7 “Eco-Friendly” Habits That Are Mostly Just Money-Wasters | The Financial Diet

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100 companies responsible for 70% of carbon emissions: www.theguardia...
Individual recycling an insufficient solution: www.bloomberg....
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[@TorontoNeurospicyGirl]

I think the most important this is common sense. 1. We don't need 100 people doing zero waste perfectly, we need millions of people doing it imperfectly. As some wise person said somewhere on the internet. 2. Use what you have, no need to replace every item you own. as the items come to the end of their life, then it is time to replace them with the sustainable choice item of higher quality to last long. 3. Quality over quantity especially when buying new, so you need to buy less often because of the items last longer, if you buy 2nd hand, it's not as CO2 heavy to buy more items of lesser quality. 4. Minimize and simplify. Buy only what you need, a lot of stuff we buy is not even a need most of the time. Many things can serve multiple purposes. Occasional splurges will be even more special! 5. Spend less time obsessing over every single choice you make as a consumer, but more time getting involved in things that will result in systemic changes is much more productive/eco-friendly. 6. You don't need to buy the latest of everything. That phone you got 2 years ago is still fine, you don't need a new one just cause a new one is out. I still have My Samsung Galaxy 7, and even though the 10 is out now, my 7 is perfectly fine still. So as long as it is ok enough to meet my phone needs I am not buying the new one until I have too. Which may be the 12, I don't know.

[@jaslyn5292]

preach 🙌🏽

[@evercuriousmichelle]

Very well said!!

[@vylet2292]

Reading your post on my S7. Gave my mom my S4 when I upgraded, bought her a QI card for $5 so she can charge wirelessly- love these phones and actively don't want different ones even if they're brand new and/or free. Waste not, want not.

[@TorontoNeurospicyGirl]

@@vylet2292 Exactly! It's just marketing making is think WE NEED the new S10. No we don't LOL.

[@joools1953]

Like throwing out makeup because the company is no longer cruelty free. They already have your money - tossing stuff out helps no one. Refusing to buy more of their products makes sense, depriving yourself of the use of stuff you've already paid for does not.

[@justine4652]

Most zero-waste people don't want you to buy new stuff until your old stuff is no longer usable

[@belovedlioness4451]

Tell that to the influencers who have affiliate links

[@mousestripedgrass2123]

Yeah I don't know what she is reading/watching... sounds like she is basing her opinion of the zero water movement on a few radical and loud people..

[@AlicedeTerre]

I'm in a couple zero waste fb groups like any, there's a range of people represented. There are definitely too many posts that do exactly what Chelsea is talking about and way too many people asking about new products to replace items.

[@RubyJamez]

Mainstream zero waste bloggers are advertising A LOT of reusable and sustainable items that can be replaced with general household items. They probably know that's wrong but we'll they need that ad money as an income.

[@brittanymcmcmc9730]

@@mousestripedgrass2123 I dont think she's responding to one person in particular, I think she's responding to the impulse to immediately swap out everything that you have. When people feel guilty about something, they try to find the immediate solution and that's what she's cautioning against.

[@sarahm4046]

I think this video should be titled “Eco-friendly Trends vs. Real Eco-friendly Living”. Most zero-waste and low-wasters say the exact same things she said in this video.

[@sofdemi8042]

I agree. Although I appreciated the info in the video, the tone was very "shamey" which isn't necessary

[@BreMue]

@Joëlle Weetjewel I agree. I think its ultimately the band wagon "zero waste" community

[@Skies133]

@@sofdemi8042 i agree. Her info was very useful (unless you're already doing it) but it come across as "shaming". Her channel is about ways to spend less money and not environmentally friendly.

[@Nazioarteko89]

I hate when people buy mason jars to seem environmentally friendly. You can just reuse jam jars or any glass jar you get for so many products. I love my ones.

[@JP-fw1jr]

Thank you! People keep critiquing this video saying zero wasters are not telling people to buy new stuff but the truth is they are doing that without actually saying it. Of course someone will want a pretty new mason jar instead of a old peanut butter jar.

[@OdinsSage]

We eat a lot of pickles in my house. We have a lot of leftover pickle jars that we use for all of our bulk bin items. I've never had to buy new jars for my stuff.

[@tara_nguyen]

And tomato sauce jar.

[@sanityisrelative]

I mean, every single one of my mason jars came from value village. The zero waste KZbinrs I watch are *big* on thrifting.

[@clairbear1234]

Some people have Mason jars because they can food. How do you know if people buy them "just to seem eco friendly"?

[@janet3972]

can you maybe make a video about eco friendly things you did that actually saves you money?

[@emersoncarmel7767]

Just off the top of my head I can give a few suggestions: - reusable water bottle: saves you $ on repeated plastic water bottle purchases - travel mugs: if you frequent Starbucks, they give you a small discount on your drink if you come with a reusable mug, which adds up a lot if you are a frequent Starbucks drinker. - menstrual cups/reusable pads (if you are someone who has a period): I haven't bought these yet but have been looking into them. Buying these reduces the cost of buying pads/tampons frequently!

[@lenani9143]

Great suggestion! I‘m gonna add a few: - stop buying paper towels (if you do), cloth kitchen towels work just as fine - cloth wipe + oil makes for a great makeup remover and lasts wayyyy longer than single use wipes - laundry ball can replace detergent (not sure if you can get them in the US though) - Use up all your food! Eat everything you have, use vegetable „waste“ to make veggie stock. Keep leftovers. Maybe organize food swaps or even trie to grow some food yourself if you have the possibility. - Yesterday, I had a lemon slice in my tea, instead of throwing it away immediately I used it to get rid of oily residue on some kitchen supplies. Reuse is key :) - Clothes swaps. - Less takeaway, less eating out, less meat

[@lyarcadia]

I feel most of the choices that help you to save money is good for the environment...

[@karinagutierrez7134]

I cosign on the earlier suggestions! Here are some more: - Doing fewer loads of laundry/doing full loads of it - Energy efficient products like LED light bulbs or refrigerators - using products fully before replacing them - DIY cleaning products - shopping second hand instead of fast fashion - letting your friends know that you're trying to be more sustainable -- that way they can reach out to you before throwing stuff away or give you more sustainable items Oh and if you do need to replace something, make sure you like it enough that you'll actually use it. Say you need a new water bottle. Hydroflasks are a great sustainable option, but if you don't think you'll actually carry it or use it, either find a way to make yourself want to use it (I know people who keep straws in it and put stickers on it to make it cuter) or find something that you will use.

[@AubreyFite1]

@@lenani9143 Hey! What type of oil would you suggest using as a makeup remover? Do you just put it on a washcloth? Thanks!

[@f.autumn.1904]

3:53 All-out plastic phobia 5:33 Needing a one-to-one replacement for everything 6:57 Buying all of your eco-friendly stuff online 8:08 Buying the same stuff with better packaging 9: 24 Being overly focused on packaging 10:19 Being unwilling to compromise 12:05 Being way too focused on consumer choices

[@anthropomorphizedrock]

thank you for saving me 12 minutes

[@DoctorNikkiP]

these are the best! thanks :)

[@ShayCWin]

You the real mvp

[@h4xsama]

personally, don't understand these comments. I'd rather just watch the video. to each their own I guess. her commentary tells u a lot more about each item on her list.

[@UrbanTroglodyte]

Have a great day ❤

[@de-annewaters2632]

I normally love the financial diet, and while I understand your point, this video needed more research into the Zero Waste or Low Impact community. This is way too simplified of a view on the Zero Waste influencers. The 5 R's in the Zero Waste community begin with refuse in what you do not need and reducing what you do need. It is literally the opposite of what you are saying

[@botabrat1]

After reading the comments, it seemed some people did not fully watch the video! They got stuck on defending the Zero waste movement or her plastic example. Overall, she is stating to cautiously evaluate what you do and use in a realistic manner that will not break the bank. She is encouraging us to reduce and reuse , as per the sustainability movement, and is saying we shouldn’t jump on any bandwagon just because it seems “green”. The takeaway message was to be honest about what you can accomplish, and to critically evaluate a movement or purchase to make sure it is truly sustainable.

[@ashak1500]

I agree that she has missed the point of the zero-waste/low-impact movement, although she makes some good points and does a good job of highlighting how important political action is at the end. The thing is a lot of these issues are very complex and aren't always easy to address in a short time. My education is in Environmental Studies so I've studied some of these issues pretty in-depth, and out of habit tend to read a lot of the research. There are some things she covers pretty well, and others she misses the mark on (e.g. she says you already get plastic from take-out or other food stuff you buy, but reducing and eliminating these sources of waste are part of a low-waste lifestyle). My biggest issue is that some of her points are used by people as an excuse not to make changes that could make an impact, especially if a lot of people adopt them.

[@kwamboka_rose]

I agree 100%. She totally overlooked Refusing and Reducing.

[@ashak1500]

@fakeplasticbees well said!

[@mariateresastella8526]

I do see her point though - even though the influencers/brands advocate for reuse, you almost never see pictures of them using Tupperware for example. I do remember a zero waste KZbind saying that she did regret throwing out perfectly good containers to buy expensive stainless steel ones..

[@ciaraabla3]

I guess I'm very fortunate that the Zero waste/low waste youtubers and influencers I follow are incredibly transparent and genuine. They admit that their trash doesnt all fit in a mason jar or that they themselves make certain efforts but maybe their partner doesn't. They admit the mistakes they made in the beginning (like getting rid of perfectly good plastic containers for glass or stainless steel) and caution people against those. They make it clear that striving for perfectionism isnt what this is about. That 100 people living imperfectly sustainable is better than 1 person doing it perfectly. Most of the information I already knew and already practice, but that's probably because I came to sustainability more out of frugal necessecity than the influence of social media. I will say though that Chelsea you are 100% right! It is not merely the responsibility of the consumers to change their purchases especially when it could be impossible to do so. I know for me I cant afford sustainable clothing. So we thrift as much as possible. But if corporations made sustainability the new norm, just like they made disposable products and single use plastics the norm, then real change would occur.

[@SetsuNanami97]

May I know who do you follow ?

[@finyafuxfell3031]

Isn't thrifting itself eco friendly? :)

[@ciaraabla3]

Lance the top ones I can think of are Shelbizle (probably not spelled correctly), Sustainably Vegan, and Fairly Local Vegan. Those are the ones on KZbin that I watch regularly. And Finya you are totally right it is.

[@AlphineWolf]

capitalism and market forces will shift the corps

[@phoebegraveyard7225]

I spot a fellow Gittemary fan.

[@haleybeldin9247]

I love that you started with putting the blame on corporations ruining our environment. It's great to take steps to reduce your own carbon footprint but there isn't enough emphasis on the very few who ruin the world for the rest of us.

[@mikeg9b]

We should put the blame on governments that allow corporations to ruin our environment. Corporations just do what they do -- make money as efficiently as possible. Governments are responsible for creating regulations that protect people and the environment.

[@haleybeldin9247]

@@mikeg9b you're absolutely correct. My country does not do this and it's a shame.

[@shamelle9945]

Yet we should also blame ourselves (consumers) because the not environmental-friendly products are created FOR us. If there is supply, then there is demand. We demand to have products because we don't want to compromise. Even if the corporations turn to green, some consumers will just have to find another corporation who is not green. As long as there is demand for these non-environmental-friendly products, they will not stop making it. And I agree governments has a fault here too, because as a government, it is their job to encourage the masses to go green. But the best we can do right now is to reduce, buy clothes in thrift shops, participate in clean-ups, use reusable bags (because even paper bags are not environmental-friendly to produce), plant ur own veggies, convert to eco-friendly electricity, and plenty other more! Influencing other people to do same helps the most!

[@mikeg9b]

@@shamelle9945 Anyone can encourage people to do the right thing, but only governments can make it illegal to do the wrong thing.

[@lizwoodard7726]

@@mikeg9b I'm a little late to this conversation, but I believe that you can make faster and more productive progress by not contributing to the demand than to make things illegal. If people educate each other and in turn stop contributing to the demand of wasteful products, then companies will listen. Fighting for something to be illegal or in legislature is only going to create war and inevitably end in taking one step forward and two steps backwards. I don't think it's productive in the long-term.

[@unconventionalMi]

I’ve been wandering the same thing about the bamboo cutlery - why can’t people just use their regular metal ones from home? A fork and spoon really don’t weigh all that much!

[@BlondeQtie]

In fact they do in comparison ^^ And you have trouble at the airport security check. I use old plastic cutlery for traveling.

[@unconventionalMi]

@@BlondeQtie agreed on the airport front, but most people don't fly daily. My thin metal utensils really aren't that much heavier, a couple of grams don't matter to me. I'm not saying bamboo ones are useless, but in my opinion, they are not the necessity most KZbinrs make them out to be. It's a personal choice I guess.

[@barvdw]

@@unconventionalMi Indeed. I have a spare set at work in my closet. Yes, we have a personal storage space for items like that. I acknowledge not all people have that.

[@sleepycowboy18]

Why? Bcs i want that steel straw but it comes with the bamboo spoon :(

[@unconventionalMi]

MadAnili There are so many places where you can buy the metal straws - without bamboo spoons. Local shops and markets, online shops, marketplaces - you name it. Mine are from AliExpress, cost me pennies

[@7ADGr8]

The back bone of zero waste is not wasting!!!! IF you have to replace stuff with something else when they stop working or should be replaced like a toothbrush THEN purchase or thrift something eco friendly... make a better choices and be mindful... Never heard anyone suggesting to through out all your non eco friendly items to replace them !!!!

[@miyounova]

I have. Very often. From people trying to ride the zero waste trend. Problem is, they're the ones that reach the largest amount of new people (new to zero waste)

[@Whoknows-mf1cv]

Most zero waste influencers say not to do this but the wannabe influencers say to throw it out and replace with zero waste “minimalist” alternatives.

[@lanakranz9227]

I had to explain this to a woman two days ago. She felt minimalism was throwing out everything she had, donating it and replacing all the items she already has. Thus it would take her too long and be too expensive to change. Explaining to her that this is wasteful and as a minimalist i as a minimalist low waste person would advise her not to throw out anything unless it is no longer usable and to avoid purchasing anything else unless there was nothing available that she already owned to use to make do. Took just a minute of my time and resulted in creating a new thought pattern for her. Which was great. When people look for examples of how to do this i tell them: Just wash that salsa jar and refill it! Towels have life cycles. Dont have to throw out the one that is ripped. Just cut it up into napkins, nappies/diapers, cloth pads, bath mats, hand towels... Too threadbare to be absorbent anymore?? Baby wipes, family cloth, dusting rag, reusable kitchen towels... absolutely manky now?? Shred and compost.

[@kristenspanza6303]

I saw someone looking to buy eco-friendly (bamboo?) disposable plates for the BBQ at their house.... where they could have just used / borrowed dishes and handwashed them instead. Why? Not because of water restrictions, but because of this movement, they did not get it. (Also, paper plates are composted with our recycling here, and made here, from trees grown sustainably here, that is pretty good way to deal with the "dont want to wash dishes" problem.. but you, know, just wash your dishes).

[@miss_xenia_]

Unfortunately, I have seen people do that but that’s mostly people that have only done a zero waste challenge - eg. Lucy Fink does it in her video

[@ljmonkey13]

I love that all her recommendations from her issues with “eco-friendly” are the actual points that zero waste actually emphasizes. 1) yeah don’t throw out your plastic Tupperware. You own it, use it. Just probably don’t heat up food in it, you can store non-food stuff in them like nails, toys, hair stuff, etc. As they break down you should replace with more sustainable things like Pyrex containers or glass containers of things you already buy. What you should work on is single use plastics, that shrink wrapped sweet potato, lunchables for your kids, single use anything. You probably don’t need it.. but i mean.. idk your life. 2) yeah don’t waste your money on things you don’t actually need. I’m all for cute things but my plastic water bottles that I’ve had for years still work, so I’m not buying a hydroflask til those are done. 3) sure, buy your stuff in person if you can. That is a core rule for eco friendly living. If you don’t have a choice and need online stuff, ohh well. Work on something else, it’s a marathon not a sprint. 4) greenwashing is a real thing. Minimalism and zero waste is helpful to get you to understand that not everything is needed and not everything needs to be trashed, it could have a second life. 5) yes, check ingredients. End of the day, it’s a lesser evil kind of a deal. 6) Do what you can. No one is better or worse than anyone else. The fact that you are trying is way more important than not doing anything at all because you can’t be perfect. Baby steps are important. 7) Purchases are the first and generally easiest change to make. But yes, eco friendly goes beyond on just what you are buying but if you’re overwhelmed... start where you can.

[@ariellebarnard8628]

Laura L. Thank you!! I was going to make a comment exactly like this 😂

[@ljmonkey13]

Arielle Barnard I appreciate her video but it’s a very narrow minded aspect of ‘eco friendly’. There are movements that are much bigger than her ‘eco friendly mistake’ points and I do feel like it should be her due diligence to mention them in the video. Most people do not read the description so one link to zero waste doesn’t change the fact that people will leave here with a bad taste in their mouths over eco friendly changes they could make and they honestly could do nothing at all which is honestly a disservice to themselves and the ‘eco friendly movement’ as a whole. And I only put it in quotes because I am still veeeeery new myself. But even I know this isn’t the catch all for eco friendly.

[@ariellebarnard8628]

Laura L. I am sooo new too. I did a project on it this past week and that’s all the research I did. But basic googling lead me to very different ideals in the community than what she has expressed. I definitely understand that it needs to come from the companies to make big change. But if enough people become properly aware and it spreads far that can end up changing the companies as supply and demand shift. Although we may not have that much time

[@ljmonkey13]

Arielle Barnard yeeesss I do agree with the ‘vote with your money’ aspect which is huge for ZW. I hope that people research beyond the video but most wont and it definitely makes me sad that people won’t realize how great being even slightly more eco friendly can be because videos paint it as a bad waste of money. That’s why my first comment was so long. I wanted to make sure that if anyone read it, they understood that there are so many facets to helping the environment. I for one am proud to try to live zero waste, I may not be perfect but I am trying my best and that’s what matters.

[@strangekat2840]

On the plastic thing. I cannot be trusted with glass. I tend to drop stuff and glass tends to shatter (yes that includes Pyrex), which isn't safe when you have a toddler. Actually I'm yet to hear of non plastic alternatives that can go in the microwave and don't shatter.

[@Sophmorical]

Normally I love your videos, but as a member of the zero waste community...this really missed the mark. Most zero waste people will be the first to tell you we'll never reach zero waste. The first R of zero waste is "Refuse", refuse to buy stuff you don't need (like using your existing plastic tupperware until it's no longer usable then replacing it with packaging from food, like pasta sauce jars, or buying glass tupperware second hand). The zero waste community I see encourages shopping local, not on Amazon, using what we already have, and consuming less. Yes, a lot of companies are popping up to take advantage of zero waste being trendy by selling zero waste stuff that isn't necessary, but that is a problem with capitalism, not the movement. Zero waste has allowed me to SAVE thousands of dollars because I don't buy pointless crap and when I do buy stuff, I invest in well-made, ethical pieces/buy things second hand. I think a great follow up to this video would be interviewing some people in the movement (Not Lauren Singer, she's super problematic) to see how people can make zero waste work within their own situation.

[@AimeeChristineGalang]

She enumerated the possible mishaps one could carelessly make, she didnt discourage zero waste movement. I found them all on-point. It's useful for those in transition or inspired to go zero-waste, especially now it's become SUPER TRENDY. I know people who want to be zerowaste and instead of getting the gist, they throw and replace what they already have to feel and look good. Not many mention it enough, because they want the bandwagon to take off. And yes you are totally right, it's CAPITALISM to blame as usual.

[@Sophmorical]

Aimee CRG my point is just that anyone who reads any zero waste content for more than 5 minutes should realize eating less meat and buying less stuff is the best thing to do. And that we also need to advocate for political and economic change. I can see individuals just throwing out there stuff to buy all new “zero waste” stuff, but I just don’t see this encouragement coming from the zero waste sphere. Except for select people who profit off zero waste....

[@AimeeChristineGalang]

@@Sophmorical I get u now, but there's too many out there still on the surface. She did say it's a systematic issue. I guess this video is for those who genuinely were willing to make effort, but with limited access and money conscious. I do appreciate your addition bec i understand this wasnt as value-adding to the in-depth & experienced.

[@LorettaBangBang]

@@AimeeChristineGalang I agree w Claires initial statement because Tfd has yet to make a video that's called "How to be eco friendly cheap" and instead chose to kickstart commentary on the movement by listing what you could possibly do wrong. You know what I mean? Its not a pro-active pro-movement approach to the topic but a more defensive one. Who starts off defensively? Someone that knows that there's some ideal they can't live up to or that endangers them in some way (my first thought would be the lifestyle(money) / eco conflict or similar: Which is where the argumentation arises from that "only rich people can afford" to be all-out eco etc. Which is nonsense because the real eco is someone who buys nothing)

[@AimeeChristineGalang]

@@LorettaBangBang All good. I get it and while this goes outside the video already, I dont find nonsense in that concern... if someone cant see why it's difficult for those with less access and those who struggle the day to day, they are very blessed. For everything that works for one person doesn't work for another.

[@nisanjin9318]

*Thank you* for what you said about people living in "food deserts". I get frustrated sometimes with KZbinrs who say "just go to your farmers' market or bulk food store", etc. It's not that simple for a lot of us.

[@einfachdenken1722]

You don't have to buy sustainable clothes, you can buy used. Or even better, you can don't buy at all.

[@AdorableAcushla]

You are aware that clothes wear out, right?

[@einfachdenken1722]

@@AdorableAcushla sure, but if all used clothes are worn until they are worn out, there wouldn't be the fast fashion industry anymore.

[@TcFW97TCM]

YESSSSSS

[@AdorableAcushla]

@@einfachdenken1722 How do you figure? Fast Fashion just means buying it off the rack instead of paying 3x as much for expensive labels. Fast fashion is just clothes made quickly, not necessarily clothes made to last. Also if the fast fashion industry didn't exist I couldn't afford to own ANY clothes at all.

[@AdorableAcushla]

@Geoffrey Morrison sure, but that doesn't help you be clothed

[@francoisrd]

People think there are only three R's. There are actually 5: 1. Refuse 2. Reduce 3. Reuse 4. Recycle 5. Riot The last one isn't meant as literal rioting, but rather becoming an activist for the cause, or calling your local government officials, etc. The most important is the first: refusing. This video touched on that a lot (e.g. replacing all your plastic with non plastic equivalents even if the plastic is still reusable), but didn't outright say the word. Basically, it's better for the environment for you to not get an item in the first place. Only if you absolutely have to get that item should you then consider trying to reduce how much you need, reuse some part of it, and then recycle it. And if the product isn't even recyclable, that's when you become active to try to change things up.

[@littlebearsasmr4630]

I've never heard of anyone promoting quite a few of these :/ it's about reuse, reduce and recycle. NOT we hate plastic....

[@mckenziewright2866]

How about thrifting? Much more cost affective for household and clothing. I got a lot of my work clothes there.

[@SSSS-wq4vn]

Mckenzie Wright yaaaasss

[@katiek.982]

Thrifting can be difficult (if not impossible) if you wear plus sizes, but choosing secondhand when you can is (almost) always a good idea.

[@crowgrl13]

Agreed! I have no thrift shops where I live, but I will buy things secondhand on ThredUp or PoshMark instead!

[@strangekat2840]

Virtually impossible if you aren't a standard size. I'm really short, so I can't find anything that fits me (and is a style I like) second hand. If there is anything, it's plain, boring and only in neutrals.

[@asadb1990]

@@katiek.982 im plus size and i find that in the USA, there are tons of stuff for plus size folks. but it doesn't hurt to go to local malls and check clearance, often the plus sizes are leftover.

[@cerysvy]

I agree with the comments claiming that this video needs further research. For example, thrifting is talked about as a zero-waste alternative much more than sustainable/ethical clothing. I haven't encountered any zero-waste/low-impact content online which encourages anyone to replace everything they own with sustainable alternatives and I've been following this movement for years. Negating individual decisions to refuse disposables day-to-day is detrimental. If I don't have a reusable coffee cup on me when considering take-away coffee, be that cup aesthetically pleasing or not, I go without coffee and my finances remain unscathed.

[@LoquepiensaMich]

The plastic thing is not real. The recommended thing is to NOT THROW AWAY the plastic you already have. I've never seen a sustainable KZbinr, for example, saying you should get rid of something you have to replace it for a more sustainable option.

[@katiek.982]

Some people do recommend making swaps without clarifying that you should use up what you have first -- for example, Lucie Fink did this in a video she posted recently. It's true that the most sustainable thing you can do is use what you have, though!

[@justsimplyme1986]

This is the first TFD video I’ve actually disliked. I’m going more eco-friendly and it’s costing less! I no longer buy coffee pods anymore (back to ground coffee), homemade cotton rounds instead of buying cotton balls, menstrual cups instead of tampons (that saves a lot!), and cut down on my takeout to once a month. Also no sustainable KZbin influencer will tell you to get rid of your plastics. You are encouraged to use them and then replace them with something more sustainable. This was a disappointing video.

[@222Deima]

Some people recommend throwing it out plastic Tupperware not because it is better for the environment but because it is toxic. However, in my opinion, plastic Tupperware is toxic when heated, not when you store a sandwich. So, I keep using it but NEVER heat it up :)

[@jmessick8163]

Deimante, just be careful with acidic foods such as anything with tomato because it does allow the toxins into your food. 🙂

[@lenani9143]

Deimantė S. YES! Or (if you have the money for new glass tupperware / if you use glass jars we always get with many foods anyway) you can use the plastic containers to store and organize other things that have nothing to do with food! :)

[@lollsazz]

People that promote sustainability don't say you have to buy new - I feel that's bad research on your part, or you've focused on those VERY FEW people that have misunderstood the concept

[@lollsazz]

@Geoffrey Morrison i have seen such plases too, but I think one should then focus on explaining the difference berserk actually promoting sustainability vs places that market stuff under the cover of helping the envoronment (like H&M with all of their "giving back to the environment" BS)

[@paularuge7864]

Like someone said (don't remember who): we don't need a few doing zero waste perfectly, we need millions doing it imperfectly.

[@chelseawilson-flynn2822]

I think you circled the issue of plastic but didn't really hit the mark. You spoke about reusing plastic and the daunting task of replacing plastic with more sustainable packaging but you missed the mark on single use plastic.

[@Carolina013]

Care to explain instead of complaining?

[@LaLaLaura]

Carolina the focus a lot of low wasters have RE: plastic, is more about single use plastic, not multi use plastic. Chelsea mentioned bloggers urging people to toss their reusable plastic but didn’t mention anything about single use plastic. Single use plastic is WAAYYYYYY worse for the environment.

[@justine4652]

@@Carolina013 things like plastic wrapping are useful only once and then thrown away and sit forever in a landfill. Multiply that by how many people are buying this stuff

[@SuperNerd528]

I think her point was to focus on all elements involved with being environmental. Not just plastic. The Palm oil point is huge. And so is the need not to purchase the bamboo cutlery vs just using regular stainless steel.

[@LaLaLaura]

Gaby V the palm oil point absolutely is huge! All the coconut products that are presented as being more eco friendly but are really just green washed. As for the bamboo cutlery... I agree you shouldn’t replace something you already have and don’t really need but I can tell you from first hand experience that you can’t necessarily fly with metal cutlery. I fly all the time for work (which certainly isn’t sustainable but it’s part of my job so 🤷🏽‍♀️) and I have had my metal cutlery confiscated twice so I had to get a bamboo set.

[@PatrikKron]

If the MIT study cited is the one I link here. Then the study seams to be a bit misrepresented. From the abstract: “Results show that online shopping is the most environmentally friendly option in a wide range of scenarios. However, as more consumers leverage traditional brick-and-mortar alternatives to their online buying behaviors, some of the environmental savings quickly erode.” [1] So in short online shopping is not always worse nor is it always better than “brick and mortar” shopping. (The link in the description did not work therefor I had to google it instead) [1] ctl.mit.edu/sites/default/files/library/public/Dimitri-Weideli-Environmental-Analysis-of-US-Online-Shopping_0.pdf?mod=article_inline

[@sierrasouthwell9237]

I've also come across that (or a similar article.) IIRC, the conclusion was that if you're buying one or two options, online shopping is typically better, especially if you chose standard shipping. If you're buying anymore than that, you should just go yourself (like groceries.) Additionally, online shopping facilitates online research, which is more environmentally friendly than the way people would often go to a store multiple times before they actually committed to a large purchase.

[@monkiram]

Thank you for sharing this! I love TFD but they do appear to have misrepresented the study

[@Irene-gq4jr]

Patrik, I wondered about that too. If I make a special trip to the shops in my car, isn't that at least as bad as having a delivery driver, who probably has multiple drops in the area, bringing an item to my door? I'm not a wasteful person, I don't buy much other than things I actually consume and keep/reuse everything for *years*, so I won't lose sleep over it.

[@Mariupolo]

"A bit misrepresented"? You're being kind. The video says something that's nowhere to be found in the research, no matter how you present it. in other words, it's lying. That's ignoring the fact that this is an executive summary (so not a peer reviewed paper) of one guy's master's thesis considering one set of values for the carbon footprint of the various elements, and so it would be unwise to base lifestyle decisions on it. (No, I'm totally not jealous that my own MSc thesis is never going to get this kind of coverage, why do you ask? Seriously, it's a good piece of research, but it's not the final word on the subject.)

[@ronbailey257]

There is also another level that people generally don't talk about, such as how does environmental impact workout for the life of the item. We to often buy things that we keep only briefly then move on to something else. While there are some things that have to be replaced fairly often I make a conscious decision to buy well made products that could potentially last a lifetime.

[@heythisisK]

Ron Bailey ^^^^THIS. Is accurate and important. And if you can't make the investment in a high-quality item, you can try to get it secondhand.

[@rbancal4768]

also if you will be using something only for a short period of time ..consider renting

[@moocrazytn]

We older people are routinely told that our kids and grandkids don't want our stuff, including our well-made furniture. It's not trendy enough! Much of my furniture is still very sturdy after 100 years.

[@Camphorous]

@@moocrazytn Your sturdy furniture is too big and heavy, regardless of what is trendy. I have had this discussion with my parents, and numerous roomates and roomates' parents who want to keep certain items in the family over the past 10 moves. If it can't be disassembled, carried up and down stairs, and manuvered around sharp corners by two average strength people with no special training or equipment, it's not coming along.

[@moocrazytn]

@@Camphorous I never said it was big and heavy. The only super heavy thing I have is a piano, and I'm going to disassemble it and recycle the parts. Another heavy piece is in two pieces. My daughter and nieces DO like family pieces. But I know others' don't. I also am building a new house with almost no steps. I'd hate to be your parents, being told what they get to do, even if you're helping them. No one wants to be treated like a child. Try to have some empathy for what they are going through. It's HARD to be aging and losing SO much. Perhaps they could work with an empathetic counselor to help them pare down. Parents often do not show how hurt they are by their children's treatment of them. But believe me, they feel it!

[@minimalmillionairemom]

Start with zero food waste. It saves the environment and money. The average American family wastes $1500 of food every year.

[@davidlazarus67]

Minimal Millionaire Mom I agree, my food waste is below $15 for the last three years. I have also switched to vegan for the majority of my main meals now so save money that way as well, but I have to buy online as no local suppliers. I have have used this as an opportunity to go organic at the same time.

[@likelyladsss]

Did it since my childhood. It's a drill from my granma

[@minimalmillionairemom]

David Lazarus Nice Job!

[@davidlazarus67]

Minimal Millionaire Mom I also throw in as much of the plant into the pot as well. So no peeling carrots, just wash and cut the stalk off. With Cauliflower I wash it all and everything goes into the pot including stalk and leaves all chopped up. Big peppers are also everything apart from the stalk. Including the core and seeds. It means my food waste from actual prep is insufficient for a wormery.

[@Losshe]

That's a huge amount if you add it up. 10 years of wasted food you basically threw away a new car(or a couple of vacations). Not to mention the negative environmental effect it has on the planet

[@MuniraHoosain]

I'm always skeptical when I see a video titled 'Zero Waste Haul' for all of the aforementioned reasons

[@clubbasher32]

Munira Hoosain There are some good zero wasters but there are some that are just privileged, snotty, arrogant white girls. There was one that literally called her viewers babies and played a baby crying sound bite at the idea of people using straws, and then went on to admit that bar shampoo and line drying “just doesnt work for her lifestyle” We have to hold companies responsible. We have more of a chance making change by emailing companies about sustainable packaging and production.

[@SunsetAtSundown]

Pro Tip: watch at 1.75 speed

[@ChristianHawkins123]

Pro Tip: don't watch at all. information denisty is about as high as the blank space between comments.

[@TigerTT]

lol its alot more bearable at that speed.

[@mimzwashere]

You just changed my life

[@TorontoNeurospicyGirl]

OMG!!! Thanks! Although 1.75 is too fast for me.. playing it at 1.25 is awesome. I do find she talk a bit slow for me sometimes. this trick will help me get through her video easier without losing focus.

[@gabyzuzu101]

Watching at 1.5 speed. Man they really streach out the video length.

[@FlyingCorgi22]

Now do "7 Eco Friendly Habits that save your money and the world"!

[@Bee-of9uu]

Lisa Perrett YES. PLEASE!

[@holo-ra]

1. Buy less stuff 2. Read books - from the library 3. Ride a bike instead of a car or public transport 4. Switch of lights and appliances you don't use 5. Grow some easy vegetables 6. Buy secondhand whenever possible 7. Get a hobby becoming part of your community - working in a soup kitchen or being a political activist will leave less time to worry about your next consumer choices -or something like that!

[@parallaxpatella]

Your first argument is not correct I have never seen sustainable or zero waste communities advocate to throw out and replace perfectly functional items. Also I don't buy glass containers I reuse things like glass jars for both eating and drinking out of.

[@paloalto765]

Do not downplay the change in individual choices.

[@noelomeli7054]

.... you may like to check out the " low impact movement "

[@libertad250]

Hello Tfd, normally I love your videos and advice but this time I really think you don't have any idea of what you are talking about.

[@felixhenson9926]

I love you so much for acknowledging the big, systemic element in the room that is getting off near enough scot free while individuals have to bear the responsibility for fixing the planet!

[@darcieanderson7169]

I am in the process of reducing my impact, and it has actually saved me money. I only buy things that I need, and when I do, I try to find a second hand version, which is almost always cheaper. Because I now buy >95% of my food package free (from Tesco and Lidl in a small UK town), I only buy what I need, so I don't end up throwing out food. Being vegan also saves money, as long as you don't get sucked in to the tofu, meat replacement stuff, instead relying on wholefoods, it is often cheaper than a diet which includes meat and dairy. Also, I up-cycle things; Instead of throwing out jeans with holes, I either turn them into shorts or tote bags. I think that as long as you are being smart and thoughtful about your actions, a lot of the time it is cheaper to choose the eco friendly options; even if the individual items are more expensive, due to the smaller number of purchases you make, money is saved. Obviously it is a complex issue which is not open to everyone in the same way as it is for some, so if you can't do it, so be it! Like with single-use straws- if just the people who needed them used them, it wouldn't be an issue.

[@hannahktess]

People like to be naysayers or point out the flaws in an argument, but I just want to say that I found this video really impactful and helped ease my stress about making the “right” eco-choice while shopping. I’m looking at the bigger picture now. Thanks for another great video.

[@jo0ls_dee]

Great tips. I think once you run out of the stuff you already have, you can get a better option (ex: once all your plastic tupperware has wrapped, you can get aluminium). But totally agree that we should focus on the first "R": Reduce. Don't get new stuff if you don't need it. When you shop, refuse a bad if you have a backpack your items would fit in, or bring a reusable bag. You can buy produce without a produce bag; you're going to wash all that stuff when you get home anyway.

[@katiecommon3614]

"Plasticphobia" is about more than zero waste, it is about health conscious people who want to reduce their exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals.

[@nydiaotero314]

Thank you. That is what I was going to write.

[@k.w.1459]

Yes, Katie, thank you!

[@shad0wyenigma]

It is very difficult to say if ordering stuff online produces more or less co2 because there are so many variables. Did you dive to the store? How efficient is your car? Does the delivery company prioritize speed over efficiency? How fuel efficient in the delivery van? Where is the distribution centre? How far was the product being stored away from your house? What route did the delivery driver take to your house? The only thing we can do is speak in generalities. Try to walk, cycle or take public transport to the store. Or if you order online go for the slower option.

[@arx754]

jonathan: And, fact is, that there are a LOT of things you just can't find in brick-and-mortar stores anymore. And, I say that, living in the greater Houston area, and I"m willing to drive into Houston to get it. Months ago, I tried to find a "pediatric humidifier" and needed it that day, if possible, but couldn't even find a medical supply store that carried one. Had to go on Amazon where I found about two dozen types AND one that was perfect for me needs, at a great price. (Had been told by my vet that one would probably cost about $100 at a medical supply store). Found one on Amazon for about $30. And, btw, it was for a cat who had pneumonia which some people might consider not worth spending the $ on, but important to me---and the cat). (And, btw, I recently learned that Amazon has a HUGE distribution center northwest of Houston. I had wondered why, even though I always went for the cheapest shipping costs, I usually get products within a couple of days....

[@heythisisK]

I strongly disagree that individual actions don't matter... Individual consumer choices drive corporate practices, and over time this is pushing companies to react (Hershey moving to all fair-trade cocoa, Starbucks eliminating straws, etc -- yes, I know straws are necessary for some people -- it's another reason to have a more complex conversation.) I do agree that some of this is a privileged mindset. But I think that those who have the privilege should use it to make more sustainable decisions -- ACTUAL sustainable decisions, not aesthetic ones. I strongly agree with the overall argument that a lot of this is aesthetic and agree with this list. As someone pursuing a sustainability degree, it's endlessly frustrating to see well-meaning people influence others to make decisions that are not only not eco-friendly, but also potentially harming their financial situations. Also, metal and glass are not ALWAYS better than plastic, even when it's not just about replacing perfectly good plastic Tupperware... Look up the carbon footprint of producing aluminum. It dwarfs those of plastics. And glass can often require vastly more energy to transport than plastic packaging. There are huge downsides to plastic too, yes. It's best to look at individual products and what's best in specific scenarios. And that's hard for the average person to do 100% of the time. Do what you can, but that's why we have professionals looking for the best options. Read studies (like TFD often includes in their videos) and look for real, reputable certifications on products (like B-corp certifications for companies and FSC certifications on paper products,) rather than claims like "paper-free packaging saves trees!" ** facepalm ** I wish I were making that last one up.

[@Diplomatecogirl]

Was ill two week ago, and noticed how many paper tissus I used in a few day, I was shocked of how much money and paper I used for something I could have done in anything else... So I search in my basket of fabric and found back a pj pant that wasn't wearable anymore but I had keeped for later on. I ansow the leg, cut it in multiple squares and saw a hew around all of them. I now have six little tissus and two a little bigger. I always have two on me, one fold in a pocket or in my bag, the other I'm using. And when they're dirty, I put them in the shower, to wash them the next time I shower with soap until I go to the laundry. The fabric is soft enough that my nose is less sore even if I use it a lot and I didn't even spend a cent on this, as the pant was a gift from my mom from six years ago or so... Quite proud of this one, I'll admit....

[@jazrei9441]

You know what isn’t an environmental waste? Captions.

[@jazrei9441]

Its been two weeks and still no captions.

[@inesalmeida2199]

It's not as if environmentalists are generally very inclusive (e.g. Straw discussion)

[@user-zh2cx9vv2s]

@@inesalmeida2199lol true. Btw there are silicone reusable straws which work well for kids especially

[@courtneyrichards3895]

Yes on the being unwilling to compromise turning people away! I have a chronic illness that comes in flares. Sometimes I'm perfectly fine, sometimes I loose use of my legs and hands. When I have a flare up I need to use plastic straws and plastic cups of fruit from publix are the only way for me to be able to eat healthy. I've had quite a few zero wasters tell me that I just shouldn't eat fruits or veggies if I'm unable to cut or peel them. I like the idea of zero waste but I know I can't do that with my life, so I do what I can when I'm well.

[@zziggy808]

Reusing my Pickle jars are better than buying mason jars. There I said it. In my experience, that most of these pickle jars are universal (when bought in the same size) different brands sell the same jar.

[@owenalicia]

Glad she opened this up by highlighting the greater impact we could have by targeting the harmful practices of companies instead of just focusing on individuals.

[@clairbear1234]

I hear people throw around the emissions statistic a lot, and if often sounds like an excuse to not take responsibility in the ways that we can. *Absolutely* companies need to be held to higher standards but we have a culture of consumerism that also feeds into the companies generating so much waste. They aren't producing products/waste in a vacuum. Point being we are all responsible and do what you can to a reasonable (but not stiflingly judgemental) degree. Carving out a new culture that it's cool to be eco friendly is great as long as it's not 100% just for looks.

[@LorettaBangBang]

Exactly. I don't get how some people criticize the movement for its looks while in the past it hat the exact opposite problem - not being able to compete with conventional marketing, being all "muesli". Now that people are making an effort to make it look good is supposed to mean "just an extension of consumerism" which it might be for some, but on the other hand its just marketing and visuals done right. Seemingly people need to be warned before any post that "no, you don't have to buy everything in your post you see and please use your brain"

[@sisethedachshund8285]

As someone coming from and living in Eastern Europe I can tell that for once lower wellfare level and sense of deficit, that is so deeply rooted in our grandparents and parents, actually has made many of us think and create lifestyles that with present day environmental issues, daily costs, just comon sense etc. challanges are well ahead of zero-waste actions in socities with higher disposable income. And many of us have kept this even with income levels rising. I am 33, and I remember my mom washing dishes thousands of times, and making very considerate decisions whether the mustard jar or plastic from let’s say margarine can be reused or probably this time it is not worth the water. Every item and situation is different in reality, and living just sensible (no branding like ethical, consious, sustainable, zero-waste, etc. is really necessary) requires constant thinking.

[@julialeek8382]

This video seems poorly researched and honestly inaccurate, I am disappointed

[@nvaranavage]

What I do is replace what gets destroyed. We had a lot of plastic throw away straws but we didn't use them. We donated them to our Cub scout pack to use them for crafting and for rain gutter regatta. I did not buy my stainless steel ones until I knew I needed them.

[@ligiabonfanti3493]

Americans are just great. Drive cars EVERYWHERE, buy everything online, have tons of clothes and heat/cool their houses 24/7 year round, have one little object for every single household task, eat more meat than almost any other country in the world, but wooow, use bamboo straws and mason jars and blah blah blah. Awesome

[@ligiabonfanti3493]

@Mrs. Jackson I lived in the US for a while, but I'm not American. But you are totally right, I didn't mean to be insensitive to people struggling in the US, which I know is a lot of people.

[@celimendez7620]

@TheNecrohazard you made them that way. And if car traffic is reduced, you can make bike lanes and public transport exclusive lanes.

[@arx754]

@@celimendez7620 ; Whether you live in the US or not, you apparently have no conception of the sheer georgraphic size of it OR that we're made up of 50 states, each of whom make their own decisions re state roads...and within those states, there are a tremendous number of cities, each of whom make their own laws re city roads. So this "You made them that way" is silly to say to any individual. And, to start with "If car traffic is reduced....", and then jump to what can be done (bike lanes, public transport) is also silly. You're suggesting to FIRST reduce car traffic? How? And, again, you seem to have no concept of the sheer size of this country---how many people live in rural and suburban areas----when you say "make bike lanes and "public transport lanes". You going to build these out in the "boonies"? The US has a population of about 340 million. What's the population and geographical size of YOUR country? (And, if you DO live in the US, I suggest a geography class).

[@lenani9143]

Being actually eco friendly without the aesthetic is simple and great for your wallet: the focus lies on *reuse* - use up single-use products and THEN swap them against a new item that is probably more expensive but lasts you for years (cloth kitchen towels instead of paper towels, laundry ball instead of detergent, cotton cloth + oil works just as good as single use make-up wipes) - don’t buy expensive clothes from eco brands, instead use the items you have to their full extend, swap clothes in your community, buy secondhand - Don’t let food go to waste! There are many great tricks that help prevent food from going bad and to use up everything that cost nothing. TFD, I‘m sure it wasn’t your intention but this video sounded very discouraging - „let’s just blame the industry“. Yes, they might have a higher impact on the environment but WE vote with our money. So, yes, it is about individual choices and it’s a great trend, maybe you should share some tips on how to be eco friendly without paying anything. (Btw, you guys over in the US really should scream for better public transport, so many cars often driven by only one person really make a bad impact.)

[@minnowx7099]

Lena Ni Did you watch the whole video? She started out emphasising that individuals have less impact than corporations but THEN said we can contribute by NOT consuming but reusing what we have - I find that inspiring not discouraging as it attainable by everyone not just those who can afford eco friendly products. And although there is lots of focus on being eco friendly it was the first time I had heard that statistic about corporations.

[@lenani9143]

Minnow x I did, and yes, she Made better arguments as she went on but it started out very negative and she also misrepresents actual environmentalists.

[@dougpatterson7494]

@@lenani9143 I didn't get the sense she was criticizing true environmentalists but rather pointing out the Instagram "influencers" and many people are more often concerned with the social prestige that appearing green offers and/or selling products to enrich themselves than with actually reducing environmental impact.

[@fabiolah.b.3141]

Hi Chelsea! Greetings from Costa Rica. I love your videos but I disagree with the perspective of this one. The idea or main purpose of the zero waste is to create awareness on individuals and then to push companies to do something positive. Many of us didn't have an idea of the things we know now and that is thanks to someone who said: "hey, you don't need that and that affects the environment for decades" and we realize the companies don't care while their revenue is not impacted. Maybe the perspective here is the pressure the regular people feel by the "I am so eco-friendly" ones, which is always annoying. I do a lot of recycling and a lot of reducing but I don't brag about it in conversation or social media because it causes apathy like when people show off their gym results, their religious superiority, their very expensive everything, etc. At the end, you gave the same recommendations any zero waster gives but making sound the zero waste move as something bad, which (I think) was not your point, it was to get rid of the pressure some people place on the rest of us. Thanks a lot for the links on the desc. I will be checking them out.

[@alisonrust4862]

You said it yourself, it’s been drilled into our heads from a young age to “reduce, reuse, recycle” however you missed the major point of that theory. To first reduce your useage - do you actually need it? To then reuse - okay, I need it, what do I have that I can reuse instead. Finally recycle - I needed it, there was no option to reuse something else, so now I’ll recycle it. It’s a step process, not just a catchy tagline.

[@sileenastevens8759]

I agree! I've made a significant move towards reducing my waste in 2019, but have realized just how much *more* waste is produced when you buy new items that are meant to "reduce" waste. When people go out and buy NEW reusable bags, it completely defeats the purpose of a reusable bag. You could just reuse an old backpack rather than buy a brand new product. I absolutely love this video, thank you!

[@annac7280]

THANK YOU for mentioning the fact that we need to hold companies accountable for their wasteful manufacturing practices. Most people tend to forget that climate change is an intersectional issue.

[@strangekat2840]

Something a lot of zero waste people do is completely ignore disability. Stuff like plastic straw bans and saying use reusable ones. If you have some disabilities, it's not possible to do that and that's fine. Disabled people shouldn't have to feel an extra pressure to do the impossible. You wouldn't shame a diabetic for using disposable needles. Don't shame disabled people for using the disposable plastic stuff that we need.

[@justine4652]

There are plastic-like straws made of compostable materials like cornstarch. Those would be a significantly better option but feel the same

[@strangekat2840]

@@justine4652 They're not hot liquid safe, so aren't really suitable. Disabled people often like to have hot drinks. They're also more expensive, and some people can be allergic to them. For anyone about to comment metal or glass. That's an injury risk so unsuitable. Silicone doesn't have a very nice texture, which can make it impossible. They're also hard to clean and sterilise, and can grow mold. There isn't currently an alternative for plastic straws that has all the functionality without being plastic.

[@justine4652]

I would argue the plastic ones aren't great for hot beverages either. It may not be obvious, but slowly leaching plastic into your beverage isn't healthy or safe at all

[@agathepower1219]

I've only recently learned about the importance of plastic straws for disabled people, and I do agree that they need to be accesssible for people who need them. However, I do think the use of them needs to be discouraged, perhaps even banned, for everyone who doesn't need them. So whilst I see how the EU plastic ban is problematic, I don't think just not regulating the use of single use plastics is a solution :/

[@CeeTee380]

Strange Kat, I think most folks would never intend to shame someone with a disability that needs to use disposable products. Perhaps the whole lower waste/ lower impact movement is more about making more thoughtful choices about things we don’t need. Using disposable straws out of medical need when no other options are available or washing reusable is not possible is understandable. Using disposable straws because one cannot be bothered may seem irresponsible.

[@wanderlustandsparkle4395]

I noticed that unforunately a lot of these bloggers, vloggers, Instagrammers go zero waste with out thinking about the cost for most people and a lot of the items they recommend are stuff you have to buy, stuff they are selling, stuff they are getting paid to promote. I bought my BKR reusable water bottle at Goodwill and I buy most everything at Goodwill that isn't essential at Goodwill yet I rarely see these Social Media Influceners promoting buy secondhand (it may take a while to find what you want or see others promoting but it's much better then buying something someone is only pushing because they are being paid to do so).

[@arx754]

wanderlust: I've shopped thrift shops for decades even when I had money to do otherwise. We have tons of Goodwill stores in my area (they keep popping up everywhere), but I think their prices are too high for a lot of people. They have racks and racks of clothes, but they charge way too much for them. I use a local thrift shop a lot more (and donate to them) because prices are much cheaper for the "community" here. I like the idea that my local thrift shop supports "locals" and I don't see that GW does that. That said, I DO shop at GW. (I work in cat rescue and I'm always looking for used towels and small comforters, especially). But, I shop on Wednesdays and fridays only. On Wednesdays, it's 30% off everything in the store for seniors, and on Fridays, it's 30% off for veterans. (I'm a woman AND a US veteran). Mainly just writing this to let people know about GW's 30% off days AND to encourage people to donate to LOCAL thrift shops rather than to "chain" ones like GW.

[@modelno2004]

What's so interesting too, is that many of these zero-waste influencers soon realized how exhausting it is, and changed to low-waste. Now, they're posting videos of "eco-friendly products I regret buying", realizing that they actually didn't need many of those products in the first place. In their defense though, it opened my eyes to many ways to reduce my waste (and save me money) overall that I hadn't heard of before (i.e. dryer balls, using microfiber cloths I already had as dry swiffer replacements, vinegar/water and reusable cloth to wipe down counters and surfaces in my home instead of disposable wipes, etc.). The straw thing was kind of ridiculous for people who soon realized they never actually needed to walk around with a steel/glass straw. And to one of the other commenters below, I agree that banning plastic single-use straws doesn't take into consideration folks with disabilities or special needs. Medical waste is it's own thing, but probably not much we can do there, unless we want to start reusing scopes, needles and blood bags as well?

[@LorettaBangBang]

Yeah, but thats what those social media people are for no? Making the mistakes so we don't have to.

[@TorontoNeurospicyGirl]

As someone below mentioned the "low impact movement".. I agree, we should just call it that. It's definitely a lot more "user-friendly" than the "zero-waste" movement. Because for Zero waste is an unattainable goal. and a lot of people can be deterred from even trying knowing that they will never be fully zero waste. The term was created for marketers, to try to make product zero waste. However even though so, some products can be called zero waste (for marketing purposes) nothing is truly zero waste. Just to produce and distribute the item, it is already costing CO2, even if the final product is 100$ eco-friendly, compostable, cruelty-free, fair trade, organic etc. When I first joined the movement I only hyperfocused on my individual choices and purchases, without taking into account the full picture. Now, months in, I have learned a lot more, and have a better understanding of the picture of climate change, and our modern production and consumption. It's not so much about getting that perfectly package free, compostable high-quality item.... it's about everything. It's made my life simpler in some ways and more complicated in others.

[@sweetieg92]

Great video! Over the last year I've learned these lessons from mistakes I've made in the past with trying to live a more sustainable lifestyle. I see a lot of criticism in the comments, but overall I think this video fits perfectly for those who are new to the zero waste movement and a great reminder for those who have been in it for a while. Everyone's life is different, so do what you can as a consumer and try to get involved in your local community when it comes to the environmental issues (and for other topics you feel passionate about).

[@carrisebear3499]

Our grandparents and great grandparents had the right idea with their habits; reuse everything, buy quality so it lasts your lifetime, fix what is broken. The biggest thing is to foster relationships with friends and neighbors so that becomes a reward in your brain instead of purchasing items.

[@oscarorozcoorejel]

FINALLY SOMEONE TALKS ABOUT NOW PRIVILEGE AFFECTS YOUR ABILITY TO SAVE

[@JazMusic100]

Wow! I can't believe this video. So many things to comment on but I'll start off with this; Zero Waste/ Low Waste is not money wasting. The fact this lifestyle makes you prioritize reduce and reuse- It makes sense that this would save you many bucks along the way. Please do more research and have an open dialogue with someone that is making an effort towards low waste lifestyle.

[@anikamukherjee7027]

I have to disagree with some of this. Most of the big "zero waste" KZbinrs acknowledge that it's better to at least try than to be perfect. I've also never heard them recommend that you replace all of your stuff that was not sustainably made because they're extremely intentional about giving advice that is actually better for the environment overall. Shelbizlee is my favourite eco-youtuber and she is very clear and transparent about the fact that reduce > reuse > recycle. Not replacing your less sustainable made things until they literally need to be replaced is part of reduce. While it is becoming trendy, I think that's actually a positive thing because it's on the minds of a lot more people. It's great to have something positive going viral even if there will always be those people who misinterpret the cause.

[@LorettaBangBang]

Preach

[@LaidbackLuc9]

Great bit of commentary, Chelsea! Much love for your efforts in educating and helping people towards a more wholesome approach, instead of the consumerist hyperfocus. One thing I would like to add to your last remarks where millennials and others can look beyond the eco-friendly consumption, is to look at work-related choices and your investment portfolio. A lot of us spend so much time at work and do not see the potential for helping the planet with the cloud of our employer. From working more paperless, to working from home, to propose a plan to install solar panels at the workplace can make a larger impact than your household efforts. Also, check your investments and look at which companies you support by buying shares. You don’t need to buy just green bonds, but by investing in companies with a better CSR policy, you’ll be able to possibly pursuade competitors to follow them.

[@ShaunakDe]

The truth is, products that are packaged in more expensive eco friendly alternative packing materials, are often manufactured in a less eco-friendly but cheaper way to keep costs level. It's a market place at the end of the day.

[@barbosacarollina]

This video is so needed. A lot of brands are selling zero-waste kits and people are buying it without thinking twice. I made my own zero-waste kit and only bought a stainless steel straw. Using what we have is much more eco-friendly but of course, companies do not want us to realize that.

[@justine4652]

Larger institutions don't care unless their profits are affected. Consumers do make a difference in that regard. We can demand change from them, but these smaller individual moves do make a difference. I feel like your argument at the beginning shows just how much people are unwilling to do their part because they don't want to change their lifestyles. Food deserts are a difficult one. Frozen produce needs to come in biodegradable or non-plastic options

[@amg1591]

i think the argument is less that individual decisions don't matter, and more that there are more effective courses of action; the ratio of hours spent to impact made is better if you're pushing for systemic change than spending hours researching supply chains to inform individual decisions (or so the argument goes)

[@justine4652]

@@amg1591 I get that. I just feel like companies don't listen unless profits are at stake, and our current political leaders don't believe the earth is suffering because they care so much about money. What will it take for systemic change to truly happen?

[@Isabella-de7kv]

Have a look at the list of institutions provided in the info box. It’s not b2c companies - therefore it’s not really up to the consumer to ask them to change their ways since we are not buying their products

[@itsaizzi]

ty for mentioning the companies that are way worse than individuals- sick of them getting away with putting all the blame on individuals

[@dylongarrett4779]

The HEB’s in Houston are promoting reusable bags more and that actually makes me really happy 😃 I know that it’s a small change, but maybe it’ll help change things with other larger grocery stores. And then eventually the city would mandate reusable or paper bags. Maybe I’m just a dreamer 🤷‍♂️

[@mikeg9b]

If everyone that cared about the environment voted for elected officials that cared about the environment, those kind of mandates would happen.

[@likelyladsss]

Just don't buy a new reusable bag. Use one that you already have

[@dylongarrett4779]

Michael Gainey I agree. I do think by changing it at the grocery stores then people may decide that it’s not so hard and slowly their minds will change. I know it’s a slow process but eventually the world will adapt to this new tiny change

[@morgaaaaaa]

some people are complaining Chelsea isn't viewing the ZeroWaste community in it's entirety and instead is being simplified by all the stuff people do wrong that's why this video IS helpful. it's spreading the message to a different audience about how nOt to do ZeroWaste the wording of the video could've reflected nicer on the community but the word is spreading and this video will be beneficial to those who aren't going to dedicate oodles of time researching basic knowledge is better than nothing- spread the word!

[@bexg2902]

Since we're on the subject of zero-waste, can we talk about not wasting 3-4 minutes on griping?

[@loop_lops]

Sometimes I'm just thankful that I was risen in a village-like city in southern Germany where you can still find small farmers and many gardens. We don't order our food but ask our neighbors or farmers if they have some eggs to sell or exchange and there is a little local store where you can ring the bell and someone will open the store. I've heard that many US-citizens like to use disposable paper towels but...why? There are towels you can wash with the laundry 😄 A cow "gets to know" the butcher only when the farmer has made sure every piece of the cow will be used. Sometimes it seems to be extremely helpful to have a look at the way people lived in the past...or the way they live in villages.

[@MariannesStudio]

Love this video! Being eco friendly is not just a mindset anymore - it is now a trend, therefore we need to look out for those booby traps that keep pushing us towards consumption.

[@lilmswicked3010]

Clara Scissorhands literally everything on the planet that exists consumes something, human or not. So maybe try being more realistic?

[@guy_arsonist]

Thank you so much for mentioning the corporate responsibility for global warming. I hate when people talk about saving the environment as personal when what one person does is a drop in the bucket compared to what corporations can do

[@HayleyandSimba]

This is the best conversation about being eco friendly. 100 percent agree with you.

[@brittanyambrose1137]

Love love love the fact that you put the blame for this on the corporations that are actually causing the problem. It's impossible for every individual to "do their part" without massive systemic change.

[@katewhite8153]

I agree with a lot of what you pointed out about environmentally friendly or zero waste movements online. I also loved your final suggestions about how to incorporate environmental friendly change and action into all aspects of life. It is super important and something that I think is very much within these zero waste and environmental friendly movements and influencers. I would suggest checking out sustainability vegan who started a movement called the Low Impact Movement which is very much about making whatever changes in your life make sense. It is different for everyone and very open and non judgmental. This movement addresses a lot of what you talked about in this video. This is awesome and the more conversations we can have in more spaces about moving us to be more sustainable is great and needed. 👍🍃

[@skyemccready]

if you're a person defending the zero-waste movement, don't get all high and mighty. you all know that the zero waste movement has issues, and I have personally witnessed SO MANY influencers getting greedy and making it an "aesthetic" more than an environmental and sustainable movement. all these new brands coming out and influencers making products that are "zero waste" price their products ridiculously high, making it impossible and demeaning for lower-income people to even THINK about joining the movement. zero-waste is for the wealthy. I support the movement for the good things it supports, but I have seen many take advantage of it and use it for their own good, so before you hate on this video, take a good look around and realise there's some shady shit going on in the community.

[@iluvchocolate411]

Great and thoughtful video as usual! While I do agree with some other comments that the “influencer” and “trendy” side of the zero/low waste movement is not an accurate representation of the movement’s goals, it’s still important to respond to it because a lot of folks who are just starting out on becoming more environmentally conscious will probably encounter these channels/influencers first. In any case, it is always good to keep the conversation going ✊🏼

[@shutupsavannah2195]

Buying more expensive sustainably produced products (when I can afford them) has saved me money. For example, my keen hiking boots have been going strong for over 6 years. This spring I spent $5 to replace the laces and they’re going to keep me going for years to come.

[@philosophyGoddess13]

This is great advice but you act like you’re saying something the zero wasters aren’t. All of the zero Waste people I follow say, nearly if not all of, what you just said.

[@barvdw]

Or you could turn it around, and say Chelsea is perfectly integrated into the zero-Waste crowd.

[@mikaelamariner]

OOF, this hit home for me!!! As I've been trying to be less wasteful, I only realize the grand vastness & never-ending cycle of perfecting! One thing that stuck with me in the beginning of my "decluttering & lessening stage" (?) was exactly what you said - USE WHAT YOU HAVE. There are so many specific items that just add more clutter to our physical (as well as emotional & mental) capacity. Thank you as always for your thought out take on these topics! So on point.

[@SenorFabio]

Maybe you should do a video on self-compassion in budgeting. I think it could help folks who "fall off the wagon"

[@sayhitovalarie]

I think using the terms “zero waste” or “low impact living” are the most privileged things about this movement. That, and considering it a “choice” Most places and people I know just call it being poor. I did. Making rags out of old clothing to clean the house with wasn’t to reduce waste in a landfill, it was because we didn’t have money to buy paper towels or cleaning rags. Saving food scraps to make broth or compost was called stretching what we had left to survive and adding fertilizer to the garden in hopes that the veggies we grew as our food supply would help us make it. We weren’t thinking about the environment we were just trying to live. Reusing glass jars? Couldn’t afford to by drinking glasses. Reusing old plastic food containers? We couldn’t afford Tupperware. Which leads me to a quick pet peeve about this “movement” - paperless paper towels are just called TOWELS!!!!! - I’m not trying to disparage this “movement” and I do think being more conscious of your personal choices and what you can reuse and reduce in your consumer cycle is a wonderful thing. I even enjoy watching a few sustainable KZbin channels. I just can’t overlook the irony of young upper middle class people doing what people with low incomes do on a daily basis just to live, and acting like they are doing something new and different. It’s not new. It’s not different, its called life for people living below the poverty level.

[@lipsticlicorice]

Getting plastic out of my life isn't about zero waste, it's about my health. I will continue to avoid plastic at all reasonable costs. Repeat: avoiding plastic is about your health.

[@milikoshki]

late here but after reading thru some comments, it seems like people really misunderstood the point here. This isn't an attack against zero waste or eco friendly choices/movements, this is pointing out that often these terms are hijacked to sell products, and when people learn about zero waste/low impact through youtubers with affiliate links, they may feel compelled to buy stuff they don't need. Especially considering how curated social media is, even if your pantry is full of beat up tupperware you inherited from your grandma (v low waste) you may be tempted to chuck it all in favor of clean and crisp glass containers that looked cute on insta. It's not a great characterization and it's certainly not the rule or even the average low impact fellow, but to say that this is only a few in the "movement" is not true either. As sustainability continues to grow as a trend, this will become more and more common and it's really important to point this stuff out and get people thinking about their intention and what they actually, really need vs. what they're being hoodwinked into buying.

[@TheCalypso14]

Sustainability has to be done both at a systemic and individual level. If There are people who are able to and can afford to be 100% zero let them be. This movement DOES put into question the systemic issues too. What you Say is false. In Europe buying produce is quite Easy, so when you Watch European youtubers you Need to understand that for us buying fresh food Is quite a normal thing unlike for you Americans Who has to drive EVERYWHERE. If consumers start behaving in a certain way now, May be we might start seeing some changes in a decade or two. Just because you dont see the changes now, you cant criticise zero waste for that.

[@jesseb5112]

A few weeks ago I took a zero waste class at our local botanical gardens. There was an emphasis on using what you have before buying things. With that said, it definitely felt like a sales pitch for products and companies. I agree with this video, but in general I think basing too many decisions on social media is a bad thing.

[@epayne]

I don't think it's totally fair to write off living a ZeroWaste/low impact lifestyle. As someone who advocates for it, I agree with you that these corporations and governments need to be stopped but that can also happen while we as individuals drive down the demand for unnecessary things like plastic. I don't advocate at all for buying new things. On my blog, I always make sure to encourage people to use what they have or buy second hand from thrift store or yard sales and even dumpster dive. I don't believe in the influencers telling people to buy keep cups and vegan gluten free non gmo 100% cotton ethically made tshirts lol It's rediculous. I have seen some influencers do this. "You must buy x to be zerowaste!" No. Using that travel mug in the back of your cupboard instead of buying a disposable coffee cup is more zerowaste than buying a hydroflask or a keep cup. You don't have to be privileged either. I'm rich by any stretch and I still make it work. It's not about perfection.

[@barvdw]

I didn't hear her write off ZeroWaste, on the contrary, what she advocates is pretty on point with the movement. She's criticizing the bling crowd you described that are in it for the hype, not the spirit, and is totally correct in doing so.

[@imaginarycosmetics]

Great video, I agree that sometimes it can seem like you have to have certain products or a certain aesthetic to "fit in" with the zero-waste movement, but I guess that applies to a lot of lifestyles/communities. I primarily watch beauty content on YT and I'm also in a few makeup related fb groups and people seem to think they need to buy exactly what their favorite influencers are promoting instead of taking their own preferences or already existing collection into consideration. The aesthetic of zero-waste/minimalism is really annyoing to me, because it all looks the same. I wish there was more individuality in this movement. It's the most eco-friendly thing to use and repurpose what you already own, but I guess in this consumerist society it's more compelling to buy something new and shiny, you can feel good about versus using what you already own.

[@saraherixson]

I loved how your main point was to encourage systematic change and demand corporations take environmental responsibility. You are right in that they need to be held accountable and change their processes. And although the individual movements are beneficial and helpful, we will get no where without the main culprits changing their ways as well.

[@DeadlyDeadlyBeees]

Totally. I was having a conversation about this yesterday. I could go around the city every day fishing recyclable items out of garbage cans, but it would be a drop in the ocean and be nearly pointless. It may influence others to recycle more, but it just wouldn't be enough.

[@superaims]

"Amen!" on nearly everything you've noted. Some counterpoints and observations: On aesthetics: if ideas are fashionable, they move consumers and the market. On plastics: like you, zero waste advocates encourage reducing your possessions, first and foremost, as each of these takes resources to maintain and repair. As such, items must be multi-functional, per your lifestyle-- so you are promoting the same things. Most also encourage the reuse of existing plastic; however, once broken, plastics are hard to repair, which begs the question of what to replace it with. Financially and ecologically, if you can afford to buy something that is going to last longer than plastic (or can be repaired with more ease, like stainless steel), it makes sense to encourage this. Moreover, single use plastics are the primary target of zero waste advocates and people should avoid them, if they prioritize reducing ocean pollution. That said, petroleum based materials often emit the lowest carbon footprint, over paper and glass. Plastic food storage isn't for me: I cook and can preserves and pickle food, so Mason jars with stainless steel lids are a better candidate for portable food storage. I find buying a set of plastics that only work for cold foods, in addition to what I already own, a wasteful expense. Canned goods and pickles are also needlessly expensive, if I can make them myself, quickly. I use insulated stainless steel containers because I work in places that don't have hot food nearby or kitchens to cook. I bring my own camping spork to airports because TSA won't allow real cutlery, usually. On simple swaps lists: again, reduce your possessions and curb your consumption first (a central zero waste ethos). Then, buy what you cannot find second hand, borrow, D.I.Y., etc... These lists exist to highlight better alternatives to typical purchases and are especially useful to those who have not purchased their first set of plastic storage. I've found that reusable and second hand items have saved me so much money, even if they might have had a higher upfront cost. On glass: it's expensive to recycle in many places-- but at least it's not made of petroleum, whose production is laden with questionable ethics. On the effectiveness of conscientious consumerism on the environment: duh. It's always better to try to cast a wider net, such that more people can make more ethical choices with ease, given policy changes, for example.

[@cheyennerlfinneran3914]

while there is scientific consensus that human caused climate change exists, there is very little consensus on what policies would work the best to mitigate it's effects or reverse it. i find it alarming that you'd be so quick to give up your personal liberty to corporations and the state (who admittedly have literally no idea what the right solution is). personal choice matters. we can't rely on the government or non-state actors to solve environmental issues. also, do you not know how markets work? yes, green alternatives/products tend to more expensive, but as products become more popular and efficient their costs go down. the perfect example is solar panels. they used to be crazy expensive and only the super rich could afford them. now they're everywhere because (over time) the free market and technology brought their cost down.

[@LorettaBangBang]

AMEN

[@jenniferstilwell3817]

Preach it!

[@francescaeve8776]

Industry is one of the biggest carbon pollutors though, so while we can all take our green bags and eat less meat (or whatever) the biggest change is going to come from government policy holding the worst carbon pollutors to be accountable. We dont really have time for the average person to solve this issue without governments getting on board. I, personally, would give up a little bit of personal liberty (having reduced purchasing options) if it means we reduce our carbon output and slow the warmth of 2 degrees.

[@cheyennerlfinneran3914]

@@francescaeve8776 please name ONE government agency/bureaucracy that is efficient at their job. name ONE that doesn't waste taxpayer money, time, or resources. name ONE that isn't susceptible to the political whims of the party in power and/or corruption from lobbyists. trusting the state to mandate a solution to climate change is illogical to me. saying the government should solve climate change is (1) a mechanism to absolve oneself of personal responsibility and (2) dismissive of creative solutions from the free market. any "solution" that reduces my personal liberty is not for me. it is horrifying that you would so willingly surrender yours.

[@LorettaBangBang]

@@francescaeve8776 Still, demand creates supply and policy. Don't you see that both are equally important than the other? You can't chose one. Its the same as chicken or egg. You start somewhere, wherever your personal sphere of influence is. Mostly its in both spheres to a certain extent.

[@Samantha-vg5ro]

Nalgene bottles made before 2007-2008 contained BPA and were all pulled from shelves due to the potential for leeching. Your old college Nalgene may need to be replaced for safety reasons.

[@brittneypoetzman8367]

One of best things you can do for the environment is add plant based meals to your repertoire a few times a week or better yet- go fully plant based!

[@jupiterliam7961]

This video helped me so much! I've been getting really caught up in zero waste stuff, and I hadn't even stopped to think that it was just one more form of marketing. Like, my favorite zero waste blogger literally owns her own shop where I've been buying items online. It's more important for me to use the items I already have rather than buying more stuff just because it's "zero waste".

[@cheyenneomans4995]

A sustainable channel I follow released a video some time ago about the zero-waste products she bought that were useless for her life such as bamboo cutlery and metal straws, things she used as props more than for their intended purpose. We have to look at our habits, and make the swaps based on those; if you never used a straw before, then why buy a metal straw now. Reduce, reuse, recycle have been forgotten about in this zero-waste movement because we all want that Instagram snapshot that we're "doing something good"

[@TheRedundantArtist]

Was that sustainably vegans channel?

[@cheyenneomans4995]

@@TheRedundantArtist Yes

[@marybeth3382]

I had an interview at Starbucks a couple of years ago and I asked them why they only used a hand dryer and not paper towels they said they wanted to be “eco friendly” A few months later I walk in their bathroom and they got paper towels. 😅 sure a hand dryer is a good idea at first but it uses a lot of energy and gives unnecessary germs

[@antisocialmuffin6496]

This was oddly timed. I’m working on getting as eco friendly as I can.

[@karinagutierrez7134]

I recommend watching Shelbizzle on KZbin! She's a low-waste vegan KZbinr with a degree in environmental science. Sustainably Vegan, Sedona Christina, The Girl Gone Green, and she all a part of the low-impact movement and understand that it isn't feasible for everyone to be 100% perfect but offer resources and information on how to live more sustainably.

[@sanityisrelative]

@@karinagutierrez7134 +

[@cmntr_]

@@karinagutierrez7134 This is so important!!! Most people who go vegan or low/zero waste overnight quit fairly quickly because it's "too hard". Allow yourself to not be perfect and switch things for more environmentally friendly options when the time is right, i.e. when you really need a new thing (because the old one is beyond repair or you're really unhappy with it) and you're happy with the alternative. And if you struggle to quit cream cheese or your holy grail face cream that comes in plastic right away, that's okay too. Don't stress about the small things when you've already made huge changes.

[@desireekasper1894]

Thank you so much for this video!!!! I admit I fell victim to this movement. I called my shampoo and hair care manufacturer (I can only use the one kind as I have psoriasis and this stuff works even better than the steroids I was on for years) to see about them going to more sustainable packaging. They kindly wrote back and explained that they have pharmacy grade manufacturing facilities and practices in order to meet the needs of some consumers who are unable to come into contact with certain bacteria. I realized then the internal focus leaves behind those who are unable. Am I able to use the shampoo bar with essential oils or change products to they hyped up brands? No. My psoriasis would be unmanageable. Are there some people with nerve abnormalities and other conditions who need plastic straws? Yes. We have to remeber there are other humans out there who simply can't and focusing instead on the systemic solutions are a much better idea. Thank you again!