For years I´ve had one neutral nail polish colour which I used for events such as weddings, parties, etc and hadn´t wanted or needed more. But this year I got very depressed and painting my nails was one of the few things that brought me joy, so I now have four nail polish colours and it feels like such a luxury! But in general I agree with most of the rest of your list.
I think 4 nail polishes you use and enjoy is great. You could have bought a new one every time but you didn't. I have 2 colours but 3 bottles because I forgot I had one... now we know I need to inventory what I own. ❤
I don't live in America and I haven't fully jumped onto the bandwagon yet but been watching your content a lot over the last few days. It's small but I switched out looking for glass shelving for my bathroom at the store and decided to search on Facebook marketplace instead. I found some listed at a local woman that I've bought plant pots from before, so I'm buying the shelving from her. Her store is all second hand items. I definitely won't be able to turn everything around all at once but I can start looking second hand more and waiting before purchases. I'm also going to stop buying so many plants and focus on caring for the ones I have.
I rarely use my air pump for my car, but I consider it essential emergency equipment. It’s also been great being able to help people with a flat (I also keep a tire patching kit in my trunk). I’m super happy with having them available and all quite affordable.
@nataliawineland34 Those temperature drops have the low tire pressure alert sounding at the most random times. 😆. I hate having to pay $2 for the air pump at the gas station, so I finally purchased a compressor. It can stay in the trunk along with the jump stater power bank and emergency roadside kit.
Roofing nails were my downfall. I think they’re in cahoots with tire companies. Had one nail in my sidewall which could be a vengeful move. I’ve got my suspicions.
In Texas an air pump might not be a necessity, but in Wisconsin in January, they’re a must have. Last January when it was below zero for a week, all the gas station pumps broke from overuse.
I live in Texas and use my bike a lot. I also use my pump during the winter. Our winters are not like yours, but we do hit freezing once in a while. It's enough to mess with my bike tires.😂❤
LOVE THIS! This year, I won’t be buying any hair care, makeup, soap, skincare, etc… until I use up ALL of what I have. Then I’ll visit my local refill stores and start slowly transitioning to low-waste or zero-waste alternatives as I run out of things. Thank you for your previous videos, Shelby, as they’ve given me specific swap ideas (like Wild deodorant)! 🫶
One thing I disagree with: gym equipment. Memberships are so overpriced now and I will never use like 60% of the machines there. A set of free weights will do everything I need, doesn't take up too much room, and bought secondhand only cost me 3 months worth of gym membership fees. I totally hear what your saying for the people who feel they need to buy everything (treadmill, stationary bike, rowing machine, bowflex etc.) but that ain't me.
My husband did the same thing. He has a very simple routine and bought free-weights secondhand. My routine requires larger equipment, and I like group classes, so I have a gym membership. Glad you found something that works for you!
I inherited a set of adjustable dumbbells and lighter plates, which works well for me on days when I know I just wont be able to get to the gym, but my body feels the need to move. When I progress past those weights, there a second hand gym/sports equipment store near me that I can go to to get what I need at the point where I need it. I know it's not for everyone, but for me they take up little space and are a lifesaver when I just cannot bring myself to make the trek to the gym, which is at least 25min away by car
I bought a treadmill because it was really the only thing I was going to the gym for. Also I use it way more often now that I don't have to leave the house for it.
I think it makes perfect sense to purchase gym equipment if you'll use it. Clearly working out is a part of your life that brings you health and joy, so it is a valid purchase for you to make. And that you know yourself well is a key step in being more sustainable because we are all unique so our must-haves are all different.
Agree with so many of these! Only one that caught me off guard was the tire pump. 😅 Maybe it's because I live in a seasonal climate where the tire pressure in my wheels change so frequently with temps. Always have it in my trunk with the emergency blanket for winter storms.
Same! I use my tire pump at least once a month if not more and i haven’t had to replace my tires as often now as I did when I had to rely on a tire pump at the gas station (which at a lot of the gas stations in my area those pumps either don’t work or you have to pay for them)
I've got a Milwaukee tire pump that works with the rechargeable batteries we already had for our tools. We use it constantly for us, our neighbors, etc.
I did all of 2024 without buying on Amazon, and I’m making it permanent. It’s totally possible. I do have a Walmart within biking distance which is far from perfect, but I feel it’s better, and it made it easy to quit Amazon while looking for other even better options. Thrift store impulse buys are the hardest for me to give up!
if i need to clean something messy (oil, sauces...) ill just use a bit of toilet roll to get the worst of it then use a rag. I just dont understand why paper towels are so necessary
My sister in law used a bunch of Costco cleaning cloths to pad a package she sent us (my husband’s dad had a ton of them), and I love them. I’ve cut way down on paper towels as a result.
Used our air pump this morning for my tires. Old car, super cold in the northeast, and scared to drive to the gas station on very low tires. Use it about every 2wks in the winter so I find it’s worth it for me and I’m glad. Would hate if I got it and didn’t actually use it!
I feel like if it’s a bathroom that your guests use…you should have a bag… some people still use disposable sanitary products and don’t want to throw it in an empty bin cuz that’s embarrassing
This scenario also crossed my mind, maybe just having a small bin with a bag that you put out when you have company and then just use your usual can when it’s just you guys at home
I hate when I stay over at someone's house and they're one of those people that don't have bags in their bins. I still use disposables when I stay over at a friend's place, so I don't have to worry about washing my period underwear. It's so awkward having to wrap a tampon in like 10 layers of toilet paper so I don't have to worry about the blood soaking through and dirtying up their bins.
I always keep a couple of nappy bags with my sanitary products in my handbag just in case something like this happens, don't use them any other time but it's useful to know they are there.
Love the aspect about just borrowing things from your community instead of each person buying one. I love using home depot rentals for things like pressure washers that I only use once a year as it's quite cheap and I don't have to worry about storing or maintenance. Also with streaming, most libraries have huge collections of movies and TV shows on DVD/blue-ray that I've been using instead of paying for 10 streaming services.
Nomad Over Normal has some excellent videos on this topic (renting or buying physical media secondhand in lieu of streaming), and makes a compelling argument for how much money this saves as well!
I rented a carpet shampooer recently from my local grocery store and it was sooooo handy! I will never understand why people buy a shampooer or a pressure washer unless they own a business lol they're such a hassle to store
I will say, our air pump we got for Christmas a few years ago has been so incredibly helpful for us. My husband has a knack for picking up nails in his tires and there’s been so many times where we can patch the tire and air it up right outside our home. It would have damaged the car to drive it on its rim to the nearest gas station.
You mentioned looking for a new necklace replacement and I found this brand called Naut & Chain while searching for a Christmas gift for my partner. Their metals are 100% recycled, 1% for the planet, etc and it didn’t break the bank. Highly recommend checking them out!
I live somewhere where the hard water levels are 5 times the average level it should be and rinse Aid helps sooooooooo much in the dishwasher. I can 100% tell when the rinse Aid has run out of the dishwasher
The only thing I disagree with you here is the electric tire pump. I asked my mom for one for christmas a few years ago and it’s been life saving and can prevent people from getting their cards skimmed at gas stations. Or a lot of times, the air pumps at gas stations are broken. If your tires are low on air, you shouldn’t be driving a lot until they are at a safe level again, and if youre far from a gas station, that can be dangerous. My dad has had the same black & decker air pump for over 15 years and it was worth it.
I agree, I have one too and it’s definitely helped a lot. A lot of the air pumps at gas stations don’t work or you have no idea what pressure they are adding to your car. And they can last for years. Especially helpful if u live in a cold climate
Honestly, tire pumps are necessary if you have hand trucks, wheelbarrows, a bike or your car. It is basically a one time purchase and comes in handy year after year if you take care of them. When you have freezing and very hot fluctuations, tires lose pressure. I realize that you are only able to speak from within your experience limits, but some things are useful and taking your equipment miles to a gas station to pay for air isn’t realistic for many of us. I live 9 miles away from a gas station so to drive 18 miles to fill up my tires in my tools or if my car tire is low, is kind of silly. Not all of us live in the middle of a city. Please try to realize your world view or location isn’t typical for many people.
Most of the gas stations near me do have air pumps but are broken and the gas station doesn’t own them so they aren’t responsible for fixing them. We have a manual air pump for our bikes and stuff because it’s not worth the effort trying to find an air pump that works.
I don’t think this video is trying to tell you what to buy or not buy. Just her own personal list. Maybe the purpose of this video is to help us think of our own list. You’re right that we all live different lives and the items we won’t buy will look different!
My 2025 is including a new baby in our home, so we're doing cloth diapers, thrifted items and making baby's food from scratch from our garden that I'll be planting once I'm healthy again.
it's so interesting to see what other people consider a good investment and how our view points differ. for example, i completely disagree with the tire inflator one. i use mine several times a year, and because of several past experiences with slow leaks and scrounging around to find enough quarters for the air pump, i decided that was a good investment for myself. i even just used mine a few weeks ago to inflate someone else's tire. as you pointed out with the nail polish thing, though, each person has different values and interests, and no one way of sustainability is going to be right for everyone. most people probably DON'T need a tire inflator, but everyone has to decide that for themselves. i think that's the real value in these videos. you can see what other people's views are and use those to help evaluate your own.
I, too, seem to gravitate towards tops! 😂 The wardrobe inventory is helpful to identify gaps in my wardrobe. I use a simple spreadsheet but it’s so helpful!
Oh no! I have a tire inflator and LOVE it. It has saved me more than once. Plus I'd rather be able to check my tire pressure and inflate balls and floats, etc whenever I want and not have to pay to use the commercial inflators at a gas station.
I was surprised that, generally speaking I'm already doing almost everything you said 😊 - I have told friend's that being broke really helps you to evaluate what is necessary and what isn't, as well as to consume more consciously
As a mom, I have made the conscious choice to not buy new toys for my daughter. She already has SO MANY between receiving hand-me-downs and previous gifts from friends and family. She doesn’t need anymore! She’s only 3 but this past Christmas I felt pressured by other people to get her tons of gifts even though she’s too young to even fully understand the concept of getting a gift! Luckily I didn’t give in to the pressure. She got one gift for Christmas (a coloring book) and that’s it. She wasn’t even particularly excited about opening presents; just the idea of Santa Claus itself was super exciting for her 🤣 no need to condition her to expect overconsumption going forward, and my wallet is also happy about it.
Idk I’ve had to pump my tire 5 times in one week and all the gas stations nearby had broken air pumps….feels useful. Plus parent didn’t need a lot of things we need because gas stations kept these things up to date previously
I had the same issue. The air pumps here are owned by a non-profit and cost $1.25 (all quarters) but they aren't keeping them fixed. I finally bought one and my neighbors borrow it sometimes.
I feel incredibly grateful to own... not just a vehicle, but a Prius. The gas mileage is stupendous, and it carries much of what people would ask of a truck or van. There's a reason it's one of the most popular and well-reviewed cars out there, while also being completely absent from Toyota's marketing campaigns. It's so good, it sells itself.
Holiday decor really got me this year. I have been so strict about only buying second hand (if any at all), but I think my feelings took over. Now I don’t even want to keep the few new things I got and have horrible guilt about it. I’m just telling myself that this is a lesson and that companies spend so much time and money to use people at their low points to buy things. 🎄👻🎃 Love this video! Cheers to growth and going back to your core values! ❤
The costume jewelry point is so good!! I had to replace my engagement ring that I lost, so I bought a fake $20 one and it only looked good for a few months. My wife just gave me a real gold ring for Christmas (with lab made stones!) and it’s so nice to have something I won’t have to worry about replacing.
I like how you have organized these into categories based on your reason for not buying it. I've got some slightly different priorities so my choices are a little different, but I do like how you've given No Buy a framework based on WHY.
I actually was thinking of getting my uncle a tire inflator for Christmas because he’s a mechanic. Lmao, so funny you brought that up because I felt super happy thinking of that kind of practical gift for him!
Now that you're a homeowner, have you done any home renovations? Other than buying used cabinetry, wood and tools, I often find that all the things i need to refinish an item (stains, paints, lacquers, strippers) are highly toxic and can't be recycled or composted. These are things that are meant to be highly durable so I have accepted that refinishing my floors with new stain and polyurethane is better than buying NEW floors, but would love to see more options. I am hoping to redo an entire floor of my home in a few years (reno down to the studs). Would love to hear if you're come across any options - or if you have any advice for being a sustainable home owner.
8:22 maybe it varies, but some gas station simply don’t have the air pump or it doesn’t work. I bought one because when the temp dips I’m always having to put air in them
Also, for the toner thing, rice water and rose water are considered to be great natural toners. Which you can easily make at home, especially the rice water bc all you need to do is rinse the rice 3 times and keep the water from the 3rd rinse to use. I use it in place of a cleanser in the morning since my skin is dry and sensitive.
Hey! Great content! We haven't had time to binge your channel since subscribing yesterday, so this was perfect for a rainy morning messing up our kitchen table sowing seeds for 2025. Since 2020, our main hobby has become landscape gardening. About 90% is edible, but it doesn't look like a food garden. Sowing onions right now in plastic pots we scavanaged a few years ago from nursery in Bee Cave. We also make paper pots from our Central Market paper bags: mindless yet satisfying activity watching and learning from our favorites on UA-cam, now including you... thx! This Fall, we started making all our own bread. Again, another shift in having new sustainable hobbies that slowly replace (displace?) the old; and the new are tons more satisying, to boot!
This is right up my alley for 2025. I cancelled my prime bc it was sucking me into an endless rabbit hole and deleted my social media apps to get my time back and only log in on my desktop when I chose to. So many more great ideas here !!
Thank you for this, Shelbizleee! I've been a subscriber for ~7 years and always enjoy your posts, esp. this kind! And you're looking prettier than ever. Your make-up is fantastic! Happy New Year!
I’m hoping to move in the next year or two, so I’m trying to buy less in general. The point about books is very relatable for me. I bought a bunch in 2023, mostly from Thriftbooks, and I’ve already sold or rehomed most of them bc they take up so much space in my apartment. I love the library! It supports my community and saves me money/space.
The only thing I'll push back on is the air pump. I've been in rural areas or on a long stretch of highway where my air gets low and there's no free air at a gas station in sight (or no gas stations period). It has saved my butt MULTIPLE times. And, since I have a crossover vehicle I just store it in with my wheel well. For people who live in cities or don't travel far distances much in their own cars, sure. But everyone else? Gotta have it. I've forced a couple of friends to get them just so they'll be safe out there!
Maybe I don’t understand how this works, but I was disappointed to see affiliate links for WalMart when you specifically mention not being a fan of WalMart.
@strawbunny93 Oh, I definitely get that! I was referring to the multiple comments in the video about NOT shopping at WalMart or other big box stores, but then an affiliate link offered for items to be purchased at WalMart. However, I don’t know how things like that work so I don’t know if Shelbi deliberately did that or if it is automatically done by YT since she said the name in the video.
this year i'm continuing trying to use up the backlog of body washes, lotions, scrubs etc, im finally making a dent wooo. Also stationary, i've got so many pens(fine liners felt tips markers etc) so im just trying to use them up and put them into my universities pen recycling. Outside of food and supplies for school i generally do not need much
I've been doing the pen, pencil, paper, marker type of collection just today. I've always been the type to have a backlog of supplies in case they become hard to get. My kids are now grown. I try to pass things to them first but if they aren't interested (and they never are!) I donate. I was going to run them by the local kid's school because the ladies in the office say they can always use such things. I guess if people walk off with the pens it doesn't faze them. I'm deciding to use Dana K. White's idea of "here is the container for this group of things. You cannot exceed this container." That still gives me a boatload of backstock but way less than I had. It just hit me today that it is a bizarre ritual to check that every pen or marker still works and then only get rid of them if they don't.
I agree no need to buy toner, but if you have acne prone skin a "toner" of 1/2 ACV 1/2 water is invaluable. Air pump: i agree with your general point but depending on your car and winter environment it is a valuable emergency item. Typically we air up at gas stations but between my old car that didnt hold tire pressure, weather messing with tire pressure, and periodic family trips, and only one gas station chain still having free air, my family has 2 car plug ones we share & have used many times in the last decade.
I'm grateful that you're going out of your way to produce less waste and remove the nature of things being disposable, but I also hate the texture of silicone, makes my teeth curl, it's sort of like a sensory aversion, I also find plastic containers really a chore to wash since they always feel greasy afterwards. (probably sensory related)
If you are looking to use a power washer or need a lawn mower for a short time or something along those lines, look for an equipment rental company if available. If you don’t have the friend or family circle to borrow it from, these companies rent things decently cheap. I’ve rented a lawn mower when my parents’ mower had issues and I think a weekend cost me $40 from Thursday to Sunday.
Hey Shelby! I watch you now for a long time and you have every year a word for it. (I think the last one was community ( 2024)). So what will be it for this year ? Greetings from Germany !❤❤
thank you for continuing to make videos on this. you continue to inspire me to do better each each year! Im in a place where im 85-90% ish percent thrifting clothes and home goods and im really working on getting a low waste kitchen down. Working on paper towels and parchment paper swaps! personal care is difficult/probably impossible with my hair type and preferences but im doing what i can to do better :) Oh and food is difficult too, especially with inflation, but finding unpackaged produce is something i want to do better with in 2025!
Watching you list all the things you DON'T buy made me realise how much I already DON'T buy! If i didn't have children, I probably wouldn't buy anything next year except fuel for me, fuel for my pets, and fuel for my car, and services like mechanics + chiropractor + dentist.
I'd really encourage folks to still buy an air pump! It's helpful for emergencies, long drives when you can't immediately get service, and driving anywhere with fluctuating temperatures. It's especially useful if you're like me and have an older car that doesn't tell you what your tire pressure is or if you get a slow leak in a tire (and it's frankly much more convenient/reliable to fill up your tires at home than going to a gas station/auto shop). It's saved me multiple times, so I swear by it for anyone who drives regularly!
Using normal bar soap to shave can cause razor burns, bumps, or cuts because it doesn't lubricate the skin enough. I use conditioner instead of shaving foam, but you can use oils or a bar of face moisturizer (just cut a little chunk off for just shaving and keep it in a soap saver) or any kind of cream/lotion you might have. You want the skin smooth or it will crack under the razor. I say this as a girlie who waxing and shaves, depending on the body part, but who also thinks shaving foam is wasteful.
I despise plastic cling wrap, not only because of the waste but also because I can never get it to come out all in one sheet and cover the container without the wrap sticking together and becoming useless.
Would love to see a video on how you choose which ebike to buy! I don't know if you've already made one but a quick search didn't come up with anything so I thought I'd ask!
I've always liked these videos of yours every year. But since becoming a parent, a lot of them aren't realistic for me anymore. I know you do interviews sometimes and I was wondering if you'd consider doing one with a sustainable parent? I'm interested in knowing what they do for some alternatives with coochie goblins around the house. Especially after Christmas with SO MANY toys as gifts. People always buy us too many that my kids just don't need.
"coochie goblins" Im dead LMAO But yeah I would love to hear from a sustainable parent. I would just recommend the 'meet in the middle' approach to sustainability. For a tiny example, paper towels -- still buy the disposables for all the awful messes, but have reusable ones that are dedicated for mealtime. With this approach you're at least following sustainable practices to a degree and raising your kids to be conscious with their choices. I also really recommend getting a library card just for $$$ reasons, I've replaced my movies/tv streaming with the free services they provide (lots of kids shows too).
Yeah, I'll never not use fabric conditioner - I wear a LOT of cotton clothing and being autistic, if the fabric is at all rough or scratchy, I'm on meltdown watch. I'd love to not have sensory issues but we all have to live with the cards we've been dealt lol.
Love your channel. Makes me feel so much better having a like minded person to make changes with. You are so inspiring and encouraging. Hope you have a wonderful new year!
Nails was the one where I thought you took it too far 😅 but when I think about it, I barely do my own nails! I’ll definitely take this into consideration
Disagree on the gym equipment one too. The gym in my apartment is always crowded when I have time to workout. A set of dumbells and a yoga mat help me keep up with my goals at home.
Appreciate this. A great time to reassess where each of us are to live more sustainably. i am no where near your efficiency, but since watching your channel I've certainly improved and will continue to do so. Thanks for all you do to bring attention to this.
THE PRESSURE WASHER! That is the number one gadget for all suburban dads in my neighborhood. Every spring weekend you can hear the song of the pressure washer acapella-ing from the gardens. Washing the garden furniture and tiles. Just use a broom for the floor and a bucket and sponge on the furniture. Or indeed, borrow it. And also the number of gadgets that they use in their war against the miniscule weeds in between tiles. Just taking a minute of silence to commemorate the soil life lost in the chemical warfare and burners of suburban dads.
Every big box store has been caught ripping off artists but the worst place is Zara. I stopped buying t-shirts with printed designs because it happens so much.
I have a set that is a gel like material that you rinse off. They work just as well as regular ones but are a little less convenient if you are doing a larger area.
I'm really glad you mentioned tech. So many youtube/tik tok influencers who claim to be enviro conscious don't realize how tech is one of the absolute worst things for the planet and for mankind in general and they seem to just ignore the topic bc of the line of work they have chosen. The people who have to dispose of all those cell phones, laptops, gaming systems are being poisoned along with our planet.
i dont buy clingwrap because i'm too lazy. sometimes i at least use food containers. sometimes I just leave them... open... in the fridge, like a monster. not a good habit but hey so many other things to worry about, if i die i die. the same for a lot of other stuff on this list: i am just too lazy to live any sort of "lifestyle", so no dryer sheets, no cooking gadgets, no additional skincare, no mouthwash, etc. I'm just... too poor and lazy. just out here living like a gremlin. the one thing I swear off buying, even though I do want, is first-hand clothes. another thing is i wonder if there's something more sustainable than instant coffee??? (which i drink a LOT)
For the not using any air freshener I like to leave little tiny bowls of baking soda in smelly areas and ofc use it on he carpet or on my mattress and vacuum it up to pick up all the smells
Can you do a video about the inhumane practices of products in America? Such as child labor, slave labor, explain fair trade and what things to look for a stores. Also best practices.
Interesting comment on the mouthwash, however, any mouthwash that has the ingredient CPC is extremely helpful for protecting oneself against viruses, such just COVID-19 and the flu so that is definitely something to keep in mind when making a decision about whether to use mouthwash or not
My boyfriend and I don’t have a car and neither does my sister or her husband. We all have electric bikes instead. We do live in London where public transport is super easy as well but we can also borrow my mum’s car if we NEED one and we so rarely do. E-bikes are so convenient!
To lengthen the use of your cheap jewelry you already have you can coat it with clear nail polish. It makes me happy to extend the use of the things I already have and slowly replace with good jewelry
Haha so many comments about the tire inflator thing which I did not expect 😂😂 but tables and chairs?! I don’t quite understand! Like extra for hosting? Or your main table for eating?
I love things not to buy videos and you make many good points. But your logic of just borrowing isn't that that doable for a lot of people. firstly, most the time I want to borrow chairs and tables are during the holidays when people are the most likely to be using theirs. My buy nothing is not a great place for borrowing either. With lending there is always the potential for having the item damaged or not returned. I think this works best in a tight knit community situation and a lot of people don't have that.
Shopping stresses me out 😂. Which unfortunately makes searching for things on Facebook market place and multiple thrift stores exhausting. But I do my best and sometimes get lucky so I’ll at least check there first 😊❤
Please tell me more about your lint roller, my long haired cat would like to know. 😂 I have one but feel like it super sucks and would really like a better alternative.
The only thing I don't agree with on this is the dishwasher rinse aid. I live in the country, and I NEED it, as my well water is hard, so everything has water marks. So unless someone knows something that is septic safe and helps with water marks 🤷🏼♀️😂
I push my cuticles up, file my nails, and apply a urea cream to them after each hand washing and before bed. That's really the only nail care you need. I think women should really question if they get any creative value out of spending so much time on their nails or if they just do them because they feel like it's expected of our gender.
Once upon a time, it was a creative outlet. But once I hit perimenopause my nails got really thin and weak and refuse to hold onto polish, even shellac. Plus, I sew and do a lot around the house, and I’m planning to put in a vegetable and herb garden this spring, which would destroy my nails even if they were healthy.
I chuckled a little at the tyre inflater - we have one that came free with my boyfriends first car and we have needed that bad boy far too much over the years haha we have horrific roads in my part of ireland and we would've been stuck so many times away from a petrol station with air without our little tyre inflater
You touched on it in your last section but I've found my no buy hierarchy to include stores I won't be buying from for political reasons. Like if I need home maintenance stuff, I make sure businesses that supported politicians I strongly disagree with are last on my list of places I will look. Spite has turned out to be a great motivator for me.
@mzzzzzzday mine did. I take really good care of my teeth (electric toothbrush twice a day, floss and waterpick) and use to do mouthwash every day. Went to the dentist asking about my stains and she said that its from my mouthwash. She said besides for a certain few people who have certain oral conditions, mouthwash was essentially a scam and not needed and actually causes staining. I stopped using it immediately and a year later, my teeth stopped getting stained!
I didn’t realize rechargeable lighters exist! Our disposable lighter that we use for candles and the fireplace just died. I had to pause the video and order one. I’ve given up on nail polish. Once I hit perimenopause, my nails got really thin and weak, and refused to hold onto polish. Even shellac chips off within a day or two. My nails have decided to be nudists.
5:37 Good for you. I’m also trying to reduce my already low alcohol intake for the future because I found out that Christians are not supposed to drink.
Very interesting, most of these things (not all obviously) but a lot are things I grew up without and after moving to the US realized how common most of these items are, sure, they can be practical but most of them are unnecessary. Plastic wrap? Why? Like you said just use a container Paper towels? That's what rags are for Has anyone ever heard of mops? They they do a better job than the alternative. I like burning incense for a nice smell. Shaving cream ? One thing about borrowing I feel (obviously this MY issue) that if you borrow something multiple times people might think, just get your own already, and I feel insecure about it..?
For 2025, my mom is going to make christmas bags for everyone so we can stop buying wrapping paper!
Woohoo! I did this last year and they are so cute! Love not having to buy wrapping paper.
I’ve seen lots of people using their paper bags from groceries/stores and decorating them and wrapping gifts. Super cute upcycle!
Smart!
My work mate buys large silk scarves at estate sales and wraps presents in them.
I just bought a couple of Christmas pillowcases secondhand and I’m going to look for more for this same purpose!
For years I´ve had one neutral nail polish colour which I used for events such as weddings, parties, etc and hadn´t wanted or needed more. But this year I got very depressed and painting my nails was one of the few things that brought me joy, so I now have four nail polish colours and it feels like such a luxury!
But in general I agree with most of the rest of your list.
I think 4 nail polishes you use and enjoy is great. You could have bought a new one every time but you didn't. I have 2 colours but 3 bottles because I forgot I had one... now we know I need to inventory what I own. ❤
I don't live in America and I haven't fully jumped onto the bandwagon yet but been watching your content a lot over the last few days. It's small but I switched out looking for glass shelving for my bathroom at the store and decided to search on Facebook marketplace instead. I found some listed at a local woman that I've bought plant pots from before, so I'm buying the shelving from her. Her store is all second hand items.
I definitely won't be able to turn everything around all at once but I can start looking second hand more and waiting before purchases. I'm also going to stop buying so many plants and focus on caring for the ones I have.
Glass shelves are the worst anyways. They break or get scratched !
Good for you!
I rarely use my air pump for my car, but I consider it essential emergency equipment. It’s also been great being able to help people with a flat (I also keep a tire patching kit in my trunk). I’m super happy with having them available and all quite affordable.
I agree my bf has one I would've never bought it myself but it def comes in handy especially in cold weather
I got one for christmas this year so this comment makes me feel better lol
@nataliawineland34 Those temperature drops have the low tire pressure alert sounding at the most random times. 😆. I hate having to pay $2 for the air pump at the gas station, so I finally purchased a compressor. It can stay in the trunk along with the jump stater power bank and emergency roadside kit.
@@KylanaG right!! It's like okay is my tire actually losing air or is it just cold lol. It's nice to have for things like that
Roofing nails were my downfall. I think they’re in cahoots with tire companies. Had one nail in my sidewall which could be a vengeful move. I’ve got my suspicions.
In Texas an air pump might not be a necessity, but in Wisconsin in January, they’re a must have. Last January when it was below zero for a week, all the gas station pumps broke from overuse.
I live in Texas and use my bike a lot. I also use my pump during the winter. Our winters are not like yours, but we do hit freezing once in a while. It's enough to mess with my bike tires.😂❤
Yup. I keep one in my trunk and it is great to be able to easily check and inflate them all year round as necessary.
LOVE THIS! This year, I won’t be buying any hair care, makeup, soap, skincare, etc… until I use up ALL of what I have. Then I’ll visit my local refill stores and start slowly transitioning to low-waste or zero-waste alternatives as I run out of things. Thank you for your previous videos, Shelby, as they’ve given me specific swap ideas (like Wild deodorant)! 🫶
One thing I disagree with: gym equipment. Memberships are so overpriced now and I will never use like 60% of the machines there. A set of free weights will do everything I need, doesn't take up too much room, and bought secondhand only cost me 3 months worth of gym membership fees. I totally hear what your saying for the people who feel they need to buy everything (treadmill, stationary bike, rowing machine, bowflex etc.) but that ain't me.
My husband did the same thing. He has a very simple routine and bought free-weights secondhand.
My routine requires larger equipment, and I like group classes, so I have a gym membership. Glad you found something that works for you!
I inherited a set of adjustable dumbbells and lighter plates, which works well for me on days when I know I just wont be able to get to the gym, but my body feels the need to move. When I progress past those weights, there a second hand gym/sports equipment store near me that I can go to to get what I need at the point where I need it. I know it's not for everyone, but for me they take up little space and are a lifesaver when I just cannot bring myself to make the trek to the gym, which is at least 25min away by car
Completely agree. Weights + yoga mat for me is all I need. I’m not paying no gym membership.
I bought a treadmill because it was really the only thing I was going to the gym for. Also I use it way more often now that I don't have to leave the house for it.
I think it makes perfect sense to purchase gym equipment if you'll use it. Clearly working out is a part of your life that brings you health and joy, so it is a valid purchase for you to make. And that you know yourself well is a key step in being more sustainable because we are all unique so our must-haves are all different.
Agree with so many of these!
Only one that caught me off guard was the tire pump. 😅 Maybe it's because I live in a seasonal climate where the tire pressure in my wheels change so frequently with temps. Always have it in my trunk with the emergency blanket for winter storms.
Never known they even existed 😂 Maybe that's an American thing.
Same! I use my tire pump at least once a month if not more and i haven’t had to replace my tires as often now as I did when I had to rely on a tire pump at the gas station (which at a lot of the gas stations in my area those pumps either don’t work or you have to pay for them)
I use my bike a lot and a tire pump is a must for me!
i’m in the midwest so this one also threw me for a loop lol.
I've got a Milwaukee tire pump that works with the rechargeable batteries we already had for our tools. We use it constantly for us, our neighbors, etc.
I did all of 2024 without buying on Amazon, and I’m making it permanent. It’s totally possible. I do have a Walmart within biking distance which is far from perfect, but I feel it’s better, and it made it easy to quit Amazon while looking for other even better options. Thrift store impulse buys are the hardest for me to give up!
I switched to using rags instead of paper towels (except in very specific situations) and it’s saved so much money!
I’m addicted to paper towels for kitchen messes (I cook 3 meals a day +) I really need to stop 😕
i cant convince my mom to switch. My grandmother is way worse.
if i need to clean something messy (oil, sauces...) ill just use a bit of toilet roll to get the worst of it then use a rag. I just dont understand why paper towels are so necessary
My sister in law used a bunch of Costco cleaning cloths to pad a package she sent us (my husband’s dad had a ton of them), and I love them. I’ve cut way down on paper towels as a result.
Used our air pump this morning for my tires. Old car, super cold in the northeast, and scared to drive to the gas station on very low tires. Use it about every 2wks in the winter so I find it’s worth it for me and I’m glad. Would hate if I got it and didn’t actually use it!
Hey girl, I’ve been following you since I was in high school and i’m 24 soon. love your commitment to living green and sharing with us all ❤️❤️❤️
I’m 2 years older but same here! I’ve been watching her forever! 💖
I’m 19! Any advice? ❤
I feel like if it’s a bathroom that your guests use…you should have a bag… some people still use disposable sanitary products and don’t want to throw it in an empty bin cuz that’s embarrassing
This scenario also crossed my mind, maybe just having a small bin with a bag that you put out when you have company and then just use your usual can when it’s just you guys at home
I hate when I stay over at someone's house and they're one of those people that don't have bags in their bins. I still use disposables when I stay over at a friend's place, so I don't have to worry about washing my period underwear. It's so awkward having to wrap a tampon in like 10 layers of toilet paper so I don't have to worry about the blood soaking through and dirtying up their bins.
I always keep a couple of nappy bags with my sanitary products in my handbag just in case something like this happens, don't use them any other time but it's useful to know they are there.
Love the aspect about just borrowing things from your community instead of each person buying one. I love using home depot rentals for things like pressure washers that I only use once a year as it's quite cheap and I don't have to worry about storing or maintenance. Also with streaming, most libraries have huge collections of movies and TV shows on DVD/blue-ray that I've been using instead of paying for 10 streaming services.
Nomad Over Normal has some excellent videos on this topic (renting or buying physical media secondhand in lieu of streaming), and makes a compelling argument for how much money this saves as well!
I rented a carpet shampooer recently from my local grocery store and it was sooooo handy! I will never understand why people buy a shampooer or a pressure washer unless they own a business lol they're such a hassle to store
I will say, our air pump we got for Christmas a few years ago has been so incredibly helpful for us. My husband has a knack for picking up nails in his tires and there’s been so many times where we can patch the tire and air it up right outside our home. It would have damaged the car to drive it on its rim to the nearest gas station.
Me too!! I think there must be magnets in my tires!!
You mentioned looking for a new necklace replacement and I found this brand called Naut & Chain while searching for a Christmas gift for my partner. Their metals are 100% recycled, 1% for the planet, etc and it didn’t break the bank. Highly recommend checking them out!
Can you please link which reusable lint roller you use? I would love to make that sustainable swap.
Me too! I have a dog and this would be wonderful to have for cleaning my clothes and my couch!
It’s in the video description 😊 she has it linked! Hope that’s helpful 🖤
How about the reusable swiffer pads?
I live somewhere where the hard water levels are 5 times the average level it should be and rinse Aid helps sooooooooo much in the dishwasher. I can 100% tell when the rinse Aid has run out of the dishwasher
The only thing I disagree with you here is the electric tire pump. I asked my mom for one for christmas a few years ago and it’s been life saving and can prevent people from getting their cards skimmed at gas stations. Or a lot of times, the air pumps at gas stations are broken. If your tires are low on air, you shouldn’t be driving a lot until they are at a safe level again, and if youre far from a gas station, that can be dangerous. My dad has had the same black & decker air pump for over 15 years and it was worth it.
I agree, I have one too and it’s definitely helped a lot. A lot of the air pumps at gas stations don’t work or you have no idea what pressure they are adding to your car. And they can last for years. Especially helpful if u live in a cold climate
Honestly, tire pumps are necessary if you have hand trucks, wheelbarrows, a bike or your car. It is basically a one time purchase and comes in handy year after year if you take care of them. When you have freezing and very hot fluctuations, tires lose pressure. I realize that you are only able to speak from within your experience limits, but some things are useful and taking your equipment miles to a gas station to pay for air isn’t realistic for many of us. I live 9 miles away from a gas station so to drive 18 miles to fill up my tires in my tools or if my car tire is low, is kind of silly. Not all of us live in the middle of a city. Please try to realize your world view or location isn’t typical for many people.
Most of the gas stations near me do have air pumps but are broken and the gas station doesn’t own them so they aren’t responsible for fixing them. We have a manual air pump for our bikes and stuff because it’s not worth the effort trying to find an air pump that works.
Totally agree, plus regular maintenance of tyres improves their fuel efficiency!!
I don’t think this video is trying to tell you what to buy or not buy. Just her own personal list. Maybe the purpose of this video is to help us think of our own list. You’re right that we all live different lives and the items we won’t buy will look different!
My 2025 is including a new baby in our home, so we're doing cloth diapers, thrifted items and making baby's food from scratch from our garden that I'll be planting once I'm healthy again.
congratulations!
We actually have gym equipment in our local park! Free to use for everyone. It's such a great idea
it's so interesting to see what other people consider a good investment and how our view points differ. for example, i completely disagree with the tire inflator one. i use mine several times a year, and because of several past experiences with slow leaks and scrounging around to find enough quarters for the air pump, i decided that was a good investment for myself. i even just used mine a few weeks ago to inflate someone else's tire. as you pointed out with the nail polish thing, though, each person has different values and interests, and no one way of sustainability is going to be right for everyone. most people probably DON'T need a tire inflator, but everyone has to decide that for themselves. i think that's the real value in these videos. you can see what other people's views are and use those to help evaluate your own.
Yes! Same kind of experience with the tire inflator. In fact, my adult kids use mine when they visit the house.
Fabric softener isn't good for your clothes OR your washer machine either! Same with dryer sheets, those cause flammable build up in dryer!
I, too, seem to gravitate towards tops! 😂 The wardrobe inventory is helpful to identify gaps in my wardrobe. I use a simple spreadsheet but it’s so helpful!
Oh no! I have a tire inflator and LOVE it. It has saved me more than once. Plus I'd rather be able to check my tire pressure and inflate balls and floats, etc whenever I want and not have to pay to use the commercial inflators at a gas station.
Wish I could just borrow from neighbors etc... sadly in my area no one does this and if you ask to borrow something then you're a "moocher"
Borrowing things from neighbors used to be the norm. It's sad how individualistic we've become.
I was surprised that, generally speaking I'm already doing almost everything you said 😊 - I have told friend's that being broke really helps you to evaluate what is necessary and what isn't, as well as to consume more consciously
As a mom, I have made the conscious choice to not buy new toys for my daughter. She already has SO MANY between receiving hand-me-downs and previous gifts from friends and family. She doesn’t need anymore! She’s only 3 but this past Christmas I felt pressured by other people to get her tons of gifts even though she’s too young to even fully understand the concept of getting a gift! Luckily I didn’t give in to the pressure. She got one gift for Christmas (a coloring book) and that’s it. She wasn’t even particularly excited about opening presents; just the idea of Santa Claus itself was super exciting for her 🤣 no need to condition her to expect overconsumption going forward, and my wallet is also happy about it.
Idk I’ve had to pump my tire 5 times in one week and all the gas stations nearby had broken air pumps….feels useful. Plus parent didn’t need a lot of things we need because gas stations kept these things up to date previously
I had the same issue. The air pumps here are owned by a non-profit and cost $1.25 (all quarters) but they aren't keeping them fixed. I finally bought one and my neighbors borrow it sometimes.
Yep, in places that get super cold in the winter, air pumps and compressors are a necessity.
I feel incredibly grateful to own... not just a vehicle, but a Prius. The gas mileage is stupendous, and it carries much of what people would ask of a truck or van. There's a reason it's one of the most popular and well-reviewed cars out there, while also being completely absent from Toyota's marketing campaigns. It's so good, it sells itself.
I loved this video and how are organized the categories! New subbie here!❤
5:30 I admire your confidence to admit that publicly. And it’s good that you’re doing your own thing rather than what society dictates.
Holiday decor really got me this year. I have been so strict about only buying second hand (if any at all), but I think my feelings took over. Now I don’t even want to keep the few new things I got and have horrible guilt about it. I’m just telling myself that this is a lesson and that companies spend so much time and money to use people at their low points to buy things. 🎄👻🎃 Love this video! Cheers to growth and going back to your core values! ❤
The costume jewelry point is so good!! I had to replace my engagement ring that I lost, so I bought a fake $20 one and it only looked good for a few months. My wife just gave me a real gold ring for Christmas (with lab made stones!) and it’s so nice to have something I won’t have to worry about replacing.
I like how you have organized these into categories based on your reason for not buying it. I've got some slightly different priorities so my choices are a little different, but I do like how you've given No Buy a framework based on WHY.
I actually was thinking of getting my uncle a tire inflator for Christmas because he’s a mechanic. Lmao, so funny you brought that up because I felt super happy thinking of that kind of practical gift for him!
My dad is a mechanic as well and has a full air compressor built into the garage at home 😂 so it does make sense for some people!
Now that you're a homeowner, have you done any home renovations? Other than buying used cabinetry, wood and tools, I often find that all the things i need to refinish an item (stains, paints, lacquers, strippers) are highly toxic and can't be recycled or composted. These are things that are meant to be highly durable so I have accepted that refinishing my floors with new stain and polyurethane is better than buying NEW floors, but would love to see more options. I am hoping to redo an entire floor of my home in a few years (reno down to the studs). Would love to hear if you're come across any options - or if you have any advice for being a sustainable home owner.
8:22 maybe it varies, but some gas station simply don’t have the air pump or it doesn’t work. I bought one because when the temp dips I’m always having to put air in them
Agreed. I think it makes more sense to have one of these when you live in an area where the tire pressure is impacted more often by the weather.
@@KylanaGthat’s where we are at in CO. It’s almost every day in Feb and March I need to use it!
Also, for the toner thing, rice water and rose water are considered to be great natural toners. Which you can easily make at home, especially the rice water bc all you need to do is rinse the rice 3 times and keep the water from the 3rd rinse to use. I use it in place of a cleanser in the morning since my skin is dry and sensitive.
Another great video thank you! Happy holidays & wish you the best in 2025 🎉
Hey! Great content!
We haven't had time to binge your channel since subscribing yesterday, so this was perfect for a rainy morning messing up our kitchen table sowing seeds for 2025.
Since 2020, our main hobby has become landscape gardening. About 90% is edible, but it doesn't look like a food garden.
Sowing onions right now in plastic pots we scavanaged a few years ago from nursery in Bee Cave.
We also make paper pots from our Central Market paper bags: mindless yet satisfying activity watching and learning from our favorites on UA-cam, now including you... thx!
This Fall, we started making all our own bread. Again, another shift in having new sustainable hobbies that slowly replace (displace?) the old; and the new are tons more satisying, to boot!
This is right up my alley for 2025. I cancelled my prime bc it was sucking me into an endless rabbit hole and deleted my social media apps to get my time back and only log in on my desktop when I chose to. So many more great ideas here !!
Thank you for this, Shelbizleee! I've been a subscriber for ~7 years and always enjoy your posts, esp. this kind! And you're looking prettier than ever. Your make-up is fantastic! Happy New Year!
I found an air tire/battery starter in the trash! Definitely helpful for my old car!
I’m hoping to move in the next year or two, so I’m trying to buy less in general. The point about books is very relatable for me. I bought a bunch in 2023, mostly from Thriftbooks, and I’ve already sold or rehomed most of them bc they take up so much space in my apartment. I love the library! It supports my community and saves me money/space.
The only thing I'll push back on is the air pump. I've been in rural areas or on a long stretch of highway where my air gets low and there's no free air at a gas station in sight (or no gas stations period). It has saved my butt MULTIPLE times. And, since I have a crossover vehicle I just store it in with my wheel well. For people who live in cities or don't travel far distances much in their own cars, sure. But everyone else? Gotta have it. I've forced a couple of friends to get them just so they'll be safe out there!
Love your attitude, Shelby!
Maybe I don’t understand how this works, but I was disappointed to see affiliate links for WalMart when you specifically mention not being a fan of WalMart.
I don't like them either but their prices are what's most accessible for people. It's about doing the best you can, not being perfect.
@strawbunny93 Oh, I definitely get that! I was referring to the multiple comments in the video about NOT shopping at WalMart or other big box stores, but then an affiliate link offered for items to be purchased at WalMart. However, I don’t know how things like that work so I don’t know if Shelbi deliberately did that or if it is automatically done by YT since she said the name in the video.
looks like it’s in her description, not like under the video, so I’d say she gets a commission for any purchases from all those links
this year i'm continuing trying to use up the backlog of body washes, lotions, scrubs etc, im finally making a dent wooo. Also stationary, i've got so many pens(fine liners felt tips markers etc) so im just trying to use them up and put them into my universities pen recycling. Outside of food and supplies for school i generally do not need much
I've been doing the pen, pencil, paper, marker type of collection just today. I've always been the type to have a backlog of supplies in case they become hard to get. My kids are now grown. I try to pass things to them first but if they aren't interested (and they never are!) I donate. I was going to run them by the local kid's school because the ladies in the office say they can always use such things. I guess if people walk off with the pens it doesn't faze them. I'm deciding to use Dana K. White's idea of "here is the container for this group of things. You cannot exceed this container." That still gives me a boatload of backstock but way less than I had. It just hit me today that it is a bizarre ritual to check that every pen or marker still works and then only get rid of them if they don't.
I agree no need to buy toner, but if you have acne prone skin a "toner" of 1/2 ACV 1/2 water is invaluable.
Air pump: i agree with your general point but depending on your car and winter environment it is a valuable emergency item. Typically we air up at gas stations but between my old car that didnt hold tire pressure, weather messing with tire pressure, and periodic family trips, and only one gas station chain still having free air, my family has 2 car plug ones we share & have used many times in the last decade.
I'm grateful that you're going out of your way to produce less waste and remove the nature of things being disposable, but I also hate the texture of silicone, makes my teeth curl, it's sort of like a sensory aversion, I also find plastic containers really a chore to wash since they always feel greasy afterwards. (probably sensory related)
If you are looking to use a power washer or need a lawn mower for a short time or something along those lines, look for an equipment rental company if available. If you don’t have the friend or family circle to borrow it from, these companies rent things decently cheap. I’ve rented a lawn mower when my parents’ mower had issues and I think a weekend cost me $40 from Thursday to Sunday.
Hey Shelby!
I watch you now for a long time and you have every year a word for it. (I think the last one was community ( 2024)). So what will be it for this year ?
Greetings from Germany !❤❤
thank you for continuing to make videos on this. you continue to inspire me to do better each each year! Im in a place where im 85-90% ish percent thrifting clothes and home goods and im really working on getting a low waste kitchen down. Working on paper towels and parchment paper swaps! personal care is difficult/probably impossible with my hair type and preferences but im doing what i can to do better :) Oh and food is difficult too, especially with inflation, but finding unpackaged produce is something i want to do better with in 2025!
Watching you list all the things you DON'T buy made me realise how much I already DON'T buy!
If i didn't have children, I probably wouldn't buy anything next year except fuel for me, fuel for my pets, and fuel for my car, and services like mechanics + chiropractor + dentist.
I'd really encourage folks to still buy an air pump! It's helpful for emergencies, long drives when you can't immediately get service, and driving anywhere with fluctuating temperatures. It's especially useful if you're like me and have an older car that doesn't tell you what your tire pressure is or if you get a slow leak in a tire (and it's frankly much more convenient/reliable to fill up your tires at home than going to a gas station/auto shop). It's saved me multiple times, so I swear by it for anyone who drives regularly!
Using normal bar soap to shave can cause razor burns, bumps, or cuts because it doesn't lubricate the skin enough. I use conditioner instead of shaving foam, but you can use oils or a bar of face moisturizer (just cut a little chunk off for just shaving and keep it in a soap saver) or any kind of cream/lotion you might have. You want the skin smooth or it will crack under the razor.
I say this as a girlie who waxing and shaves, depending on the body part, but who also thinks shaving foam is wasteful.
Iove this video. My family of 5 and beginning a no-buy months so many good tips
Great video! thanks for providing examples for all the things too!
I despise plastic cling wrap, not only because of the waste but also because I can never get it to come out all in one sheet and cover the container without the wrap sticking together and becoming useless.
I use the compostable wrap from zero waste store. Works just fine.
Would love to see a video on how you choose which ebike to buy! I don't know if you've already made one but a quick search didn't come up with anything so I thought I'd ask!
I've always liked these videos of yours every year. But since becoming a parent, a lot of them aren't realistic for me anymore. I know you do interviews sometimes and I was wondering if you'd consider doing one with a sustainable parent? I'm interested in knowing what they do for some alternatives with coochie goblins around the house. Especially after Christmas with SO MANY toys as gifts. People always buy us too many that my kids just don't need.
"coochie goblins" Im dead LMAO
But yeah I would love to hear from a sustainable parent. I would just recommend the 'meet in the middle' approach to sustainability. For a tiny example, paper towels -- still buy the disposables for all the awful messes, but have reusable ones that are dedicated for mealtime. With this approach you're at least following sustainable practices to a degree and raising your kids to be conscious with their choices.
I also really recommend getting a library card just for $$$ reasons, I've replaced my movies/tv streaming with the free services they provide (lots of kids shows too).
Yeah, I'll never not use fabric conditioner - I wear a LOT of cotton clothing and being autistic, if the fabric is at all rough or scratchy, I'm on meltdown watch. I'd love to not have sensory issues but we all have to live with the cards we've been dealt lol.
Love your channel. Makes me feel so much better having a like minded person to make changes with. You are so inspiring and encouraging. Hope you have a wonderful new year!
Nails was the one where I thought you took it too far 😅 but when I think about it, I barely do my own nails! I’ll definitely take this into consideration
Disagree on the gym equipment one too. The gym in my apartment is always crowded when I have time to workout. A set of dumbells and a yoga mat help me keep up with my goals at home.
Appreciate this. A great time to reassess where each of us are to live more sustainably. i am no where near your efficiency, but since watching your channel I've certainly improved and will continue to do so. Thanks for all you do to bring attention to this.
THE PRESSURE WASHER! That is the number one gadget for all suburban dads in my neighborhood. Every spring weekend you can hear the song of the pressure washer acapella-ing from the gardens. Washing the garden furniture and tiles. Just use a broom for the floor and a bucket and sponge on the furniture. Or indeed, borrow it. And also the number of gadgets that they use in their war against the miniscule weeds in between tiles. Just taking a minute of silence to commemorate the soil life lost in the chemical warfare and burners of suburban dads.
(The way you wrote this is DELIGHTFUL, just needed to highlight that.)
Every big box store has been caught ripping off artists but the worst place is Zara. I stopped buying t-shirts with printed designs because it happens so much.
What lint roller do you use because the reusable one I’ve tried is way to harsh on fabric?
I have a set that is a gel like material that you rinse off. They work just as well as regular ones but are a little less convenient if you are doing a larger area.
Mine is the EveryReady blue and red one from Ace Hardware
I’m curious too!
I'm really glad you mentioned tech. So many youtube/tik tok influencers who claim to be enviro conscious don't realize how tech is one of the absolute worst things for the planet and for mankind in general and they seem to just ignore the topic bc of the line of work they have chosen. The people who have to dispose of all those cell phones, laptops, gaming systems are being poisoned along with our planet.
I'm a teenager now and I still find your videos so relevant, thanks 🌿❤️
You've been watching her since you were little? That's adorable. She's a good role model to have. 😊
i dont buy clingwrap because i'm too lazy. sometimes i at least use food containers. sometimes I just leave them... open... in the fridge, like a monster. not a good habit but hey so many other things to worry about, if i die i die.
the same for a lot of other stuff on this list: i am just too lazy to live any sort of "lifestyle", so no dryer sheets, no cooking gadgets, no additional skincare, no mouthwash, etc. I'm just... too poor and lazy. just out here living like a gremlin.
the one thing I swear off buying, even though I do want, is first-hand clothes. another thing is i wonder if there's something more sustainable than instant coffee??? (which i drink a LOT)
For the not using any air freshener I like to leave little tiny bowls of baking soda in smelly areas and ofc use it on he carpet or on my mattress and vacuum it up to pick up all the smells
Can you do a video about the inhumane practices of products in America? Such as child labor, slave labor, explain fair trade and what things to look for a stores. Also best practices.
look up the docu about Nestle chocolate labor, warning in advance, its tragic but also eye opening
@ thank you for the recommendation. I will def look into it.
@3:44 You're supposed to disclose that you own a brand you're endorsing, no?
Interesting comment on the mouthwash, however, any mouthwash that has the ingredient CPC is extremely helpful for protecting oneself against viruses, such just COVID-19 and the flu so that is definitely something to keep in mind when making a decision about whether to use mouthwash or not
This may be off topic but your hair looks gorgeous in every video!
My boyfriend and I don’t have a car and neither does my sister or her husband. We all have electric bikes instead. We do live in London where public transport is super easy as well but we can also borrow my mum’s car if we NEED one and we so rarely do. E-bikes are so convenient!
To lengthen the use of your cheap jewelry you already have you can coat it with clear nail polish. It makes me happy to extend the use of the things I already have and slowly replace with good jewelry
I won't be buying more fabric for myself. I need to use up my stash 😂
I feel this one. Have to finish my existing projects and stash before I buy new fabric.
I work at an indie fabric store and this is a hard one, lol!
One-off large tools can also be rented from your local Lowe’s if needed
Haha so many comments about the tire inflator thing which I did not expect 😂😂 but tables and chairs?! I don’t quite understand! Like extra for hosting? Or your main table for eating?
I love things not to buy videos and you make many good points. But your logic of just borrowing isn't that that doable for a lot of people. firstly, most the time I want to borrow chairs and tables are during the holidays when people are the most likely to be using theirs. My buy nothing is not a great place for borrowing either. With lending there is always the potential for having the item damaged or not returned. I think this works best in a tight knit community situation and a lot of people don't have that.
Shopping stresses me out 😂. Which unfortunately makes searching for things on Facebook market place and multiple thrift stores exhausting. But I do my best and sometimes get lucky so I’ll at least check there first 😊❤
Please tell me more about your lint roller, my long haired cat would like to know. 😂 I have one but feel like it super sucks and would really like a better alternative.
The only thing I don't agree with on this is the dishwasher rinse aid. I live in the country, and I NEED it, as my well water is hard, so everything has water marks. So unless someone knows something that is septic safe and helps with water marks 🤷🏼♀️😂
I push my cuticles up, file my nails, and apply a urea cream to them after each hand washing and before bed. That's really the only nail care you need. I think women should really question if they get any creative value out of spending so much time on their nails or if they just do them because they feel like it's expected of our gender.
Once upon a time, it was a creative outlet. But once I hit perimenopause my nails got really thin and weak and refuse to hold onto polish, even shellac. Plus, I sew and do a lot around the house, and I’m planning to put in a vegetable and herb garden this spring, which would destroy my nails even if they were healthy.
I chuckled a little at the tyre inflater - we have one that came free with my boyfriends first car and we have needed that bad boy far too much over the years haha
we have horrific roads in my part of ireland and we would've been stuck so many times away from a petrol station with air without our little tyre inflater
I’m utilizing the “pause and wait to buy” technique in 2025!
The editing is amazing Shelby!!!
You touched on it in your last section but I've found my no buy hierarchy to include stores I won't be buying from for political reasons. Like if I need home maintenance stuff, I make sure businesses that supported politicians I strongly disagree with are last on my list of places I will look. Spite has turned out to be a great motivator for me.
Same here! I’ve switched a lot of my shopping. Have you heard of the Goods Unite Us app? Oh, and I love your name!
I've never had a dentist tell me not to use mouthwash.
@mzzzzzzday mine did. I take really good care of my teeth (electric toothbrush twice a day, floss and waterpick) and use to do mouthwash every day. Went to the dentist asking about my stains and she said that its from my mouthwash. She said besides for a certain few people who have certain oral conditions, mouthwash was essentially a scam and not needed and actually causes staining. I stopped using it immediately and a year later, my teeth stopped getting stained!
Every dentist I've been to has told me mouthwash is not important. Brush twice a day and floss at least every other day and you're good
My hygienist specifically said not to use it.
Home made toner: 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 witch hazel. I use this to extra sanitize my face and I rarely get pimples
I didn’t realize rechargeable lighters exist! Our disposable lighter that we use for candles and the fireplace just died. I had to pause the video and order one.
I’ve given up on nail polish. Once I hit perimenopause, my nails got really thin and weak, and refused to hold onto polish. Even shellac chips off within a day or two. My nails have decided to be nudists.
5:37 Good for you. I’m also trying to reduce my already low alcohol intake for the future because I found out that Christians are not supposed to drink.
Very interesting, most of these things (not all obviously) but a lot are things I grew up without and after moving to the US realized how common most of these items are, sure, they can be practical but most of them are unnecessary.
Plastic wrap? Why? Like you said just use a container
Paper towels? That's what rags are for
Has anyone ever heard of mops? They they do a better job than the alternative.
I like burning incense for a nice smell.
Shaving cream ?
One thing about borrowing I feel (obviously this MY issue) that if you borrow something multiple times people might think, just get your own already, and I feel insecure about it..?
I have that razor! I love mine. I really want to do more sustainability items this year
Tell us about the E bikes, please