10 Steps To A Zero Waste Life

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[@MeanderingMeagan4]

The other day I was at the store and told the cashier I didn't need a bag - it was so automatic for her I had to say it twice (no problem). As I was walking away I heard the lady behind me also say she didn't need a bag. Maybe she was planning on it, but I like to think I inspire haha

[@everevey8697]

Where I live no stores are allowed to give plastic bags so the whole city had to b.y.o.bags :)

[@Smoucan]

I want to point out that the bulk store in Copenhagen (løs marked) is amazing! I really wish it could expand; it's mostly dry food (rice, couscous, oils, coffee etc) but it's such a great initiation. Wishing and hoping for more alternatives.

[@TheLostLemurian]

I'm so glad I found you! You are really inspiring! I decided to give up plastic a few years ago and was so passionate about it but it got quite difficult and in the end I lost my passion. It can be a bit disheartening when you realise just how much waste pervades our lives and how everything about modern culture is set up to create heaps of waste. But videos like this remind me how easy it is to just make simple changes and reduce your waste dramatically. Thanks for helping me rediscover my passion. xx

[@lifewithhanna.8997]

This was so helpful! Honestly inspired me so much to work harder to reduce my imprint on the earth and live more sustainably!

[@theminimalistninja]

I absolutely love thrift shopping! It's SO much fun! It's a great way to shop for pretty much anything and I am always surprised at what I find. Totally agree re. making things from scratch. I am vegan and it making it all myself makes it all not only more fun, but SO much easier since I know exactly what goes into my food :)

[@rawlawgirl]

great tips! thank you. i first used the diva cup over 20 years ago. i am so happy to see so many younger women have discovered it!

[@ellinadaily]

hej! I accidentally found your channel when I looked for zero waste videos. and wow, you live in Aalborg! what a surprise, so cool. I used to live there for 2 years (studied graphic design) and it's so cool that there are people doing great channels on KZbin in Nordjulland. best of luck to you! I will definitely keep an eye on your channel since now on. :)

[@Gittemary]

+Ellina Mironova That is awesome, Aalborg is a great city! All the good vibes to you!

[@stargirlwonders3035]

This is my first video I'm watching of yours and I already like your content! Brilliant!

[@emilyvanilla89]

Love this!! So much inspiration and ideas I hadn't heard before, particularly looking forward to investigating the cleaning idea... Thank you!!

[@aberleue2641]

First, I adore you're videos and have found them very inspirational. I was only turned on the the Zero Waste Project a few weeks ago but was pleased to learn I have followed a number of the initial practiced for many years. My most recent epiphany was that my house mates and I were throwing away tons of recyclable and compostable products in the bathroom simply because there was only a rubbish bin (this has since been rectified). Is this a problem you have witnessed due to people assuming bathroom related products are dirty and must be trash pr simply the convenience of having only a garbagecan? This single thing has greatly reduced my household weekly garbage production and I have recently infected my friends with this discovery to find themselves in shock with the same dilemma.

[@ArleneAdkinsZell]

Thank you so much for your honesty in your videos. I saw some negative comments on one of your other videos, I subscribe to you BECAUSE you are not so extreme, you are so real.

[@ClareReillyTheLifeofClare]

I love love love thrifting! I just shared a video on my top thrifting tips. And I seriously love your jumper! Big yes to making everything from scratch, I make all our sourdough bread, our toothpaste and cleaning products. We eliminate food waste by feeding our scraps to our chickens or worms, or like you using everything that we can. We are meat eaters, but limit our meat meals to about 2 a week.

[@crispsaturday]

Love this video! During my recent journey towards zero waste I have been walking into every small food shop I see, and also looking for international shops like Arabic, Greek, anything! They will often have some sort of bulk, be it dates, nuts, olives or soap :)

[@hannah1torres]

I love your videos and blog posts. I get excited when there's a new video or blog post. You are so positive it helps me when I'm down. Thank you!! Your so awesome and you inspired me to pursue a lifestyle in zero waste. I tried the whole menstrual cup and I had problems with it. So now I started to do reusable menstrual pads. I find that a lot of people who are doing zero waste they neglect to mention that to those who like pads and are afraid of the cups. Just so you know. Have a great day and thanks.

[@sarahweezii2454]

new subbie & i freakin love you! 💚 so helpful & educated

[@isafratti6157]

I love love love your channel! You're so empathic! And I'm always happy when there's a new video!

[@Gittemary]

+Isabel Frater Thank you that is super sweet of you! - Good vibes!

[@marjanjohanna]

I only lived in Denmark (Kolding) a couple of months (I did visit Aalborg though), but I found there were quite some options to get veggies and fruits without any plastic, even in "regular" stores like Liddl, Netto, Føtex and even Bilka. They generally don't mind you not putting them in the plastic bags they provide, so I just didn't do that. I also like to use see through canvas bags for when I had a lot of smaller veggies or fruits. Buying in bulk was generally harder, but I do like Asian shops for that. Got myself a 5 kilo bag of rice for instance, and that wasn't even the biggest one! They also have big packages of noodles, spices, loose veggies and fruits, ...

[@jennyfischer4699]

Very good tips! I'm on this journey for almost one year now and it's such a fullfilling way to live. It's not easy with a family of five but I love it. Maybe you World like to see the first tips and things we do, then have a look at fischersfamilyblog, that would make my day!

[@AlizaJayne]

Great tips!!! One of my fave alternatives to "traditional detergent" is to make my own. I use bulk soap bars that I shred, and washing soda. Throw it in the blender and I end up with a nice powder detergent. Ends up saving me around $10 every few months and I reuse my scoop and jar. A video suggestion: fun/easy/creative ways of decorating reusable containers. I think packaging is so often why we buy things, so showing people how to make their own cool packaging would be a good way help people break bad habits.

[@rawlawgirl]

love your suggestions!

[@AlizaJayne]

+Raw LawGirl thank you 😊

[@cvattani]

thanks for this video :) I recently started my transition to a zero waste lifestyle and I find it hard to find online good recipes for simple and natural soaps (I.e. dishwasher, laundry, etc). You mentioned that you only use vinager and lemon for cleaning. Would you please make a video on how you do it? thank you so much for your help! : )

[@Gittemary]

+cvattani I made a blog post about that :) Just google 'Gittemary homemade cleaning agent' - Good vibes!

[@rawlawgirl]

I tried vinegar and I HATE the smell. lucky for me, one of my local health food stores stocks dr. bronner's soap, which i clean the kitchen and bathroom with and even laundry with it, in bulk so I just take a glass bottle, have them pre-weigh it and I fill it up! no time to make soap, so i bar soaps, which I never use on my skin, but i do use the bars to wash dishes and sometimes to handwash clothes!

[@lmdfx]

Can you do a video on your cleaning products and routine please. Loved this video also, super helpful as usual 😄

[@vicky36191]

Awesome video and tips ! Thank you for sharng your journey with us !

[@allyssak5909]

could you make a video of some of the foods you make yourself?

[@LittleRedTeaCake]

I really enjoy watching your videos, however I have several questions. What do you do when the plastic/rubber sealers on your glass containers wear out? I've found that when that happens, they're basically useless for being water/liquid proof. Do you/how do you order things off the internet? I happen to live in a very small town and the nearest city is over an hour away by car and I often have to order things online, but there is always a lot of unnecessary packaging.

[@kristinjennifer5852]

You're awesome!! I'm sharing this with my husband and kids 😍👍

[@hannawozniczka6063]

I love this outfit so much 😍😍

[@bohemianbookworm9361]

Great advice and I freakin love your style girl!

[@CamilaNels]

Really informative video, especially the last 5 minutes - great insights! :)

[@nidajaruseviciute1947]

Amazing video, so many good tips! You inspired me so much :)

[@taelor-janehanley215]

You are fucking awesome! I have started my transition to the zero waste lifestyle with #plasticfreejuly and your videos have been such an inspiration and help! I also love that you understand that it needs to be sustainable and achievable for everyone to do. For example, many of the people I have been talking to who have already transitioned just simply go without things like makeup and skin care products where you just offer ideas for Earth-friendly alternatives. I love your thrifted style and the way that you present the zero waste lifestyle. Keep it up and thank you again!

[@Gittemary]

I am so glad that you like the videos, and thank you for the kind words! Huge hugs from Denmark!

[@everyc.6539]

this is a very helpful video!! but I think going to a cheese or meat shop is a huge contradiction to living a zero waste/sustainable lifestyle as animal agriculture is extremely inefficient and bad for the environment :((

[@priscillajimenez27]

For me it's useful since I'm going a Mediterranean diet which is mostly produce/whole wheat but small amounts of poultry, seafood, eggs, dairy and rarely any red meat. Mind of like a part time vegetarian.

[@susannahwoodham2395]

Gitte i wish more people would find your channel because your videos are so fucking good!! Please make more videos!!!

[@Abbicushoneybadger]

How is your skin and brows so perfect?

[@erakkovaatainen148]

What you use for washing machine or you don't have one? I am trying to produce as less garbage as possible. For example my canvas bag and backpack I use for groceries. I no more use paper towels and have replaced them with piece of rag. I also don't buy stuff without need, but when I do, laptops and earphones all are coming in the package. I try to buy fruits for example one-by-one without packaging. But let me say, it's not quite possible to have zero-waste or no packages for everything. The Coca Cola bottles and similar things are here with deposit which is good. Not all of bottles are however, but you can easily recycle to putting them all to bottle machine. They just don't pay. I am producing waste, but I only need to throw one 25L bag a week when living alone. I watched the video about girl producing tiny bottle of waste in two years - that's amazing. I guess I'm away of that big time.

[@hydrophil9290]

Thanks for this great video!

[@sofie5048]

Hello !! Love your videos and you are gorgeous !! Sorry up to the point :), I was wondering if you have any DIY recipes for you citrus cleaning "products" (I don't have access to limes or lemons year round were I live, I'm bloody lost in the middle of nowhere) that you could show us. I would be really be interested in some tips on that :).

[@CharlieRaye]

I'm just starting on a zero waste life style and I feel good cause I already use vinegar to clean lol

[@SmasherPasher290]

What would you do if your country is still developing and you don't have any bulk barns or farmers markets? My country has recently stopped selling plastic bags in supermarkets but still requires us to pick fruit and put it in individual bags.

[@samgillotte1274]

If you have any mesh material available to you I've seen many people use this for their produce- some places even sell bags already made but making simple bags yourself shouldn't be too hard! If you don't have mesh just make small bags out of old t-shirts and it should work just the same 😀

[@jessicargruendler]

Question regarding making your own beauty products: how do you replace the flouride from commercial toothpaste?

[@louisaemilia6097]

Jessica Kocho that's my problem exactly. I've made some toothpaste last week and used it for the last 4 days and my teeth started getting all brown/yellowish. I'll swap back to industrial toothpast because I'm too worried about getting caries or something ...

[@Laillakatty]

Louisa Emilia coconut oil and apple cider vinegar help fight bacteria and cavities while whitening teeth!

[@priscillajimenez27]

I wanna find a zero waste toothpaste WITH Flouride but can't find any.

[@madelynnsolimando7509]

I love the idea of starting to try and live zero waste. I just keep thinking of things that are hard to avoid like feminine products, toilet paper, and even receipts that stores print out for you without asking if you want them first. How do you handle those things?

[@jvall5879]

Madelynn Solimando you can use menstrual cups or reusable pads. the rest idk lol.

[@stevesiverling3316]

I am not sure I can do less waste at this time. But I am not sure we need to try to go even more. I wonder about how to go even less waste.

[@Lithostoic]

I've just found your channel, and already subscribed c:

[@iamkarmenvolmink]

Giiiirrrllll, you have evolved! :) #2022

[@willowrankin5224]

What do you do about underwear?

[@belendarias1121]

Hello! Im starting to become Zero Waste, and im really intrested in what you've said about cleaning with vinegar and citrus peels, could you plase make a video on that? Or just respond this comment, whatever is more convenient. Thank you!

[@Gittemary]

I have both videos and blog posts about it :) Just a quick google search "Gittemary cleaning agent" and you will find everything I made :)

[@emeliasoderlund]

Your videos are awesome!

[@Gittemary]

Thank you so much!

[@stephaniepierce445]

Do you buy second hand bra s and ladies panties. I always buy new. Love the idea of bringing my own bag to shop. I have learned alot from your channel.😊

[@priscillajimenez27]

Depending on wear/tear I wouldn't mind second hand bras but for hygiene purposes I'd always get new panties.

[@valentinalau9965]

Your vídeos are so inspiring for me. I'm just starting and it's really hard because I'm from Venezuela and I don't know if you know the situation. I have a question, what do we do with thing that we already have? For exAmple in my home there are a lot of plastic bags. I don't want them in the house but throwing them is also a bad option. With things you can sell or give is not a problem but with plastic bags, plastic containers, etc, what should I do?

[@Gittemary]

With things such as plastic containers I simply donated them to thrift shops and charity shops. When it comes to plastic bags I recommend checking out your local recycling station, there is usually a container for plastic in which your bags can be recycled :)

[@hannahcarrillo2097]

I've also seen some tutorials about how to turn them into "yarn" to knit with!

[@jawaad5430]

hey gittemary, what do you use to do your laundry? :) does vinegar work as a detergent?

[@piafaist5019]

So I kind of have a question: Do you think it´s better to buy e.g veggies without plastic packaging but non organic, or with plastic packaging but organic? (:´

[@shalinbreanne86]

What kind of packaging do you use for your DIY cleaning materials? I'm trying to find a better alternative to just old plastic spray bottles I had lying around but can't think of what to use! Any suggestions?

[@Gittemary]

+Shalin BreAnne I use glass bottles, I get them whenever I buy oil :)

[@AndreaParsons]

What do you use for laundry soap and dishwasher soap?

[@Anna-kp5or]

Love it❤️😍

[@zhuosgarden]

I have been trying to find a way to deal with the food garbage...how do you keep the food garbage without a plastic bag?

[@Gittemary]

+Echo Lee I use a compostable paperbag :)!

[@alexheath7190]

What would you suggest for hairbrushes? I Have long and thick hair and I break brushes and combs easily. Are there biodegradable hairbrushes?

[@SimplySheilaB]

Alex Heath I've just got an amazing bamboo comb off ebay 😊🌻🌼

[@catherinesaunders6266]

Bamboo and wooden brushes exist! They are very sturdy.

[@gwynneio]

Does anyone have other suggestions for face lotion other than coconut oil? That breaks me out (unfortunately, since it smells good).

[@Gittemary]

+gwynneio you can also use avocado, that is really good :)

[@priscillajimenez27]

Have you tried shea butter?

[@CoriLawr]

Sorry for the unrelated question, but do you wear tights? If so, what do you do (or would you do) once a pair has been ripped beyond repair? Thanks

[@marjanjohanna]

Very late answer, but you might still read this, so it's worth a try. What I like to do is cut them up in little strips, so you get rings of the fabric. I use these as hair ties. Works perfectly!

[@Gittemary]

Oh that is a really good idea Marjan!

[@beccahl1]

would you make a video on your divacup?

[@Gittemary]

+Rebecca Lindbergh I actually thought about that while editing this video - so it is already the next thing on the list :D! Good vibes!

[@sirendep2144]

if you don't use plastic bags, where do you put your garbage?

[@Gittemary]

As I don't use any plastic I don't have any "garbage" per se. I have paper which I keep in a canvas until I can recycle it, and composte which I keep in my composte bin :-)

[@savanah2775]

You could look into biodegradable garbage bags if you are not zero waste as well

[@annalee8216]

What do you do about foods that only come in plastic packaging, such as yogurt? I've searched, but haven't found any. Do you get it anyways and recycle the package, or do you just decide to not eat yogurt anymore? 🙀

[@Gittemary]

I decide not to purchase such products, I find alternatives and eat different things :)!

[@annalee8216]

Thanks for answering! You have definitely inspired me to move towards zero waste. Also, your personality is so cheerful yet practical that watching your videos lifts my mood! Thanks for all you do :)

[@catherinesaunders6266]

I love yogurt and going zero waste I've decided to make my own. (SUPER easy but requires a thermometer) Try the zero waste chef, her website has lots of tutorials!

[@priscillajimenez27]

Minimalism definitely helps to incorporate zero waste.

[@Changogfnuggi]

Hvor køber du løs-marked produkter i Aalborg (tænker dagligvarer) - elsker konceptet:)

[@mishyloo]

We don't have thrift/second-hand stores in Taipei because for some reason Taiwanese people are weirded out by wearing somebody else clothes :(

[@violettaschmieder2096]

Mishka Kovacova Maybe try to organise something yourself where you can swap your old clothes with old clothes of like minded people, the more people the better

[@alanaswiss]

+Violetta Schmieder Good idea! Hold a "swap meet" party with co-workers, friends from school, neighbours, etc. Just seen out the invite, tell everyone to gather old clothes that they want to give away, and everyone can swap their clothes with each other. If you're a little more ambitious, you can start a "Taipei swap meet" page on FaceBook (or any other social media), and do the same thing, but at a larger scale. It can be really fun!

[@alanaswiss]

+Alana M send out the invite***

[@priscillajimenez27]

Maybe you could open up the first thrift shop and start a movement. ☺️

[@TheAnniewoo]

Just wondered what material are the menstrual cups made of? Thanks

[@Gittemary]

It is made of silicone :)

[@MagiskAbrivia]

Thanks for sharing Gitte :) Can you do some videos on food ? :) Share some videos on youtube ^^

[@Gittemary]

+Esther Lyngmyr Since the light in my kitchen is close to shit, I mostly do blog posts about food :)!

[@MagiskAbrivia]

+Gittemary Johansen Okei :) Then i will find them on your blog :D! I need some inspiration to what i can make :3

[@rawlawgirl]

+Esther Lyngmyr I have a great Instagram account that nearly all food, Vegan food and I often list the ingredients that might help you. i also give minimalists tips here and there. raw_law_girl

[@skylamessenger1957]

what about buying things outside of groceries like clothing that has the plastic shirt tag things, buying a pair of headphones which is covered in plastic. do you have a way of avoiding this? \

[@Gittemary]

I buy clothes second hand, and I often find that they don't use tags :) Head phones, or electronics and other everyday things in general I purchase second hand too. I always look on different sites, like craigslist, but Danish, and find what I need :)

[@jegerskudaover18]

Jeg har boet i Aalborg i et lille års tid men er slet ikke kendt i byen. Hvor er disse "farmers markets"? Jeg er meget træt af altid at skulle have plastik med hjem fra supermarkedet :)

[@jegerskudaover18]

Og har du nogle andre butikker i Aalborg hvor det er muligt at handle mere miljørigtigt :)

[@Gittemary]

Farmers market er på Frederikstorv hver onsdag og lørdag mellem 10 og 14 :) Jeg regner med at lave en bæredygtig aalborg guide snart :)

[@jegerskudaover18]

Mange tak! Fed idé! Det vil jeg glæde mig til!

[@malinakoschier3874]

Can someone please tell me how it is with bills and such?

[@priscillajimenez27]

I'm not sure of your question. Are you asking how to budget zero waste living or how bills have fluctuated from the change in lifestyle?

[@RehanaSara]

I think it's awesome that you're zero waste and promote this way of living, but you're not vegan :-(

[@Gittemary]

+Rehana Sara - we do not all have to think alike, but that is okay. The most important thing regarding meat consumption is thinking local and green.

[@RehanaSara]

Gittemary Johansen The world is a beautiful place (to some degree) because of difference. I encourage diversity, but the most important thing regarding meat consumption is to not contribute to it. We do not need to eat meat to be healthy at all - eating it is unnecessary and ego driven.

[@kmundwiller3936]

Rehana Sara B12 only comes from red meat. You cannot get it sufficiently from vitamins. Although you can try. The side effects of B12 deficiency in vegans and non alike, is mental illness. That's why the extremists are told by meat eaters to go have a burger. ;) Lol It's ok if you want risk it, but to push your beliefs hard core on others may mean you need to up your B12 intake. ;) Lol

[@cr123-cn]

CJ Gatley most meat eaters are b12 deficient as well

[@sphier]

Hvordan får du bagepulver og så noget?

[@Gittemary]

Det køber jeg i bulk i Københavns "Løs" 😊

[@sphier]

@@Gittemary ej hvor smart! ved du om man kan købe det nogle steder i Jylland?

[@BrianWood]

I love going right to the butcher to get meat.