I'm so glad I asked my husband for a UA-cam Premium subscription for Christmas instead of any material things since I watch UA-cam so much and got so tired of the ads!
Could you talk about the mindset of “well the item has already been produced and the major environmental damage is done, so might as well buy it/consume it so all of those damaging efforts don’t go to waste”
@@jelisawiltse4198 "You're right, the damage is already done for this item, but buying it tells companies to make more, causing future harm. What you buy today, they’ll produce more of tomorrow. To reduce future damage, the best thing we can do is buy less now and lower the demand." Is the argument i'd use for ppl who have that mindset.
Even though the justification is made in post, by continuing to buy all the things produced there will never be an incentive for anyone to stop producing and selling to you. Short-term more damage would be done, but as soon as companies reach a significant drop in sales of something they will stop producing it real quick.
This line of reasoning fundamentally misunderstands how businesses and market forces work. I think the people using this justification probably know that on some level
I know it's a big ask, but anyone thinking of sewing here me out: Instead of buying an expensive sewing machine, consider purchasing a thimble that fits your middle finger. It shouldn't cut off circulation or pop off your finger when you wiggle your hand upside down- like a ring. (This is how you know that it fits.) Older thimbles have numbers inside the thimble. The larger the number, the bigger the thimble. Purchasing one in the shop is best to ensure a good fit since it's easier to find the older thimbles with size numbers inside them in charity stores. Why thimble and not machine? There's Always! Aways going to be times when you Have to hand sew. So learning this skill and getting good at it will help if and when you decide to get a machine to get your project done faster. A lot of the finer details are time sucks and require lots hand sewing for the best-looking outcome. So, using thread, needles, and thimbles will tell if you're really into sewing or if it's just better to pay the tailor. Yeah, it's a lot of money, but sometimes it's better to pay for the skill than pretending to be the ideal self in our head. Think of it as an investment in the plant and your wardrobe. Plus, if you purchase a thimble you are likely to spend less than 20 dollars; you can bring your sewing with you and do it anywhere, even on a comfy couch. I hope this helps your eco journey. Happy New Year.
I've had two sewing machines sitting in my basement (inherited one, holding the other for someone), wasn't until last month I tried to use one. I've hand sewn for literal decades, since I was making doll clothes as a kid, failed miserably using a machine in Home Ec (teacher gave up and just sewed the project rather than explain how to use it), and have begrudgingly let my mending pile grow until I had an entire day of sewing in front of me. Still figuring out some of the bugs, but so far, the machine will do a very nice straight stitch (zig zag is broke because I can't adjust width for some reason) that will hopefully not wreck my hands when I need to re-hem my work trousers (usually not from my sewing, the original hems often let go, and they're about 20in long per leg). To get back to the point, agree, a machine can be a nice upgrade if one prefers to do mending/alterations oneself, but may not be worth it for those who don't (and honestly, if there are free/low cost how to courses where you can try one, that can be a good gauge too)
@@MallouMakeupSecond hand fabric can be a cost effective resource. I've made outerwear out of combinations of bed sheets, blankets and curtains before. Second hand sewing machines and sewing patterns are also things that you can find in second hand stores. If you're really lucky there might be an Oxfam shop nearby and they do little boxes of buttons by colour. Older people sometimes donate entire hobby collections if they no longer have the eyesight or fine dexterity to practice their hobby. They want to pass the torch to the next generation of hobby dressmakers.
I totally disagree unless you only plan to fix a seam that came apart. Using a needle to sew a whole garment is only practical is you live in the 1800’s and don’t have to work or plan to wear the clothing for weeks to months depending on complexity.
@thegreengoddess8850 Fair. If you have already sew and know you will commit lots of time to it, sure, get the machine. But if you have never sewn, hand stitching helps you slow down and think about your next step. You make fewer mistakes, spend less time seam ripping and build up your construction skills before you do it with the zoomy machine. Plus, when you Have to hand sew, since you're practising that skill before you get the machine, it won't feel so slow or and your hand stitches won't look clunky. You'll appreciate the machine but also know how to give a garment that detailed touch confidently. Also, committing to sewing by hand makes you wonder whether Reeeelly needs this (fill in the blank). As you said, making your closet live like in 1880 has drawbacks. But also lots of rewards. Both for the plant and your wallet.
My reason...actually is so that I can buy something, as awful as that sounds. I really want to save enough to buy an antique grand piano. I play every day on an electric keyboard and really would love to invest in a beautiful old instrument.
Keep an eye out for a free pianos. I have seen them on OfferUp and even as far back as the 90s my brother got one for free and it most definitely will need to be tuned and maybe sanded and stained/painted. It might not be exactly what you’re looking for, but hopefully you get lucky! Good luck!
That is an amazing goal that can give you enough motivation! I feel that just "no buy" year, month, whatever is pointless and doomed if it doesn't have a purpose. Every effort needs a purpose, as it requires your time and energy. It needs motivation, no matter if it is tangible or one like "save the planet". Good luck!
I don’t know what kind of community you live in but I’ve seen several pianos on my but nothing group including a baby grand! You never know, you might get lucky and find one!
Buy nothing is life changing, my community is awesome for this. I just a got a humidifier this week to help with my dry skin and nose bleeds that I just could not justify going out to buy new. I also got my bedroom curtains, some plants, puzzles, etc from buy nothing! I’ve also been able to give away some really nice items I had but didn’t need/use!
Gathering inventory of your belongings is vital. The town I lived in in CA was hit by the Carr, Hertz & Delta fire. So many people lost everything and it’s so hard in those moments to try to remember everything that was yours to hope to get your money back from insurance companies. Document and photograph everything
I've been on a journey posting so many belongings for sale since lockdowns. It made me realize the sheer amount of stuff I have and barely use yet I live in 80sqft and everything I own can fit in a cargovan. I've taken on the full responsibility to rehome my stuff, donating or tossing it isn't good enough. And the amount of work it takes to photograph everything and check condition and write descriptions has been the biggest discouragement away from buying things LOL @Shelbizleee you mentioned not finding an app to document all your stuff yet, but it might be good to document everything in a google sheets, that you can share with your community and friends and then they'd also know what you have and they could borrow! I wish I had more of a community that shares the same values that I could share a spreadsheet with lol
Hey. So on board with this! But if you plan to use all the cool art stuff in your city for free, consider also advocating for arts funding in your area!!! As a career artist, most of us are fairly low income, live locally, and are super active in building community and other causes folks on this channel would be down with. Even the folks you might think of as “successful” or even famous. Just like other services, art events are made by people and those people deserve a living wage and rarely get it. arts funding has been slashed over and over. So please consider adopting an “advocate for the rest” mindset when it comes to free cultural or art events, especially local ones in your city!
my biggest 2 reasons are 1) ive decided not to work full time anymore. I'm going to be a volunteer and make what little money i can on the side. 2) environmental problems & consumerism. never been so motivated before!! love these vids.
I’ve been doing this since after the pandemic and it’s life changing!!! Went from doing 70-80weekly hours to just 20 😂 I have sooo much free time now and happier than slaving for a company
My reasons: we’re a single income family with a toddler and a baby and need to save. We’re saving to move out of Texas (for many many many reasons), a new car, and to expand our family when we leave the state. And I want to reevaluate my relationship with instant gratification.
I love this video, but something that didn't even occur to me (that my Grandma pointed out) is that a lot of the things you are doing this year is how most people lived in the 1960s. Trading/sharing stuff with neighbours, fixing clothes, reusing items or giving them new life, etc. We need to go back to simpler, kinder and more people-focused times where being eco-conscious, open-minded and happy is accessible to all. My Grandma and Mum always taught me to reuse everything, save money, borrow things, help out neighbours and be self-less. Your videos make me feel at home
It’s how people have always lived, all over the world. It’s so strange to me how so many young Westerners are acting as if it’s a huge cultural shift. Most people aren’t wealthy and kind of have to save money, eat what they have, mend their clothes and shoes, etc..
I need to move out from a pretty toxic household, so I'm working to save up- but rent in the UK is very expensive, and I am disabled and living off very little money, so I'm very grateful to you for making this and giving me something positive to focus on! Happy new 2025 ❤️
I try to always have a few containers of frozen leftovers in the freezer for easy weeknight meals and ingredients for a couple basic low effort meals (jar of curry sauce +bag of frozen veg+block of tofu) so that if I'm out of energy, i can still feed myself a decent meal
Hello from someone who is moving into an EMPTY apartment next week & yet still wants to do no buy😶🌫😶🌫This won't be my forever home, so there is very little point in investing in any stuff this year anyway. But I am kind of excited to get challenged creatively to see HOW LITTLE i can live comfortably with, finding pieces that serve multiple purposes, etc. Great video!
I think Facebook marketplace, thrifting and maybe asking in your no buy group if they have items that they are willing to give away. Everyone has those strategies utensils that they no longer use. That might help with reducing the amount that you have to purchase
I JUST found my neighborhood no buy group! I had to be super specific in the search, but I finally found it! I hope they let me in soon, but it’s a big first step!
I will be forever thankful to you, you changed my life I will continue to speak on your behalf for the world to hear that you saved me from huge financial debt with just a little trade, thank you Jihan Wu you're such a life saver
As a beginner in this, it’s essential for you to have a mentor to keep you accountable. Jihan Wu is also my trade analyst, he has guided me to identify key market trends, pinpointed strategic entry points, and provided risk assessments, ensuring my trades decisions align with market dynamics for optimal returns.
Jihan Wu Services has really set the standard for others to follow, we love him here in Canada 🇨🇦 as he has been really helpful and changed lots of life's
Hi! I’m new. My reason for watching this video is because I am DETERMINED to get out of debt before I turn 36. I make a good salary, I could be traveling every year. Instead, all of my extra income goes to paying off debt! So frustrating!!
As someone who only cooks at home I can say that we have saved thousands of dollars by eating at home only. I always recommend this be the first place a person starts when doing a low buy year.
@@zenleeparadise what a privileged take, not everyone has the $ or ability to go eat out all the time. The fact that you call this “hyper individualistic” is so stupid.
@@UA-camr1045 did I say all the time? Why is everyone on the internet so extreme about every little thing? The comment said they ONLY cook at home, as if eating out at a Chinese place once a month to be a part of your community and help support an immigrant family trying to get by would be breaking some kind of rule of theirs or something. Why is it either "I only eat at home" or "I eat out all the time" to everyone? Why is everything such an extreme and contrarian argument these days? What's with you?
@@UA-camr1045 and even if you disagree for whatever reason about eating out, calling someone stupid over this is so self-evidently out of line that I actually am expecting an apology from you. I'm not "privileged". I'm broke, but I don't hold money to the high regard that everyone else who obsesses over it seems to. I'd rather be broke and contribute to my community and get out then keep to myself and pinch pennies. It's ok for different people to be different, brother. Why on Earth would you want to start your new year anonymously putting this energy into the world with an account that looks like a burner troll account? Would you want people you know in real life to know you speak to strangers this way when you disagree with them? Don't you find this behavior embarrassing?
I'm actually proud of how little I bought last year except in one area - ordering delivery. I spent wayy too much money on that. My plan this year is to prepare more meals at home and to eat healthier. My reason for participating in (/continuing to participate in) a low-buy year is my anxiety about the volatile economy we are living in. I don't take anything for granted and want to save most of my earnings this year and the next. And, of course, saving the planet.
omg same! My plan is to not order food delivery and instead either going in person or do the pick up option. We just moved and have a costco and safeway right next to each other so gonna do that and then theres a QFC store within walking distance that i think i'll just go if i need something.
gurl. my buy nothing group is one of the best things in my life! my group (one in north austin) does mostly porch pickups, so it sometimes feels impersonal. but all the same, it has helped me maintain a minimalist home and get so many things i could never afford!
I'm growing an edible native flower garden in my front yard this year. Upfront cost is about $100. Then I can recollect the seeds every year and have extra for local tea drinkers.
I LOVE the item inventory idea. I think I will do this as well. I just moved so I had a great opportunity to go through all my belongings and decide what was essential and what I could give away. Inventory-ing everything will help me not bring in more than I need.
I'm SOOO excited for this. Feels like a bit of OG shelbi core coming back lol. I think that's why I really fell in love with your channel, like how to strip back and make do with what you have or very minimal things. Absolutely please do an inventory video, it'll be great motivation for me to potentially do it as well! (and the videos of you in your sundress on the bike is so cute lol)
Ethan from Cookwell is trying to make an app that has that meal generator thing and I’m so excited about it. Hope the data base will be huge and the app will be fun.
I’ve been on a minimalist/mindful spending journey for a while now. I’m not buying makeup, nail polish, limiting dining out to twice a month. I have to cook more and commit to eating what’s on hand before it goes bad.
Jordan Page used to do "Shelftember" where for the entirety of September she focuses on using freezer/pantry items and I love it! I'll often push out grocery shopping as long as possible by taking a week to really utilize pantry and freezer items. Also gives me a great gauge of what we use quickly, what we tend not to use and has made my grocery shopping much more efficient (therefore more sustainable because less food waste) I also really try to be vigilant with perishables and make a plan to use them in some way or preserve before spoiling.
I love how we have the same goal for the new year! My reason for buying less in 2025 is mainly to add a little more "padding" in my savings for if anything comes up, particularly for medical, increase in inflation/price for food, any future trip. I'm also doing a no buy year just to create a better relationship with consumption. I got a little carried away in 2024 and want to real it back in. Very excited to be going on this journey alongside you!
I ask myself often, "Was this a good purchase?" as I'm going about my day. It just makes me very mindful of what I spend my money on. My hunter rain boots for example. The cost was $115.00 but I have had them for 9 years. They still look amazing and I have really put them through daily tough wear on our farm.
my local library has a seed swap all the time! 💖💘 it’s like a cute little repurposed dresser, all alphabetized. there’s a clipboard on it to write what you take, what you give, what’s empty etc
I am doing a low buy year too! Been moving and getting a lot of things on buy nothing groups. I would love to see videos of: environmentally friendly meals / using random ingredients, item inventory, and gardening if you’re still doing that
One of my challenges this year is to just shop less overall (recovering shopaholic). When I feel the urge to shop, fill my time with something meaningful or fun (write in my online blog, clean/organize, go for a walk, go hiking, read a book). I enjoy these hobbies overall and it takes me away from the urge to stop in person and online shopping just because I'm bored or stressed. I'm lucky to live in an area where I can take a trip to the beach, have many state parks around me, I want to utilize that more as free entertainment!
I'd really love to see a video on zero/low waste in more specific hobbies, especially if you could partner with other creators in those hobby/creative zones. For example, I'm a doll collector. It's very hard to do things like avoid plastic waste or single use items in that space, and I can't always buy secondhand. Another hobby is cosplay, which, it's just clothes, so theoretically, as long as theres someone in that size, theres someone who will want it but a lot of cosplay stuff seems to either be completely tailored to one person (no longer easily regifted/donated) or complete cheaply made fast fashion trash.
If you really do want to do something specific, like go bowling, check different times to go. The bowling alley near me is $60/hour on weekend nights, but $3/game on weekday early evenings!
As someone who is also trying to really pick up sewing (and finally learn how to use a machine) I would love to follow along with your journey of learning as well !
According to the Swedish national environment proctection organisation a good quality garment should last 15 years, or 270 wears (än estimated average) to offset it's environmental impact. 😁 And to keep within earth's resources one should only by a maximum of 5 garments per year (retail/newly produced, the 5 limit not including potential second hand garments)
And big yes to checking out community events! I used to work for our municipality and there are so many resources people just don’t use 😢 check your local tourism board too, they often post events and lots of them are free!
I’m not eating out this month, and even though it is due to being more complaint with a medically required diet, it has motivated me to do a no buy for this month
It will be important to try to invite like-minded people to join the group in that case! I can speak from experience with several groups that it takes tiny, regular dedicated actions to get a group rolling!
I just posted my 6' folding tables for anyone to borrow on my buy nothing group. I have a bunch of kids so I love having them for hosting birthday parties and any other random parties but literally never thought about letting neighbors borrow them lol here's to sharing more stuff this year!
ok just got a little further in the video and had to share I just got a literal 5' pomegranate tree from my city for free!! I couldn't believe it and they even asked on the phone "So you just want one?" lol I couldn't believe it. I wanted to be realistic but couldn't believe I could have asked for up to 6 free trees delivered to my door step!
cost per use is one of the ways I justified buying a fairly expensive new sit/stand desk. I work from home and am only required to go in once a quarter (so 4 days/yr), and am also a part time student. The desk I wanted was a little expensive and I definitely could have bought something cheaper, but buying new direct from the us-based manufacturer gave me a 10 yr warranty that buying used wouldn’t have. Plus the desk I went with sells replacement parts, like I could buy a whole new desk top if something happened to mine to make it unusable. My old desk was too small and falling apart, so I fixed what I could, cleaned it, and gave it to my buy nothing group. I know buying a whole motorized sit/stand desk took a lot of resources, but I did a lot of research on it, and plan to keep it for my lifetime. I’ll never regret investing in quality for myself and my health :)
I’m doing a low buy this year, too. I purchased an apatment last year and I’d love to pay my mortgage faster + be able to travel, because I absolutely love exploring the world, so I’ve decided I can limit myself in bying shit so I can afford those 2 things.
You angel ❤ posting this today and reminding us to stay on track!! I watched your other video on no buy 2025. But I went thru what I spent in December yesterday (or really, overspent 😞) and came up with a serious plan for January. Thank you for all of your vids!! 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 you are forever helping all of us in so many ways.
You can try with an app for the inventory of a store. Thore are very well made and you can set all the sections of your home as departments to asign each item to it's section
I did buy the bidet you reccomended this year using the money I got for Christmas. I have IBS so it will severely cut down on the amount of toilet paper I use. I also asked them to sponsor you in their customer survey cuz I think you deserve it!
I’m from Austin!!! The city definitely has a lot to offer that I want to take advantage of this year 💗 so happy to have found your page!!! Thanks for the tips!!!
Just made some beeswax wraps the other day so I can stop buying plastic wrap and reduce how much foil I need to use! Excited to try them out :) happy new year, y’all!
Advice that I don’t know is self explanatory or not - do NOT use hot water to clean them! I ruined mine by using hot water totally melted the wax off. Looking back I’m like um duh? But totally didn’t think about it in the moment!
So far I've bulked up on single serve homemade meals so all I've gotta do is heat it up at work. (Souper cubes etc etc.... i have silicone freezer bags)
The thing that helped me in the past was to make some meals and freeze them. My preferences are burritos & also pasta. It’s better than spending money on take out. It’s unrealistic to try to cook every day, but that might help you. Thank you for your content.
I'm doing a no buy this year too! It's been really helpful to think of my space as a circular economy - always questioning how I can take what I have and repurpose it! At the same time, I tend to be more minimalist so I still put limits on this stuff and try to reuse it soon :)
I’ve been using notion for my home inventory! Great for renters insurance. Im also trying to build an app that does the pantry / recipe tracking like you mentioned but it takes time to make things 😂 motivating me to get my programming in gear
Love buy nothing groups! I’ve given away a number of things, some of which are now on to yet another person (I wear a girls size 14 for many things, and I saw some clothes I had previously given a family come up to be passed along again! It was heartwarming!) I’ve also gotten a few things, like new baking pans because mine were from my grandma and rusting, and some pasta and sauce someone had bought a ton of but didn’t like! So awesome.
I think the sale stock up could result in overspending sometimes. My goal is to only buy when I’m out of something because things go bad or I want to try something else. I have way too many things stored in the cabinet from bulk purchases. Things always go on sale maybe not the same as year end sales but close enough.
Sales are awesome! When PetSmart has sales, that’s when I get the cat food and cat litter. I can’t remember the last time I paid full price without a coupon for my cats’ items.
Still need to write my rules but this year is a no-buy for books and craft supplies and a low-buy on basically everything else. My learning this year is focused in the kitchen: buying and eating seasonally & learning to can. Also have a number of craft projects i am looking forward to that will keep me busy at least the whole of 2025 if not into 2026, hense my no-buy lol. First year "on my own" and married so goal is to build good habits and routines that will continue for years to come
One of my top reasons for trying to save money going into this year is having a second child. Doing everything I can to avoid buying baby formula too, but also bracing for impact in case I have to 😨 Although, my approach to a low buy is more about setting a budget limit - e.g. "I can only spend $25 this month on things I wouldn't consider necessities" - rather than "I am not going to buy anything in X categories" because the latter is something my brain tries to stretch and find loopholes in.
This year is going to be financially stressful as one of my jobs abruptly laid me off. So the benefit of sticking to my environmental ideals while also (hopefully) saving money.
I love your ideas and passions and the fact that you live where you do really works. Living in a small "affluent" New England town I do not have a lot of those services etc available so it is a bit more difficult but worth the effort. Thanks for the ideas.
6:15 at times I do wish I could find a nice co-living apartment with a communal kitchen so that I could share ingredients. If I Made a meal with half a cucumber, I’d be happier having people to share it with and anything getting eaten at its freshest , because it saddens me to toss it out after they go bad.
Could you make a video on things to look for when you are purchasing something? There is so much green washing lately it’s hard to know what is ethically produced/sourced.
I'm doing a low buy year to boost my retirement savings. My health isn't great so I'm trying to do better with health based self care but I want to have a back up plan in case myself or my partner can't keep working full time to pension age.
11:27 I really wanna go to a few of the free movies in the park/ on the water this year. I got a paddle board last year, and helped me get together with my friends a lot more over the summer, can’t wait to do it again this year!
Thank you for this video!! I immediately joined our local buy nothing group and I miss clothing swaps soooo much. I just took a look at everything I pay for and I surprisingly had very little subscriptions (phew!) - I’m so bad at keeping track of them
I just started an inventory of essentials! I’m just using Google sheets, but I started tracking product name, why I like it, when I last bought it, where I bought it, and what the price was. I like this process so far because I was so bad about wanting to try new products before I’d even finished my previous ones, and forgetting why I like the product in the first place. Now I can easily see that my current face lotion is affordable and fits my needs, which helps nip that desire to buy something else. My goal is to stop chasing ‘perfect’ and keep using what works for me. 🎉
Thanks for the inspo! I was thinking earlier that I need to buy this cooking book (from the best vegan cook in Finland, Elina Innanen, aka Chocochili), because it would help me save money in the long run if I cook more at home. But watching your video, I realized to check it from my library. They have several books of hers! There's a library just around the corner from my home so I think I'm going to request them there and borrow a few before I decide if I want to buy one. I often forget to return library books and get charged for it, but I don't really mind supporting the library system, and it's always less than the new book would be. I need to buy a new (used) laptop because my current one broke and it's so old it would probably just break again in no time, and soon it won't support updates anymore. I need programs for school and work which require the updates to work. Other than that, I think I'm going to join you in your goal of trying to utilize as many free resources as possible. I'm a student so my current goal is to make my studies as comfortable as possible and get as little debt as I can. I'm more comfortable when I know where my money is going and I get confidence from succeeding in using it wisely. I have a little bit of a weak spot with stickers, and I've accumulated quite a lot of them, so I think I'm going to be in a sticker-buying strike for as long as I can this year, and use up the stickers I already have.
Mine is because I turn 40 in June and I owe around £5,000 and I want it paid off by July on a tiny amount of money I get. Im only buying shoes and clothes if I NEED them replacing and I will only buy 2nd hand. Also Im making myself use up EVERYTHING in the house before buying something to only replace it :) I have also deleted food delivery apps :')
I like the idea of tracking the # of wears for clothing. Like plenty of other people, I like the dopamine and novelty with thrift store shopping. However, I realize that I have spent many unnecessary hours buying things I don’t need simply to donate them again in a quasi pursuit of minimalism. My boundaries for 2025 including limiting trips to the thrift store, being more deliberate with time, and requiring a shopping list for when I thrift.
Thank you, you inspired me not to do a Total no buy year, cos with a 6 years old child Is really difficult, but I'm gonna try to do a low buy year the most I can!
The cost per use is great in theory, but as a messy person/parent of younglings, I feel like I'm most often wearing things I don't like because I dont want to wreck things I do like. So I have a hard time with investing in what I wear most often 😅
My no buy rules for 2025: one day per week when I dont buy anything (not that challenging, I know 😂), one week per month, I don’t buy anything, one month in 2025, I don’t buy anything. Not sure of the specifics of this yet, but looking into it.
Biggest reasons: 1) got engaged in 2024 so need to start saving for the wedding & 2) create a buffer so I am in a better position for unexpected expenses & to continue help my mum with her health ❤ Looking forward to getting back into cooking as well as we spent way too much money on food during the chaos 2024 & it's just not sustainable. I am also starting a bunch of edibles from seed this year so growing more food at home will be an exciting project for me.
Right now I’m in the process of trying to conceive. That is the main reason I want to save money, and stop buying crap!! I know SO many people with babies or young children that will be able to give me hand-me-downs, in fact some already have! I want to have money to raise a child, and I don’t want a house full of junk. I don’t have tons of room in my house, and my husband and I definitely have more than enough unnecessary items, and we don’t need to keep bringing in more.
I hope companies pay you a lot of money for sponsorships because you are the ONLY UA-camr I have ever bought products from - partially because I know you've already done the vetting process for me! I now wear period underwear because of your company!
I want to buy a house, travel, reinvest saving into sustainable resources when I do need buy something. I also want to make sure I'm very financially secure for retirement and I would love to become part time so I can look after myself better. A lot of this seems unrealistic but I would like to try to be financially secure all my life at the very least
Love this! I catalogued my wardrobe too after seeing your video and its been a game changer. I'm also trying to spend less and be more intentional in 2025 so i love the ideas. Do you have a word of the year yet?
I’m so glad you did it!! I had no idea I would love it as much as I have. I think my word for 2025 is vitality. Which is quite more complicated than my previous ones. But I’m going to do a little mini series resetting for the new year & I’ll explain it more in there ❤️
This is my favorite video you’ve ever created! I loved all your ideas and I can’t wait for you to find the app where you inventory all of your belongings. I would also like to suggest either finding or you creating an app where people trade services. I have been a childcare provider for well over 20 years and I do not think I would be very good at altering my own clothes, but I would love to offer free childcare/dog sitting for that service and others.
Joining you for at least no buy January and look forward to talking about it in an upcoming video! Thank you so much for the inspiration and great tips! Happy New Year! 🎉❤
@ def could work but the clothing app she used allowed for pictures and then would give you suggestions based on what you had- obviously you don’t need it but aesthetically could be the vibe
An app has made inventorying my wardrobe invalue & a speadsheet for items in my pantry would be pointless. If I had to dedicate time to sit down at my computer to log groceries I would 100% give up after a few weeks tbh LOL. Apps are useful so I will use them
The irony of a temu comercial while watching an eco-minimalist no-buy video 😂
Stahhhp 😭
Right?? Honestly it pains meeee
I KNOW! UGH
I'm so glad I asked my husband for a UA-cam Premium subscription for Christmas instead of any material things since I watch UA-cam so much and got so tired of the ads!
Could you talk about the mindset of “well the item has already been produced and the major environmental damage is done, so might as well buy it/consume it so all of those damaging efforts don’t go to waste”
Companies listen to wallets. If you buy it, you support it. That's my personal opinion towards this mindset.
@@clef0nite yes I totally agree! I have trouble convincing others of it and communicating it clearly for some reason
@@jelisawiltse4198 "You're right, the damage is already done for this item, but buying it tells companies to make more, causing future harm. What you buy today, they’ll produce more of tomorrow. To reduce future damage, the best thing we can do is buy less now and lower the demand." Is the argument i'd use for ppl who have that mindset.
Even though the justification is made in post, by continuing to buy all the things produced there will never be an incentive for anyone to stop producing and selling to you. Short-term more damage would be done, but as soon as companies reach a significant drop in sales of something they will stop producing it real quick.
This line of reasoning fundamentally misunderstands how businesses and market forces work. I think the people using this justification probably know that on some level
my local library hosted a kitchen tool swap, coffee mug swap and board game/puzzle swap. 💕
omg coffee mug swap is genius
I know it's a big ask, but anyone thinking of sewing here me out:
Instead of buying an expensive sewing machine, consider purchasing a thimble that fits your middle finger. It shouldn't cut off circulation or pop off your finger when you wiggle your hand upside down- like a ring. (This is how you know that it fits.) Older thimbles have numbers inside the thimble. The larger the number, the bigger the thimble. Purchasing one in the shop is best to ensure a good fit since it's easier to find the older thimbles with size numbers inside them in charity stores.
Why thimble and not machine?
There's Always! Aways going to be times when you Have to hand sew. So learning this skill and getting good at it will help if and when you decide to get a machine to get your project done faster.
A lot of the finer details are time sucks and require lots hand sewing for the best-looking outcome.
So, using thread, needles, and thimbles will tell if you're really into sewing or if it's just better to pay the tailor. Yeah, it's a lot of money, but sometimes it's better to pay for the skill than pretending to be the ideal self in our head. Think of it as an investment in the plant and your wardrobe.
Plus, if you purchase a thimble you are likely to spend less than 20 dollars; you can bring your sewing with you and do it anywhere, even on a comfy couch.
I hope this helps your eco journey. Happy New Year.
Great tip. People also forget that fabric can be very expansive, if you want to sew your own cloche, comparered to second hand clothing.
I've had two sewing machines sitting in my basement (inherited one, holding the other for someone), wasn't until last month I tried to use one. I've hand sewn for literal decades, since I was making doll clothes as a kid, failed miserably using a machine in Home Ec (teacher gave up and just sewed the project rather than explain how to use it), and have begrudgingly let my mending pile grow until I had an entire day of sewing in front of me. Still figuring out some of the bugs, but so far, the machine will do a very nice straight stitch (zig zag is broke because I can't adjust width for some reason) that will hopefully not wreck my hands when I need to re-hem my work trousers (usually not from my sewing, the original hems often let go, and they're about 20in long per leg).
To get back to the point, agree, a machine can be a nice upgrade if one prefers to do mending/alterations oneself, but may not be worth it for those who don't (and honestly, if there are free/low cost how to courses where you can try one, that can be a good gauge too)
@@MallouMakeupSecond hand fabric can be a cost effective resource. I've made outerwear out of combinations of bed sheets, blankets and curtains before. Second hand sewing machines and sewing patterns are also things that you can find in second hand stores. If you're really lucky there might be an Oxfam shop nearby and they do little boxes of buttons by colour. Older people sometimes donate entire hobby collections if they no longer have the eyesight or fine dexterity to practice their hobby. They want to pass the torch to the next generation of hobby dressmakers.
I totally disagree unless you only plan to fix a seam that came apart. Using a needle to sew a whole garment is only practical is you live in the 1800’s and don’t have to work or plan to wear the clothing for weeks to months depending on complexity.
@thegreengoddess8850 Fair. If you have already sew and know you will commit lots of time to it, sure, get the machine.
But if you have never sewn, hand stitching helps you slow down and think about your next step. You make fewer mistakes, spend less time seam ripping and build up your construction skills before you do it with the zoomy machine.
Plus, when you Have to hand sew, since you're practising that skill before you get the machine, it won't feel so slow or and your hand stitches won't look clunky. You'll appreciate the machine but also know how to give a garment that detailed touch confidently.
Also, committing to sewing by hand makes you wonder whether Reeeelly needs this (fill in the blank). As you said, making your closet live like in 1880 has drawbacks. But also lots of rewards. Both for the plant and your wallet.
My reason...actually is so that I can buy something, as awful as that sounds. I really want to save enough to buy an antique grand piano. I play every day on an electric keyboard and really would love to invest in a beautiful old instrument.
Keep an eye out for a free pianos. I have seen them on OfferUp and even as far back as the 90s my brother got one for free and it most definitely will need to be tuned and maybe sanded and stained/painted. It might not be exactly what you’re looking for, but hopefully you get lucky! Good luck!
You can get a free piano on your no buy group. I see them all the time. May not be a grand piano, but a free upright I see often
That is an amazing goal that can give you enough motivation! I feel that just "no buy" year, month, whatever is pointless and doomed if it doesn't have a purpose. Every effort needs a purpose, as it requires your time and energy. It needs motivation, no matter if it is tangible or one like "save the planet".
Good luck!
I love that tho. Skipping on things we don’t value for things we do. Seems perfectly reasonable to me
I don’t know what kind of community you live in but I’ve seen several pianos on my but nothing group including a baby grand! You never know, you might get lucky and find one!
Buy nothing is life changing, my community is awesome for this. I just a got a humidifier this week to help with my dry skin and nose bleeds that I just could not justify going out to buy new. I also got my bedroom curtains, some plants, puzzles, etc from buy nothing! I’ve also been able to give away some really nice items I had but didn’t need/use!
Gathering inventory of your belongings is vital. The town I lived in in CA was hit by the Carr, Hertz & Delta fire. So many people lost everything and it’s so hard in those moments to try to remember everything that was yours to hope to get your money back from insurance companies. Document and photograph everything
I've been on a journey posting so many belongings for sale since lockdowns. It made me realize the sheer amount of stuff I have and barely use yet I live in 80sqft and everything I own can fit in a cargovan. I've taken on the full responsibility to rehome my stuff, donating or tossing it isn't good enough. And the amount of work it takes to photograph everything and check condition and write descriptions has been the biggest discouragement away from buying things LOL
@Shelbizleee you mentioned not finding an app to document all your stuff yet, but it might be good to document everything in a google sheets, that you can share with your community and friends and then they'd also know what you have and they could borrow! I wish I had more of a community that shares the same values that I could share a spreadsheet with lol
Hey. So on board with this! But if you plan to use all the cool art stuff in your city for free, consider also advocating for arts funding in your area!!!
As a career artist, most of us are fairly low income, live locally, and are super active in building community and other causes folks on this channel would be down with. Even the folks you might think of as “successful” or even famous.
Just like other services, art events are made by people and those people deserve a living wage and rarely get it. arts funding has been slashed over and over. So please consider adopting an “advocate for the rest” mindset when it comes to free cultural or art events, especially local ones in your city!
Also, where you can, book free tickets in advance and complete any surveys they send you. These are great to have for grants applications.
my biggest 2 reasons are 1) ive decided not to work full time anymore. I'm going to be a volunteer and make what little money i can on the side. 2) environmental problems & consumerism. never been so motivated before!! love these vids.
Good luck!
I’ve been doing this since after the pandemic and it’s life changing!!! Went from doing 70-80weekly hours to just 20 😂 I have sooo much free time now and happier than slaving for a company
Good luck!
Keeping an inventory is also good for insurance purposes maybe , but I'm so glad I'm not the only person who experiences that type of anxiety ✨
My reasons: we’re a single income family with a toddler and a baby and need to save. We’re saving to move out of Texas (for many many many reasons), a new car, and to expand our family when we leave the state. And I want to reevaluate my relationship with instant gratification.
I would move out of texas too lol
@ as quickly as we can!
I love this video, but something that didn't even occur to me (that my Grandma pointed out) is that a lot of the things you are doing this year is how most people lived in the 1960s. Trading/sharing stuff with neighbours, fixing clothes, reusing items or giving them new life, etc. We need to go back to simpler, kinder and more people-focused times where being eco-conscious, open-minded and happy is accessible to all. My Grandma and Mum always taught me to reuse everything, save money, borrow things, help out neighbours and be self-less. Your videos make me feel at home
It’s how people have always lived, all over the world. It’s so strange to me how so many young Westerners are acting as if it’s a huge cultural shift. Most people aren’t wealthy and kind of have to save money, eat what they have, mend their clothes and shoes, etc..
I need to move out from a pretty toxic household, so I'm working to save up- but rent in the UK is very expensive, and I am disabled and living off very little money, so I'm very grateful to you for making this and giving me something positive to focus on! Happy new 2025 ❤️
I try to always have a few containers of frozen leftovers in the freezer for easy weeknight meals and ingredients for a couple basic low effort meals (jar of curry sauce +bag of frozen veg+block of tofu) so that if I'm out of energy, i can still feed myself a decent meal
Hello from someone who is moving into an EMPTY apartment next week & yet still wants to do no buy😶🌫😶🌫This won't be my forever home, so there is very little point in investing in any stuff this year anyway. But I am kind of excited to get challenged creatively to see HOW LITTLE i can live comfortably with, finding pieces that serve multiple purposes, etc. Great video!
I think Facebook marketplace, thrifting and maybe asking in your no buy group if they have items that they are willing to give away. Everyone has those strategies utensils that they no longer use. That might help with reducing the amount that you have to purchase
I JUST found my neighborhood no buy group! I had to be super specific in the search, but I finally found it! I hope they let me in soon, but it’s a big first step!
Hit 240k today Appreciate you for all the knowledge and nuggets you had thrown my way over the last months. Started with 24k in September 2024..
I would really love to know how much work you did put in to get to this stage
I will be forever thankful to you, you changed my life I will continue to speak on your behalf for the world to hear that you saved me from huge financial debt with just a little trade, thank you Jihan Wu you're such a life saver
As a beginner in this, it’s essential for you to have a mentor to keep you accountable.
Jihan Wu is also my trade analyst, he has guided me to identify key market trends, pinpointed strategic entry points, and provided risk assessments, ensuring my trades decisions align with market dynamics for optimal returns.
Jihan Wu Services has really set the standard for others to follow, we love him here in Canada 🇨🇦 as he has been really helpful and changed lots of life's
His guidance allowed me to restructure my retirement plan, resulting in an estimated $700,000 more by the time I retire.
Hi! I’m new. My reason for watching this video is because I am DETERMINED to get out of debt before I turn 36. I make a good salary, I could be traveling every year. Instead, all of my extra income goes to paying off debt! So frustrating!!
Good Luck!
As someone who only cooks at home I can say that we have saved thousands of dollars by eating at home only. I always recommend this be the first place a person starts when doing a low buy year.
This feels like it's a part of hyper individualist culture in a way that doesn't sit right with me.
@@zenleeparadise what a privileged take, not everyone has the $ or ability to go eat out all the time. The fact that you call this “hyper individualistic” is so stupid.
@@UA-camr1045 did I say all the time? Why is everyone on the internet so extreme about every little thing? The comment said they ONLY cook at home, as if eating out at a Chinese place once a month to be a part of your community and help support an immigrant family trying to get by would be breaking some kind of rule of theirs or something. Why is it either "I only eat at home" or "I eat out all the time" to everyone? Why is everything such an extreme and contrarian argument these days? What's with you?
@@UA-camr1045 and even if you disagree for whatever reason about eating out, calling someone stupid over this is so self-evidently out of line that I actually am expecting an apology from you. I'm not "privileged". I'm broke, but I don't hold money to the high regard that everyone else who obsesses over it seems to. I'd rather be broke and contribute to my community and get out then keep to myself and pinch pennies. It's ok for different people to be different, brother. Why on Earth would you want to start your new year anonymously putting this energy into the world with an account that looks like a burner troll account? Would you want people you know in real life to know you speak to strangers this way when you disagree with them? Don't you find this behavior embarrassing?
@@zenleeparadise unnecessary comment. You sound like a very uppity person.
I’m doing a six month no buy for my second time this year and am basically binge watching your channel to stay motivated !!!
I'm actually proud of how little I bought last year except in one area - ordering delivery. I spent wayy too much money on that. My plan this year is to prepare more meals at home and to eat healthier.
My reason for participating in (/continuing to participate in) a low-buy year is my anxiety about the volatile economy we are living in. I don't take anything for granted and want to save most of my earnings this year and the next. And, of course, saving the planet.
omg same! My plan is to not order food delivery and instead either going in person or do the pick up option. We just moved and have a costco and safeway right next to each other so gonna do that and then theres a QFC store within walking distance that i think i'll just go if i need something.
I think it's very much the zeitgeist.
gurl. my buy nothing group is one of the best things in my life! my group (one in north austin) does mostly porch pickups, so it sometimes feels impersonal. but all the same, it has helped me maintain a minimalist home and get so many things i could never afford!
I'm growing an edible native flower garden in my front yard this year. Upfront cost is about $100. Then I can recollect the seeds every year and have extra for local tea drinkers.
I LOVE the item inventory idea. I think I will do this as well. I just moved so I had a great opportunity to go through all my belongings and decide what was essential and what I could give away. Inventory-ing everything will help me not bring in more than I need.
I'm SOOO excited for this. Feels like a bit of OG shelbi core coming back lol. I think that's why I really fell in love with your channel, like how to strip back and make do with what you have or very minimal things.
Absolutely please do an inventory video, it'll be great motivation for me to potentially do it as well! (and the videos of you in your sundress on the bike is so cute lol)
2 reasons: the environment + not giving the billionaires more money if I can help it
Ethan from Cookwell is trying to make an app that has that meal generator thing and I’m so excited about it. Hope the data base will be huge and the app will be fun.
I’ve been on a minimalist/mindful spending journey for a while now. I’m not buying makeup, nail polish, limiting dining out to twice a month. I have to cook more and commit to eating what’s on hand before it goes bad.
Jordan Page used to do "Shelftember" where for the entirety of September she focuses on using freezer/pantry items and I love it! I'll often push out grocery shopping as long as possible by taking a week to really utilize pantry and freezer items. Also gives me a great gauge of what we use quickly, what we tend not to use and has made my grocery shopping much more efficient (therefore more sustainable because less food waste)
I also really try to be vigilant with perishables and make a plan to use them in some way or preserve before spoiling.
I love how we have the same goal for the new year! My reason for buying less in 2025 is mainly to add a little more "padding" in my savings for if anything comes up, particularly for medical, increase in inflation/price for food, any future trip. I'm also doing a no buy year just to create a better relationship with consumption. I got a little carried away in 2024 and want to real it back in. Very excited to be going on this journey alongside you!
I ask myself often, "Was this a good purchase?" as I'm going about my day. It just makes me very mindful of what I spend my money on.
My hunter rain boots for example. The cost was $115.00 but I have had them for 9 years. They still look amazing and I have really put them through daily tough wear on our farm.
Thank you for making content like this, some days I need reminders to be better ❤
my local library has a seed swap all the time! 💖💘 it’s like a cute little repurposed dresser, all alphabetized. there’s a clipboard on it to write what you take, what you give, what’s empty etc
I am doing a low buy year too! Been moving and getting a lot of things on buy nothing groups.
I would love to see videos of: environmentally friendly meals / using random ingredients, item inventory, and gardening if you’re still doing that
One of my challenges this year is to just shop less overall (recovering shopaholic). When I feel the urge to shop, fill my time with something meaningful or fun (write in my online blog, clean/organize, go for a walk, go hiking, read a book). I enjoy these hobbies overall and it takes me away from the urge to stop in person and online shopping just because I'm bored or stressed. I'm lucky to live in an area where I can take a trip to the beach, have many state parks around me, I want to utilize that more as free entertainment!
I'd really love to see a video on zero/low waste in more specific hobbies, especially if you could partner with other creators in those hobby/creative zones. For example, I'm a doll collector. It's very hard to do things like avoid plastic waste or single use items in that space, and I can't always buy secondhand.
Another hobby is cosplay, which, it's just clothes, so theoretically, as long as theres someone in that size, theres someone who will want it but a lot of cosplay stuff seems to either be completely tailored to one person (no longer easily regifted/donated) or complete cheaply made fast fashion trash.
If you really do want to do something specific, like go bowling, check different times to go. The bowling alley near me is $60/hour on weekend nights, but $3/game on weekday early evenings!
As someone who is also trying to really pick up sewing (and finally learn how to use a machine) I would love to follow along with your journey of learning as well !
According to the Swedish national environment proctection organisation a good quality garment should last 15 years, or 270 wears (än estimated average) to offset it's environmental impact. 😁
And to keep within earth's resources one should only by a maximum of 5 garments per year (retail/newly produced, the 5 limit not including potential second hand garments)
And big yes to checking out community events! I used to work for our municipality and there are so many resources people just don’t use 😢 check your local tourism board too, they often post events and lots of them are free!
I’m not eating out this month, and even though it is due to being more complaint with a medically required diet, it has motivated me to do a no buy for this month
I needed these reminders! I wish my buy nothing groups were stronger. I live in a smaller town, and few posts get many responses.
It will be important to try to invite like-minded people to join the group in that case! I can speak from experience with several groups that it takes tiny, regular dedicated actions to get a group rolling!
I just posted my 6' folding tables for anyone to borrow on my buy nothing group. I have a bunch of kids so I love having them for hosting birthday parties and any other random parties but literally never thought about letting neighbors borrow them lol here's to sharing more stuff this year!
ok just got a little further in the video and had to share I just got a literal 5' pomegranate tree from my city for free!! I couldn't believe it and they even asked on the phone "So you just want one?" lol I couldn't believe it. I wanted to be realistic but couldn't believe I could have asked for up to 6 free trees delivered to my door step!
cost per use is one of the ways I justified buying a fairly expensive new sit/stand desk. I work from home and am only required to go in once a quarter (so 4 days/yr), and am also a part time student. The desk I wanted was a little expensive and I definitely could have bought something cheaper, but buying new direct from the us-based manufacturer gave me a 10 yr warranty that buying used wouldn’t have. Plus the desk I went with sells replacement parts, like I could buy a whole new desk top if something happened to mine to make it unusable.
My old desk was too small and falling apart, so I fixed what I could, cleaned it, and gave it to my buy nothing group.
I know buying a whole motorized sit/stand desk took a lot of resources, but I did a lot of research on it, and plan to keep it for my lifetime. I’ll never regret investing in quality for myself and my health :)
I’m doing a low buy this year, too. I purchased an apatment last year and I’d love to pay my mortgage faster + be able to travel, because I absolutely love exploring the world, so I’ve decided I can limit myself in bying shit so I can afford those 2 things.
Inventory makes so much sense, especially for my sewing supplies. So many times I've bought things I already have.
You angel ❤ posting this today and reminding us to stay on track!! I watched your other video on no buy 2025. But I went thru what I spent in December yesterday (or really, overspent 😞) and came up with a serious plan for January. Thank you for all of your vids!! 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 you are forever helping all of us in so many ways.
You can try with an app for the inventory of a store. Thore are very well made and you can set all the sections of your home as departments to asign each item to it's section
I did buy the bidet you reccomended this year using the money I got for Christmas. I have IBS so it will severely cut down on the amount of toilet paper I use. I also asked them to sponsor you in their customer survey cuz I think you deserve it!
I’m from Austin!!! The city definitely has a lot to offer that I want to take advantage of this year 💗 so happy to have found your page!!! Thanks for the tips!!!
Just made some beeswax wraps the other day so I can stop buying plastic wrap and reduce how much foil I need to use! Excited to try them out :) happy new year, y’all!
Advice that I don’t know is self explanatory or not - do NOT use hot water to clean them! I ruined mine by using hot water totally melted the wax off. Looking back I’m like um duh? But totally didn’t think about it in the moment!
So far I've bulked up on single serve homemade meals so all I've gotta do is heat it up at work. (Souper cubes etc etc.... i have silicone freezer bags)
First video I’m watching in the new year! Happy it’s yours!
Thank you so much!!
The thing that helped me in the past was to make some meals and freeze them. My preferences are burritos & also pasta. It’s better than spending money on take out. It’s unrealistic to try to cook every day, but that might help you. Thank you for your content.
I'm doing a no buy this year too! It's been really helpful to think of my space as a circular economy - always questioning how I can take what I have and repurpose it! At the same time, I tend to be more minimalist so I still put limits on this stuff and try to reuse it soon :)
Yessss been waiting for stuff like this from you!
9:44 we had a clothing and home goods swap at work and it was so much fun!
Loving all the new video uploads!
I’ve been using notion for my home inventory! Great for renters insurance.
Im also trying to build an app that does the pantry / recipe tracking like you mentioned but it takes time to make things 😂 motivating me to get my programming in gear
Love buy nothing groups! I’ve given away a number of things, some of which are now on to yet another person (I wear a girls size 14 for many things, and I saw some clothes I had previously given a family come up to be passed along again! It was heartwarming!) I’ve also gotten a few things, like new baking pans because mine were from my grandma and rusting, and some pasta and sauce someone had bought a ton of but didn’t like! So awesome.
I think the sale stock up could result in overspending sometimes. My goal is to only buy when I’m out of something because things go bad or I want to try something else. I have way too many things stored in the cabinet from bulk purchases. Things always go on sale maybe not the same as year end sales but close enough.
Sales are awesome! When PetSmart has sales, that’s when I get the cat food and cat litter. I can’t remember the last time I paid full price without a coupon for my cats’ items.
Still need to write my rules but this year is a no-buy for books and craft supplies and a low-buy on basically everything else. My learning this year is focused in the kitchen: buying and eating seasonally & learning to can. Also have a number of craft projects i am looking forward to that will keep me busy at least the whole of 2025 if not into 2026, hense my no-buy lol.
First year "on my own" and married so goal is to build good habits and routines that will continue for years to come
I have been subscribed for years but somehow you fell off my feed. So happy to have ran across this and turned on notifications.
One of my top reasons for trying to save money going into this year is having a second child. Doing everything I can to avoid buying baby formula too, but also bracing for impact in case I have to 😨 Although, my approach to a low buy is more about setting a budget limit - e.g. "I can only spend $25 this month on things I wouldn't consider necessities" - rather than "I am not going to buy anything in X categories" because the latter is something my brain tries to stretch and find loopholes in.
This year is going to be financially stressful as one of my jobs abruptly laid me off. So the benefit of sticking to my environmental ideals while also (hopefully) saving money.
I love your ideas and passions and the fact that you live where you do really works. Living in a small "affluent" New England town I do not have a lot of those services etc available so it is a bit more difficult but worth the effort. Thanks for the ideas.
I agree with you that I have never been so motivated to save money. my reason is that I have some major changes coming my way this year.
6:15 at times I do wish I could find a nice co-living apartment with a communal kitchen so that I could share ingredients. If I Made a meal with half a cucumber, I’d be happier having people to share it with and anything getting eaten at its freshest , because it saddens me to toss it out after they go bad.
Freeze it for veggie stock or compost and donate the compost to your local gardens or farmers!!
Could you make a video on things to look for when you are purchasing something? There is so much green washing lately it’s hard to know what is ethically produced/sourced.
I have a good beginners guide here! ua-cam.com/video/E9llTvX0yzw/v-deo.htmlsi=rw5ZIRjanMvWkY4d
I'm doing a low buy year to boost my retirement savings. My health isn't great so I'm trying to do better with health based self care but I want to have a back up plan in case myself or my partner can't keep working full time to pension age.
This is motivating …… less stuff is less cleaning and I agree with environmental reasons 😊
11:27 I really wanna go to a few of the free movies in the park/ on the water this year. I got a paddle board last year, and helped me get together with my friends a lot more over the summer, can’t wait to do it again this year!
Thank you for this video!! I immediately joined our local buy nothing group and I miss clothing swaps soooo much. I just took a look at everything I pay for and I surprisingly had very little subscriptions (phew!) - I’m so bad at keeping track of them
I've been doing a no buy since mid November so I'm following as many no buy channels as possible.
Are there any that have stood out to you?
I just started an inventory of essentials! I’m just using Google sheets, but I started tracking product name, why I like it, when I last bought it, where I bought it, and what the price was. I like this process so far because I was so bad about wanting to try new products before I’d even finished my previous ones, and forgetting why I like the product in the first place. Now I can easily see that my current face lotion is affordable and fits my needs, which helps nip that desire to buy something else. My goal is to stop chasing ‘perfect’ and keep using what works for me. 🎉
Thanks for the inspo! I was thinking earlier that I need to buy this cooking book (from the best vegan cook in Finland, Elina Innanen, aka Chocochili), because it would help me save money in the long run if I cook more at home. But watching your video, I realized to check it from my library. They have several books of hers! There's a library just around the corner from my home so I think I'm going to request them there and borrow a few before I decide if I want to buy one. I often forget to return library books and get charged for it, but I don't really mind supporting the library system, and it's always less than the new book would be.
I need to buy a new (used) laptop because my current one broke and it's so old it would probably just break again in no time, and soon it won't support updates anymore. I need programs for school and work which require the updates to work.
Other than that, I think I'm going to join you in your goal of trying to utilize as many free resources as possible. I'm a student so my current goal is to make my studies as comfortable as possible and get as little debt as I can. I'm more comfortable when I know where my money is going and I get confidence from succeeding in using it wisely.
I have a little bit of a weak spot with stickers, and I've accumulated quite a lot of them, so I think I'm going to be in a sticker-buying strike for as long as I can this year, and use up the stickers I already have.
Mine is because I turn 40 in June and I owe around £5,000 and I want it paid off by July on a tiny amount of money I get. Im only buying shoes and clothes if I NEED them replacing and I will only buy 2nd hand. Also Im making myself use up EVERYTHING in the house before buying something to only replace it :) I have also deleted food delivery apps :')
I like the idea of tracking the # of wears for clothing.
Like plenty of other people, I like the dopamine and novelty with thrift store shopping. However, I realize that I have spent many unnecessary hours buying things I don’t need simply to donate them again in a quasi pursuit of minimalism. My boundaries for 2025 including limiting trips to the thrift store, being more deliberate with time, and requiring a shopping list for when I thrift.
your videos have changed my life! thank you!
Watching this at home 🏡 having homemade porridge 🥣😊 and a cuppa 🍵 😋
I'm in my op shop find cardy and other comfy clothes 🌈
agree, my go to "mocktail" is a diet coke and i carry true lime packets in my purse lol.
You’re such an inspiration! Can you please make more videos on all your diy creations, I love to get ideas from you! 😊
Thank you, you inspired me not to do a Total no buy year, cos with a 6 years old child Is really difficult, but I'm gonna try to do a low buy year the most I can!
The cost per use is great in theory, but as a messy person/parent of younglings, I feel like I'm most often wearing things I don't like because I dont want to wreck things I do like. So I have a hard time with investing in what I wear most often 😅
My no buy rules for 2025: one day per week when I dont buy anything (not that challenging, I know 😂), one week per month, I don’t buy anything, one month in 2025, I don’t buy anything.
Not sure of the specifics of this yet, but looking into it.
Biggest reasons: 1) got engaged in 2024 so need to start saving for the wedding & 2) create a buffer so I am in a better position for unexpected expenses & to continue help my mum with her health ❤
Looking forward to getting back into cooking as well as we spent way too much money on food during the chaos 2024 & it's just not sustainable.
I am also starting a bunch of edibles from seed this year so growing more food at home will be an exciting project for me.
Right now I’m in the process of trying to conceive. That is the main reason I want to save money, and stop buying crap!! I know SO many people with babies or young children that will be able to give me hand-me-downs, in fact some already have! I want to have money to raise a child, and I don’t want a house full of junk. I don’t have tons of room in my house, and my husband and I definitely have more than enough unnecessary items, and we don’t need to keep bringing in more.
My reason for saving money? The US is looking like 1930s Germany 😭
Same 😩
I hope companies pay you a lot of money for sponsorships because you are the ONLY UA-camr I have ever bought products from - partially because I know you've already done the vetting process for me! I now wear period underwear because of your company!
I want to buy a house, travel, reinvest saving into sustainable resources when I do need buy something. I also want to make sure I'm very financially secure for retirement and I would love to become part time so I can look after myself better. A lot of this seems unrealistic but I would like to try to be financially secure all my life at the very least
Love this! I catalogued my wardrobe too after seeing your video and its been a game changer. I'm also trying to spend less and be more intentional in 2025 so i love the ideas. Do you have a word of the year yet?
I’m so glad you did it!! I had no idea I would love it as much as I have. I think my word for 2025 is vitality. Which is quite more complicated than my previous ones. But I’m going to do a little mini series resetting for the new year & I’ll explain it more in there ❤️
This is my favorite video you’ve ever created! I loved all your ideas and I can’t wait for you to find the app where you inventory all of your belongings. I would also like to suggest either finding or you creating an app where people trade services. I have been a childcare provider for well over 20 years and I do not think I would be very good at altering my own clothes, but I would love to offer free childcare/dog sitting for that service and others.
Love your videos!!! Please may you do a video full of value based entertainment ideas :)
Joining you for at least no buy January and look forward to talking about it in an upcoming video! Thank you so much for the inspiration and great tips! Happy New Year! 🎉❤
I just download Trive Market! I’m super excited:)
7:47 please let us know what app you end up using to inventory
Why not just make a spreadsheet? I don't get why you would need an app for this. I think you guys are overthinking things.
@ def could work but the clothing app she used allowed for pictures and then would give you suggestions based on what you had- obviously you don’t need it but aesthetically could be the vibe
An app has made inventorying my wardrobe invalue & a speadsheet for items in my pantry would be pointless. If I had to dedicate time to sit down at my computer to log groceries I would 100% give up after a few weeks tbh LOL. Apps are useful so I will use them
@@Shelbizleee lmk what app you find for food and household items! Looking forward to using Indyx with my closet in the new year
President of your neighborhood!? 😂 I love that haha
Thanks for the ideas, greetings from Chile❤️🥰❤
Such helpful guidance and tips. Thank you for always keeping me on the right track