14 things I don't buy as an eco-minimalist

[@simplybychristine]

Hey all, hope you enjoy today's video which is a blend of all things minimalism and sustainable living! Find a summary and related links with the blog post here if you need additional details, and feel free to share anything else that you stopped buying as well in the comments below - simplybychristine.com/journal/2021/14-things-i-dont-buy-as-an-eco-minimalist

[@cecilecorbieres1909]

For anyone who needs it written : 1) Room fresheners 2) Plastic Hair tools 3) Hair spray and conditioner 4) Nailpolish 5) Plastic razors 6) Ziploc bags and plastic wraps 7) Non-platinum silicone goods 8) Plastic cooking tools 9) Synthetic fabrics 10) Spiral bound and laminated notebooks 11) Pens 12) Plastic storage bins 13) Exercise accessories 14) Plastic dog toys

[@clarisse7653]

Thanks

[@suecl7268]

Gracias! 😊

[@anjanarao3527]

Wonderful, must avoid detergents too to save our water ☺

[@erinsun2611]

Is the list to have or not to buy

[@MyCrownstar]

@@erinsun2611 not to buy

[@MihaelaClaudiaPuscas]

When I own less, fewer things go wrong and need to be fixed. I have more space: openings in my calendar, room in my home, and calm in my heart.

[@simplybychristine]

Love this (:

[@MihaelaClaudiaPuscas]

@@simplybychristine 💕

[@DemetriPanici]

I didn’t know that silicone goods needed to be platinum grade! Thanks for the tip!

[@simplybychristine]

Sure thing! (:

[@myxochi]

Silly question. How do you know if silicone is platinum grade?

[@jw1512]

I really like your calm style. From my side I would add all single use items in the kitchen and bathroom, e.g. paper napkins, paper kitchen towels, cotton pads, tissues etc. It's so much nicer to have reusable ones out of nice fabrics.

[@simplybychristine]

Absolutely! And thank you so much (:

[@aprillr2158]

In my minimalism journey I still enjoy candles. I opt to use matches to lighters and I will reuse a unique jar many times by making my own candle with beeswax I shop locally.

[@simplybychristine]

Super cool! (:

[@itshaezel]

I really love your speaking voice. It’s so relaxing but makes you want to pay attention to what you’re actually saying.

[@junehulton8320]

I have also started to use jam jars ... cleaned and easy for reusable days like half a can of beans ...etc ..

[@Kate42]

I just found your channel recently and I'm literally watching everyone that I have missed. I love your channel and enjoy the down-to-earth ideas and chilled-out attitude of this channel. It's wonderful and I am looking to watching many more episodes.

[@priscillajimenez27]

I've stopped buying plastic q-tips (cotton swabs) and use wooden ones.

[@mrs.natashaellwood8634]

I'm at the point where i just use all natural vegan bar soap to wash my hair and shampoo.

[@emilysmith2784]

I agree with all of your swaps except for the fabric one. I made the swap to 100% cotton bedsheets and clothing when I needed something new but I find cotton always feels cold and damp in our climate. It also seems to get holes and bobbles more easily than my man made fibres. I am find rayon to be a better alternative than cotton I just wish it was easier to find.

[@suebolton5]

I have had my Egyptian Cotton sheets for nearly 15 years and they still feel silky, no bobbles, can’t comment about the cold and damp but haven’t had a problem with mine in that respect, live in the U.K. not sure if that makes a difference. The only thing I would add is that they have a very high thread count which does make for beautifully soft bedding, whereas in the past I’ve had cheaper normal cotton that has bobbled.

[@erintannehill]

I didn’t know that silicone products could be laced with plastic! Learn something new everyday! Nail polish was a big one for me. I used to love coral toenails and now I find so much beauty in my natural nails. I haven’t been able to give up hair tools, but I am intrigued! I wish that companies were held responsible for the products they create through take back programs. I love that some companies have started to do that. The term “zero waste” was created for the companies and not the consumer anyway. I hate how companies market to consumers saying that we are the problem when they are the ones who create the unsustainable product in the first place. On the flip side, I love to see companies get it right with ethical and eco-friendly practices. It makes me so happy to support them however I can.

[@geckoserrar]

wow I didn't know kitchen good companies took back their old products to recycle! a new thing for me to keep my eye out for. I am obsessed with pens, and it never occurred to me that they were wasteful as I always refill the ink cartridges. But now I think I'll try not to buy any new ones until mine run out, and then switch to fountain

[@LuuGolinski]

I stopped buying toys for my cat as his preferences for those seem to be quite eco-minimalistic 😄 He loves packthread, corks and small rags. I don't buy shampoo or showergel anymore and use rye flour (luckily works for me) and a bar of soap instead. Recently I decided I don't want to buy new clothing anymore (except for underwear and stuff like that of course); let's see how that goes; I think it is quite actionable 🙂

[@smokypoo]

Interesting fact about the silicone bags. I always wondered if they were really eco friendly. Like you, I recycle shoe boxes for storage 🙂. Never could wear synthetic fibres. Very cool video 👍. And not forgetting our pets who are part of the family😺

[@Simply.Mariela]

awesome list! i need to start looking at more sustainable dog toys. ive never thought about that before for my dog!

[@simplybychristine]

I can imagine that we've saved quite a bit of money by keeping Cooper's toys simple and long lasting! (:

[@cindyklempner7203]

I really enjoy and appreciate your content. Thank you.

[@DasLulu97]

In addition to hairproducts not being eco-friendly, most of them are also highly damaging for your hair! Not just the obvious such as hair straightening and blow drying but most shampoos and conditioners, especially those expansive fancy ones from all those styling brands. They damage your hair making you go and buy the next expansive product which will do the same thing. Not even all the shampoo bars are healthy but a lot of them are and I know making the switch is gonna confuse your hair at first but it is really truely worth it! I switched to natural hair products 8 years ago due to my hair being completely ruined from washing it EVERY DAY plus blow drying and straightening it most days. My hair has changed tremendously in the first year and I would never ever go back. I haven't had any split ends or any hair damage whatsoever ever since, my hair is growing super fast, became thicker and I don't have to wash it often because it doesn't get greasy quickly. Less IS more people. Same goes for facial products..

[@hoodie6064]

There are also some leather toys for dogs you can find online! 👍🌸

[@lovebug7]

I Love your hair length now Christine. I also do NOt paint my nails, I just keep them cleaned and buffed.i lovelorn ideas and they have changed my life drastically

[@pbxh6740]

I tried safety razors, really tried them for nearly a year. The constant cuts and nicks just weren't with it. I had to switch back. I bought a metal handle, though, for the heads.

[@junehulton8320]

Another great informative video. Really agree with your positive changes. Thanks for sharing. 😉👍

[@_raindrops]

I know that the wire in spiral bound notebooks is likely really difficult to recycle, so I always took it out and recycled the paper/cardboard cover, but is there another reason they're not recyclable?

[@MindfulnesswithMads]

Loved this video!! Such great items to consider 😊

[@eileenlester4342]

Wooden boar bristle brushes are great for your hair. 100% cotton only! My dog hates plastic toys. LOL

[@rhondacurrier4592]

Your hair is so pretty and I haven't checked out shampoo bars yet but definitely will soon. Like you, I have been doing most of the plastic free ideas you shared. It's always so funny to see people's reactions when you say you don't use plastic wrap or baggies. 😁 But, it's a great segue to a conversation on creating a smaller footprint. And with some thoughtfulness, going plastic free becomes your new normal. 😉 Also, if I eat out, I try to chose restaurants that serve meals with plates, glasses and silverware. We also don't buy convenience produce in plastic tubs or use plastic produce bags. We take our reusable bags to the grocery. Your videos have helped me so much, and challenge me to research more products. Thank you!!! 😘

[@robwinter4173]

That was pretty good to watch,thanks,Rob.

[@echtmirthe]

Lovely video! Would be interesting to see a video about plastic and what you've learned about it + why you avoid it :)

[@WarriorGoddessSubliminals]

Thoughtful and fabulous ❤

[@oe1919]

I love your videos.Thank you🌺 🇵🇱🇺🇸

[@kiaanee]

great video ! I've stopped purchasing those items as well ! for active wear i thrift sustainable brands on poshmark ♡

[@sianrushton]

Really enjoyed this video, thank you 😊 Did you use up all your old non recyclable notebooks and pens before buying your fountain pen and recyclable notebooks or did you donate them and start afresh?

[@simplybychristine]

Yes I did! It took a long time, but it was worth it. (:

[@theambitiousduck]

I was just thinking about the first thing. My mom says because I'm a "stinky teenager" I need air fresheners in my room but you can't even reuse them... I have cats and I'm also trying not to bother them with any scents, do you know of any alternatives? (I would try candles but they would probably knock them down)

[@yeliface1]

I love watching these videos...i wish they had zero waste/low waste stores in my area

[@priscillajimenez27]

Where did you get that pen from? I've been wonder king about plastic dog toys due to micro plastics and my sister's dog plays with a plastic bottle that he crushed and it worries me.

[@isabelchapman1558]

So curious where your apron is from? Really loved this video!

[@simplybychristine]

It's from Magic linen! Here's the link - tidd.ly/3aNNFZC

[@lovepilie]

I am curious about this one thing : doesn't the cast iron pan sticks to the food? I had to stop using the stainless steel ones because no matter the amount of cooking oil, it always ended up a disaster to wash...

[@katereading7824]

have to season the cast iron then it sticks less

[@lovepilie]

@@katereading7824 what do you mean by "season"?

[@kerryryder6357]

@@lovepilie seasoning means wiping the pan with oil and popping it in a hot oven for about 20 mins. It’s supposed to lubricate the pan so items stick less. X

[@lovepilie]

@@kerryryder6357 thanks!!

[@Getcho33]

I've only had one straightner. It's 8 years old. Still works like new. Idk where your are buying your tools.

[@lorettacasillas6547]

Where did you get your clear desk? Love the way you live💛

[@IdaelDiaz]

There’s a brand that produces wood and metal rowing machines that look like furniture that matches your house

[@55klee]

Why are spiral bound notebooks not able to be recycled? I thought if you just take out the metal spiral you can just dump the paper notebook park into the recycle like normal?

[@simplybychristine]

If you do that it's fine, but most people don't! (:

[@HanhNguyen-uk8bc]

Is there such a thing as sustainable activewear?

[@sunrae7680]

I inherited a cast iron that is at least 30 years old.

[@shop_tool_talks]

One thing I have stopped buying is plastic razors, I just use an electric razor, which may not be as eco friendly as the metal safety razor, however it is a choice I have made to be more sustainable

[@ericaevoy1]

Probably a silly question because it’s totally unrelated, but has anyone found a sustainable, affordable company that makes underwear and socks? I’ve been needing them but I’m so hesitant on spending the money. 💙

[@simplybychristine]

I've heard it can be a hit or miss, but I really like Pact! (:

[@mrs.natashaellwood8634]

Woron. They also ship 100% biodegradable and skip all the plastic tags and stickers

[@jw1512]

I love Organic Basics but the quality and sustainability have its price.

[@lor5395]

I love your videos. 🙂😊

[@princessmochi524]

I just make candles out of old beer bottles, because I’m black my biggest struggle is my hair with hair care

[@cultureal9544]

Coconut oil ... castor oil etc wink

[@kch4580]

I am looking for a replacement for the non stick cookie sheet... I use it all of the time for sheet pan dinners, bacon, biscuits and of course cookies... the cooper pan cookie sheet I have is now extremely scratched and I know it’s not something I want to buy again but not sure if a high grade stainless steel product that won’t warp exists. Help?!

[@simplybychristine]

I use the nordic ware natural aluminum baking sheets in combination with compostable parchment paper, or a silicone mat from Simple Ecology (they have a recycling program too)!

[@carriej5095]

thank you! what about sunscreen? I wear hats and cover up but my children are quite fair and it is hard to keep them covered. We stay out of the sun as much as we can but we love nature and the outdoors. do you have any suggestions? i heard supplements could help with this

[@simplybychristine]

I'm fortunate enough to get sunscreen in bulk from my local zero waste store. I would check out options on Earth Hero though! If it comes in plastic packaging, just remember it's important to take care of yourself!!

[@kaze.ni_naru]

You always have the best recommendations! :) Question: how do you sanitize wooden hair tools? And do you have an alternative for plastic hair ties?

[@simplybychristine]

Thank you! You can wash wooden hair tools with soap and water, but don't soak. And I currently use terra ties - bit.ly/3x4q6GW

[@kaze.ni_naru]

@@simplybychristine thank you!! ☺️♥️

[@suebolton5]

Would love to be more minimal but struggle with what to do with all my hobbies 🤦‍♀️

[@liliamrodriguez3020]

Great video

[@MarleneSantiago]

I just wanna found a shampoo bar that works for meee :(

[@simplybychristine]

I really love Hibar! Here's the one I'm using but there are other types for different hair: bit.ly/3efcZd9

[@katereading7824]

i found dove soap works great!

[@manishaagarwal1]

I don't buy all except spiral bound notebook

[@verenaa.6879]

Please excuse the question. Have you lived in Germany as a child?

[@warf13579]

Can you talk about your life as a Christian and how it differentiates you from other minimalists?

[@de.moslimagids]

I love these video's. I also really need a safety razor, but I am afraid that I will cut myself. Is this just in my imagination??

[@eightyninetreasure]

There is a learning curve for me. I watched a few videos about how to use it. It’s best to shave after a steamy shower or holding hot towel against skin. Let the weight of the razor smoothly guide against your skin, not too much pressure. Take your time - don’t use in a rush. Exfoliate, lather well and moisturize skin after. I had a few nicks first but after using with a steady hand, I found the flow. I’ve owned 3 total. Keep them clean, dry and out of the shower.

[@de.moslimagids]

@@eightyninetreasure Thank you so much! I think I will buy one now!

[@Arevsan]

It is a matter of exercise. I use the safety razor for different parts of my body, it works perfectly :)