20 WASTEFUL EVERYDAY ITEMS // and 20 sustainable alternatives

[@emmamacdonald82]

To those trying to adopt a low-waste lifestyle, please do not get discouraged when you make a low-waste switch, absolutely hate it, and go back to what you were doing before. This happened to me endless times. Like for instance, I tried to stop using aluminum foil to cover my baking sheets in the oven, and bought a reusable silicone baking mat. But after a couple months, it became incredibly stained (which the manufacturer said was normal with continued use), to the point where I didn’t want to use it anymore. I didn’t go back to using foil, but I use parchment paper now, which is compostable. And the same goes for Kleenex. I tried handkerchiefs, and I still use them on occasion, but I just do not like them as much as tissue paper. Now, I use a brand that produces the tissue from bamboo (which is more sustainable than wood) and delivers the tissues without any plastic packaging. It’s not perfect, because there are still resources being used to produce them, and they still have to end up the trash, but it is better than doing nothing. Some of the low-waste alternatives will appeal to you, and others won’t. Just do what you can without feeling deprived, otherwise you won’t be able to sustain the changes you make. My main point is, although these are some great ideas, don’t feel guilted into making ALL of them or feel bad if you aren’t willing to give up something that isn’t sustainable.

[@sisterursuline]

Essential oils are extremely popular right now, but they do present sustainability issues - for example, it takes the rose petals of 30-50 roses to create one drop of rose essential oil. Translated, that means 3500-5000kg of roses to create 1kg of rose oil. It’s far more sustainable to use the raw plants themselves, because we need far less. For clothes scenting purposes, for example, using cloth sachets filled with dried lavender or dried roses would be effective - and with even 20g of herb you could make heaps of sachets for drawers and cupboards! Even more than that, essential oils are known endocrine disrupters. They are surging in popularity right now thanks to MLMs like DoTerra (which is absolutely not an ethical company) but we really don’t know the effects of extensive use of volatile organic compounds like this either. For anybody reading, they should ABSOLUTELY NOT be ingested. No matter what DoTerra tells you.

[@coralovesnature]

Sister Ursuline great point!

[@Gittemary]

Really good point, super important! And yes they should never be ingested, never!

[@amandaburger2506]

I love these ideas. I never thought of using glass swing top jars in the freezer. I've been desperate to find something big enough for large freezer meals without purchasing new. Now I'll be keeping my eye out for large glass jars at thrift shops and garage sales. I will probably never get rid of my seasonal decor, it really makes me happy. Most of mine is inherited or second hand and if I ever buy anything new it is local, handmade, and meant to last. I also have room to store it all and usually have it up for a couple months at a time.

[@Gittemary]

I am so glad you liked this video! I want to be clear about my point about the decor: what I think is wasteful is the production of seasonal decor (that is often single-use, did not clarify this in the video), if you have some or find some second hand or choose to support local artists it is obviously not an issue 😊 I was thinking specifically about for instance 2020 new years banners, happy birthday balloons and that sort of stuff

[@lunanightbreed]

About he glass jars in the freezer, please make sure it's tempered glass

[@lumberrie]

I make my own hair ties out of old/ laddered tights! You can make so many, plus nothing is thrown away!

[@Gittemary]

Such a good tip!

[@HomemakerDaze]

I need to remember this!

[@buckeyedav1]

Oh my I would never have thought of that!! Anna In Ohio.

[@taylorkeener7321]

I’ve ditched plastic bags about 6 months ago and I happy I did! I’ve also have started using a britta to cut down on water bottles and shampoo bars to eliminate those plastics

[@buckeyedav1]

Taylor we've just started that same journey we love our Britta we actually have 3 of them in the fridge. I am making produce bags out of old lace curtains and a table cloth I bought in the thrift store and deliberately buying produce that is not in a package if I can.. it sometimes cost more money seems like the only loose produce is organic but its o.k. Anna In Ohio.

[@impressionsbygelay8617]

Ditched disposable sanitary pads 2yrs ago, replaced them with menstrual cup and cloth pads. And it's absolutely one of the best decisions ever!

[@CoolSustainable]

Also, if you don't live anywhere where lemons grow, pine needles work so well as well!

[@Gittemary]

Did not know that, thank you for letting me know!

[@missm4174]

Ah, yes, the new phone every year. I just had to replace my cell phone, which was over 10 years old, because it quit getting a signal. That's probably on the extreme side of using things as long as possible, but it was worth the confused look when I took it to the phone store for help.

[@ssedarius]

You are such a sweetie and a joy to watch! I often have your videos on in the background as I declutter. You're informative and interesting and your points aren't patronizing and are well worded. Huge hugs from Austria! ☺☺☺

[@Gittemary]

Thank you so much, it means the world 🌿💚

[@najah7781]

When I started reducing my waste I actually did buy a metal straw even though I never even used straws, but now I really love my straw and use it a lot! The short hair looks great on you (virkelig!)

[@ASMRKay_]

I would love a pandemic addition. I’ve had such a hard time with the shops not letting me use my bags I’ve brought for veg and totes to take it all away.

[@val_9842]

When I said I wanted to be as close to zero waste as possible I think you help a lot ♥️🌱♥️🌿♥️ Oh and I have some tips. So if you want that special decoration, do what I do and get it in wood. And old clothes can be used as new thinks like re-useable bags.

[@coralovesnature]

Val_gacha Saga Antonia Otto-hedenBorg when my old clothes become unusable I cut them into rags that I mostly use to wipe my nose (instead of single use tissues), but the could also be used for cleaning, etc.

[@val_9842]

@@coralovesnature cool

[@Gittemary]

Oh I am so happy to hear that you find my tips helpful! Lots of love to you 🌿💚

[@InachusIo]

Just happily ditched plastic sponges and my mom already thaught me to not use clingfoil or aluminiumfoil if I have an alternative. Also slowly incorporating vegetarian and vegan meals!

[@lunanightbreed]

One thing I ditched altogether is liquid and powder laundry detergent. I got an ecoegg and I'm really happy with it, just thinking about the plastic and money I'm saving makes me feel better about doing laundry in the first place :)

[@buckeyedav1]

never heard of a ecoegg. Anna In Ohio

[@aliciaspears7847]

@Giulia Gatti how do you like the eco egg after all this time ? I just barely heard about this & I am very intrigued!

[@ambycakes]

essential oils are great for laundry. Lavender and tea tree is antifungal and anti bacterial ^_^ We also make our own decorations out of wood, food (like pumpkins) flowers etc. I don't even understand why the plastic stuff is so popular. The vinegar citrus peel cleaner is so amazing and I've saved so much money a year on just that lol! ^_^

[@Gittemary]

AMAZING

[@buckeyedav1]

I have used it for awhile have one going now with lemons oranges and limes in a jar. I got side tracked with Covid with buying ready sprays but back on board when I remember not to put them in the compost bin lol. Anna In Ohio.

[@johannadarlenerosa]

I had a really magical experience seeing you on the underground today! I didn’t want to approach you because you seemed in a rush, but listening to you talk about sustainability live really made my day! Keep up the good work!

[@Gittemary]

CherryInTheAir oooomg I am dying 😭❤️ you’re always welcome to say hello 💯💯

[@frappuccino68]

You are really passionate and seem just lovely. The world needs more people like you!

[@kellyjohnson3617]

I have reusable clothes bags and if I forget them I just put my groceries back in the cart and then in the car. Then when I get home I get my bags and bring them in the house. Fabric softener is so toxic. I have asthma and when I smell people who used fabric softener in their clothes I sometimes have an asthma attack. Instead I have wool dryer balls. They fluff up everything and the natural lanolin in them help cut down the static cling. And white vinegar is great in the washing machine to cut down the hard water and a lot less toxic. And I never got gum. And the plastic sponges are so not effective. Natural sponges do a much better job. As do rags. I did janitorial work for twenty years. Most cleaning products are unnecessary. Water is the best cleaner. I use vinegar, baking soda and a small amount of soap. And I always buy last years model for my phone and computer. Much cheaper. And just plain as hoot as the latest thing. I kept them at least 5 years. I never throw them away because I get the hood quality brands and then pass them along to my friends children or continue use them to the extent they still work. If they are still working you can donate to those in need as well. I have bladder incontinence issues and I use washable pads that peoples hand make. So comfortable and don’t go in the trash can yo stink up the world. Thanks for your tips. Keep up the good work

[@wilmas7535]

I go about becoming no plastic in projects. I took care of everything in the bathroom already and now its my kitchen's turn. Every month I have another thing I stop using cause I don't have a lot of money I can't do it all at ones. This month I ditched all my plastic freezer and other container things (which where all recycled from take away already and are going in to the recycled plastic container. and side note, I do not eat take away that comes in plastic any longer, and most of them came from other people) and started using glass. I stopped buying fluid coocking butter (is this correct English?) and am going back to a bar. So less plastic. I know I could buy oil in glass but its too expensive for me. I put all my plastic (WAAY to big) buckets in a box which holds stuff I will take to second hand store and I bought a small bucket and an iron thing which contains household soap for cleaning everything. I already had ditched my sponge a long time ago and bought a wooden brush and crochetted some "sponges" from a natural fiber to clean my dishes with. OH and on the cleaning your clothes. I use washing nuts which come from a soapnut tree. I don't need anything else with that. My clothes are clean and soft!

[@mickb.8925]

That's a great way to start things! You can't go 'zero waste' overnight and it can be overwhelming to realize so many things that you use are not sustainable. So I think making some kind of method like you did with the bathroom, then the kitchen is a good way to start a sustainable journey and I might steal the idea! 😃

[@wilmas7535]

@@mickb.8925 Your welcome to steal :D Still is a bit overwhelming sometimes cause your so used to plastic sometimes you buy something without thinking and...darn it! Plastic! I have this a lot with buying things for my daughter. But as you said we can't go zero waste over night. And its also a learning curve!

[@aliciaspears7847]

These are old comments but I'm new to zero waste & this channel but I wanted to say that I loved your idea of doing this in stages because it can seem overwhelming in the beginning. Your way seems much less daunting. Thank you !

[@SamRommer]

Love your channel! I recently read articles saying glass is much worse than plastic because it’s manufacture is destructive & resource intensive (to then just be thrown away or recycled). The best products are actually tetra pak cartons or cans. Have you done a video on this subject as I’d love to watch it! Thanks for all your great informative videos 👍🏻

[@ValeriaDik]

Postcards can be a good alternative to tons of small gifts from travelling, and it doesn't take up much space/collect dust when stored, and you don't need to recycle them in that case. But off course it takes unnecessary resources to transport, and it's hard to quickly find the ones which are made of recycled paper.

[@katradner9132]

Haha - KZbin recommended tjis today. I am currently in Copenhagen, and picked up 2 hair elastics - will definitely clean them and reuse.

[@karolinazadlo6050]

you could include teabags in your next video, since there's most times plastic in the bags itself. And of course there are the ones, which are individual wrapped... in plastic.

[@sarahthatcher123]

I get not using plastic bags just for carrying groceries. I have been fortunate that for the last 10 years my health food store has been using biodegradable plant based bags ( they were way ahead of the times) . So I have been using them as my kitchen garbage bags. And I just use them for a liner. I will use a paper bag ( also from their store) and just have the plastic bag in case something soaks through the paper. So usually I don't even have to change the 'plastic' bag. They are now completely getting rid of the 'plastic' bags and will be charging for the paper bags. I vermicompost as much as I can but I have not got to the point where my worms can keep up with the amount of veggie waste/ scraps I produce. I also collect bags of veggie scrapes in the freezer and in the summer I take to a farm ,in winter I just drive it somewhere rural and dump it. All that to say...I will still need garbage bags....so any ideas as to what to use? Right now all I can think of is that I will have to buy the biodegradable plastic bags that they sell in the store and pay for the paper bags. I would appreciate it if someone has some better solution.

[@lalabelle98]

Im definetely guilty of owning too many notebooks. They just all look so pretty and i love all of them

[@jmsl910]

if you use them: IT'S FINE!

[@SimplyBeautiful516]

Same!!!!! I have allowed myself to bring a new one in only after I’ve used one and given away another one. So, one comes in- two go out. I’m doing this until I get down to the 5 that I’m currently using during the week.

[@dopeydiablo]

DONATING STUFF IN THE UK: -When donating your fairy lights, if they have a plug, make sure you donate them to a charity shops with PAT testing, non PAT testing charity shops will just chuck them in the bin as they can't sell them safely :) -Also, any toys that don't have the EU mark on it (on soft toys it's usually on the label) are often not allowed to be sold in some charity shops (some small independent ones may overlook this), so don't cut these off, and donate to friends if they don't have them - although if the toy is made from textiles it can be recycled (so do donate your old smelly stained toys and clothes once you check that your local charity shops recycles textiles)

[@Gittemary]

This is very true, so good you remind me! 🌿💚

[@cammaventura]

I love all of your videos! But this one in special make me think of one thing I'd like to ask... if the electronics are planned to stop their functions for you to replace, buying them second hand wouldn't make the situation worse? Because you'll be consuming a thing that is not gonna work sooner and then you're going to have to replace it anyways. It's not a critic, it's just because I really want to understand (because I've already heard from others zero-waste youtubers). Thanks! ❤

[@gioulikal]

Vinegar is not good for marble but i think it's ok for the other materials. ~You are my favorite youtuber gurl♡

[@lucierhiannon6130]

Hey, I love this video so much! I've been binging your videos a lot lately because I made a lot of zero waste swaps recently but you always mention something I haven't thought of before and I love you for that hehe :) Also, I love your hair like this it's fantasticcc!

[@LibbyWithnall]

So much great advice here. I even pack a dish wash cloth when I go on vacation so I don't have to use the "plastic" ones that are supplied and thrown out. I failed big time in regards to journals and notebooks. While I buy a lot less they are still a weakness !!

[@theoldaccountthatiusedtous6767]

Tape, glue, and mod podge had been my guilty pleasures... but I think I'm going to start experimenting with wheat paste in most cases. I divide my paper items into things I'm going to keep for a long time (my five-year-journal that I plan to look back at when I'm old, and my dreams journals that I might keep) and things that will end up in the recycling (my regular journal/miscellaneous notebook, and my planner), so I will start with wheat paste in my planner and journal. I realize I'm 3 years late in replying, but thought I'd include my thoughts.

[@gwynneio]

I told my mom that I like washi tape because it is biodegradable and so she bought me glittery washi tape. I was like nooooo! But she is so sweet, I couldn't say it. I will tell her sometime though.

[@whitecat4182]

As for cleaning supplies, recently I saw wet wipes for cleaning. One type for kitche, one for toilet, one for bathroom etc. It doesnt even make life easier!

[@Gittemary]

No definitely not, cloth wipes all the way!

[@shugarysubstances]

reusable wraps are ofc the best but aluminum foil can still be recycled after being exposed to food. we just rinse it off and put it in the recycling if we ever do use it (which is rare enough to begin with) definitely not perfect but still way better than plastic wrap. also, everyone HATES plastic wrap. it's impossible to use in the first place!! so whyyyyy do we keep using iiitttt

[@Gittemary]

The bits of unexpected aluminium foil I generate from time to time I also watch off and recycle haha 😁 But I know a lot of people curl the foil up into a little ball without washing and that way it won't be recycled :(

[@lunanightbreed]

I also use it several times before throwing it in the recycling. Makes me feel a bit better about it, but I've stopped buying it and I'm now using the last roll I had bought. Over a year ago. Little steps.

[@avacurtis2729]

If you are washing it anyways you can reuse it. Just rinse it off and stick in back in the cupboard. I learned this from my grandparents who did that to save money

[@CoolSustainable]

OMG I STILL don't understand why people use sponges - so gross. My mother in law knits her as well )

[@ambycakes]

I've been using a bamboo scrubby for 2 years now and it's still in great shape!

[@CoolSustainable]

@@ambycakes YUP - same!

[@MicahRion]

Same! Growing up we used mesh washcloths that were actually made from my grandmother’s old curtains. I was really surprised when I started seeing dish sponges as an adult. I still prefer a mesh cloth, it’s suds the soap really well and after a bit you can just add it to your laundry!

[@dopeydiablo]

I have several glitter makeup palettes and eye shadows with glitter in my cupboard. I am planning on using them up rather than just disposing of them but I am concerned about how to safely take them off without the microplastics going down the drain? Video idea: have you considered covering the topic of funerals? Caitlin Doughty (Ask a mortician) covered eco funerals quite well and the options for the US, but I think more zero-waste peeps need to consider their burial choices in the EU and don't know their rights (donating organs, embalming, coffins, cremation, aquamation etc). Bit of a morbid one but important to consider :)

[@mariachristina97]

I have the same dilemma with makeup I bought years ago and barely used. The only thing I can think of is disposable makeup remover wipes.

[@Gittemary]

I loooov3 Caitlin, she is so great! Definitely a cool topic! The stuff that's already bought and produced creates waste either way, so if you want to you can wear it out or gift to someone who will like it, and then stop buying it. I feel it's a waste just tossing it in the bin still 🌿💚

[@morgynember5442]

Your recent videos are sooo interesting and helpful! Really enjoyed watching!! ♥

[@Gittemary]

Thank you so much!

[@hereisajakualin4344]

Because of the plastic consumption of 5 grams/a credit card a week: most of it is through drinking water. However in the USA and India the amount of plastic found in water is 2,5 times higher than generally in Europe. There are also differences in the quality of the water. The article i read didn't say if it was only talked about tap water. Cause it you live somewhere where tap water isn't the best and you can afford bottles water. In plastic. Then the whole thing looks different. Second highest contributor is fish that had eaten plastic. Vegans are like ✌ then beer, then salt. So it is shocking but there are huge global differences !

[@Julia-gj1gg]

In the city I live in they recycle plastic but not glass. If you have glass that should be recyclable they won't take it, they just throw it away. In that situation would it better to buy products like drinks or tomato sauce in glass or plastic containers? Everyone is welcome to leave their thoughts and opinions!

[@coralovesnature]

Julia that’s terrible that your city does that! Do you know if any nearby municipality does recycle glass and would allow you to bring it there? I understand that may not be feasible though due to distance. Otherwise that’s tough. You could always reuse what you can of glass jars. For example, I’ll keep good pasta sauce jars and use them to store food, etc. But I also understand there comes a point when you just have too many containers and don’t need to keep any more.

[@Julia-gj1gg]

@@coralovesnatureI dont have a car so driving somewhere farther isn't really an option for me. As far as I'm aware there isn't anywhere nearby that recycles glass either though. In theory it's better for environment because its just melted sand and doesnt leach toxins like plastics but it still feels like a massive waste if I need to throw it away

[@basakmutlu1119]

Instead of using fabric softener you can use organic vinegar. It will make your clothes as soft as a fabric softener would

[@d.h.9278]

Greetings Gittemary- Everything you profess seems reasonable, but could you please leave some links to alternatives? It's harder to find things in some areas of the world then others, especially food related storage - packaging is so over the top that one can't procure products without all the packaging- yikes! Thank you for all you do, it's very helpful/meaningful! ;-)

[@buckeyedav1]

Yes I've ask that on another video where she was using a Coconut scrubbie there are so many on amazon and most are listed as a veggie brush not sure if that is what hers was actually for? I am getting ready to order one now but was hoping to hear from her before placing the order. Anna In Ohio.

[@BekaEllen]

I never thought about notebooks like that, thank you. Sigh, okay yes I'm allowed to have one, but I have to use it. The only reason I'm getting more is because they're pretty.

[@Plantje1999]

I scored pretty well on this list, I lot of things I already do from this list but I do have a question. I stopped chewing gum but I do like to have like gum or like a fresh mint candy in my bag when I go out because I don't want bad breath. Since I don't wanna chew gum I thought I would use these mint candy's but they are wrapped in plastic.. Do you have any subtitudes for this (that are available also in the Netherlands if possible 😅) thanks in advance! Oh btw if you buy a new or second handed phone there are also phone cases that are made noglt from plastic but from more natural products that are actually biodegradable! I haven't tried one yet because Im still using the one I have right know because it still works but once my phone is dead and I need another one I am gonna try a biodegradable one :)

[@merituulia1370]

fluoride or xylitol drops! Here in Finland they are available everywhere, but I don't know in Netherlands though.. Maybe in pharmacies at least? They are also really good for your teeth :) Most of them come in plastic bottles or bags though, but that you can recycle. I've seen some in glass jars in a local eco shop, too.

[@PatriciaDeanStone]

Chew on fennel seeds. Natural breath freshener.

[@Plantje1999]

@@merituulia1370 hm I have to check that out I've never heard of it but who knows if they sell it here. Thanks for the tip!

[@Plantje1999]

@@PatriciaDeanStone fennel seeds? I have to check those out! Are they sold in regular groceries stores?

[@PatriciaDeanStone]

@isabel wagener yes, they're in the spice section

[@veek9729]

Thank you for the postcard warning!

[@sherrywalford4393]

I don’t buy notebooks anymore. There are so many options you can use electronically now. Plus it’s far less expensive as well. I personally use GoodNotes app as you can create many different notebooks for many different reasons. I still have old notebooks I purchased in the past and I am slowly using them up.

[@kathrynchisholm8634]

I've ditched plastic straws and foil and cling film

[@Gittemary]

I am so glad to hear it 😍

[@JuliadeLaat]

Yeah I'm looking forward to part 2!! :D

[@morganmoody7241]

ok so for washing dishes i use reusable cloths and things like that but something about not wearing gloves while doing dishes is just something i can’t do. i hate throwing them away when they get holes in them but i’m not sure what to buy instead. is there some sort of eco friendly dish gloves?

[@eeddoosshh]

+1 on this question. I'd also be fit for a pair of washable, reusable ones. Any suggestions?

[@caitlinstruyve516]

You always brighten up my days with a new video!! :)

[@notacanadian278]

I don't agree with not having seasonal decor or fake plants. Unfortunately real plants are not an option because my cat eats them. I have and love using my seasonal decor for holidays. All of my seasonal decor and fake plants have either been bought second hand or are hand me downs from family and friends. They're things that I enjoy and I think as long as they're not bought new and contributing to mass production that its perfectly fine to have.

[@Gittemary]

Well this video is specifically also about stuff I think no one should buy, as in I think they should be not produced :) If you find it second hand it is obviously different. However, I've had a cat myself and there are tons of plants that most cats stay away from naturally, maybe look into that? 😁🌿

[@aberdeen0107]

You should get cat grass!

[@karliszabados9643]

I have a few fake plants that I've had for years. I swap them out seasonally like my fake lilies in spring. Especially because lilies are toxic to cats so I really couldn't have real ones. It would be more wasteful to get rid of mine than to just keep them and still use them.

[@taylorferguson5461]

Love this. I do love fake plants though only rescued second hand ones though!

[@212Angee212]

What would you do if you lived in country, where in the supermarkets, if you buy more than like 3 pieces of fruit or vegetable, you have to use plastic bags because a) at the cash register you have to have it in bag and b) if the bag is not seethrough everybody will start shouting and they just can't open the bag to look what's in there? Our country is trying to get more eco-friendly but only the last max two generations, everybody else just don't want to adapt... I would like to go to farmers markets but as a student, here it is just so expensive that I can't afford it right now

[@coralovesnature]

What if you try using a bag that is loosely stitched so that you can easily see what’s inside? Search “net bag” and that is the type of bag I’m talking about.

[@borntobemagicall]

For now - Just make sure you take those plastic bags back and reuse them the next time :)

[@emilyann2581]

After you wash wood, you should add oil to it to help it last

[@eAllAN-ke4jz]

This is really getting into the fact of how you get and spend money(who are the nerves of the world)

[@gillianbutler7986]

Your best video so far in my opinion. Well done!

[@nonbinarygoblinonarainbow4672]

Your videos make me have so much faith in sustainability and veganism, thank you very much, gittemary! Your videos help a lot:)

[@leak5744]

You can also buy wooden cutlery! :)

[@nadimiro]

I remember when I first started watching your videos two years ago or so, I accidentally read and thought your name was "Glittermary" - couldn't be further from the truth ;)!

[@Gittemary]

Hahaha, yeah I get that a lot, but right, I am literally the opposite 😂

[@hereisajakualin4344]

Several things: Fabric softener ruins the fabric over time. The fiber loses grid and washes out leaving a thinned out fabric. It washes out colours quicker. AAAAAND it severely reduces the lifespan of a washing machine !!!! I use washnuts and they make the fabric really soft. I was well surprised. 2. About the cleaning business. If you think about it you're told that you are extremely dirty and you turn everything dirty. The beauty business feeds into that ( shampoo, body wash, hand wash, face wash, fanny wash). But we really aren't. We aren't naturally dirty !!!! 3. I'm going to ditch coffee filters. Once the back is gone. I like filtered coffee but the trees that have to die 😭 so I'm either getting a steel one or fabric ones. Not sure yet. I'm ditching toilet paper. I'm gonna install a shower head to my sink in the toilet.makeshift bidet. Maybe you could emphasise on the fixing of things more. Everything is repairable. Shoes, even with rubber soles, furniture, appliances, tech ( tip: ask online for a repair of non professionals. They often reject a repair or place a leaflet or something on a black board in a (tech) uni. Them kids are smart.) And now I'm gonna sew some towls for drying my behind. Also some reusable tissue and a floor mop. Have a good day ✌

[@voodle50]

Id love to see videos on vegan recipes. Does anyone have an alternative to hair ties? I never understood the obsession with planners.... all the stickers and coloring in.... I use glass jars that have been up cycled from food I have purchased. I use face washers as paper towel and cleaning cloths. They are washable and last for years! They are also cheap to purchase. I don't go in for all that specially made"unpaper towel" items when you can use things you have at home. I use bees wax wraps and am proud to say I havnt used plastic cling wrap for several years now. I do still use brown baking paper tho.

[@dayax1207]

You can get silicon baking sheets. All they need is a wash after use and they can be used for years.

[@Gracie193rrf]

Hi :) I'm not the biggest fan of water or hot drinks- my weakness is sodas, flavoured sparkling water and I buy a lot of cordials....all come in plastic bottles (I do buy cans where possible) and I was wondering are there any cost effective alternatives to these things? Would it be better to invest in a soda stream 🤔 not sure but I've been looking at my waste and what to improve and this is definitely a bad one for me

[@JodyGfruitdance]

Perhaps you could look at making a kind of ice tea drink with loose leaf tea made from fruits instead of a concentrated juice? They will still work with cold water. Or even just throw some strawberries and mint into your water to flavour it

[@cyansalvatore6011]

Get soda stream and some higher quality juices/invest in a juicer you could use with it (don't use the soda stream bottle for drinking tho, transfer it into glass bottle, it'd make the soda stream bottle stinky otherwise). I'm also fan of flavored sparkly water and it helped a lot.

[@RoseLemonade.]

" IT WAS N O T FINE "

[@mariluzsampalo6096]

I also pick hair ties but I wash them with soap and freez them. I think boiling them might shorten their lifespan 😕

[@azhrayharris8]

Freezing doesn't kill bacteria, it just makes them go into bacteriostasis. Wash stuff with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds and boil for 5 min.

[@mariluzsampalo6096]

@@azhrayharris8 good to know! Thank you

[@azhrayharris8]

@@mariluzsampalo6096 I hope your beardie gets better! Good luck:)

[@isabelleweiser9088]

I got my phone from my dad and the phone that i had before i got on the same way. So i never had to buy a new phone. This phone i have since 4 years and i will use it till its destroyed or something like that. And then i will use my old phone because its still useable.

[@ReginaApple007]

I don't trust anyone who has fake plants

[@madeehaghani9138]

I've made the citris vinegar cleaner, but it doesnt work all that well. It's okay normally, but it's very difficult to clean more greasy and gunky surfaces with it. Does anyone know of any solutions for that?

[@claudiagamito3674]

So I have a question about buying second hand electronics that are way older. Like I don't know if there worst for the environment due to the amount of energy they need or electricity or if there not made with the best materials, etc. Do you get my point or where I'm going. This sometimes has stopped me from buying things that are way older at the second hand store because I just don't know if there bad. Thanks!

[@coralovesnature]

Claudia Gamito I think it depends what type of electronics you are buying. For example, cell phones or even laptops probably, use up very little energy to charge (even really old ones), so I think it would be fine to get those old. But something like an appliance (washer/dryer, fridge, oven, for example) would probably be best to get a relatively newer version b/c it will likely be much more energy efficient and thus better for the environment in the long run.

[@claudiagamito3674]

@@coralovesnature Exactly that's where I was getting at I'm a sucker for 50's things but oppt out of buying them bc I think there maybe best for decoration than to actually be useful if that makes sence

[@Gittemary]

Smaller appliances are generally okay, energy wise, but as others are saying as well, it might be different for bigger products. But I assume that this is only the case for considerably older devices. I am buying my electronics via second hand sites and not charity shops, so it is possible to find brand new models, or maybe something that's from last year.

[@stephaniecasper7578]

I'm not sure, since the really old large appliances last like 5 times longer than new ones due to planned obsolescence. Idk if the energy is worth the number of times you have to replace it.

[@hadleycornelious434]

Such good ideas! Do you have any recommendations on alternatives for paper tissues when you get sick? I've considered using fabric tissues that I can wash but I'm not home often and carrying around used tissues to wash later seems sort of harmful to the people around me.

[@coralovesnature]

Hadley Cornelious you could store the used cloth tissues in a separate zipper bag on the go so they are sort of “sanctioned off” from your other items. Just one possibility

[@Gittemary]

I use a soft cotton cloth that I wash after I've used all spaces on it 👍

[@mickb.8925]

Here in Belgium it's very normal (although less nowadays) to use fabric tissues. I don't see any problem with keeping a used piece of fabric in the pocket of your pants or bag or jacket or whatever. Also, you can use a fabric tissue a lot more times then a disposable one because if you blow your nose ones in a paper tissue, it's already wet/full/... and you don't have that so fast with fabric tissues.

[@cosmosnpolitan4529]

what are you using for toilet paper?

[@alexaolguin9326]

Gittermary is there any alternative to aluminium foil like when u use it to cook?

[@Gittemary]

I just leave it out of the recipe calls for it 😅

[@alexaolguin9326]

@@Gittemary okeey thank u Omg you actually answered me, i love you so much

[@Hanne1968]

In a lot of the recipes that calls for aluminium foil, you can swap it out for a Dutch Oven. Le Creuset probably makes the most famous but there are a lot of other and cheaper brands on the market. I am almost certain that you can find one 2. hand :-)

[@alexaolguin9326]

@@Hanne1968 cool, i didn´t knew that, thanks

[@f.1055]

Bruger du også eddike til at rengøre badeværelset?

[@Gittemary]

Det gør jeg ja :)

[@ruinedfall]

I ABSOLUTELY ABHOR festive decor that cannot be reused!!! i’m working on my soda consumption because they are my guilty pleasure!!!! but i’ve started buying the big bottles or canned ones as my baby step to stray away from them

[@Gittemary]

I feel you, they are super addictive and hard to phase out, I deal with it myself 🌿

[@priscillajimenez27]

I don't drink it a lot but when I do i try to get it in a can which is typically packaged in a cardboard box.

[@treeahisazebra]

Could you share your homemade cleaning agent recipe?

[@Gittemary]

It is on my blog 😊🌿💯

[@lesliefamilytree8239]

You should look into Zote soap and it's uses 😍

[@bmarieluvstheearth3879]

I use Fels Naptha for stain removal. Works great. Spray clothes with water then run the bar over area with stain. Low chemicals and packaging. I.make laundry soap using castile soap, baking soda and washing soda. Recipe on the Happy Hippy Home.

[@4mydearlady]

Plastic toothbrushes are extremely wasteful. In the U.S. 1 billion toothbrushes are thrown away. That adds up to 50 million pounds of waste annually. Toothbrushes don’t biodegrade and are sourced from non-renewable fossil fuels. Better to use bamboo toothbrushes.

[@agentwrench]

You said yourself that electronics come with planned obsolescence. If you buy a 2 year old phone, it's likely that electronic is about to reach the end of its lifespan. I agree with not falling into the marketing of buying the last new thing just cause it's the last new thing, but if you have to buy a new electronic, and for a lot of people it is a serious investment, my priority is knowing it will last as much as possible within what I can afford.

[@f.1055]

What do you find most important for the enviorment - zero waste or being vegan? If you had to choose

[@coralovesnature]

F. I don’t want to speak for Gittemary, but I think in other videos she has said that she considers being vegan an important part of being zero waste. I think her exact words were pretty close to, “You cannot put something that is unsustainable in sustainable packaging and call it zero waste.”

[@coralovesnature]

However, also want to add that every little bit helps. :) Every step every individual takes towards zero waste is helpful, as long as you keep walking and don’t just stop there.

[@trinitygreene8766]

The only time I still use aluminum foil is when things have to be covered while they bake. Do you have any alternative suggestions for this?

[@mathildep56]

I only use it then as well. Hope there is an alternative

[@coralovesnature]

Not sure it would work for all dishes, but we bought a granitewear cooking container for camping and it is basically a baking pot with a lid that keeps the moisture in the same way aluminum foil would. I think granitewear would work for most stews/ roasts/ casseroles, but obviously wouldn’t work for something like pie crust. I think we got a smallish one for like $10 in the US.

[@trinitygreene8766]

Cora H. Thank you! I will definitely try this out

[@mickb.8925]

I've seen in the comments that some people rinse of the aluminum foil so that way it can be recycled apparently.

[@Gemsworld]

Love your videos 💕 give me such inspiration x

[@Gittemary]

Thank you so much!

[@agneseigaune8338]

I've heard somebody brew their own vinegar. Have you heard this? Is it easy?

[@cyansalvatore6011]

You can probably find recipes online, you basically just use apples/apple "waste" (skin, core, etc) and let it ferment for a few weeks with sugar and water, and then drain it ferment it some more.

[@casieperry9047]

I must, respectfully, disagree with #6. As someone who used chewing gum, as well as so many other things, to quit smoking cigarettes I found gum essential. Even now, I find that having gum, as an alternative to cigarettes, helps me reduce my tendency for road-rage and returning to my nasty ways. Also, Peppermint flavored gum helps reduce my sons' chances of getting car sick. However, now that I think about it, just having a dish of Peppermint/ginger candy might be a better idea. Hmm, I'll get back to you.

[@buddythetalkingbichon6744]

Thank you for this video

[@eloisemoody6883]

I love your videos so much and they've been really helpful but gal, ALUMINIUM

[@MicahRion]

LaurenMaeBeauty made a really good video about glitter in makeup!

[@fdrcclmnt11]

I am looking for an alternative to cotton pads! I use pads twice a day, for my skin routine. I tried to switch to a reusable cloth,/towel, but my skin didn't respond positively, so it would be cool to hear what you (or anybody really) suggest! Maybe in the next video on this topic? 😀

[@notacanadian278]

I use reusable cotton pads, they're designed for the face so are much softer than a towel. I have very sensitive skin so I always make sure I wash new ones before using them to make sure they are free of any irritants.

[@Pikachu-sf8tc]

@@notacanadian278 they are also super simple to make yourself

[@paulakrisjane]

What do use them for? Removing makeup or something else?

[@Nina-cd6uw]

I had the exact same issue, so I did some extensive research on washable cotton pads that are really soft, polyester-free and non-fluffy so that they don't soak up all the product. I can try to link you the ones I personally like from Etsy, but they might be sold out, so do look up other options, if that's the case, there are SO many out there, it's truly overwhelming. :D But for my sensitive former skincare junkie skin they worked well and since it's a pack of 20 I don't have to wash too often. (Maybe it would be smarter to buy dark ones though, I bought the white ones and always wash them with gall soap before putting them in the washer to keep them from staining, cause I'd hate that.) www.etsy.com/listing/58512253/reusable-cotton-rounds-20-white-makeup?ref=yr_purchases Tell me if you loved them too, if you do purchase them, cause then I'd have even more grounds than my personal experience to recommend them further. 💚 (They're cotton flannel, which I love for the softness, but they're not organic, if that's key for you)

[@paulakrisjane]

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a hair tie on the ground 😄

[@m1ssd1tz]

I live in Nashville Tn. Downtown is always filled with tourists. It is wall to wall people all hours of day and night. I have a theory that nashville is where eall hair ties go to die. On any given trip downtown, I can see 50 or more. Also, since it music city and all that, there tons of people performing or going to/coming from music venues, so. much. glitter, and rinestones. Like all over the place. I have a permanent case case of second hand glitter

[@Gittemary]

I think the curse is out there, you will see one now 100% 😂

[@alydiafraser9290]

I love your hair

[@priscillajimenez27]

I stopped using plastic straws, cutlery, and bags.

[@miriampreihs3995]

Why would I throw away postcards? You keep them, just like letters... Maybe the production is unsustainable, then I might stop. I just don't know anyone who throws them in the trash...

[@bf309]

Know any Good used electronic ( cell phone ) sites in the US ? Anyone?

[@stephaniecasper7578]

You can get refurbished ones on Amazon. I got my laptop that way and I love it.

[@maigguu]

I haven't done much research on this or anything, but I've read some articles referring to the life cycle impacts of eg. plastic bags vs. canvas bags. Like some studies have found that a plastic bag is actually the more sustainable choice. I think the impact of some other zero waste swaps have also been questioned. These issues are mainly related to zero waste products that you have to buy, not ones that you can make from recycled materials or just from reusing something. What's your view on this?

[@Gittemary]

Check out my video called the Impact of Plastic where I talk about this in more detail. These studies are technically true, if you produce a plastic bag and a cotton tote and only use it once, then it required more resources to produce the cotton tote, but there are a lot more to this that this bottomline 🌿

[@БелославаГенова-э4л]

Personally, I don't buy fabric bags, but I often get them at conferences...Also, I use old t-shirts to make them, it's a pretty simple process. Recently mum and I made some great produce bags from old pieces of fabric, that I think used to be curtains, that we most probably bought second-hand...

[@angesoie]

can't you just clean the aluminum foil and ball it up to about 2 inches and recycle it?

[@rachelbarnett6890]

How do I keep my cat off the counter without aluminum foil? Also I plan to rinse and recycle the foil when the cat has finally stopped his habit of getting on the counter xD

[@alydiafraser9290]

Please can we have a new haircare and makeup routine please

[@GeorgianaOnline]

I have a goal of transitioning us to pasteured, sustainable meat and eggs this year. We just need to make a bit more money. It gets expensive. But, no, not everyone can go vegan or even vegetarian. (Well, I could, but I don't care to be disabled with chronic migraine.) I'm interested in the soy wraps! Will have to check those out. I know beeswax wraps are pricey.

[@coralovesnature]

GeorgianaOnline I think we would be better off as humans if most people ate considerably less meat. However, I don’t believe the entire human race has to be vegan for the planet to survive. For example, I have considered eating vegan or vegetarian for breakfast and lunch every day, but having some meat with dinner (my fiancée has no interest in being vegan or vegetarian). For my life, I think this could be reasonable and I’d like to try it soon. In fact, I am already pretty close to vegetarian for probably 90% of my breakfasts and lunches. I don’t think humans need or should have meat for 3 meals per day.

[@GeorgianaOnline]

@@coralovesnature Yeah, I agree. It would be better for the environment especially. I live mostly off of animal products due to my medical issues, but I readily admit I'm an outlier. Most people don't to limit their diets like this. If I didn't have the issues that I do, I'd probably be eating a lot like you describe. It sounds good to me. I say you should go for it. :-)

[@briannaknowshow9390]

GeorgianaOnline there’s a series on Netflix called Cooked and it’s really cool! One of the four episodes talks about sustainable farming.

[@GeorgianaOnline]

@@briannaknowshow9390 I really need to get Netflix again. :-D

[@Varjoalitajunta]

suggestion into part 2: dental floss

[@Varjoalitajunta]

I've found zero waste dental floss lists online, and there's been couple quite good lookin' ones! It seems like a topic that's not much discussed (with less common water picks).

[@coralovesnature]

I have seen available online silk floss that comes in refillable glass containers. Not sure if you are vegan or what your stance is on insects. I know some vegans will not use bee products, but others will. Silk floss would come from silk worms of course.

[@pineapple365]

Cora H. There is a vegan biodegradable , refillable floss made of bamboo from the brand lucky teeth that I use which is amazing🙂

[@Christylove222]

You look a bit like the actress Emilia Clarke.

[@rebeccaforsberg364]

Yeeeesss thank you I've been struggling so hard to figure out who she reminds me of!!

[@monicastein9624]

Let's talk about WATER. It's Just essential !

[@capucnechaussonpassion14]

The process to recycle aluminium is very very polluting to the point that actually some people are wondering it recycling this isn't worse than not doing it at all...

[@Gittemary]

That reeeally depends on how you recycle it. On average in Europe, only 35% of metal recycled is powered with fossil fuels. Danish stats show that 1 kilo of virgin aluminium emits about 11,86 kilos of CO2, whereas recycling it emits 0,80 kilos. Also aluminium can be recycled indefinitely, whereas plastic only can be recycled between 4 and 6 times.