13 FREE Zero Waste Hacks! | Zero Waste Living

[@eatsleepblink182]

Pasta water is great to use in soups, sauces and stews because the starch from the pasta will help it to thicken and be really silky and beautiful :) I love that all these tips will help to save money as well as the environment!

[@beth8775]

Kelly Southworth Pasta or potato water is great for baking bread too.

[@eatsleepblink182]

Bethany Lade oh that’s so interesting, I’m going to try that!

[@alifewithluna4134]

I don't get why people are so grossed out by the idea of not washing clothes after each use. Airing it out is what our grand parents and great-grandparents did. They had less clothes and needed them to last. Washing after each use wears out fibers really quickly. I can go like 3 wears before I need to wash.

[@spalalala]

A Lovely Life With Luna Smell it and if it doesn’t smell, hang it up and wear it again.. Means less laundry!

[@222o-u3t]

I thought this was common sense... thin things like tshirts and socks/undies can get sweaty quickly if you're me, but jumpers, sweaters and all bottoms are items that you should absolutely conserve - even if it's just for the fact that you wanna save time, on your water bill/laundry equipment and not totally ruin the clothes...

[@cristinabolba5079]

The VALUE of the video increases MANIFOLD due to the comments section! I thank everyone for the inspired comments and for their conscious and meaningful living on this earthly plane!

[@aboutagirl5085]

A hack I have is to reuse any envelopes you end up with, either as note paper, storage for something or you can refold them inside out and reuse them to post your mail.

[@kristinamarie111]

Pillow cases can be used for produce bags as well 😃

[@shardaesheis1081]

Tina Marie oh coool!! Didn’t think of that. Thanks

[@Diana-jk4tq]

Great idea

[@PlaceForAnEcho]

Brilliant! Easy trip to the thrift store.

[@MeAVE243]

I also try to label things with the expiration in large marker...so in case the date is coming up, you can try to make a meal with it instead of letting it expire because you've bought something new.

[@OceanPancake]

That's such a great idea!! Missing an expiration date is such an anoyying way of creating waste

[@emailnolongerinuse3157]

if restaurants refuse to let you use your own containers for take out and youre really stubborn you can say youre allergic to plastic or something like that and usually theyll do it. i dont do this but my friend does

[@spalalala]

Emmett Battle lul

[@HNGuthrie]

Don't ever claim to have an allergy that you don't have. This endangers people who DO have allergies because it causes service employees to take them less seriously.

[@JacquelineUnderwood]

H. N. Guthrie employees shouldn't be taking things like that less seriously either way. It's a mindset and some people don't have the right mindset for food service, but one person saying that shouldn't be enough to change someone's attitude unless they already didn't have the right attitude for a customer service job.

[@HNGuthrie]

Jacqueline Underwood It *shouldn't*, but it *does*. If you lie about having an allergy knowing that it increases the danger to people who do have allergies, you're just as much a part of the problem as negligent restaurant employer. Just don't do it.

[@shushuchan2913]

H. N. Guthrie I think they were saying that people who are careless with other people's allergies will be careless anyway, no matter what you do.

[@stinkyfartzz2989]

I hand wash my clothes in my bathtub and I only fill the tub less then half way and with that I also wash them a bit less than most other people. I wash my shirts after 4 wears and my pants after 2 wears. I love washing my clothes by hand because I can do any load size I want, I can almost always get any stain out and I can use Different essential oils on different things, I use lavender on my bedding and rose on my clothes.

[@katherinekier]

Vanna Bender how do you neutralize smells after you wear it once?? I do semi physical labor & sometimes I wanna wear my jeans more than once but I'm worried about crotch smells

[@stinkyfartzz2989]

I use Tea Tree and Lavender or I'll do Eucalyptus and Lavender, they cut down on smells and also smell good.

[@heyitsbethbooksxx5400]

You can also spray it with a perfume that is in a reusable spray bottle

[@aprilmaddison-clow6389]

life no. 9 if you put your jeans in the freezer for a couple of hours the bacteria that causes the smells will be killed off.

[@SaskiasaChristkind]

I use reusable tea filters instead of pre-filled tea bags. Even in my tea bottle to bring along with me is already a tea filter integrated for loosen tea.

[@jamesbriggs5740]

If you are vegan you can compost your leftovers. Kathy B. P. S. I usually save other leftovers to eat later or add them to soup stock.

[@Kez_abi]

James Briggs you can compost wether you're vegan or not the main thing is not to compost cooked things but I find if I've left over any food after saving it for another day, I just feed it to the birds they love hummus and rice especially. But it's best to put it on a high surface or wall in case of rats and other vermin

[@jennifers9281]

'composting' meat...?

[@Hartsikasvo]

Jennifer S Why not compost meat? What do you think happens to an animal in the wild when they die? They are eaten by carnivores and scavengers and then the rest is composted by bugs fungi and bacteria. If you fry up a stake. And want to compost the part you don’t eat, a well kept compost is more than capable of dealing with it. If you’re worried about antibiotics or disease, then do as we do with composing poo and pee, let it compost for well over a year and then use it on flowerbeds or trees, not edible vegetation.

[@chrissyvellacott6989]

I think the aim of not composting meat and dairy it's so that rats and other vermin aren't attracted to your compost bin. You can put egg shells in the compost though, I guess rats must not like them :)

[@chrissyvellacott6989]

I think the aim of not composting meat and dairy it's so that rats and other vermin aren't attracted to your compost bin. You can put egg shells in the compost though, I guess rats must not like them :)

[@juchidaf]

Great tips Jade and theyre so real. Sometimes, I watch these videos and say OMG they have these products and she is in this particular country or she has a lot of money or bla bla bla but your tips are so applicable to day to day life. Plus, the video is well structured and easy to follow. I already started this low waste journey and Ive changed so many things, but we can always do more and we are constantly changing!! Thank you Jade, all my love from Chile

[@scruffytuna]

Could you mention refillable ink cartridges in a future video? I feel like a lot of people don't know about this and replacing your ink cartridge every time it runs out is so wasteful.

[@livingunjaded]

Jacqueline Rivera I will have to do an office/school supplies or electronics video...thanks for mentioning this!

[@poserGirl863]

Or you could use a converter or a fountain pen where the ink goes in the barrel

[@Lady_dromeda]

My favourite one is the one about not washing my clothes 😂😂 Ive always worn my pants multiple times before washing them. Also while I watched the video i was making a reusable tote bag out of an old shirt that irritated my skin to wear

[@livingunjaded]

That's funny--I just made a tutorial on how to do that :) It's such an easy and cheap upcycle!

[@Kez_abi]

Living unjaded I was just about to ask how to do this! Il go and check it out now!

[@spalalala]

I started crocheting totes out of fabric and tshirts by turning the fabric into yarn and then crocheting.

[@pitita585]

This is my first video that I watched of yours as it came up on my home page as a recommended video. I just want to say I found these all very helpful, and although I already do some of these things, I had never thought about reusing the pasta water! Great idea! :) You have a lovely voice and seem very kind and non judgemental which I appreciate very much as a non minimalist/vegan who's trying to make positive changes and I just want to thank you for your content :)

[@livingunjaded]

itsme_ yoly thanks for watching!! Welcome ☺

[@Kez_abi]

The other thing with plastic food wrap is to buy paper bags which unfortunately usually come in plastic wrapping annoyingly and use those to put your fruit and veg and plants in when your shopping and then they can go in the compost bin when they are completely done and also you can use them as a compost bin liner

[@GreenISHKatie]

Just found your channel! We’ve been using stainless steel water bottles & straws and reusable napkins for a few years now. We still have to use paper napkins for when we have visitors or when some one is sick. I have 4 kids, so I don’t want to spread germs. 😬 Great tips! Thanks for sharing!

[@acmulhern]

A great alternative to tote bags for your produce is reusing an old pillow case. Works super well and is easily washed.

[@chrissiehart22]

Reusable food boxes/ lunch boxes instead of food wrap for lunch and leftovers.

[@addisonphillips9297]

You can also use mushroom bags for nuts and seeds instead of the plastic zip lock bags. Not really reusable but far better for the environment.

[@angelmonstera]

I love composting, i have a large outdoor garden and composting food and rabbit/guinea pig droppings is the best thing I've ever done for it

[@aboutagirl5085]

I do pretty much all these but thanks for the pasta water idea :)

[@kacipainter880]

I REALLY want to become waste free or even just want to produce less waste but I am still in school and live with my parents and they aren’t really on board with me with me. Anybody else?

[@lydia129]

YES

[@beth8775]

It can be hard as an adult with a family that's not enthusiastic too. You can still do small things though. Ex - You're obviously old enough to have control over your own laundry, so you can wash less.

[@lamasandnature]

YES

[@rubychurch8814]

My family has a love affair with disposables and plastic, take it one step at a time, i explained how much more expensive it is to drink water that is bottled. And dug out a bunch of our old water bottles that were sitting collecting dust in the garage. And convinced my mom to start using a reusable more. I have a disabled brother who will only drink from the plastic bottled ones, but I am trying to get him onto reusables. If having a 'nice home' is important to your family, talk about the aesthetics or how much fancier your granola/almonds/lentils/etc will look in a glass container compared to the ugly bag they came in.

[@lucywallis8259]

Hey I live with my dad and I think there are some parts where I struggle to be waste free like when he uses cling film on foods with both use even though we have wax wraps 🙃 but the shower is a great place to start being waste free also I see you have a dog in your pic biodegradable dog bags are ace and I feed my mastiff lily's kitchen they'res super eco friendly

[@breelynn8810]

USE ECOSIA. Just wanted to get your attention. ;P So, Ecosia.com is this search engine that helps plant trees with every 45 searches you make. It's completely safe and super easy to use; much like google. Another one is "tabforacause.com", and this one is more about donating to charity rather than just helping the earth. And it's super easy to use; it's basically just an extension to your tabs and will literally only change the background screen for your 'new tab' screen. It's super easy to use and set up, and it's for a great cause!

[@tinevandoren1692]

In some stores in Belgium you cannot put fruit and veggies in the same plastic bag. I tried it with veggies (all of the same price, to make it easier) and at checkout they still put them in separate bags. What can I do to prevent this?

[@silviahorvathova4983]

Is that nailpolish zerowaste and ecofriendly too?

[@svetlanadreher7190]

I really want to start bringing my own container to buy food by weight but I can't find a good one... durable and light

[@ClintMoar]

well done on this video! Your timing must be perfect because I was pre-occupied when it started (found you from comment on Think Media vid) but I couldn't stop watching...I'm also minimalistic and learned things like bringing cutlery etc. Keep it up.

[@Laval71]

Thanks for the inspiration! let's put our values first and get contagious goodness going!

[@joycepollitt7825]

Cloth pads, cloth wipes. Sew some cloth produce bags.

[@katonchik]

When you talk about straws, also mention styrofoam coffee cup covers.

[@OceanPancake]

Amazing video!! Epic job. I absolutely love all things zero waste and its so important to be spreading the message especially if we can show people its cheap or FREE!!! You seem really wonderful and I'd love to maybe collaborate one day? :) Let me know what you think.

[@beth8775]

Please don't put your produce directly on the conveyor belt. Whether you do or not, other people have put raw meat packages on there. Cashiers don't always have time to clean it.

[@Coquitowo]

I reuse my jeans a whole week, lol

[@earthlyshannanigans]

This is awesome content, love this!💕

[@ZiBlueProtractor]

Isn't salty water (like the one you cook pasta with) bad for plants? Won't it dehydrate the them?

[@livingunjaded]

Alice Blue Hi Alice! Salt water probably isn't good for plants... I don't use salt in my pasta water so I didn't think of that. Starchy water is okay to use but maybe stay on the safe side if you like salt in your pasta water!

[@beth8775]

You could use it for making bread though.

[@nancyseaman7574]

My family wears the same pjs s all week.a bath towel for 2 days.

[@mindgames470]

eat whats on your plate! .... theeen... what leftovers do you have to bring home?? I'm confused

[@livingunjaded]

mindgames Sorry, I can see how this seems contradictory. I meant to say that when you are cooking at home/in full control of what you put on your plate to focus on planning & portioning so you can finish your food instead of throwing it away or unintentionally saving a bunch of leftovers. When you go out to eat, bring your own takeout container in case you can't finish your food because portion sizes are usually bigger at restaurants. Leftovers aren't the enemy, I've just found that they tend to be second choice when reaching for food so they tend to go bad before being eaten. Again, just my experience and not applicable to everyone. Hopefully this helps clarify what I was trying to say!

[@MyKitchenCorner]

Awesome advice..... NEW subbie.....

[@madelynnorberg7151]

If you salt your pasta water, please don’t water your plants with it. Don’t pour salt on your plants

[@beth8775]

Madelyn Norberg Still good for bread baking though.

[@leylalucia8908]

Keep your showers short, saves a lot of water😙

[@nancyseaman7574]

I use paper towels to clean the toliet

[@SaarEskimo]

while I hate to be a downer on this video, because I do support all your messages, I really think you should rename your video. For people who have these things laying around they might be free, and yes even buying it will save money in the longrun, but buying a good reusable waterbottle can easily take 30+ dollars (unless you dont mind having your water leaking in your bag) as well as reusable coffecups etc.. These are all things that need to be bought in the first place and so calling these hacks 'free' I find quite misleading.

[@livingunjaded]

SaarEskimo So sorry that you find this title misleading! I realize even thinking about being eco-friendly/zero waste assumes some sort of privilege. I did not list each tip with the assumption that it was free for *everyone* , as I realize people have different levels of money, life circumstances, things laying unused around their house, etc, and thinking about making it truly free for everyone is a little bit of a rabbit hole. There are some tips that require an upfront purchase at some point past or present, like a reusable water bottle as you mentioned, and some that assume access to potable water and/or subsidized water in the first place, among other luxuries. You are right in pointing out the word "free" is misleading if is taken literally without accounting for cost per use (also--is anything truly free?), but I find that the target audience for my channel typically does have the privilege of having a few extra dollars to put up front for something that will quickly be free per use, extra stuff laying around the house to repurpose, generally access to clean water, and of regularly being in situations that generate unnecessary plastic waste, like ordering a drink at a restaurant. Of course, I understand this is NOT the truth for everyone and it is not possible to know the life circumstances of everyone who watches this channel/video. But because it is likely that my 18-35 year old, internet using, US-based audience has certain privileges, I assumed that these would be *considered* or *feel* free to most of the people who watch my channel, even though some tips require an upfront investment. It is impossible to know who does or does not have these things already in their possession, and I am sorry that you find this misleading and/or uninclusive. I hope you can see that I didn't intend to mislead but to target a specific audience to reach with this message. That being said, please know that I hear you and I am open to suggestions for replacements for the word "free." I hope you found at least some value in this video. If you would like more information on how to source things inexpensively or other free-ISH alternatives, please reach out via email using the "About" tab on my channel and I can help find/brainstorm alternatives for your specific situation!

[@somanytulips]

😍

[@stankjordi2540]

You look so much like a brown haired version of Megan Parken lol

[@nancyseaman7574]

Dunkin donut, I m in northeast Pennsylvania

[@lamasandnature]

Going vegan is one of the best things you can do for the planet :)

[@culllaticiqsu83]

I made it with Avasva solutions.

[@Stacy_Sunshine]

There is absolutely NO need to put your produce in a bag. This one drives me absolutely bonkers! I watch people put bananas and oranges in bags. WHY? this is just stupid! leafy greens, berries, etc... if you can't find a produce bag, reuse a different container. Think outside the box.

[@beth8775]

Stacy Thomas Do you know how dirty those conveyor belts are? I've been a grocery cashier. You don't always get time to wipe down the belt. Please put your produce in something. Salmonella doesn't care whether you personally bought chicken or not.

[@Stacy_Sunshine]

I'm sure they are filthy! Just for you, next time I think I'll eat the banana peels, I'll bag the bananas. I refuse to live in fear of germs! I will continue to not bag produce that I am not going to eat the peel.

[@beth8775]

Stacy Thomas So apparently you don't eat any produce that you don't peel? You said there is no need to put your produce in a bag. Banans and citrus are just about the only things that you can peel without cutting into. And lots of people still cut citrus up rather than peeling. Most people don't scrub their produce with soap before eating it. A knife will carry the bacteria from the skin to the inside. I'm not a germophobe, but I'm still going to take basic precautions to avoid food poisoning. Also - my toddler HAS tried to eat the banana peel because he's 1.

[@Stacy_Sunshine]

you go ahead and wash with soap and other chemicals. If that works for you, go right ahead. I don't bag and I don't even always wash. The people in my household have really good immune systems and we don't get sick. We also are not careful about washing dirt off produce. We have a nation of germaphobes with super weak immune systems. This sure isn't helping anyone.

[@beth8775]

Stacy Thomas Who watching this video is interested in using harsh chemicals in their homes? Let alone on their food? Most are here looking for more sustainable alternatives, or did you miss the entire point while you were being arrogant and condescending? I don't scrub my produce with soap for the same reason basically nobody else does - it's impractical. I prefer to avoid cross contamination with barriers like bags. And since you clearly weren't paying attention, I already said we're not germophobes in our house. But it sounds like you refuse to wash your hands even after you use the bathroom. I'm not worried about the common cold, but salmonella or e. coli can put healthy people in the hospital. Basic sanitary practices don't mske one a germophobe. They make one a sensible person.

[@kasz7098]

Can we all agree to stop talking about water bottles. There is no possible person on this planet who has Googled or searched Zero Waste that hasn’t at least heard about water bottles five times already.

[@ronnihatcher295]

I have a tip too. Just don't drink coffee that stuff gross and does nothing but mess with your body's natural rhythms.

[@JacquelineUnderwood]

Ronni Hatcher actually there are several studies out on the benefits of having multiple 8 oz cups of drip coffee. Do your research before assuming please. Caffeine is absolutely fine for you in moderation, just like many other foods. Its also a much healthier alternative pick me up to soda and energy drinks.

[@ronnihatcher295]

Jacqueline Underwood I have done the research and I know it's been said to be "good" in moderation IF you don't have certain medical problems I also know it has far more bad effects too, but the main reason I don't do coffee is It's just plain gross and that's why I don't drink it! I assume nothing! When I learn I research the hell out of a topic and I never stop learning every time there is something new to learn I listen so yeah I know a lot about coffee and I am up on the research on it too and it's actually one cup not multiple that is said to be fine. I just don't like it despite all that health stuff it's just tastes nasty and a waste of hard earned money of mine. If I am gonna be "addicted" to something traveling would be my addiction of choice that I use my money towards. Not coffee. So just because in my original comment I didn't go into detail about all I know on coffee don't you go assuming I know nothing about it.

[@beth8775]

Your personal distaste for coffee doesn't mean anyone else shouldn't have it in moderation troll.

[@ninacoli2770]

I don’t particularly agree with the eat everything on your plate. I feel that that can lead to eating too much and even obesity. Perhaps compost what you can.

[@livingunjaded]

Fuzzyduckling 101 Yes that's true--I should have specified that working on portioning to fit your appetite AND making sure to finish the food on your plate is one way to prevent food waste. Next best is saving/eating leftovers and lastly composting what can no longer be eaten. Thanks for watching!

[@ninacoli2770]

Yah no hate to you just wanted to mention it. ;)

[@MeAVE243]

If you get used to making less, it won't be a problem to eat everything on your plate. Or make enough for multiple meals at once and put only what you'll eat on the plate, and the rest save in the fridge for the next meal.

[@ninacoli2770]

Alexandria Virginia i totally understand that. In this day in age portion control is definitely important but a lot of times our eyes are bigger than our stomachs and not meaning too we take too much thus eating too much.

[@OceanPancake]

I don't know if its so much about portion control, but more about what we put into our bodies. Even if our eyes are wayyy bigger than our stomach in terms of fruit and vegetables, there is almost no way to over eat it! If we are eating processed however, we should probably be worried about much more than just finishing or not finishing our plate!