissolving mint to freshen your breath!
I love this channel and try to model my lifestyle with these ideas. Things I need to look into: electric lighter, aluminum foil alternative, reusable air filter for the car, trash bags, biodegradable vibrator. I've already made several swaps listed as they've become necessary.
I like my pots to be steel. They are the least troublesome out there (good for ovens, fridge, dishwasher...). On the other side I use cast iron pan, which seems to be the most troublesome option, and I LOVE IT!
My dad recently got a flo by moen I think it has an app that tracks water usage, if it suspects a water leak it’ll turn off automatically etc got my dad’s home owner insurance lowered by 800 bucks
Commenting mostly for algorithm because I just love everything you are doing - just having feels about your content right now, lol. Thanks for putting this list together!
Hey! How about swapping getting sand & rocks from a wholesaler. I had to get a ton of sand and pea gravel for my chicken coop. Not only did I save the individual bags, but it was soooo much cheaper. I just took buckets and pots and they filled them and loaded into my SUV.
We tried a push mower but our zoysia grass was too thick. My husband literally could not push it. Instead we opted for a battery system where we have two batteries and they fit into all our lawn tools. I don't think it's the MOST sustainable option but it's better than the conventional gas ones. It's an option if you're in the market for something like that.
I think zero waste hair holders isn't talked about much. Compostable ponytail elastics, bobby pins that AREN'T coated in plastic with a plastic bead on the end, etc.
@Eve82 Yeah I bought a few after the comment since I was running low anyway. The thick anti-crease style is not my preference but it works and I feel good about it.
i personally use the reusable plastic spiral hair ties, i know they’re plastic but i’m never going to throw them away and you can get cute colours and designs too!
When i entered zerowaste lifestyle i never knew how much privileged people abroad are or just people in general to purchase these things that help for more sustainable lifestyle and i get stressed so much just because i couldn't buy them but i ended up realizing i should just do whatever i can as much to help low waste living
For pots and pans, if you use carbon steel pans and take good care of it, the pan can be bascially non stick and everytime you cook with oil it strengthens the non-stick layer
Yesss please talk about lawns!!! It's not talked about enough because people just don't think about a sustainable lawn since it's "natural"... But it's kinda messed up ngl
I got that cat hair roller a year ago and cannot tell you how much I love it. Edit: and strangely enough Sierra is the first person I have seen talk about waste from those sticky rollers.
Really excited about that apartment friendly compost option! Also, as someone who uses contacts lenses, I looked into their sustainability and while daily contacts may seem more wasteful, people who use these do not need to buy contact solution or cases, which actually can create more plastic waste in total. Obviously neither lenses nor glasses are ideal, but sadly I don't have perfect vision 🥲.
Shelbi, every time you post footage of your sodasteam, it fizzes over and you look panicked lol. You're supposed to carbonate the water *first*, and *then* pour in whatever flavor you want in it! Doing it the opposite way can actually gunk up the carbonation tube and make it work less efficiently! I see so many people make this mistake, so I wanted to let you know! ✌
If you like to carbonate already flavored things look into Drinkmate! It has a pressure valve that allows you to carbonate any liquid that’s a similar thickness to water.
I use AirThreds air filters because they can be washed in my washing machine- no hose down needed! It made the swap so much easier. Oh, and they’re not just for people with AC units. If you have forced air heating, you need the filters as well.
My husband is a lawn nerd and prefers manual lawn mowers for the health of your lawn. Rotary motors actually cuts the grass better without laying the blade down and actually does a scissors effect cut which is healthier for the grass. We have a multi species, pollinator friendly lawn and garden with flowers beds of our local natives.
I went paperless several years ago by getting an Apple Pencil and an iPad. People think i did it for the planet but tbh I’m visually impaired and it makes my whole life easier. Using less recourses is just an added bonus.
I am not hating on you, as you obviously have a very good reason to do as you do, but I just wanna mention that depending on your paper „consumption“ it is way more sustainable to just stick with that because tech is soooooo unsustainable.
@@vivigoesusa refurbished is a good option for tech. I go back and forth with which is the best option as less tree farms could result in more urban sprawl. It’s not always easy to decipher what’s best for the planet. Seems like the answer is always “well that depends,” amirite?
@@paigekrome1141 definitely, often you literally don’t know because you don’t have all the stats. I guess it counts that we are trying to do the right thing tho :)
For moms that want to be as sustainable as possible, Dekor brand (for diaper pails) sells reusable diaper bag refills & I have never had a problem with odor!
Woah! I hadn’t heard about a lot of these. The gum was particularly surprising. This is so awesome, thank you Shelby! I’ve learned so much from you on my sustainability adventure! 💕
When I had my first apartment 25 years ago I bought a stainless steel set of pots and pans and they still work. I didn't even know that non-sticky pots exist. Soda streams were very popular in Germany in the 90s. But my family doesn't need one. We just drink tab water. When I want to put oil on a baking sheet or pan I just take a spoon full of oil and distribute it with my fingers. When I was a child we never had trash bags. We put our trash without any kind of lining into the trashcan and when we took it out to the garbage can we just rinsed it in the bathtub afterwards. I hardly ever staple anything, I just use paperclips.
We just moved out of my mom’s into our place and my boyfriend got a beautiful set of stainless steel pots and pans from his grandmother, so I’m super happy to see they lasted so long for you!
Hi Shelby, I just wanted to let you know that the reusable air filter link is broken. I don't know if you get a commission if I click the link to view the product, but if so, I thought I should mention it :)
I have used a reusable nail file for at least 50 years, the same one. It's called a Diamond Deb (don't know if that brand even exists anymore). Still works perfectly. :)
I'm always doing an internet research when I have to buy something new or on a regular basis. A few days ago I found a reusable universal vacuum cleaner bag. History can be your friend also. What did your (grand)parents use for this or that is also great to ask yourself. My dad had a lawnmower like yours.
Aaah i am SO HAPPY to not only find an amazing Influencer from my SATX hometown, but someone so eco-conscious! I couldn't hit that subscribe button fast enough!
I was an optician and would just like to mention about the contacts, not everyone can wear the monthly contacts. Most people actually don’t like them because they do not work well with people who have allergies or eyes that get irritated easily. Another option (which a lot of people don’t like either) would be hard contacts. They’re good for about a year but there’s definitely a learning curve to putting them in and cleaning them! Something to just talk to your optometrist about 😊
Another way to reduce microplastics (and water and energy use) from doing laundry is to just wash things less often. This will also extend the life of your clothes, as will choosing to wash more gently than the tag says you should. The legal standard for durability of clothing sold in the US is only 24 hours of wear, or 2-3 wears. If you choose not to wash between wearing when it isn't very dirty, even for any fast fashion you may still have in your closet, that will extend the life of your clothes. Another tip is to NEVER put anything with spandex or elastane in the dryer, even if the tag on the clothing says you can, because heat destroys elastic and your shirts/undergarments/loungewear will stretch out over time. Clothes must be labeled with the roughest level of care they can receive and still meet the (frankly absurdly low) standards for durability. Just because you technically can put it in the dryer doesn't mean you should
On the lawn mower, I'm surprised that people _didn't_ know about it, when I was a kid we used one like that because our patch of grass was small equivalently didn't require much effort.
Just a note that air filters aren't just for AC, but for all duct systems, so furnaces make use of them too :) The reusable air filter swap is applicable to most people then--it's definitely something I'm going to look into for my house!
Found an electric lighter at mom's place, while helping her declutter. And since she never used it before, I grabbed it for myself, since I'm terrified of using matches. One of the best things created, honestly.
Thank you so much for doing this series Shelbi. We recently bought the Misto because of you (well 2 actually, one as a gift) and my husband, who is slow to jump on board anything earth-friendly unless it's easy, LOVES it. I have also been looking into garbage bags that are made of recycled plastic, as well as the washing machine filter. The work you do makes a difference!
Andrea, have you ever tried Bagito trash bags? They are made of some type of fabric so aren’t waterproof but they have worked for me. However, I have curbside compost bin so nothing wet goes into Bagito. I found them in Earthero and haven’t looked back.
@Andrea McGeown you’re welcome! I finally watched the whole video (I read comments first) and Shelbi does show Bagito. I haven’t thought about stuff getting out into the environment if it isn’t bagged so I guess that could be an issue with reusable trash bags.
I love this series, I do already use a ton of these swaps-but still have found swaps I am going to be making that I didn’t know about. Thanks for putting these all together!
i just love watching your videos because of just how much PASSION you have for everything sustainable like i could go on so many tangents I understand every time you say you could go on one. There is so much to say about it, you can't just keep it in!
I'm am fortunate that there where I live there is a local cafe that has several Terracycle bins for electronics/ batteries/dental hygiene/ body care products and stationery . I took my sister there to show her and she was so impressed she decided to spread the word by having here next book club meeting there.
oh my god thank you so much for sharing the reusable hair remover!! i was going crazy trying to find an alternative just last week. so thank you for telling us about it 😭💞
My very first foster kitty came without any litter and I didn't have any on hand. I used a shredder to go through the backlog of non-glossy mail I'd been neglecting and the kitty loved it. She played in it for about an hour, then went pee. It's surprisingly absorbent, doesn't smell as much as you think it would (especially if you put baking soda in the bottom of the box), and can technically be composted. Now I keep a stack of non-glossy paper around just to use in the litter box in place of mined cat litter and the cats don't even care.
I feel like one of the worst parts of moving into sustainable options, is waiting to use up your non-sustainable ones first because some of them take so long to get through OR finding the perfect swap but then it doesn't ship to where you live (like dropps doesn't ship to Canada :( )
I didn't know the compostable bags don't break down in the landfield. I thought that was the more eco-friendly option to regular plastic bags... Thank you Shelby for the heads up
Well if they're sent to an incinerator the emissions would be much better than plastic bags! So good to swap them out. But yes compost needs specific conditions and temperatures to occur.
Yes, *nothing* actually composts in the landfill. Still a better alternative than plastic because then it doesn't create a demand for plastic / fund them. But yeah even apples and coffee grounds and anything , if put in the landfill will never actually compost.
Another great video, thanks Shelbi! One thing I’d love to hear about (inspired by your comment on best to go to landfill) is how to beat dispose of non eco-friendly items once you’re done with them and ready to move on. I.e. construction materials, lightbulbs, old batteries, broken/torn/otherwise non-donate-able furniture/clothes/fabric etc. I know you did something similar once, and it was super helpful, but it left me with a lot of questions!
Thank you thank you thank you for mentioning the care of packaging is compostable! I hadn’t checked them out because I saw the individual packaging as wasteful! And I needed the trash bag option too!
Sadly I have to use the daily contacts, I had so many eye problems in the past when I tried used the monthly or weekly contacts that my eyes just won’t do it. It really sucks but I do have a contact recycling place close.
I never saw a disposable AC filter before I start following your channel that really blowed my mind! All the ACs I ever encountered come with washable reusable filters that’s the standard where I live
I worked in food service and at grocery stores in college. If you want bulk ice I would strongly recommend talking to the store manager at your local grocery stores or the manager at a fast food restaurant you go to. The ice machines are typically in the back stock room and for a couple dollars and a little patience most of them will have your cooler or bag filled. Side note, don't try to do this when its busy at the store/restaurant because the managers won't be happy with you. It can take up to 15 minutes to fill the items you bring depending on size and its just not practical for them to send someone to do it.
Love that you put everything together in one video - thanks so much for sharing! I've been at a zero waste lifestyle for years now and knew about some of these but not others. Excited to try some new things. Thank you!
I just recently discovered your channel and I have to say that I am so impressed and happy about how much effort you put into being as zero-waste and sustainable as possible. Your zero-waste routine is a goal for me and I appreciate it so much, on behalf of the planet (haha) that you try your best so much to help the planet. The world needs more people like you. I absolutely love your videos and tips. So thank you for doing this and keep on going!
I love my reel mower! I got the Fiskars brand one, and I’ve been very happy with it for the last couple years (when we bought our house). Just a PSA for anyone looking to get one: you HAVE to get a high quality one or it will be a huge pain in the ass lol. Don’t just get someone’s rusty old manual mower for $10 on Facebook marketplace lol. But get a good one and you never have to buy gas for your mower again!
My mom had one of those reusable oil spray bottles years ago, but she said the nozzle would always clogged and after replacing it once of twice stopped using it... how long have you had yours and have you had any issues with it??
Ive had one for 2 years and sometimes it does get clogged but you just wash it out with soap and hot water and it hasnt been an issue, youre supposed to wash it anyway to keep it sanitary
Same here. My mom went trough 2 of them. They give out and won’t pressurize after a year. Not sure if it was because it wasn’t “misto” brand or what. We either use a silicone brush to brush on oil or use parchment paper that later goes into green cart.
I have one of those pet fur removers, it is made of plastic but its infinity better than the disposable option and all the fur you collect can go onto your compost pile
My mom got a manuel lawnmower recently! I like it, it's way easier to use. Downside is that things such as twigs get caught in it easily, so the lawn has to be raked/picked over first, but other than that it's convenient.
Apartment composting also can be done with worms. You just need two buckest to make your composting bin out of and it is efficent, odorless and easy to maintain.
another sustainable eyewear option is ortho k lenses! they're thicker night contacts that you replace once a year that are actually better for your eyes than regular dailies
I didn’t know about separate reusable nail files but they literally put one on nail clippers so I’ve used those since even before I ever used any of the disposables and I’ve only recently realized I can just use those!
One swap that I like because it’s so easy is to always opt for a cone instead of a cup with a spoon when I am getting ice cream.
That is not a swap, it‘s just the better option 😂
I don't even understand why would anyone want a plastic cup in the first place - that's so weird! 😅
I wish I could :( . But I’m allergic to gluten. I hope that eventually ice cream trucks let you bring your own cup. Especially because the cones probably came in plastic anyway
@@mariabezymyannaya4219 Celiac disease, allergies etc. Some cones just taste like cardboard. For kids a cup is also a less messy alternative. I'd much rather choose the cone but not everyone wants / can.
@@fibromiteready2fight809 oh no :( Yeah, I forgot some people can be allergic :( For sure bringing your own cup can be a better solution!
Video ideas: how to start a garden for complete newbies and eco-friendly alternatives for lawns (I hate lawns too lol).
I also hate the idea of watering a lawn and treating it with chemicals just to keep aesthetics.
Epic Gardening is a pretty good channel to learn about gardening! There's also a public discord associated with the youtube channel as well
@@jessicarodman7629 Yep. I don't treat or water mine. I do mow it (well, my husband does) so that it's not a complete jungle, but I see absolutely no point in watering or fertilizing it. I also don't seed it. I just let whatever grows there grow there, albeit at short heights. I think it looks fine.
I think we should switch to moss lawns! There's also grass species that only grow to a certain height and don't need to be mowed. Orrrrr we could also normalize having natural yards, planting only local species and letting whatever happens, happen (within reason, lol!)
@@laneatkinson6441 I did that in my back yard and prairie grass and weeds are the only things back there. I have to cut around the gas meter, it gets so tall.
This is basically the type of video a sensible adult craves when they're trying to be more sustainable. Was really tired of all the generic cutlery and stainless steel straw videos. So thank you ❤️ ❤️
Glass nail files are better for your nails than the 'normal' ones
They’re also WAY better for your nails too. Your nails are made up of fibers in an X woven pattern, and when you use emory boards to file your nails and file your nails back and forth makes your nails fragile and weak over time, you’ll also notice your nails will fray on the ends. Glass nail files totally prevent that from happening and basically last forever if you take good care of them!
@@vsb000 you're supposed to file your nails in one direction, regardless of the file
I just use the metal ones attached to the nail clippers
I like to use diamond metal files for "cutting" my nails quickly without the nail damage clippers do, then finish by filing with glass nail files.
@@BankruptMonkey ooooh where can I get those? Also idk nail clippers damaged nails😧 danggit I just bought a toe nail clipper😔
My mom will line her trash can with a normal bag, but then place a paper grocery bag inside. Then she throws out the paper bag regularly and only tosses the plastic one when needed every few weeks.
Ooh good idea!
That's an amazing idea!
Unfortunately Not everyone’s trash service or dump will accept that so be careful! My parents can’t even use a black bag it has to be in a clear bag.
@@BLiNGyourALARMclock I was wondering why such a rule about clear bags would be in place, like why would anyone want to see the trash? Then I remembered it’s not that uncommon for people to dump bodies/parts in the trash 🤭😬💀
@@Emiliapocalypse I get it for the recycling bags as it's always kind of clean and it makes it easier to not throw our stuff in the wrong trash can, but regular garbage? I imagine how gross it would be if you have to leave the bags directly on the sidewalk like where I live!
Please do a video on "its best to send it to the landfill"
And on how we get rid of items like glitter and small microplastic items
Loved this video
Oh i love this idea!! Sometimes we end up with stuff that we just DONT know what to do with and just hoard it for all eternity. 😂
Grilled corn swap: buy the corn with the husk on it. Soak in water for about 10-20 minutes with the husk on. Put on grill and cook with husk on. Husk can be composted.
I personally much prefer cooking it in the husk. I also find it easier to remove the husk after its been cooked.
Right? Like isn't that the only way to grill corn? The whole thing with the grill bag baffles me. What's wrong with putting stuff directly on the grill? Sounds as silly as crockpot liners
This is what I was thinking. I would maybe use the bag for potatoes but corn comes pre bagged, there's no need.
In Germany and also Switzerland we mostly put the corn just as it is (without husk) on the grill. Never thought of wrapping it before. 😅
Mexican families have entered the chat
We order TerraCycle boxes for my store. I am commited to being as Low-Waste of a store as possible and have been since I took it over. We cycle through the boxes in order to make people aware of the types that TerraCycle has available, and do they know they are also available to anyone to order for their home. We currently have an Oral Care waste box. We sell low-waset/Zero-waste oral care options, and so if someone is dropping off an item into the TerraCycle Box they get 15% off the purchase of any Zero-Waste Oral Care item (1 per item they bring in).
That’s awesome! What’s your store name and where are you located??
This is so cool!! What’s the name of your store 👀?
awesome!! what is your store name?
@@ellaronci2703 Modern Thymes
I’m blown away about the amount of things/alternatives I have learned from this series! 🙂
Shelby is so amazing. So well-read. I love watching her videos because I can honestly say I always learn something new.
Same here! learned a lot!
Please please please get into how fucked up lawns are, I’d love to hear your take on it! Because I completely agree. Also, what do you think of moss lawns?
The only place moss grows on my property is where it’s damp and cool/shaded. It’s soft underfoot and requires a lot less maintenance but I doubt it would be practical for a lot of climates or properties.
Goodness lawns make me so angry 😠
@@sheila3936 there are plenty of other alternatives still.
I’d be interested too. Also, your thoughts on golf courses.
Given that she's in Texas, I'd love to see some xeriscaping tips/recommendations.
I don't have much time to use for eco friendly research, so I really appreciate your channel.
I don't have excess time or energy, but I do care, and you make everything so digestible ❤️
Agreed!!
I live in an apartment and i compost like this: two big plastic paint buckets (that used to carry 20 liters of paint) stacked. The one on the top has lots of holes for airetion. The bucket on the bottom catches the fluids of the vermicompost. 100% free and you are reusing old buckets of paint that would otherwise be thrown to the landfill
Are there any UA-cam videos you know of about this process? I would love to try this
@@turtlescanfly7 A V and Epic gardening are two that helped me out alot in getting started.
Use Jim's worms online to order your worms, they come in a bag (none of them escaped) and if a certain percentage of worms die they'll send you more for free. happy vermicomposting 😄
And I always see buckets discarded on the side of the road. Great tip!
I refer back to this series SO much. Every time something dies and I need to replace it, I'm like, didn't Shelbi recommend something more sustainable than this? xD Thank you for all the links!
I use my blender to mix up my food scraps that I can't eat and mix them and coffee grounds into the soil in my flower beds or big garden containers. It works great!
These are actually such good swaps that REALLY no one talks about! I’ve watched other videos titled the same thing and they’re literally swaps that I’ve already seen everywhere but these are actually so good and ones that I haven’t rly heard of before!
The contact recycling is such a good tip! I wore contacts for years and hated the waste. I was lucky enough to be able to finance Lasik surgery. ( I know this isn’t accessible to everyone, but for those who can afford it I always encourage them to discuss if they’re eligible for the procedure with an eye doctor.) It’s life changing in many ways!
DO NOT GET LASIK SURGERY!!!!!!! It's super risky, for many people their eyes get worse and need "touch up" (so it's not permanent) and the even the person who FDA approved it regrets approving it.
EDIT: yes some people might not have had issues but the risks are so great I'd highly recommend doing lots of research first
@@alexandra1415 ah glad you left your comment, lasik downsides are rarely are talked about. I was considering shelling out for it, until I read about several
su!c!des that happened after lasik resulted in constant stabbing eye pain that never went away. That being said, it’s not a huge statistic of people, but it’s worthy to remind people: research research!
@@alexandra1415whattttttt
I work at a zero waste store and when I first started I was amazed at all the stuff we had I never thought of! Like sunscreen in metal tins instead of plastic bottles
As someone who's super new to greener living, you've really opened up my eyes to the possibilities. I didn't even think of half of these things. This is gonna be SO much easier than I thought! Thank you
Women who use cast iron regularly are less likely to need iron supplements to replace iron lost in menstruation. So, yes, the iron leaches into your food, but that's not necessarily a bad thing, And I love my grandma's skillets...they're so easy to clean and absolutely impervious. Just don't soak them in water.
My cooking has gotten better now that I opt for my cast iron first.
And they also last soo much longer then non stick pans
Rechargeable batteries: If the item uses C or D cells, there are spacer inserts that will allow you to use AA or AAA batteries in those devices. There are two types of inserts: single battery spacers and multi-battery spacers. If you go for the multi-battery spacers, make sure that they are wired in parallel, not series so that you don't increase the voltage.
Also, most rechargeable AA and AAA batteries are nickel metal hydride. This chemistry has a voltage of about 1.2 volts. Regular alkaline batteries are 1.5 volts. Unfortunately, that difference in voltage can cause problems for some motors. If you have noticed problems with a motorized item and NiMH batteries, it may not be a good candidate for standard rechargeables.
a sustainable vibrator is right up my alley, literally made my day lol
There are also non-powered toys made of stainless steel, glass, and even coated wood. Some of them are like gorgeous art pieces!
I've loved this series because it shows how sustainability really is not a black and white, single solution but actually many-faceted and highly dependent on the circumstances! Thank you so much for all the effort you've put into it, Shelby, and for continuing to shed light on how complex sustainability is!
Totally agree with composting inside, or in general! When I moved to SA, I hadn’t met anyone who composted & when I discussed it, I was clearly judged. So many people would ask about smell or get grossed out. I wish more people did it in south TX
Thank you for this series! I’m only a teenager, but your videos give me the motivation (and tips) for becoming more sustainable throughout my day-to-day life & being able to minimize purchases. Also, Howdy from Texas! 🌟I love following other Folks from Texas!!
also, a teen that loves her vids
@@jaelavelazquez6627 hey! Me too!
my Primary school had a terracycle box which was fantastic because of the sheer amount of school supplies that we went through
This is such a great list you compiled. I just learned that gum had plastic in it and was mind blown. I shared this information and BOOM! Same reaction!
I think the more education we gain, the better we want to be so thank you for sharing!
I quit chewing gum completely years ago when I learned they were plastic! Ugh! It's a nasty habit anyway and I was a loud, slurpy chewer. It's more polite to chew a dissolving mint to freshen your breath!
I love this channel and try to model my lifestyle with these ideas. Things I need to look into: electric lighter, aluminum foil alternative, reusable air filter for the car, trash bags, biodegradable vibrator. I've already made several swaps listed as they've become necessary.
I like my pots to be steel. They are the least troublesome out there (good for ovens, fridge, dishwasher...). On the other side I use cast iron pan, which seems to be the most troublesome option, and I LOVE IT!
Looking into the Grill Bags I saw that it is made out of PTFE fabric, which is the Teflon material you had mentioned in non-stick pots and pans.
My dad recently got a flo by moen I think it has an app that tracks water usage, if it suspects a water leak it’ll turn off automatically etc got my dad’s home owner insurance lowered by 800 bucks
This needs more attention. It’s good for the environment, saves money and could literally prevent crazy damage to your house
Commenting mostly for algorithm because I just love everything you are doing - just having feels about your content right now, lol. Thanks for putting this list together!
Hey! How about swapping getting sand & rocks from a wholesaler. I had to get a ton of sand and pea gravel for my chicken coop. Not only did I save the individual bags, but it was soooo much cheaper. I just took buckets and pots and they filled them and loaded into my SUV.
Much too
We tried a push mower but our zoysia grass was too thick. My husband literally could not push it. Instead we opted for a battery system where we have two batteries and they fit into all our lawn tools. I don't think it's the MOST sustainable option but it's better than the conventional gas ones. It's an option if you're in the market for something like that.
I think zero waste hair holders isn't talked about much. Compostable ponytail elastics, bobby pins that AREN'T coated in plastic with a plastic bead on the end, etc.
@Eve82 Yeah I bought a few after the comment since I was running low anyway. The thick anti-crease style is not my preference but it works and I feel good about it.
i personally use the reusable plastic spiral hair ties, i know they’re plastic but i’m never going to throw them away and you can get cute colours and designs too!
When i entered zerowaste lifestyle i never knew how much privileged people abroad are or just people in general to purchase these things that help for more sustainable lifestyle and i get stressed so much just because i couldn't buy them but i ended up realizing i should just do whatever i can as much to help low waste living
Privileged people generally consume more too, so they have more to reduce. Your consuming habits are probably fine, just do what makes sense for you!
That's just what I was thinking! I just hope that those products are going to be more widely available
For pots and pans, if you use carbon steel pans and take good care of it, the pan can be bascially non stick and everytime you cook with oil it strengthens the non-stick layer
Yesss please talk about lawns!!! It's not talked about enough because people just don't think about a sustainable lawn since it's "natural"... But it's kinda messed up ngl
We just don’t water our lawn
I got that cat hair roller a year ago and cannot tell you how much I love it.
Edit: and strangely enough Sierra is the first person I have seen talk about waste from those sticky rollers.
you can grill corn in the husk and it comes out great! no need for foil or grill bags
Really excited about that apartment friendly compost option! Also, as someone who uses contacts lenses, I looked into their sustainability and while daily contacts may seem more wasteful, people who use these do not need to buy contact solution or cases, which actually can create more plastic waste in total. Obviously neither lenses nor glasses are ideal, but sadly I don't have perfect vision 🥲.
I'd love a video of you talking more about your new microfiber laundry filter :)
I think she discusses the old one in her laundry routine video, but I agree I want to hear more about this new one
I also want to see more about the new one. I use the bags but they aren't big enough for bedding items.
Shelbi, every time you post footage of your sodasteam, it fizzes over and you look panicked lol. You're supposed to carbonate the water *first*, and *then* pour in whatever flavor you want in it! Doing it the opposite way can actually gunk up the carbonation tube and make it work less efficiently! I see so many people make this mistake, so I wanted to let you know! ✌
If you like to carbonate already flavored things look into Drinkmate! It has a pressure valve that allows you to carbonate any liquid that’s a similar thickness to water.
🤣🤣 i was looking through the comments glad i wasnt the only one who saw that little panic with the carbonated drinks.
shelbi finishing a series instead of starting a new one?? unheard of lol
I use AirThreds air filters because they can be washed in my washing machine- no hose down needed! It made the swap so much easier. Oh, and they’re not just for people with AC units. If you have forced air heating, you need the filters as well.
So many good ideas in the video and in the comments! Haven’t heard of this kind of flitter. Thanks for sharing!
My husband is a lawn nerd and prefers manual lawn mowers for the health of your lawn. Rotary motors actually cuts the grass better without laying the blade down and actually does a scissors effect cut which is healthier for the grass. We have a multi species, pollinator friendly lawn and garden with flowers beds of our local natives.
Please don't make this the last episode. I love these videos!
Unfortunately, there are only so many swaps no one talks about 🤷♀️
I went paperless several years ago by getting an Apple Pencil and an iPad. People think i did it for the planet but tbh I’m visually impaired and it makes my whole life easier. Using less recourses is just an added bonus.
I am not hating on you, as you obviously have a very good reason to do as you do, but I just wanna mention that depending on your paper „consumption“ it is way more sustainable to just stick with that because tech is soooooo unsustainable.
@@vivigoesusa refurbished is a good option for tech. I go back and forth with which is the best option as less tree farms could result in more urban sprawl. It’s not always easy to decipher what’s best for the planet. Seems like the answer is always “well that depends,” amirite?
@@paigekrome1141 definitely, often you literally don’t know because you don’t have all the stats. I guess it counts that we are trying to do the right thing tho :)
@@paigekrome1141 Oh yes urbanisation sucks. Countryside jobs matter. I hope we can make them more sustainable in the future.
For moms that want to be as sustainable as possible, Dekor brand (for diaper pails) sells reusable diaper bag refills & I have never had a problem with odor!
Woah! I hadn’t heard about a lot of these. The gum was particularly surprising. This is so awesome, thank you Shelby! I’ve learned so much from you on my sustainability adventure! 💕
When I had my first apartment 25 years ago I bought a stainless steel set of pots and pans and they still work. I didn't even know that non-sticky pots exist.
Soda streams were very popular in Germany in the 90s. But my family doesn't need one. We just drink tab water.
When I want to put oil on a baking sheet or pan I just take a spoon full of oil and distribute it with my fingers.
When I was a child we never had trash bags. We put our trash without any kind of lining into the trashcan and when we took it out to the garbage can we just rinsed it in the bathtub afterwards.
I hardly ever staple anything, I just use paperclips.
We just moved out of my mom’s into our place and my boyfriend got a beautiful set of stainless steel pots and pans from his grandmother, so I’m super happy to see they lasted so long for you!
Hi Shelby, I just wanted to let you know that the reusable air filter link is broken. I don't know if you get a commission if I click the link to view the product, but if so, I thought I should mention it :)
a bunch of the links seem to be
I have used a reusable nail file for at least 50 years, the same one. It's called a Diamond Deb (don't know if that brand even exists anymore). Still works perfectly. :)
I just use the one on the nail clippers.
@@lisbethdc That one is way too small for me, but good for you for using something for more than one purpose. ♥
I'm always doing an internet research when I have to buy something new or on a regular basis. A few days ago I found a reusable universal vacuum cleaner bag. History can be your friend also. What did your (grand)parents use for this or that is also great to ask yourself. My dad had a lawnmower like yours.
Aaah i am SO HAPPY to not only find an amazing Influencer from my SATX hometown, but someone so eco-conscious! I couldn't hit that subscribe button fast enough!
I was an optician and would just like to mention about the contacts, not everyone can wear the monthly contacts. Most people actually don’t like them because they do not work well with people who have allergies or eyes that get irritated easily. Another option (which a lot of people don’t like either) would be hard contacts. They’re good for about a year but there’s definitely a learning curve to putting them in and cleaning them! Something to just talk to your optometrist about 😊
Another way to reduce microplastics (and water and energy use) from doing laundry is to just wash things less often. This will also extend the life of your clothes, as will choosing to wash more gently than the tag says you should. The legal standard for durability of clothing sold in the US is only 24 hours of wear, or 2-3 wears. If you choose not to wash between wearing when it isn't very dirty, even for any fast fashion you may still have in your closet, that will extend the life of your clothes. Another tip is to NEVER put anything with spandex or elastane in the dryer, even if the tag on the clothing says you can, because heat destroys elastic and your shirts/undergarments/loungewear will stretch out over time. Clothes must be labeled with the roughest level of care they can receive and still meet the (frankly absurdly low) standards for durability. Just because you technically can put it in the dryer doesn't mean you should
I love Hallease! Her videos are so interesting, beautiful, and calming, even when they're about non-calm topics.
Soooo nice to hear someone speaking passionately about sustainability. These are AMAZING tips. I am ALWAYS looking for these types of tips.
On the lawn mower, I'm surprised that people _didn't_ know about it, when I was a kid we used one like that because our patch of grass was small equivalently didn't require much effort.
This is such a good list. I appreciate the diverse items you mention.
Just a note that air filters aren't just for AC, but for all duct systems, so furnaces make use of them too :) The reusable air filter swap is applicable to most people then--it's definitely something I'm going to look into for my house!
Found an electric lighter at mom's place, while helping her declutter. And since she never used it before, I grabbed it for myself, since I'm terrified of using matches. One of the best things created, honestly.
I recently got one of those, too; it's a great idea, but I do find it's a little harder to light incense with. Works well with candles, though.
Thank you so much for doing this series Shelbi. We recently bought the Misto because of you (well 2 actually, one as a gift) and my husband, who is slow to jump on board anything earth-friendly unless it's easy, LOVES it. I have also been looking into garbage bags that are made of recycled plastic, as well as the washing machine filter.
The work you do makes a difference!
Andrea, have you ever tried Bagito trash bags? They are made of some type of fabric so aren’t waterproof but they have worked for me. However, I have curbside compost bin so nothing wet goes into Bagito. I found them in Earthero and haven’t looked back.
@@saskia.... I will take a look thank you!
@Andrea McGeown you’re welcome! I finally watched the whole video (I read comments first) and Shelbi does show Bagito. I haven’t thought about stuff getting out into the environment if it isn’t bagged so I guess that could be an issue with reusable trash bags.
I love my chomchom reusable Lunt roller! I work at a vet and it's great for pet hair!
I love this series, I do already use a ton of these swaps-but still have found swaps I am going to be making that I didn’t know about. Thanks for putting these all together!
i just love watching your videos because of just how much PASSION you have for everything sustainable like i could go on so many tangents I understand every time you say you could go on one. There is so much to say about it, you can't just keep it in!
I'm am fortunate that there where I live there is a local cafe that has several Terracycle bins for electronics/ batteries/dental hygiene/ body care products and stationery . I took my sister there to show her and she was so impressed she decided to spread the word by having here next book club meeting there.
oh my god thank you so much for sharing the reusable hair remover!! i was going crazy trying to find an alternative just last week. so thank you for telling us about it 😭💞
My very first foster kitty came without any litter and I didn't have any on hand. I used a shredder to go through the backlog of non-glossy mail I'd been neglecting and the kitty loved it. She played in it for about an hour, then went pee. It's surprisingly absorbent, doesn't smell as much as you think it would (especially if you put baking soda in the bottom of the box), and can technically be composted. Now I keep a stack of non-glossy paper around just to use in the litter box in place of mined cat litter and the cats don't even care.
My sister bought the lighter a year or two ago, and I'd never been more impressed by and proud of her
I feel like one of the worst parts of moving into sustainable options, is waiting to use up your non-sustainable ones first because some of them take so long to get through OR finding the perfect swap but then it doesn't ship to where you live (like dropps doesn't ship to Canada :( )
Try earth breeze strips?
I just ordered a pela phone case yesterday and I’m so excited for it!
I’ve had a reusable lint roller for about a year now and I love it!
I dont have words for how EPIC this list is!!! Fabulous work as always! Thank you Shelby!
I didn't know the compostable bags don't break down in the landfield. I thought that was the more eco-friendly option to regular plastic bags... Thank you Shelby for the heads up
Well if they're sent to an incinerator the emissions would be much better than plastic bags! So good to swap them out.
But yes compost needs specific conditions and temperatures to occur.
Yes, *nothing* actually composts in the landfill. Still a better alternative than plastic because then it doesn't create a demand for plastic / fund them. But yeah even apples and coffee grounds and anything , if put in the landfill will never actually compost.
Another great video, thanks Shelbi!
One thing I’d love to hear about (inspired by your comment on best to go to landfill) is how to beat dispose of non eco-friendly items once you’re done with them and ready to move on. I.e. construction materials, lightbulbs, old batteries, broken/torn/otherwise non-donate-able furniture/clothes/fabric etc.
I know you did something similar once, and it was super helpful, but it left me with a lot of questions!
Never knew about the pencil-based highlighters but my goodness it’s so obvious!! Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
Thank you thank you thank you for mentioning the care of packaging is compostable! I hadn’t checked them out because I saw the individual packaging as wasteful! And I needed the trash bag option too!
Sadly I have to use the daily contacts, I had so many eye problems in the past when I tried used the monthly or weekly contacts that my eyes just won’t do it. It really sucks but I do have a contact recycling place close.
I never saw a disposable AC filter before I start following your channel that really blowed my mind! All the ACs I ever encountered come with washable reusable filters that’s the standard where I live
reusable coffee filters are my favorite. I don't ever have to worry about running out!
I love shelbi’s videos, and are very informative, BUT THIS VIDEO, iS THE BEST, the most informative one so far keep em coming shelbi!!
I am composting in a small apartment. It doesnt smell and its working great. Its not big but is cheap and works just like any other compost.
I worked in food service and at grocery stores in college. If you want bulk ice I would strongly recommend talking to the store manager at your local grocery stores or the manager at a fast food restaurant you go to. The ice machines are typically in the back stock room and for a couple dollars and a little patience most of them will have your cooler or bag filled. Side note, don't try to do this when its busy at the store/restaurant because the managers won't be happy with you. It can take up to 15 minutes to fill the items you bring depending on size and its just not practical for them to send someone to do it.
Love that you put everything together in one video - thanks so much for sharing! I've been at a zero waste lifestyle for years now and knew about some of these but not others. Excited to try some new things. Thank you!
I just recently discovered your channel and I have to say that I am so impressed and happy about how much effort you put into being as zero-waste and sustainable as possible. Your zero-waste routine is a goal for me and I appreciate it so much, on behalf of the planet (haha) that you try your best so much to help the planet. The world needs more people like you. I absolutely love your videos and tips. So thank you for doing this and keep on going!
I love my reel mower! I got the Fiskars brand one, and I’ve been very happy with it for the last couple years (when we bought our house). Just a PSA for anyone looking to get one: you HAVE to get a high quality one or it will be a huge pain in the ass lol. Don’t just get someone’s rusty old manual mower for $10 on Facebook marketplace lol. But get a good one and you never have to buy gas for your mower again!
My mom had one of those reusable oil spray bottles years ago, but she said the nozzle would always clogged and after replacing it once of twice stopped using it... how long have you had yours and have you had any issues with it??
Ive had one for 2 years and sometimes it does get clogged but you just wash it out with soap and hot water and it hasnt been an issue, youre supposed to wash it anyway to keep it sanitary
Same here. My mom went trough 2 of them.
They give out and won’t pressurize after a year. Not sure if it was because it wasn’t “misto” brand or what. We either use a silicone brush to brush on oil or use parchment paper that later goes into green cart.
Same, I had one and I tried everything.... hot water etc and I couldn’t revive it. I felt so bad to throw it away!
I have one of those pet fur removers, it is made of plastic but its infinity better than the disposable option and all the fur you collect can go onto your compost pile
I'm new here and I'm already a huge fan! Thank you for sharing your message!!!
The blonder shade of your hair is so stunning! WoW ❤️
My mom got a manuel lawnmower recently! I like it, it's way easier to use. Downside is that things such as twigs get caught in it easily, so the lawn has to be raked/picked over first, but other than that it's convenient.
Love your videos I've been watching you for years
Apartment composting also can be done with worms. You just need two buckest to make your composting bin out of and it is efficent, odorless and easy to maintain.
I wanted to write that I really appreciate your videos and the invaluable information you share with us!
another sustainable eyewear option is ortho k lenses! they're thicker night contacts that you replace once a year that are actually better for your eyes than regular dailies
I didn’t know about separate reusable nail files but they literally put one on nail clippers so I’ve used those since even before I ever used any of the disposables and I’ve only recently realized I can just use those!
I've just found your channel and I'm amazed by all of these options, I had no idea 😭😭 I really appreciate what you do!!
Where can I find the reusable car filter you use? That sounds so amazing! I would love to put some in my hybrid.
I hate lawns. I know the history, and it's also just annoying how some places here in Texas it's illegal to have a vegetable garden in your front lawn
Is it illegal or is it an HOA violation?
@@kathrynmercier4874 I believe it's actually illegal in some areas, although It may just be that. HOA is a pain no matter where you go though 😂