10 WAYS TO REDUCE WASTE + money saving tips | zero/low waste for beginners

[@lyndsaylou09]

I love that you mentioned how it's okay to not be 100% zero waste, in our world that's not always a realistic goal. I do try to do my best, I have been using a glass water bottle for over a year now by BKR that I love! I also only use bar soap for body wash, as well as Dr. Bronner's for cleaning. There are many other ways I plan to change up my habits this year.

[@thepageandstage]

Great ideas! Something I put together is a reusable kit for if I end up going out for food or coffee. It has cutlery, a straw, a coffee cup, and a cloth napkin. One thing I want to add is a collapsible container for taking leftovers from a restaurant, just need to find the right one!

[@TheSimplicityDiaries]

Yesssssss! LOVE LOVE LOVE this video! 💚 thank you much for helping raise awareness on the issues and problems caused by plastic waste and single use disposables and showing simple ways to reduce waste and be more sustainable. Every action, even the tiniest, has an impact, so every little bit counts when it comes to being kinder to our beautiful planet!! Sustainability is not about being perfect but about doing our best and refusing-reducing-reusing as much as possible!! 💚

[@meghanlivingstone]

The Simplicity Diaries it’s so true! Even the tiniest action makes a difference ❤️

[@Christie976]

I found canvas tote bag at the thrift store! I've been using it for carrying my stuff and also for grocery shopping..I loved it!

[@susansawyer7323]

I gave this a thums up before I watched it, I love zero waste living! I'm surprised, I was already doing quite a lot of these things! :)

[@susanwhite1450]

Another excellent, informative video! Thanks for the link to the safety razor. I've been considering buying one and definitely will now.

[@c__graz]

I love my safety razor. My blades actually last me over six months!

[@EmmaAppleBerry]

Ooo what type do you have? Razor model and blades 😊😊😊

[@cstar6682]

Do you cut yourself more with the safety razor? I have heard they are tricky.

[@c__graz]

@@EmmaAppleBerry Mine is from Albatross. They give you 10 blades with it :) albatrossdesigns.it/products/plastic-free-safety-razor-shaving

[@c__graz]

@@cstar6682 No, you just have to get used to using less pressure than you would with a plastic razor :)

[@bettyadkisson1681]

I have my father's old razor. And if you didn't know you can run the old blade over a fine grit sand paper to sharpen them.

[@Kelfieb]

This is such a good video and everything is so simple I literally already do all of this on my own! It’s so easy to be conscious.

[@itslinziwalker]

This was such a lovely video, thank you. I use an electric shaver which, though certainly not zero waste, i have had for many years (possibly around 15 so far). I have also ordered the bamboo cloths rather than the ones we have at the moment.

[@mamakri28]

Thank you Meghan! Always love your content...

[@sandy4075]

Hi Meghan, What I’ve been doing for about fours years is not buying books instead I go to the library. Love your videos.👍🏼😊

[@meghanlivingstone]

Mo that’s a great thing to do! My boyfriend is very keen on doing that :) I’ve been listening to lots of audiobooks!

[@sandy4075]

Audiobooks are also a great option. Thanks for the reply. Keep up with the great work you do with your videos.👍🏼👏🏼😊

[@manjimaroy1164]

Very simple but powerful ways I think. Lovely!

[@nathaliez5750]

Thank you for those tips! I do some of them already but I’m still trying to improve so it’s always nice to have a reminder! xx

[@Acrylara]

Thank you for pointing out that it's the small things that count. I have a medical condition that causes me to need a lot of a specific single use product and I feel so bad about it. Although I shouldn't. Health comes first and it's ridiculous to hold yourself to such a high standard. Do what you can.

[@SaveMoneyTricks]

Awesome content, Meghan! These simple ways are regularly applied every single day of our lives and yes it indeed saves us more money and most importantly, it saves our mother nature by reducing more our waste.

[@vivianthong5656]

I’m finally getting around to getting the Bites toothpaste and am super excited!

[@rafaelrivas19]

Hi Meghan, I'm new in your channel, everything is incredibly good :) thanks!

[@salinasn3]

Thank you. With some of the items you mention is a great idea but what’s difficult is caring them with you. It’s every easy to forget like bring your reusable bags and your reusable utensils and straws. Thank you for saying you don’t need to get 100 zero waste cause it’s not always realistic. We should definitely put in the effort. 💚

[@missburgundy9444]

I like the wise ideas she is sharing on this channel, very similar to my philosophy, she believes in what she is doing.

[@yelisbelly]

I have a bamboo toothbrush too!! Just subscribed, definitely love these type of videos

[@meghanlivingstone]

I love my bamboo toothbrush!! Hehe xx

[@gabriellewilkie6634]

The final kick to buying a safety razor. Done. Working toward zero waste in leaps and then small steps!

[@meghanlivingstone]

Gabrielle Wilkie yay!! Hehe. I seriously LOVE it.

[@sam-thatazglow1346]

We have value village in Phoenix Arizona! For those who don’t have good thrift stores using apps like Poshmark or Depop is a great way to get used items that are higher quality

[@joannaoliveira1443]

I love this video. I’ve been using many of these lifestyle changes for a while but I had to watch this video bc you edited it so well and have such a positive perspective :)

[@HomemakerDaze]

I’m the same I have the same Menstrul cup but I also have couple reusable pads and few organic cotton tampons and just depends on the day etc what I feel like using.

[@monica4729]

I love your videos! They are calming and very inspiring

[@kinshukrastogi]

Your videos are so soothing and refreshing, earlier I used to watch Christine kobzeff now I have subscribed you for the same reason. Keep making videos 😊

[@staceyshields6518]

I AGREE :)

[@karenlajonna7229]

We even have Value Village stores in Alabama. My sister in law always find nice things in Washington State, also. Love your videos Meghan!

[@carlyc5355]

Great video! I think the water bottle would make the perfect Christmas gift! Your videos are just lovely!

[@JJ-yu6og]

Thank uuuu!! The content in this video is great!!!! What do you use for laundry soap?

[@susieq2334]

Thank you for sharing💚

[@nikmahnasution451]

It's wonderful and inspiring 😍

[@SBSunshine]

Hi Great tips! Didn't know you were Canadian. Thanks for the helpful content !

[@meghanlivingstone]

Samantha Ball haha I sure am!! Are you as well?

[@SBSunshine]

@@meghanlivingstone Yes, I'm a proud Canadian ! :) Just found you recently! Loving your content!

[@sarahr5513]

I am interested in learning more about holistic nutrition. Can anyone recommend some good books or maybe even some podcasts that focus on that?

[@MyGreenCloset]

So many great tips! And thank you so much for the shout out! 😊💚

[@meghanlivingstone]

My Green Closet happy to mention ya! 🤗

[@gisellesantos6927]

I loved your video. It brought awareness and learning. I think that we can all contribute in some way to a cleaner world.

[@meghanlivingstone]

Gi Santos thank you so much for watching, glad you enjoyed it! 😊

[@andaspso4659]

Thank you for the great tips. How long does a bamboo toothbrush last?

[@brirose230]

Anda Spso I’ve used a bamboo toothbrush for quite a while and they recommend changing them a bit more often than regular toothbrushes - they suggest every 2 months which is what I aim for. That being said, the one I’m using at the moment I’ve had for 3 months and it’s still in good condition. You can also get biodegradable toothbrushes made of cornstarch which I also like as they feel a bit more like a normal toothbrush (although you do get used to the bamboo!) Hope this helps 😊

[@katymisfit]

I love this! I already do a lot of things on this list. My next thing to try is buying shampoo bars instead of bottled shampoo

[@aboutfeddy]

I just switched to them, I'm so happy 😍 and, surprisingly, my fussy scalp is happy too! 😲

[@xradelox]

What kind of shampoo bar do you get? Is it from a store or online? I can only find one store where I live that sells them but they're so expensive but I'm afraid if I purchase them online then they will come in all kind of plastic mail packaging!

[@owllilly5535]

@@xradelox I got mine from Lush, maybe there is a shop near to you? 😉 I love them :)

[@sbegum29]

xradelox yes defo try lush they have a wide range for around £6s and can be ordered online x

[@xradelox]

Does any of their shipping include plastic or anything?

[@nikkiperdiz7058]

Can you make a video on your cleaning routine, items/products you use? Also maybe a minimalist deep clean for your home?

[@meghanlivingstone]

Great suggestion! I'll keep this in mind :)

[@simplyamylei]

Great tips! I just read that same quote lately on Instagram, and I totally agree with it. Every little bit that we do to reduce waste goes a long ways. 💖

[@meghanlivingstone]

Simply AmyLei exactly 😊❤️

[@sailor4961]

You are so awesome! Love your videos!

[@tellmethreethings1261]

Thanks for such great advice. 😊

[@TheMrsEdgy]

You could use solid alternatives instead of shower gel and shampoo packaged in plastic :)

[@TheMrsEdgy]

@Renee Oh, sorry to hear that! Some brands may be good for the environment but use quiet harsh ingredients. I can recommend Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate as the tenside.

[@greenteafifi]

I love your channel and am thrilled to see that you did a Zero Waste video!

[@emilym9002]

My plastic razor finally died and I replaced it was a safety razor! One of my favorite switches so far!

[@carriebostic7064]

I reuse plastic grocery bags for our little trash cans. I do need to start using cloth now and then though because we never use them all... Especially those that had raw meat in them.

[@colleennicholson546]

Great video and tips

[@joycegonzales4994]

You can freeze your produce, purées and put into muffins or stew. Also freeze what isn’t so fresh to add to bones for making broth. Or even broth without bones.

[@KimR11]

Composting is so important! I just used to throw food into the garbage and think “Meh, it will just break down in the landfill...” but NOT TRUE! It is so important to follow your cities composting program so that food breaks down property in their composting facility. We keep our composing bin outside and have a small bin inside. Some people keep that small bin under their sink but I hate the smell... So we keep ours in our freezer! Once it gets full, we transfer to the bin outside.

[@meghanlivingstone]

K H We keep ours in the freezer too!

[@elizabethb.820]

Yes! I was also just researching yesterday about regrowing herbs and vegetables from scraps. Did you know that you can put some herb and veggie scraps in water and they will grow roots and you can replant them? I mean, it's a bit more complicated than that, but a great way to reduce waste and save money too!

[@AdrinaMonet]

I'm LOVING this video and conversation! Bamboo Toothbrushes are MY ABSOLUTE FAVE! I got a 4-pack (of some Cali brand) from TJMaxx for only $8 (I believe they were). Such a good deal!

[@meghanlivingstone]

Adrina Monet that’s amazing!! Not expensive at all!

[@kwidsb]

Hey Meg! I love you and your videos so much ❤️ I had a question: Do you have any ideas of how I could replace the plastic bags I use to put in my trash? Much love from Peru 🇵🇪💖

[@katierothschild4649]

If you compost and recycle, the waste you do throw can be put in a dry can (generally not too soiled). If you have any large bags from food or toiletries packaging you could use that. For example, I reuse my chicken and dog feed bags for garbage. You could reuse the bags from garden soil, if you don't already make your soil. Maybe you are to the point you don't have large packaging... Then you're already doing awesome 👍

[@kwidsb]

Katie Rothschild Great ideas! Tysm 🤗

[@perseph_love]

Love this video! I bought reusable chopsticks for when I do order out :)

[@meghanlivingstone]

Joyful & Healthy great idea!!!

[@meowerz113]

catching up on your recent videos

[@wickedartist1451]

Thank you Meghan!

[@lilithblackmoon161]

I've been using the diva cup for a few years now and I clean it with vinegar but it's become stained over time, any suggestions on how to get it looking like new(ish)?

[@nauczyciel1991]

Hello from Poland! Your film is great! Very useful for beginners zero waste like me ;-)

[@mbernardo123]

We used to take our children shopping at Value Village until they were in their late teens. I'm glad we already do most of the things mentioned here except for the bamboo toothbrushes and the period catcher. I also like how you mentioned you don't need to be perfect. We use reusable rags most of the time but also have paper towels. We already drive a Nissan Leaf, but still own a BMW coupe.

[@jessicabulloch5302]

I also freeze greens for smoothies if i think they are nearing expiration or if i have too many.

[@nesryn8224]

Wonderful and useful tips! Meghan, my sister recently also switched from disposable razors because she flew through them so much. However she switched to hot wax, what is your opinion on this as an alternative?

[@meghanlivingstone]

Audrey Jo Redman hey Audrey! I’ve never used hot wax and I suppose it would depend on the exact sourcing of it in terms of sustainability/quality/etc. Plastic disposables are very wasteful though so it’s great she’s switched away from them!

[@erickanyc8907]

Thank you 🙂👍

[@tiffanypepperoni4196]

Are plastic reusable water bottle Tupperware okay too? Or does it give off some chemicals too?

[@courtdwest]

What app were you using for your grocery list??

[@meghanlivingstone]

Courtney West I use Evernote for EVERYTHING! 😛🤗

[@elizabethb.820]

You could also use the Google Keep app that probably already comes on your phone. I just have my list on there and check stuff off once I buy it, but leave it on the list as checked off so that I can just uncheck it once I need to buy that item again. Saves me from having to re-type items every time I need them.

[@racheld232]

Love this video🙌🏼

[@azraimamovic9392]

great video!

[@wiaam697]

Look up miswak. It’s a natural tooth brush that has a nice scent. It’s gentle on the teeth but still very effective!

[@raya7256]

Megan, in couple of your videos you mentioned app you are using to sell your stuff. I think it’s called Garage but I’m not sure I heard you correctly because I couldn’t find it in App Store… could you help me with it, please? 🙏

[@avabelair6331]

I love this ✨🌾🍃

[@tazkiyahtoummache5690]

beautiful video sweety I'm glad been doing this lifestyle just some few things I need to change

[@ashleymazawi9316]

Thanks for the video! I’ve been bringing my reusable bags for bulk products to superstore and they cannot deduct the weight of the bag (although not all that heavy- still). I sent them an email and they’re hoping to work towards being more eco friendly but seems like it’s going to be a long haul...

[@KirA23370]

Hello. Did you find biodegradable packets for rubbish?

[@Mama.mindfully]

Beautiful. Thank you for the content! I don't know if you have mentioned where you buy your nuts/ seeds in bulk? But I would love to know where is the best place in Canada that is affordable 💞😙😙

[@cheflilyo3142]

So, I have used my menstrual cup since 2015! You say it can be used up to 10 years....how can you tell or what happens to them when you need to replace????

[@laurengarcia9879]

Just as a heads up, I've had sprouts grocery store refuse to weigh my jars. And for those who weigh them at home, they only accept the tare.

[@HomemakerDaze]

Thanks for being realistic

[@vincentshiflett6701]

I’m Karen. I just love your continent and the way you film ! Please do more outfits and recipe videos . I love the way you film them .❤️

[@dannydanny9875]

I use the Mason Jars to Store Oatmeal! :-)

[@Strawberrypersonoffixial]

I can't forget about zero waste since I found out about it. But. . . It's literally impossible to get anything without wrapping or that isn't in plastic unless it's from the market. You can get 4 sets of things for $100. Its super hard. I want to bring back up the promise that the government made last year. I was thinking of making reusable pads. I can't do menstral cups. No where in my country sells it. Second hand shopping doesn't exist in my country. No Wal-Mart no dollar tree. You might if you're lucky find the $10 store. The closest we gave to good will is Ratans. Really cheap clothes The quality varies. Ayeeeee! Callaloo bush. Crix! Nice.👌 Buying in bulk still comes in plastic. But I've really gotten into the habit of reusing everything.

[@amandazplace5663]

❤❤Value Village❤❤

[@tribenily]

What to do if we just do not have any thrift stores in the city? I feel so sad that we do not have any thrift or zero waste stores in our city.

[@angelicacantu3845]

Is recycling a benifit to zero waste??

[@macmac5784]

What do you use for your trash bag ?

[@elizabethb.820]

I know that it's not about perfection, but knowing what I know now about fast fashion and most of the brands that you find at the mall, I just can't justify shopping there anymore for pretty much anything. I buy almost everything secondhand now, whether that's at a thrift store, on Kijiji, Ebay, etc. And if I really need something and I can't find it secondhand, I will research and try to find a more ethical company to buy it from.

[@ppiwiss]

Qué planta está atrás?

[@gibby1097]

Also: at starbucks bring a reusable cup/mug. Bring reusable containers in a purse to restaurants for leftovers.

[@thenormallife1138]

I got bamboo brushes for my family. The bristles came out in my mouth and my son's mouth. Do they all do that? I took my toddler's away because I was afraid he would choke

[@georgeandrews2839]

If you keep them clean, dry and stored outside of rooms with moisture ( Kitchen & bathroom ) razors can last almost indefinitely. Does anyone seriously think their hair is so tough that it dulls stainless steel? Give any plastic bags to thrift stores, they appreciate them.

[@KirA23370]

It's really interesting. What makes progress is that people began to buy a shaving machine that they used 30 years ago! To what extent have we polluted the planet with plastic!

[@joannemcmillan9201]

I store my reusable bags in my car. If I forget to take them inside I simply put everything back in the cart and roll the cart to the car. I started doing this because we’re older and would often forget the bags.

[@sarahr7279]

I was just looking for that same glass bottle! It is much cheaper at bed bath and beyond. I have finally gotten into the habit of using my reusable bags, it makes me feel so good to not be using so much plastic. Thanks for all the tips!

[@alisonbabichuk5432]

I love your channel and this video! Just curious, what has held you back from becoming vegan? It is the very best way to reduce waste and help our planet. I would love to hear your reasons!

[@RedPixelMage]

Everyday at work I take home at least 7 plastic water bottles that my colleagues have used to recycle. It is crazy how much waste they produce. (There is only 6 of us in the shop)

[@priscillajimenez27]

If only there was some biodegradable pads (without smells) because I don't use tampons so I don't feel comfortable using a cup there.

[@vivianp5962]

I only buy 2nd hand clothing. Just for the mere fact i can't afford walmart or target.

[@Kelfieb]

With the food going bad, my friend puts all her veggies pieces that are still edible but some most people would throw away into a container in the freezer and then she makes her own homemade veggie broth!

[@meghanlivingstone]

Kelfie b this is a fantastic idea - thanks for sharing 😊

[@rootedinplants]

The thrift stores here have honestly have an AWFUL selection! There really worn and have pilling, just not good.

[@aboutfeddy]

Not always. You just need the patience to go through the stuff and select 🙂 I personally bought some really nice items second hand 🙂

[@elizabethb.820]

Also, if reducing waste is a priority of yours and you are willing to pay a bit more than you would for fast fashion or thrift store items, you could also check out some consignment shops which will have nicer clothing in better condition.

[@sudarshansinghpariharfs6569]

Di u r look so pretty

[@JuanGarcia-fi8ud]

Recycle Your cans and Bottles

[@dannydanny9875]

Bamboo Eh?

[@renren5605]

I personally can't stand the smell of vinegar

[@sydneywilliams4796]

RenRen have you tried adding essential oils or soaking citrus rinds in it?

[@Nick-ei8lt]

Not bagging on you but your cup looks like it hasn’t been used at all. Silicon stains and no matter how often you clean it it will still be stained.... yours looks brand new like it’s never been used at all. It isn’t just the plastic applicator to your tampons that is causing waste. The tampon themselves are contributing to the waste. Also maybe rather than using the plastic bags when you forget yours just buy your produce loose. Seriously it’s not difficult, like you said you using that plastic bag is voting and essentially telling others it’s ok. They don’t know you forgot your bags that day, but carrying them loose starts a conversation. Also freeze your veggies scraps for veggie stalk.