does individual action actually matter ? // personal & community benefits from sustainable habits

[@Gittemary]

Ruby Cup is a go-to for reusable period products ❤️ Support a small sustainable business here: bit.ly/2JFp4gt

[@albiesspace]

Ohh I didn't know such a thing as a period cup sterilizer exists! I have a period cup already but might need to get just the sterilizer.

[@albiesspace]

Shelbizle used to end her videos with "you can't do all the good that the world needs, but the world needs all the good that you can do", and that's kinda what I think about individual action.

[@persephone213]

Agreed. I’ve always absolutely loved that quote by her.

[@persephone213]

💯

[@mariadesantiago8696]

Individual action with a lot of individuals becomes collective action.

[@gabystringer2056]

Not necessarily collective action as that needs intentional practice and working together, but culture change, is more possible

[@ashappyasiget140]

So true 🫡

[@shaunaburton7136]

Fur was a huge part of 1940s and 50s glamour. Individual action has taken fur out of common use. So individual action can cause big shifts.

[@sustainfem]

You're right, I'd forgotten about this!

[@junglesuperstar9270]

And drum roll we end up with eco fur that IS NOT BIO-DEGRADABLE And impossible to recycle . Total victory . The same goes to boots .

[@thatjillgirl]

@ChantalA489 I have a couple of fur coats I bought from my local antique stores. They are both at least 50 years old (I'm thinking closer to 60, or possibly even 70) but still in good shape, and they are WARM. I'm very happy to continue using them.

[@shalryma]

For some of us, individual action is all we can do. I can't go to protest against every single dumb action done by government or a corporation (that would be 24/7 job these days and I have a job, home and family I need to take care of), but most days I have a control over what I eat, what I wear and what I do at home.

[@kat4923]

Our government is trying to make environmental protests illegal :( it's ridiculous, I hope they don't succeed (by our constitution, they can't), but they're a bunch of fascists, and probably seeking a loophole.

[@MademoiselleMila]

whenever someone says to me something like "what difference does it make if I buy water in a plastic bottle instead of taking a water bottle with me from home?" I answer "eight billion people thought simultaneously" - and I noticed that this often makes such a person at least wonder what I mean :)

[@minna4285]

Individual action in the private sphere often leads to individual action in the political sphere (and often they overlap as well) and that's kind of how I wiew it. No one can do everything, but eveyone can do something, and when we do together change can happen.

[@raa9098]

I simply HATE to hear for thousanth time that "I'm not going to change the whole world alone" said by some family member who does not care about the planet themselves. I would say that yes - I am alone in it if no one around me will support :/ I'm not a perfect example because no one is perfect, but people who are not trying to be zero waste should not behave like bullyies.

[@josephaemma3852]

Fun that I’ve heard this sentiment at least 50 times from different individuals, agreeing collectively that it’s okay to not do anything and therefore creating collective inaction. I’ve also heard the “well we should hold companies responsible more than the individual”, which I agree with, but they blurt out this statement and then go ahead ans don’t do that either. Like wow. Go girl give us nothing.

[@user-tj2mt4jp1s]

Something I've heard from my parents is that all I need to care about is myself and my family's wellbeing, and should vote according to that and not care about issues affecting anyone else

[@TranquilityChiba]

What am I going to do if I don't take Individual action? Stew in indecision? Besides individual action can be tied to collective action. Community gardens, trash clean up days, voting, or going to town halls. Maybe someone asks what your doing picking up some garbage and a nice little conversation encourages them to do it too. For the expense part I actually rolled my eyes at first at unpaper towels or un-sponges, because that's more expensive than a single hand towel, wash rags, or even rags. Maybe growing up poor I actually saw it as more attainable because lots of stuff people decided to stop buying my family never did 😅. Style- well I'm very stubborn so when what I liked went out of style I just repaired it untill it's back in style 😂. Also figuring out your style can be much cheaper in second hand shops rather than a whole new new wardrobe upfront.

[@jaclynnavarro]

It can get overwhelming trying to explain to close friends & family why certain habits are more or less sustainable... so for my mental health I focus on my individual impact and the ones around me naturally start to understand my leading by example..

[@sajteapot]

Individual action is basic economics of supply and demand. Also, though, as a lot of people who don't understand, if businesses stop making stuff, we can't buy it. It definitely should be bottom up and top down.

[@rileycollison2947]

Watching this at the perfect time as I recently got into an argument with my dad, as I wanted to deliver something that was a 10 minute walk away, and he wanted to use the car. I know it is a tiny journey by car, but to me, it felt completely pointless and that it was much better for me to walk.

[@RottenlyMoodyChild]

To paraphrase Lloyd Alter: "use less stuff. Sufficiency first."

[@RottenlyMoodyChild]

My humble opinion. Yes it does matter and yes you are making a difference 💚🌍

[@RottenlyMoodyChild]

It really is sad how incredibly subsidised the meat, dairy, oil, car, etc industries are and how people are generally just wilfully ignorant to it or in denial about it.

[@karenr7931]

@@RottenlyMoodyChild ...or truly just don't care. Which brings us back to why corruption continues to exist.

[@zerowastehomestead2518]

Individual action is so important because when we all decide to no longer buy something then the companies get worried !!!

[@arthurlincoln9093]

Be a light in the dark. And switch it off when you're done.

[@citlaligonzalezgodinez4359]

Okey, yes, speaking only about if individual action of normal people has an impact on the environment crisis, the answer is no, not really, if the private sector and government keeps doing what they have been doing, the environment will still be in crisis; what will make a difference is collective action, but what is collective action made of? Individual actions. Meaning, we contribute with our individual actions not because we necessarily think that is the answer, but because it’s all what we can do, our part in the hopefully collective actions to come

[@angelika6620]

I loved the style of this video with you doing random things while talking!❤

[@360shadowmoon]

If that individual action is voting, then yes!

[@kfiercescene]

I love the fact that you do more on individual because it helps inspires me to do what i can, i know im not gonna change a corp but i can change myself

[@mmschwartz84]

The truth is that with Amazon and other online shopping at our fingertips, it makes buying new so much more convenient for people. Not great for the planet. I try to be as sustainable with my purchases as possible, but am not perfect. Thank you for your encouraging videos. I need to locate more second hand stores near me to frequent when I need things. ❤

[@foreverirish132]

You really make a difference Mary 💚 there’s so many ways to do so 😊 I try to live a minimalist lifestyle

[@anitameszaros3036]

Your actions inspired me. I don't do everything you do and i do some other things you don't since childhood. I want to start my own businesses one of them will be handmade products and because of you i think about what can i do to be more sustainable. And i start selling jams this summer, i know it's small, but it's sooo interesting that we can do it locally but instead we import probably everything. So if i can sell someone some of my products locally then that someone footprints will be smaller too. It wont change the world and i am sure in someone eyes it's not enough, but i start here and hopefully grow from here.

[@FlipFlop2729]

I think I went from the overly focusing on individual action to overly focusing on structural change. I know now that it‘s a balance. We need individual action to not feel hopeless and in turn have the energy to fight for big political changes. Loved the different settings and editing!

[@irenemilenkovic1940]

I do love that comment of "Ugh, what will just one person be able to do." I boycott a lot of companies in SA due to poor labour rights and unethical business practices and even if something is a really good price from a company that I don't support, I won't get it because of my stand point (our food here is always a struggle). Do people laugh at me for this? Yes. Do I still stand by my point of view? Most definitely. However, more recently, the companies that I don't support have been seeing the same attitude from other people, who are far out of my social reach, thanks to social media and have been taking the stand point of, "We want better". Sadly here that means that a company will just close down, they won't adjust their behaviour, which leads to job losses but I think people are also coming to terms with the fact when one door closes another two open. Nevertheless, I agree, individual action really does matter!

[@111nitya]

Making just one change for life is all that a person needs to make a huge impact overall. I hate cow’s/buffalo milk but I do love Cheese and ice-cream. I swapped to soy milk about a decade ago and I seek plant based cheeses and icecreams all the time. I do still eat it if it’s what someone serves or there’s something in the freezer that’s bought by my husband. But for the vast majority of the time, I’m grateful to have made the switch for my skin and digestive health not to mention the impact it has on the planet.

[@irenero8932]

Glad that you could find so many things second hand. I can even find regular cups or glasses in the Basque Country (Spain). About clothes the majority of the not many options are deadstock from fast fashion shops. Second hand that I take good care of, but not long lasting. Unfortunately I still buy fast fashion and if not I got it new from a second hand shop 😢. They told me they receive several trailers often with just the same product. It is completely crazy. Love Denmark it seems that we live ages apart. Also the UK is full of second hand shops ❤.

[@Zimtchocolatesca]

I can’t exactly remember the sentence but it helped me after I felt so guilty this morning for buying a new AC unit for the factory despite spending hours and hours and hours on Marketplace trying to find a used one. Sigh. At least I am vegan, bringing cleaned jars to our zw store, buying only second hand clothes (and almost all electronics) and avoiding single use plastic like crazy. Oh also- definitely haven’t set foot on a plane in a looooooong time! 😹😭

[@darlenelombari1105]

I live in Florida, a new a/c unit is necessary. Here, you can't get used. Don't beat yourself up. You tried. And you do other things. I believe our small things we each do, matter in the grand scheme. Keep doing you ❤

[@fruiteend]

It's not about being perfect! By doing all the things you do, you're already contributing a lot! It's better to do some things consistently than trying to do everything perfectly and not being able to keep up

[@viivi4196]

I saw your strawberries in that carton box and I'm not sure if they sell them in those, but I wish they did that here instead of selling them in plastic :(

[@chicboutique9186]

In Denmark, it's common for locally-grown strawberries to come in cardboard. Imported strawberries come in plastic. In general, our grocery-store produce is over-packaged. I don't see why a single bell pepper needs to be in cellophane, yet the organic ones commonly come that way.

[@khadidjaghouraf7008]

As usual; very good content Gittemary ❤. In economy, it is called Free Rider Problem or Collective Action Problem. I think that it would reach a wider audience if you choose another title (e.g. talking about saving money) cuz most people care only about themselves not about the planet. Also, as I can see, most of the comments are from people who already care about the planet.

[@karenr7931]

"I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples." Mother Teresa

[@junglesuperstar9270]

😂😂😂😂😂 not a great example

[@kot_kicia]

​@@junglesuperstar9270 why not? Her statments are able to convince more conservative people than the "last generation" mouvement perceived as "green khmers".

[@stormfischerr]

heartbreaking: the worst person you know just made a good point

[@ranmount]

love this positive message. I am also happy with ruby cup sponsoring this video as I was wondering if I should try them - I think it's decided now. 😂

[@gardeningtheearth]

Great message and I love your editing.

[@strawberrry1997]

Really enjoyed this video, thanks Gittemary 🙂

[@sarahburkhardt2037]

For some reason I really enjoy European perspectives even though I'm here in the U.S. Thank you for keeping this going, girl! 💚 🌿 Re: Menstrual Cups: My coworkers were making comments about menstrual cups being gross (they blamed blood on the women's bathroom floor being from a cup), but you helped me begin using them (as well as a friend from college who studied environmental science who began using them). There will always be people overcome with their own disgust/ideals but if there are enough people desiring sustainable products more and more people will see how they are needed. Your videos about menstrual cups specifically in the beginning of your journey helped me be able to do that swap, so I'm glad you've got a brand you recommend that sponsors you. Cups are not gross but so sustainable and pro-women. I will look into Ruby and appreciate the free underwear with a cup!

[@fenderskirt8]

This is your best video.

[@ceciliefranciska899]

Great video.

[@alosplanetas]

I love this video. Thank you!

[@GloriaMasaiti-bq9dp]

Very educational. 😮😅 We will all try.

[@ailz95]

Thanks

[@marie-evebreton8618]

Love this!

[@emeliasoderlund]

Yes!!

[@juliajs1752]

Being European and living in South America, the amount of single-use plastic here is *staggering*. Even in restaurants (usually those who cater to the office lunch crowd) you don't get glasses ,but plastic cups, you don't get metal cutlery but plastic, your napkin is in plastic, and in the end everything gets thrown into one big bin and not separated and recycled. It's disheartening. Why try to avoid plastic myself when tons of that stuff get thrown away every day all over the city?

[@khadidjaghouraf7008]

You have to do your best though. Where is the utility of this video then if you're still thinking like this😢?

[@juliajs1752]

@@khadidjaghouraf7008 Do I really *have* to? It's not changing anything here. There's not even a recycling system in place. I had my cloth bags packed into plastic bags by the cashier when I handed them over to get my groceries bagged. At some point one needs to give up and protect one's own sanity instead of running against walls.

[@khadidjaghouraf7008]

@@juliajs1752 Same thing in my country. I struggle to do that and when I buy something and refuse to get it packed in a plastic bag, people gaze me strangely as if I'm primitive or something. I would say, at least, my conscience gets satisfied.

[@lethalchicken1173]

Good point about the decline of biodiversity in animal species as a result of focusing on preserving cows/chickens seen as vital to our ways of life. You only said it in passing, but I consider it an often forgotten truth.

[@VertigoVirgo94]

I agree individual action overtime leads to a difference and I do the best I can with my huge household. I can say that people should try to use other plant based milks that aren’t made from almonds because almonds utilize 13% of California’s developed water supply and 17% of California’s agricultural water supply. It uses more than entire cities in the area. So please keep that in mind.

[@usainengland]

Those jars are wonderful until you develop a neurological disorder and constantly drop things. Ignoring corporate waste in the construction, energy and chemical industries is a mistake. Having children is the most wasteful action one can do. But no one wants to talk about population growth.

[@judith6133]

Yes, jars, glasses and porcellaine plates are not everytime the best for disabled people. Thats why we uses durable and reusable plastic cups and plates for our son. The same one for years now. Yes, ignoring corporate waste is a mistake. Thats why it makes sense to buy second hand. And yes, having children is wasteful. And you are free to choose your way of life.

[@usainengland]

@@judith6133 In the UK, poor construction with no insulation is common. Unfortunately, one’s choice is limited by the housing stock available. I appreciate the civil tone of your reply. Thanks for actually considering what I wrote. Best wishes for you and your family from Leeds.☮️

[@judith6133]

@@usainengland Oh, I know, our house has the same problem with insulation. My parents invested a lot of money a few years back to insulate the house, but it still takes a lot of energy to heat. The bill is enormous. Unfortunately I can`t change this. Sometimes we have to live with the things given. If you are a football fan, good luck for saturday.

[@junglesuperstar9270]

@@usainenglandinstead of demanding normal housing and following laws , you just -oh that’s ok

[@usainengland]

@@junglesuperstar9270 I live in 2 rooms and didn’t have children. I have never owned a car. If my lifestyle is the problem then there is no solution. Forgoing plastics & being less wasteful is good but the building single-family houses and population growth will still kill the planet.

[@marieluise6907]

❤❤❤

[@belindagritter1572]

I may now be leaving your channel which I have in the past enjoyed. I00% believe in living responsibly on the plant as we are the ones charged with its care. Meat from animals, particularly those with 4 stomachs is the cleanest and best way to get the highest food value and it has been so from the beginning of time. It is much harder for a vegetarian child to get all of the important compete proteins they need. I'm not saying it can't be done, but I'm saying it takes a lot of planning which most parents are not able to provide. It's not the cows and pigs that are killing the environment. I support local farmers, I eat local meat, and I will continue to do so. I cannot support the "get rid of all the animals to save the planet" idea with my views. I'm sorry to be leaving and I have never written a post like this before but it is something about which I feel passionate. You have the wrong end of the stick on this one. You do you, and that's fine for you. I'm happy for you to live your life as you see fit.

[@Foundlilly11]

There is so much scientific and factual proof that shows how mass meat production contributes to deforestation and climate change and intensive use of drinking water. The carbon footprint of animal agriculture is very big. It's not about gettind rid of animals, it's about not mass breeding animals who are fed with food that could have been eaten directly. Animals don't want to die, and for all those millions of people to eat so much meat takes millions and millions of animals to be killed every day. It is not hard to feed a vegetarian child. A lot of families live vegetarian and vegan. There are a lot of websites and books with inspiration and good info, also aimed at families with less time. In animal agriculture calves don't get to be with their moms for long, they are forcible seperated. Same with piglets. And there is nothing cleaner about eating an animal with multiple stomachs; their stomachs don't make their "clean". It's also kind of sad you can not keep following someone who promotes more plant based food. Why not take some inspiration or try it out. Is a good liveable future of humanity and this planet worth sacrificing so that a small group of people can eat meat 7 days a week?

[@raapyna8544]

​@ChantalA489 However, as adults, we create this society and coulture which kids are part of. We need to teach them that vegetarian and vegan food are normal food, which everybody can eat. Not a special diet food.

[@raapyna8544]

For OP: There are more domestic animals now in the world than there are wild animals. I think that's messed up. That's why I think we should reduce, and why I reduce. There are too many cows, pigs, and chickens. No ill will towards local farmers. The scales are just off - off nature's boundaries. If we ate less meat, we could rewild more habitats to wild species and save many from extinction. It matters to me. Wild species are what make the ecosystem, that gives us life and health. Without it, we suffer.

[@christinejewels2944]

get your uterus removed asap it works for rabbits

[@ranmount]

love this positive message. I am also happy with ruby cup sponsoring this video as I was wondering if I should try them - I think it's decided now. 😂