100 things I NO LONGER BUY as a MINIMALIST (eco-swaps for wasteful habits)

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

What else do YOU no longer buy?

[@Ally-ug3nq]

Cleaning products, I use refills or multi use the one product.

[@Ally-ug3nq]

Most things you mentioned. I also use period knickers and have done so for about a year. I use soap nuts for some of my loads.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@Ally-ug3nq That's amazing!!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@Ally-ug3nq those are great swaps!

[@tammymiele5447]

Shampoo in plastic bottles. I now buy eco-roots shampoo bars and I love them

[@kathryncooper4001]

I had no idea I was so advanced in my thinking, but it turns out that I've done most of the things you do for MANY years. I'm 72 years old and cannot abide waste. I make my own laundry soap (58 cents a gallon), which is much better than Tide or All -- even removes marinara stains from placemats and white linen napkins. Western use of soap nuts has driven up the price in India and Bangladesh, so they're not an ideal choice. Weather permitting, I hang my laundry to dry, but when I must use the dryer, I recently discovered that just one dryer ball does the trick nicely -- shared the other one in the pack with a neighbor. I don't buy wrapping paper, since it's not recyclable or compostable -- just decorate brown paper or stitch up gift bags for all my gifts. I capture tap water in a bucket when I'm waiting for hot water to reach the spigot in the shower, then hold onto it for flushing. I stitched up flannel kitchen cleaning wipes years ago, but still use paper towels for greasing baking pans -- nothing else works as well. A roll of paper towels lasts 11 months. I bake my own bread -- 20 cents a loaf. I also stitched up flannel wipes to use when I empty my bladder -- toilet paper is for more extensive cleanups. I cut washcloths from a rag-bin bathtowel, then made cotton strips from a rag-bin sheet to bind them with. The towels were threadbare on the edges, but still had plenty of wear in the body. If I need a household, clothing, or gift item, I check a local thrift store first. I make my own vanilla and almond extract, cream cheese and condensed milk. Of course, I don't eat meat. My daughter thinks of me as an escapee from a hippie commune, and I know I'm rather quirky, but it works for me. I live VERY comfortably on exactly half of my poverty-level Social Security income. Next, I'm going to try your DIY peanut butter!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

these are awesome! I now have my pb recipe on the channel if you wanna use the video version or the written version is on my blog :)

[@jolaneey5338]

How do you make your laundry soap?

[@kellyallen9732]

I loved reading your comment. There is a lot of inspiration there for me. Thanks for sharing.

[@sevehrsevehr6001]

Please do a video on all your habits like this.

[@ZasukiJean]

Hey, can you share your laundry soap recipe?

[@rosemarywilliams9969]

I don't do zero waste. However everytime I see balloons I get so angry because they're so pointless and wasteful and bad for the environment.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

they're the worst!!

[@kellyallen9732]

Absolutely agree. And don’t get me started on the lanterns! Fire hazard, litter hazard, wildlife hazard.

[@KarkatHatesBuckets]

We reuse the balloons after they pop, sometimes we use them as a toy for a bit longer (for my little sis) and other times we use them to close up bottles (they actually work pretty well to close them up.)

[@audbee14]

Once I was at the park and saw a couple with balloons celebrating something. Oh well whatever, I thought as I continued walking. When I circled around the lake, I saw the exact same balloons deflated in the water! They just let the balloons go without a second thought! Thankfully they were close enough to the edge that I could grad them and properly dispose of them, but still! It makes me so mad to think about

[@kensiblonde4203]

They are always tangled up in the trees in the park and the park won’t ban them. It’s infuriating.

[@moneybee]

I love when helping your wallet AND the planet go hand and hand! Great video!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Right?! Stay tuned bc I am working on a video about ways you can MAKE money by living low waste ;)

[@ciannacoleman5125]

I won’t ever be “zero waste” or “minimalist” the way they are defined in modern culture, but I do try to only buy things that I will thoroughly use or truly want (I overthink many purchases lol) and have begun making a concentrated effort in the last two years to buy plastic free/reusable alternatives to consumables. Overall to me it is a process and while I try to be conscious of it and am getting better I also don’t stress about when I do use plastic.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

That's great! Definitely important to be a conscious consumer :)

[@pcastillo6881]

I don’t want to go zero waste BUT I’m always looking for small things that not only save me money but also reduce waste this video was very helpful

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

You don't have to be "zero waste" i mean I'm not! It's all about being a conscious consumer and baby steps toward being better stewards of the earth :)

[@megc.9253]

I know this comment is coming a bit late, but I enjoyed this video immensely. Thank you for all the great ideas! One additional idea for people looking for higher quality clothes. We go to the thrift shops, second hand and consignment. It's easy to see the clothes that's going to get destroyed after the first wash when it's already been washed!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

thanks for adding this even though ths video is old :) I hope you enjoy my new content, too!

[@sunnyskies3707]

My Chinese aunt makes seitan, she puts it in a bowl and covers it with a tea towel. Also I love how many people think they need cooking spray, it isn't even a thing in Germany. We use these silicone brushes (tbh I use my hands sometimes) and put butter with them on the baking dish.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

it's so good! no need for cooking spray for real

[@Volundur9567]

ALL HAIL SEITAN!

[@Resonance1919]

For the makeup removing issue- using a fabric like microfiber to remove makeup does visibly remove most of the makeup but it isn't really getting it completely off your skin. However a great alternative or addition is to use olive or coconut oil as oils break down oils in makeup and will really get it all off. After that follow with your soap or cleanser. This is basically the same as the double cleansing method a lot of skincare enthusiasts use, but without the packaging that comes with buying oil based cleansers (However for people with sensitive skin conditions like me (rosacea), i still use specially formulated oil cleansers since olive and coconut oil severely upset my skin but they're tolerable for most people!)

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

this video is old so i don't recall an issue but i don't use microfiber and never have. THanks for the info!

[@Iquey]

I just find hair ties on the ground too lol. They find me.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Such an easy way to get them AND it's free AND it's saving litter from entering the oceans!

[@isabelapiva5096]

Me too!! I have a standard poodle and I swear the hair ties I found on the floor are the best thing ever to hold her big puffy hair.

[@floridasavannah]

I like to take the logo shirts and repurpose them into a quilt blanket. Lovely piece of family history and warmth

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

i crochet them in to rugs! i still think they are a wasteful product tho

[@taylortsakopulos1216]

Your all purpose cleaner that you make actually has disinfecting/sanitizing properties in it Just gotta leave it on/let it sit longer especially for bathroom stuff

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Oh wow I had no idea thanks for informing me!

[@perpetualMess.]

I love how instead of just telling us to go vegan and stuff she gives us alternatives and is encouraging. I can't be vegan (low iron and some other issues) so having these options to help the environment and stay health is amazing!!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Cutting meat even a little bit is still such a great impact on the planet. Going vegan is one of the best things we can do but not everyone can so I hope you find lots of other ways to help the planet through my channel, particularly my free ways to live zero waste series :)

[@cheerubebayonettaholopaine2638]

do some research on the iron thing please. 😉 11years vegan, nothing missing 😊

[@perpetualMess.]

@@cheerubebayonettaholopaine2638 we’ve tried but there isn’t much we can do. I have some medical issues that mean I need to take in a lot of certain foods, along with how active I am. But I am looking into good substitutes that have what I need! I’m loving the morning star veggie grillers so far!

[@kellyallen9732]

No fabric softener or dryer sheets here, don’t have a dryer, put it on the line to dry (UK and have a garden). I buy TRU Earth, sheet laundry detergent, it works really well for me. Same with you I don’t buy tonnes of cleaners, we have a washable mop head too and use rags for everything from old t shirts etc. I use a shampoo bar soap, and bar for face soap hand soap. Ive sold a lot of nail polish and just have a few bottles left. I have a period cup, It’s a game changer. Love it. Your idea about hair elastics is great. I see loads out running and it’s a litter pick too.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Wow how awesome!! Always picking up trash aha

[@madalyn4422]

I am super weird about books. I can't focus if it's on a screen for some reason. If you're like me, thrift books is great! They have most books for super cheap, and even their fair is pretty good. Plus it's cool to find other people's notes.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Definitely do what's best for you and thrifting books is a great option and even libraries! Good for you and thanks for the tip :)

[@evelynsaungikar3553]

For gifts, I put a clue in a card, which leads to a treasure hunt. Their gift will be hidden somewhere, not wrapped. Sometimes while they are deciphering the clues I’ll be hiding their gift.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

how fun!!

[@hlobisilenhlapho4800]

the amount of money that you are saving is phenomenal!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

yes it is!!

In addition to them, i quit coffee filters, replaced with a cheese cloth i had at home. And the most important one is i learnt to make soap at home that i use for everything: laundry dishwashing, cleaning... it helped me reduce a lot of waste

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

that is awesome! what great swaps :)

[@Lisawhatshersname]

A gold coffee filter is available for purchase for most automatic drip coffee makers, no need for any disposable filters that way either

[@eeddoosshh]

Wow, that sounds awesome! Would you mind sharing the 'recipe'? I would like to try it if it's not all too much trouble for you :)

[@6hZCBpMy]

@@eeddoosshhI’d love to hear about their soap recipe too!

[@erekaw8708]

This was a lot, but I really needed the reminder 🙏🏼 I salute you for your strength

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

thank you so much!

[@shalae96]

I agree with most everything but the flashlight. Yes our mobile phones have flashlights but in the case of a emergency like power outage you want to preserve your phone battery if there is any left but a flashlight would be extremely helpful. Not all flashlight require batteries in fact the best flashlight for emergency would be ons with a crank which powered it by turning the crank and usually these have radios in them as well

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

For sure, I just don't buy anymore than I already have

[@rachaeldronsfield5490]

things i’ve cut out: -milk (i just don’t like it and use almond milk) -sponges(we use a brush or a sweatish dish cloth) -parchment/wax paper (sil pad is a god send) -we use cutlery from take out if we really need it and use bamboo plates if we HAVE to use disposable (picnics and places we can’t have heavy bags like zoos and nature centers etc) -basil and most herbs (we have a garden and freeze what we have left over for the winter) -we never bought croutons -jam/jelly (a guy at my church gifts it to us on almost all holidays in glass jars) -tea bags (bulk tea and a strainer) -mugs/cups/souvenir cups (we have enough) -plastic solo cups (we use the metal ones) -dryer sheets (we just don’t use them lol) -fabric softener (no need) -hair ties (i have teleties that have lasted me for years and my friends always leave them in my car) -shaving cream (coconut oil) -luffa (silicon body scrubber) -cotton rounds (reusable cotton rounds and miceler water bought in the biggest container) -pads/tampons (thinx) -pencils (i’m a student i use old ones) -rubber bands (asparagus bands) -my friends have a book circle and then i donate to my local library if i buy it or am gifted one because i can’t do ebooks. -planners (notion and apple calendars) -sticky notes (i have a ton of old half used pads or i’ll write it in my notion) -stationary (i have a single set of nice ones to write thanks you’s) -plastic water bottles or reusable ones (my hydro and nalgine are the only ones i use) -souvenirs unless they support a local artist (pics are more meaningful) -air fresheners (candles and diffusers) -DVD/CD (no one uses them) -Gift ribbon, bags, and boxes (i reuse old ones and use old wrapping paper or butcher paper) -fast fashion (most of the time. i don’t need a lot of new clothes and most of what i get is sustainable) -as for race t shirts i use them to dry my hair Things not mentioned -nail polish (i either dont paint my nails or get them done) -Vix vapor rub (tiger balm) -honey/syrup/coffee syrup in plastic (i find glass bottles and reuse the jars at bulk stores or i make my own) -blankets (i have SOOO many from gifts) -hangers (my dry cleaner gives them to us so i use those) -fuzzy socks (they get gross after wearing a few times and i end up wearing my llbean socks anyways) -lotion/shower sets (i don’t use them) -opted out of catalogs/coupons/junk mail -excess makeup (i just use my typical 6 products and have a few extras for crazier looks) -extra makeup tools and brushes (just don’t need) -lip balm (ALWAYS gifted to me. i have so much im working through before i buy any more) -suitcases (i have what i need) -masks (i way overbought at the beginning of the pandemic. i have a few reusable and i reuse the disposables afew times before i put them in my bottle brick) -makeup bags (i have a few and i don’t need more) -fidgets (no need)

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

that's incredible!

[@meman6964]

Do you recycle the hangers to cleaners? We dp

[@princessdumbarton9877]

I've had one roll of plastic wrap last me about 20 years. I never use it to cover dishes that go in the refrigerator. You can use pot lids or plates to cover bowls. You can use an inverted bowl or cup to cover something on a plate.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

so many ways to cover dishes!

[@colleenlongua9752]

I appreciate that you brought up technology. I've had the same laptop for almost four years and it still works like new. It's not worth the money and resources to buy the newest models of phones, computers or tablets and most tech will last several years if it's properly taken care of.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

totally agree!

[@kevinsnotebook]

I know not everyone can do this, but you can make a quilt from thoses t-shirts. I had a trunk of all the concert tees that I knew I would never wear again and made one. Sure, you buy stuff to make the quilt, but then you have something special that you take care of. (I mean, if you already have the shirts.)

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

yeah if you already have them, cool! I turned them into rugs :)

[@kaeleighgoins475]

You should make quilts with all your event t shirts it’s a good way to get a second use out of them. You could also use the scraps to make rags

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

I actually made a rug out of them! Check it out on my channel but regardless I avoid them cause why waste the resources to even make one

[@erintannehill]

I love so many things about this video! Our list looks very similar. I still use gift bags, because I'm the person that comes home with any that were about to be tossed [like at a Christmas party] and reuse them. I haven't purchased gift bags in YEARS because of this. I grow loofahs in my garden because I like using them to exfoliate and wash my skin. When they can't be used any longer, I compost them. Also, I would love for you to share your zero waste period tips because that is something I definitely want to do next in my zero waste journey. I currently use organic cotton tampons and pads, so not as bad as conventional products health wise... but still not great.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

My mom taught me the trick to save gift bags and I talk about it more in my video about zero waste things I learned from my childhood! I've always heard about growing loofahs and would love to try it one day! Making the switch to reusable menstrual products is GAME CHANGER! I'd like to make a video more in depth about that one day :)

[@erintannehill]

@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist This is my first time growing them successfully [I've grown vines previously, but didn't produce fruit] and they are beautiful! The flowers on them remind me of a hibiscus flower, which I love. I'm hoping to store enough to use for an entire year and also put them in different gift baskets. I look forward to your reusable menstrual products video!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@erintannehill That's amazing!! I hope so too :)

[@sharonpanetta5846]

Very informative, gets the creative juices flowing! But... conditioner (and several more products) is a must for the curly girls!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Definitely! Thankfully it isn't a necessity for me! If you don't already subscribe to her, Immy Lucas (Sustainably Vegan here on KZbin) is a curly haired lady and I'm pretty sure she uses a conditioner bar!

[@buckeyedav1]

@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist I was watching a lady on here yesterday can't remember the channel but she's african american and she had a hard time finding one for her hair type too but she did find it and mentioned the name of the bar. Anna In Ohio.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@buckeyedav1 there definitely are bars for every hair texture! I should make a video about all the brands :)

[@buckeyedav1]

@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist You should. I did some research today at a local small store that's sort of like Trader Joes. A little pricey 8.99 to 9.99 a bar but they should last a long time and zero waste. I was in awe that they had so much stuff I didn't know was there.. I did pick up a bamboo tooth brush and some produce bags. I found a recipe on you tube for homemade toothpaste that looked doable coconut oil, arrowroot, peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils ordered it from Natures Garden here in Ohio so hopefully next week another thing off my list of commercial products I need to buy. Sigh after placing the order found the market I went to sells everything but the arrowroot powder. The manager of the bath and beauty products section wants to hear more about Eco Waste products they have the toothpaste tablets on order but she had not heard of the mouthwash tablets. Anna In Ohio.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@buckeyedav1 How cool! I love finding new zero waste products :)

[@letshavepie]

Not that you need it, but if you do make bundt cakes from time to time, you can totally use the pan for other things. You can bake any cake in it, including angel food, you can bake brownies, quick breads, puddings, casseroles. You can also use it as a mold for gelatin or frozen fruit desserts. Just saying, if you have a pan that you think is single use, try using it for something else. It could become your favorite item once you stop thinking of it as a specialty item.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Oh I know that, but I prefer to use other pans so it is a single-use pan to me. It doesn't have to be for everyone. The point of this video and the rest of mine is to offer suggestions, not things people must do. If someone loves their bundt pan, great. I do not and that's okay. I gave it to a friend who was in need of one so it worked out. Free bundt pan for them and I got rid of an item I didn't use. I have other pans for those other breads

[@myneoangel4299]

Your kitty appearing when you opened the different drawers 😂😂😂😻😻😻 I may have missed this when you showed your vitamins, but just in case since you’re eating plant based, don’t forget to supplement B12! It’s not naturally found in plant foods, and you don’t seem to eat a lot of prepackaged foods that are often supplemented with B12. B12 deficiency can cause nerve damage, so it’s very important to make sure you are getting a regular, reliable source!!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

she's precious! i probably didn't mention it here but it other videos i talk about how i eat a lottt of nutritional yeast fortified with b12. I am very mindful to sprinkle it on every lunch and dinner I have :) thank you!

[@theheartyaerie]

My grandma makes quilts out of our specialized shirts.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

how cool!

[@andydutton455]

That stain remover looks great. I have been drawing pictures over stains that I can't get out. I use gel markers and acrylic paint to do it. I like it.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

oh wow! I actually just made a zero waste stain remover bar comparison video that comes out soon so stay tuned :)

[@buckeyedav1]

I need to do that too I'm so bad with getting stains on my shirts I usually will wear them around the house anyways but sigh.. I'd love to learn to cover the stains and continue using them. I've tried all kinds of things to get the coffee stains, butter and grease stains out used Dawn, Peroxide, some kind of stain remover nothing works. Anna In Ohio.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@buckeyedav1 I got you! I have a stain remover bar video coming out soon so stay tuned :)

[@CampingforCool41]

During strawberry season you can go pick your own strawberries to make jam with. It’s way cheaper than buying strawberries at the store and you can pick as much as you want to be able to make enough jam to last the whole year. Plus the strawberries always taste better.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

that's great to know! I forgot that existed and was always my fav thing to do growing up in the midwest :)

[@SteelRiderCarl]

The only ones I can say I actually DO buy on this list are the CD's, movies and sunglasses because once you reach a certain number of streams, owning the CD becomes the greener option. I don't have a link, but there was a study done that pegged the number at around 27 plays and for my big favorite albums, I can do through that in no time, and having sunglasses in many different places helps me remember them.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

how interesting!!

[@michaelafischer6177]

Hot tip! If you have blemish-prone skin and you're not using a commercial zero-waste oil cleanser to remove makeup (or reusable make-up remover cloth/pads), go with sunflower oil specifically, as the fatty acid profile is safe for blemish-prone skin (oily skins usually prefer it too). The reason is that it's mostly linoleic acid and has very little stearic acid. Sweet almond oil, as featured, is particularly good for dry to normal types, due to the higher oleic acid ratio. Avoid coconut oil for makeup remover unless it really works for you, because it tends to leave residue and is comedogenic. Hemp seed oil is another good alternative to sunflower seed oil--but that's definitely easiest to get! Whether a separate facial cleanser is necessary is totally up to the individual. Some skins are much trickier to manage than others. My skin is high maintenance, so I pretty much need a separate one. In general, even if you use the same cleanser all over, it's best to find one that's pH-balanced for facial skin, so slightly acidic. You can use a facial or cleanser all over, so that can be the best option. A lot of regular soaps have a very high pH, which tends to strip skin, but it also depends on the type of soap you're buying in the first place. But again, it honestly depends on how much difficulty you have with these things in the first place. TSE has incredibly gorgeous skin without the high maintenace! I just find that zero-waste care for blemish-prone or reactive skin is really not out there, so I wanted to share some pointers. I've definitely seen a lot of folks try things like coconut oil and regular soap and then breakout terribly, deciding that nothing works for them. Sunflower seed oil and Cetaphil bar soap (just as an example--it's not what I use) will go down so much better!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

What a great tips thank you!

[@meman6964]

Change pillowcase daily, just this cleared my skin

[@michaelafischer6177]

@@meman6964 It's good advice and zero-waste, but it means you didn't have inherently dysfunctional skin nor inherently dysfunctional immunity--you were just getting pimples from bacteria transfer via your pillowcase. There is a difference and the former will not resolve by changing pillowcases daily, although this is something I would still suggest to anyone with skin struggles since it eliminates an environmental aggressor. Some skin is fundamentally disabled and dysfunctional as a body part (or can be a side effect of a hormonal condition, such as PCOS, or immune deficiency/bacterial sensitivities disorders). People need to learn to distinguish between the presence of acne and the presence of an underlying condition that results in acne. The latter will always require medical care and some degree of skin care. If you put high stearic acid oils in skin that has dysfunctional sebum production with the consistency of honey, it will clog the skin (or clog it further) and create an infection because of the clog. Almost everyone gets pimples at some points in their life or can get pimples based on environmental causes, but a minority of individuals have a chronic medical condition and it merely manifests predominantly as acne or similar blemishing. It's genuinely as easy to comprehend as someone's legs not walking properly, but the confusion comes with the majority of individuals experiencing pimples at some point--that, and thinking of it as an aesthetic issue for *all* individuals. Pimples on healthy skin is like spraining a healthy ankle; pimples on 'disabled' skin is like being born unable to walk properly on that ankle from the start.

[@michaelafischer6177]

Just FYI I am not advocating or suggesting consumerism as a result of having a type of skin dysfunction. Consumer products are only rarely a complete answer anyway. I'm just explaining blemishing can be complex and may require a variety of approaches, and that not all disabled body parts can be 'cured', let alone cured easily through an external change. Some skins can only be managed effectively. Some skins can't use coconut oil. :P But there are still sustainable cleansing options for them.

[@ninavorobeva4927]

Love it, thank you for mentioning a stain removing bar instead of the bleach.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

YESS! I actually have a big zero waste stain remover test video coming soon so stay tuned :)

[@ChewonThat]

These are incredible swaps!! I use almost every one of these things, and they help so much!👏Other swaps I love are my LastSwab reusable cotton swab and my stainless steel tongue scraper.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Those are GREAT swaps that I have not tried yet but have been dying to!

[@ChewonThat]

@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist I highly recommend! 👍

[@cg5657]

Yes!

[@okehokehokeh]

Wow, I love this so much. It left me hanging because I wanted more. Not only did you share the reasons why you no longer buy them, but you also gave us some ideas and alteernatives. Thank you. I appreciate this truly. More ideas for me! 💕

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

i have a second part :) just use the search bar on my channel!

[@meman6964]

So good you SHOWED instead of just a talking head, good job

[@teapotsaway]

I use hemmed fabric scraps as gift wrap and I made a handful of reusable bags of different shapes and sizes from old clothes for gift wrap as well. So we don't buy gift wrap. We save boxes because we have to ship presents as well.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

That is so cool!

[@xxsarahlizxx4757]

I cut out a lot of things over the past year after either purchasing reusable or doing DIY to stuff I already had. I never bought disposable paper or styrofoam plates, bowls, or cups, plastic cutlery, or paper towels ever in my life. My parents never did either when I was growing up. The only time I ever bought a pack of plastic water bottles was to save that pack to be prepared for potential emergencies, and I still have them sitting in storage just in case. I dont ever buy those on a regular basis as all. I no longer buy: -paper napkins -disposable makeup wipes - food storage containers, plastic sandwich bags, cling wrap or aluminum foil -disposable disinfectent wipes -anything packaged in an aerosol can, especially shaving cream (I use bar shaving soap from Leaf) -disposable razors -dryer sheets - organizers - cleaner that comes prepackaged in a spray bottle -detergent pods in plastic container -shower products in a plastic bottle - plastic floss in plastic box - plastic toothbrushes - I dont go out of my way to get drinks from coffee shops, I almost always make coffee at home (once in a while I might get a drink somewhere) Things I avoid taking: -plastic grocery/retail store bags - syrofoam or plastic takeout containers - straws (usually I get one anyway though unfortunately) -plastic silverware -free handouts that I know I dont need and wont ever use Things I always take to reuse if I end up with them to avoid waste: -Toiletries from hotels - takeout or plastic containers that are reusable - plastic utensils - extra napkins I didn't use at restaurants - if I forgot my reusable bags in the car, I always try to get a paper bag and reuse it

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

wow!!

[@ritagamez3732]

I started wrapping the stock of the bunch of bananas. I use plastic wrap and it does keep them fresher longer.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

woah!

[@bern1228]

Thanks for this. You hit on so many items I used to "collect". I know I'm 2 yrs late here but I relate to the mugs. Friends and I agreed on no gifting mugs long ago. I do make my own laundry detergent and I've learned to can foods. Large collection of reusable bags as well and I stock my vehicles with them. I shop my pet/animal rescue thrift stores for my retail therapy, as well as donate items. Now I'm interested in the rest of your content. Be well and thanks!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

always learning and unlearning over consumptive habits!!

[@justsomeone64]

Great video! It absolutely baffles me that some people buy disposable cutlery. As you mentioned some do in America I have never ever seen someone buy that in the UK for home use. Video: Liked 👍👍

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Americans are lazy and wasteful haha thanks for the support :)

[@sustainfem]

I can't get people around here (Ohio in the Midwest US) to understand the concept of not using plastic disposable cutlery, paper plates, or worse, Styrofoam cups and plates. Even for birthdays and holidays they won't break out their nice China and silverware -- and they all have dishwashers. In fact, many restaurants still pass out Styrofoam containers for leftovers, It's absolutely mind-boggling.

[@justsomeone64]

@@sustainfem Yeah, can't wrap my head around it either. A lot of funny looks if you hand someone food on a paper plate in the UK. For large birthdays or house parties you wouldn't. But for everyday? Weird here

[@Christina-sf4py]

sustainfem, my mum had at 3 "special" dinner sets and cutlery sets, yet still used the chipped, damaged everyday ones...even though i urged her to use them on hollies, birthdays etc. Well, when she passed away a few years ago..I thought she never got to enjoy them, it made me so sad..I think because she was raised by someone who lived through the great depression..those ppl seen it as wasteful to use their nice things. I have to self talk to myself every now and again to use my nice things, it really gives a break from your everyday stuff and gives you such a happiness boost.

[@justsomeone64]

@@Christina-sf4py I'm glad you use your nice things. If you own it, enjoy it. My condolences for your mum

[@noshimoshi]

I used those shirts as sleep shirts. We had one of those family vacation personalized shirts from 2010 and I still have it as a sleep shirt haha

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

that is great that you reuse it!

[@aiviewsandnews]

Me either. I became a minimalist when I had to travel and relocate often

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

oh nice

[@Volundur9567]

Use the plastic slitted strawberry containers for herb drying. Stick 'em in there and let it go. I do this for my apothecary.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

good idea!

[@laurennichole161]

I found instant coffee the best and cheapest for my life too and make sure I always buy the brand in glass from my local store. I get delicious, fast, coffee and a ton of matching glass jars for storage 🙂

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Yes!! It's just so easy and it's also recyclable, so bonus! Fair trade is KEY though!

[@rumaishanowshin4823]

its so weird everything you said we do it in our country, we never thought these were “eco friendly”

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

American culture is weird haha

[@helenalaney]

Americans love plastic. And convenience/premade goods. And buying things. Haha. It really is a weird culture

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@helenalaney it really is

[@bookwormbon482]

Thank you for including the blog with the written list that really helps

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

i'm glad! about half of my videos have that :)

[@helenatkinson4730]

You can make your own toothpaste and keep it in a glass jar. Coconut oil, baking soda and mint essential oil. You can get very small glass jars like number one baby food jars for travel toothpaste. I have used ads that come in junk mail or even magazine catalog pages that come in junk mail as gift wrap. You can use paper bags and decorate them yourself as well. There are also online groups that you can join to give and ask for things you might need for free. This is a good way to give away things that are not donatable- maybe they are damaged or have stains.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

i tried it and hate it plus I want to make sure my teeth are actually healthy!

[@aleenaprasannan2146]

Hibiscus leaf pulp is a really good conditioner. It's a traditional home remedy, but I'm yet to find a commercial conditioner that leaves my hair as soft and supple without leaving any residue. The only downside is that getting the pulp from the leaves is messy business

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

how interesting!!

[@meman6964]

What is the process to make pulp?

[@kellyallen9732]

I have a candle problem 😂 so that’s one thing I have really stopped buying. I have a large un-fragranced pillar candle that I use now. I am a card maker so handmake a card for birthdays and use lots of scraps so they are recycled and recyclable.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

That is so cool!!

[@bookwormbon482]

A good idea is to save greeting cards that other people buy you and repurpose them for making new cards :)

[@kellyallen9732]

@@bookwormbon482 I definitely do that, and If they aren’t suitable I die cut them into gift tags. I also cut the ribbon hanging straps off my clothes and use them as the gift tag string.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@bookwormbon482 cool idea!

[@tess2cruz]

Tea bags are compostible where I live, and the bulk tea I buy is in paper packaging, not plastic.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

yeah it depends for everyone!

[@luqicharmz]

I love my keurig, but kcups are terrible. It’s probably obvious, but we started using one of those little reusable kcups. It saves a lot of money and uses less coffee and water when you only make what you need.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

I think that is a great alternative! I do love how Keurigs make the perfect cup so no coffee is wasted!

[@luqicharmz]

The Simple Environmentalist Also works for us because everyone wakes up at different times so we don’t have the coffee pot wasting electricity.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@luqicharmz another great point!

[@lisabriskey]

I crochet my own makeup pad removers instead of buying the rounds. I crochet my own washcloths/dishcloths.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

That is so cool!

[@lisabriskey]

@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist yes and fun to make

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@lisabriskey so true!

[@Stuffings00]

Foil’s recyclable too!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Heck yes it is and that tid bit is coming to a visitor in late sept ;) stay tuned!

[@michaelafischer6177]

I think the problem lies in anything single-use, especially when it's something that has be mined (if you can find 100% or majority recycled aluminium foil, that would be great!). It's definitely recyclable, though, so long as it's sized at least as big as a golf ball. Most machines require it to be this big in order to process it, so screw up your foil into the largest ball you can. I usually save up my foil bits and pieces and add them to the ball until its big enough to recycle.

[@ciannacoleman5125]

I use mechanical pencils and G2s but recently I switched to fountain pens for most things. I didn’t do this for waste purposes I did it because I love writing with them and the variety of possible inks, but they are a good option if you want to stop tossing refills (they don’t work for every purpose)

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Pilot G2s actually have refills! So, still, waste, but less waste which is cool! I've never tried a fountain pen, heck I don't think I've ever even seen one! How does it work?

[@ciannacoleman5125]

@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist Basically they have a reservoir that you fill with bottled ink. There are some people who prefer the way they write but don’t like the mess of bottled ink so some pens have a type of cartridge option that is tossed (or refilled with a syringe a few times) but I prefer using bottled ink. They do feel different to write with than a ballpoint/gel pen because instead of a rolling ball in the tip they are a solid piece of metal with a rounded tip and liquid ink is drawn to the page through the feed instead of pressure and movement. There are a bunch of great KZbinrs who make videos on the subject if you are further interested.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@ciannacoleman5125 oh intersting I'll check it out thank you!

[@jtotties]

With peace and love, love what you’re doing and your message. I think the point of your message is to spread the word, some of the way you explain what you’re doing I think comes off sort of judgey, which could exclude or prevent others from taking info in from the video. For some of the items, you are quite humble and do a great job. Constructive criticism from a blogger who struggles w/ the same at times and I have to work really hard to keep as positive as I can because this is the best way to effect change and spread love. Love the video, will keep watching.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

that's your opinion and thanks for sharing but I never judge. I am solely here to educate and hoepfully inspire others to make small changes. Maybe watch some of my newer content before judging me ;)

[@kiterafrey]

I love jars. And most are the same opening size as a mason jar, so you can buy lids that have honey spoons, pumps, spouts, straw holes etc at like Jarware and you can use the jars for whatever whenever. That’s what I’m about to get, since I’m always saving jars and drinking out of them. I don’t like cups, I like jars.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

love it!

[@keisharankins6801]

Love all your swaps! I’m really working on this! I’m doing well but getting the family on board is not so easy lol thx girl

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

thank you so much! YOU CAN DO IT! I wanna make a video soon about how to talk to your family about going zero waste :)

[@julieprouty8046]

It is definitely more of a challenge when you have a family of five and nobody else is interested in making the changes. I did switch to laundry strips and dryer balls and everyone accepted that, so small victories!

[@Grlnuerongir]

My friends make fun of me for drinking instant coffee but it is so easy! I love the cold-brew instant from Trader Joe’s - it has a good flavor

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

i low key love instant coffee haha

[@shoppertattoo]

Pam cooking spray is basically lighter fluid. Use butter or olive oil instead it’s so much better

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

exactly

[@melinnamba]

Ah, yes. The completly superfluous mug collections. I still have one of those. But since I am still developing my tea rutine I am not gonna declutter it just yet. For now I just stopped growing it. When it comes to pens, I love fountain pens. You can either get a piston fountain pen, or outfit any other one with a piston converter and you won't have to use disposable cartriges any more. Plus you have a much bigger choice of inks you can use. And for my teas I use a french press. Works just as good as it does for coffee.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

haha glad i'm not alone! Definitely don't have to declutter everything! French press for tea is genius!

[@melinnamba]

@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist I learned that trick from my mum. And it's the best way to make tea in my opinion. Not just because it dosn't need tea bags. I mostly drink fruit teas and the infusion turns out a lot better when the tea has space to soak up the water.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@melinnamba that's so true! how cool!

[@renabale1541]

I could never tell my friends to bring their own cutlery or reuse found hair ties 😮, but I appreciate all your other tips. Especially the apple cider vinegar…it’s so expensive why am I not making it! I make my own cleaning spray. Water soaked in lemon or Orange peel, a drop or two of dish soap, tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil and mint oil. Smell so good and really works! And yes, please make sanitary products video please. 😊

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Good thing I can't or don't force anyone to do anything! I also don't personally ask my guests to bring things like that, it's just an idea :) love that video idea!

[@Smanthers]

You can always buy compostable cutlery for guests

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

true! I like Repurpose! @@Smanthers

[@zoratamas4379]

Very nice list, I would just like to mention that as far as I know, streaming movies and music is not more sustainable than buying second hand a CD player, DVDs or CDs. Streaming uses more electricity than if you have your favourite music downloaded or playing from a CD.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

very true!

[@bookwormbon482]

Yeah i agree with this

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@bookwormbon482 sweet!

[@darilietas]

Thank you so much for your videos! I have been on my own less waste journey since 2018 (I also blog and post on IG about it to encourage others), and for the last year I just struggle to keep motivation to do the good things I do. Mainly because it seems that others either don't care, or don't think when putting cigarette butts in glass recycling container because it's nearer than the ashtray. I lost my spark and thought that it's pointless, the things I do and try out to embrace better habits. I found your channel and it has been such a positive push for me! I really like your narrative and ideas that you share, it really keeps my spirits up and helps to want to continue sharing my insights and encouragement with others, too. Big, big thank you for that! :)) cheers from Latvia!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

It really is hard to stay motivated but you're doing great work! Thanks so much for the support it means a lot :)

[@darilietas]

@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist Thank you so much for your kind words - and all the content you create! :)

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@darilietas thank you so much!

[@mamakaka73]

My grocery store has a huge selection of refillable things like shampoo, conditioner, everything cleaner, laundry stuff... I get everything there.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

that is amazing!

[@Plantsandmusicandyarn]

I love the cleaner I make! It’s a disinfectant and super cheap and easy to make at home with the right equipment. I make hypochlorous acid and it’s awesome 😎

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

how cool!

[@laifnow]

Great ideas! In Denmark we have a consumer-rights-and-test/information organization and they ran tests with soap nuts and laundry detergent: Soap nuts will not clean your clothes any better than using purely clean water. Laundry sheets contain micro plastic to stabilize the detergent, i.e. the compound making the sheet format possible 😢

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

how interesting!

[@leyam2288]

I don’t buy batteries anymore. I bought a few rechargeable ones and have saved so much money and waste.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

this is one of my fav swaps!!

[@rachaelsupadventures]

Good evening I am new here! I love your rant! I mean that in a good way! You gave a lot of things to think about. We just moved 1800 miles from home to buy a fixer upper for less money than a new car. We are debt free and mortgage free. We downsized quite a bit before moving of course but there is always room for improvement right! I already have a lot of mason jars but I do use them to store my flour sugar spices etc! I make my own jam and will be canning veggies etc from our garden this fall. I also save any glass jars I get and if I can get the smell out I give them to hubby for his shop. He will screw the lid to the shelf so the jar dangles and he can see what is inside! I also do the onion in the water. I just cut a bunch yesterday and dehydrated it. We like using it as a topping for our baked potatoes! I love that you use old veggie cans as planters what a great idea! I just used some to make a rocket stove the other day! I saw a KZbin video on it lol!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

oh this is not a rant but thanks for watching!

[@rachaelsupadventures]

@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist I am aware I was being funny I only said that because it was for 100 things which would normally be considered a rant. Either way I loved it and learned a few things! Also I don't consider rants as a bad thing.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@rachaelsupadventures alright!

[@painterlyrabbit]

Just since you asked, most people dont use baby powder because it is not translucent and will be fairly opaque on any hair darker than yours

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

interested!

[@janetstonerook4552]

Dryer sheets and fabric softener gunk up your washer and dryer parts and contribute to them wearing out faster. Or so the electrician who installed my new dryer said. I use washing powders and borax instead of detergent and my clothes get clean and soft. If I need to pretreat stains, I rub a squirt of Dawn dishwashing soap on them. I save so much money on this method plus less wear and tear on my washer and dryer.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

that's why they're in this list!

[@Beesmakelifegoo]

Good for you. (powder used to be cancer producing). I agree quality clothes can be stitched in case of prolonged wear.I have things that lasted for a couple of decades and still look nice. I like your idea for plants. I recycle vegetable scrapes,peels.. I use water,lemon and salt to clean vegetables. I use recycling plastic bags for the egg shells which my corner coffee shop gives me. I am trying too. Thanks.

[@Beesmakelifegoo]

I think you will like this u tube video free. Assignment Asia Japanese Zero Waste Town Bye

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

we are all doing our best! Thanks!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@Beesmakelifegoo oh cool thank you!

[@Murburns]

Are there are specific veggies you avoid for veggie broth? I wasn't sure if there were any types that throw off the taste. Congrats on your subs skyrocketing!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Yes!! I would avoid very distinct-flavored veggies such as cucumber, too much onion, too much celery, and so forth. These would throw off the flavor for sure but in moderation they're alright. I also avoid lettuce just cause it would pretty much disintegrate in boiling water and doesn't add any flavor. Think about what veggies you would put in a soup :)

[@michaelafischer6177]

I haven't quite nailed this yet, because I prefer to use more of my scraps rather than a particular recipe (although this can be worthwhile too), but I can definitely suggest not to use broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts, etc, as they definitely throw off the taste. You can use a little, and I can see a small amount of red cabbage in the stock jar in the video, but if you're just starting, I'd leave these types out and introduce small amounts slowly once you've gotten the knack. Too much, then it gets farty... to put it unpleasantly. I also find that even a small amount of sweet potato will usually make it too sweet to my taste or for most savoury dishses, and that it helps to really try and get the base notes in balance (onion, garlic, leek, etc, potato, carrot, and celery being the usual). If you want a use for sweet potato skin, I'd probably turn it into chips/crisps, but the sort I get has always been difficult to work with in that way. I always end up with far too much carrot, since it's so cheap (if you have a cat or dog, you could mush and blend carrot scraps into their meat dishes), and I use a limited amount of onion-ish vegetables because of intolerance, so I can very quickly, again, run into stock becoming too sweet. Also be aware of anything that might add heat, like chillis. And anything way too watery may not freeze well, e.g. aforementioned lettuce. If you're struggling to start with, you can incorporate stock powder or concentrated liquid stock (I gratefully have access to pretty sustainble versions of these). You can also kind of copy your favourite commercial stocks by looking at what they use. Ultimately, I really put everything in mine, while following the guidelines above. Aside from the base notes, I try to usually get parsley in there--whatever herb scraps you have are great, but parsley stalks make the most amazing stock addition since they hold even more flavour! You can put in almooost anything, such as garlic skins, the green part of leeks, mushroom stalks, etc.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@michaelafischer6177 interesting I've never had that problem with those veggies but can see it happening! Thanks for all the tips :)

[@michaelafischer6177]

​@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist To be fair, it's only if you use a lot of them versus your other vegetables! Very unpleasant in that instance, but it's unlikely to happen often. I pretty much always get at least some broccoli stalks and leaves into my stock (and I like making broccoli soup with it, so why not, haha?), but for someone starting out, I thought it might be best to avoid them just in case. It's the advice I've always read in books on stock making or zero-waste. But I totally encourage slowly adding them in to find where the balance between eliminating scrap waste and making delicious stock is. Even the comments on sweetness that I made definitely depend on the season and the variety--some carrots are as sweet as apples but others are savoury, and the same is true for sweet potato, etc. But some stocks benefit from more sweetness than others too. I would also recommend making mushroom stock as a beginner! All one has to do is soak dried mushrooms--but there are multiple methods--and it lends so much umami to any number of meals. Great in pasta sauces and risottos.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@michaelafischer6177 how interesting!

[@peyvandf]

So many great points. More authentic than other minimalists

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

always try to keep it real!

[@kathleen7849]

Great tip with the frozen fruit and lemon for jam. I'll try that.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

so good!!

[@kiterafrey]

I will still buy flowers or clip flowers from my mother in law’s garden. But, when they start to die she turns them into potpourri or composts them or uses them for her wood burning stove as extra kindling (depending on the type of flower or grassy filler they are)

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

aww lovely!

[@michaelafischer6177]

Do you have a seitan recipe or tutorial? There's the most amazing seitan kebab 'meat' that one can buy in Sweden, but I can never get it while I'm in Australia. I've not had huge luck making seitan in the past, although it's been a long time since I've tried. It's very hard to find good recipes, including the flavour aspect. BTW I never knew that people bought disposable cutlery or crockery for their home until I started watching American zero-wasters, haha. For anyone who really likes cooking spray, while I don't personally use it (I have to admit it's great over salads, though), there are refillable oil misters that you can buy. The one I'm familiar with is called Misto.

[@yogacoffsharbour5066]

wow 'peas of the same pod' tho I'm in my 60's and you are looking pretty young. it was gr8 to realise there are people out there that do the same stuff i do..... right down to finding hair ties and pens as well as being a reformed "mug buyer" . Have you thought about making your own toothpaste - bicarbonate of soda mixed into smooth paste with coconut oil. I add my homemade turmeric powder to the mix as well. You can even leave it a bit gritty and use a tiny spoon to press it onto the toothbrush. You can add a couple of drops of peppermint or spearmint essential oil if desired. Make your own 'underarm freshener' ( deodorant) mix equal parts of bicarbonate of soda, arrowroot ( cassava flour) and make smooth paste with coconut oil. add favorite essential oil if desired. simply apply a little dab to the underarm. test with very small amount to check that your skin is ok with this mix.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

thanks!

[@sandihumeniuk4462]

This is an excellent list! Thanks for shedding some light on the things I own or buy

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Thank you so much!

[@ginnyberg9271]

I want a low by year and I stopped the holiday decor and I haven’t missed it. I realized I liked devoting but in a week I wanted it put away

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

nice!

[@rvank8037]

Thankfully my local thrift store does sell those event t-shirts. I agree people should stop making them (or go to the thrift store, get a bunch of blank shirts and decorate those yourself?), but they are good candidates for making t-shirt yarn or rags out of!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

yes!! i loveeeee tshirt yarn yes!!

[@anastasiya8314]

You can easily crochet baskets out of them too or make funky bags/bucket hats or crochet circle rug

[@nekopoptart]

They have rotary based ink pens you buy a glass jar with ink in it and a refill twist and just refill your pens

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

how neat!

[@mandymiga5462]

You mentioned vinegar for your all purpose cleaner… that is a disinfectant 😊 the best one!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

it sure is!

[@dalladi]

Luffas are neat. There are spongy man made ones but luffa is a plant. So pretty renewable and one could grow them themselves.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

i need to try one!

[@angiesteele4637]

Some very interesting tips there. I'm into recycling and would like to be more zero waste so I love your blog.. I'd be interested in trying my own cleaning products and trying your homemade broth recipe 😊

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

yay, happy to hear it! Best of luck on your journey and feel free to reach out with any questions :)

[@luqicharmz]

You find hair ties and I find cool buttons.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

That is so neat!

[@VeganMangoQueen]

So far I'm halfway thru and everything we do is the same so far! wild! currently i have soap nuts on the stove getting ready to make dish soap, I use them in laundry too ✌🌱🌺💚

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

That's amazing! I love seeing others do similar and the same swaps and proving that we can all live eco lives :)

[@lydiajoystuart4082]

I've made soap nut shampoo too! I've made it before and it was great for my hair.

[@MELINDASSIMPLEBLESSINGS]

Oh my goodness .. homemade peanut butter . Very cool

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

recipe is on the channel!

[@cherisevogt]

I try my best to do eco swaps once the plastic ones are done, but it is so expensive in Africa 😕 I like most of what you said, but bleach (I have germ ocd) and picking things off the ground is a bit much. If you do use a dryer, aluminum foil balls work great 😊

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

you should check out this playlist all about going zero waste without having to buy anything!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIrRiJKjrct2nbc&pp=gAQBiAQB

[@1012stephanie]

I need that shaving cream bar set up for my boyfriend!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

it's the old fashioned way of shaving but it sooo much less waste and honestly kinda fun! if I wanna get a close shave on my legs I use it and it's so easy!

[@meimei295]

Donating any clothing to a women's domestic violence shelter is helpful to the shelter. These clothes can be gently used or something that isn't appropriate to sell at a second hand store. Keep in mind these people have left their homes in an extreme emergency oftentimes with only their clothes on their backs. Toys and children's books are appropriate for shelters also, children will also come with nothing to shelters.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

This is important, thank yoU!

[@CherryXValanceX]

Omg cornstarch! I have some of that and had no use for it so I almost tossed it! Thanks for the idea 💡 😀

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

loveeeee using it for that!!!

[@mere6789]

Suggestion if you have magazines try donating them to your local art teachers odds are they might need materials for there students.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

great idea!

[@ginnyberg9271]

I’m so glad you showed the pads now I’ll buy them I won’t do that cup

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

cool!

[@thedrewciferian]

Several months ago I decided on a whim that I would just buy some fountain pens, really dingy old pens from the 50s and earlier. I bought a glass bottle of ink to fill them up, cleaned them, and I've been using these fountain pens ever since. I haven't had to buy crappy plastic disposable pens that get lost or thrown away.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

how nice!!

[@evaastoul8160]

Loved it! Thank you for all these helpful ideas! :)

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

So glad it could be of help to you!

[@dianedoonan8903]

You strike me as a very nice and smart young woman. Bravo! Diane from Canada

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Thank you!

[@Serenity-Hedgenettle]

The amount of things that are individually wrapped in plastic wrap drives me up the wall.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

right!!

[@reneegoncalves6256]

I don't use notebook paper or planner and just document my notes in my cell phone or tablet. As to the things found on the ground be careful germs are transferred from person to person touching items. You must have alot of laundry having to wash rags, towels and feminine cloths. Just some observations.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

love those!