HOW TO TALK TO PEOPLE WHO DO NOT CARE ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY // tips to convince them to go green

[@theunicornrainbow363]

My mom bought me a secondhand phone last year, because I asked for one and this year, she bought a secondhand phone as a gift for me, because she knew it means a lot to me. It was actually beautiful and she wrote me a letter and told me how proud she is of me 😊 I cried.😍

[@3119Fangirl]

I've always considered myself very lucky, because my mother is willing to learn about whatever passions I find in my life. I haven't even really had to say anything to her, and she's already trying to decrease her water consumption, increase her recycling vs trash ratio, and shop more plastic-free. She was even the one to suggest I buy a starter zero-waste product or two for my aunt and uncle as a holiday gift. These are wonderful tips that I will certainly be using with my grandparents and other family members, though!

[@RKMP2]

I think these go for all kinds of activism, not just for environmentalists. Thank you so much for the tips 💚

[@Gittemary]

Completely true 💚

[@taylortsakopulos1216]

Think this can be also used within all types of values, priorities, boundaries and choices we do that are different than others

[@RKMP2]

@@taylortsakopulos1216 yes, truuuuue

[@Rosegold.energy]

omg your eyes are gorgeous!

[@fionam5879]

Really good video with practical steps. No disrespect to other sustainability youtubers but most of the answers to this question are simply to not try to convince others and lead by example which is good, but your suggestions of not adopting your teacher voice, learning together, changing values v. habits really helped :)

[@Gittemary]

I am happy to hear that the tips are useful 💚🌿

[@alyssapfluger4236]

I have a hyper-consumer family, and my partner isn't huge into personal sustainability (because of the impact of industry), but they are slowly supporting me because how passionate I am. It's hard not to be an eco-missionary, but I have gotten into sharing recent swaps I've made and trying to bring them along on my journey. I've also told my mum, who loves giving gifts "I really appreciate how you're respecting my lifestyle and supporting me in living my values. That means more than any gift could."

[@rbrown6476]

Great video. “Climate change is not an opinion” is a great mantra! I was listening to this while stripping off most of the leaves from a bunch of watercress. I then put the long stalks into a vase of water (like a kitchen flower arrangement!) and it goes on the windowsill till long roots grow. Each rooted stalk will then get planted and during winter, I can harvest a little watercress each day for free. In summer, I do the same thing and plant outdoors, but the cabbage white butterflies love it, so it’s covered in old net curtains! Have a go, everyone, and enjoy nice watercress, just a little at a time, instead of yellow, rotting end of bag stuff. And fewer plastic bags ❤😂❤

[@brittanyweinberg9165]

Thank you for making this! Sometimes it really does get me down when the people I care about don't care about the planet. Recently rather than asking my partner not to grab the plastic water bottle at work, I simply fill a reusable one for him and leave it by the door so he remembers to take it with him. It's just so hard around certain people to see all the waste and get eco-anxiety. I love that you point out that it is not our responsibility. We all just want to make as big of a difference as possible and sometimes that means being patient and understanding.

[@ailz95]

My family just find me funny, mad and decidedly odd. It's great x

[@komarwkompocie]

my family also sometimes reacts like this, we are in this together🧡 keep doing your stuff, im so soo proud of you🤗♡

[@marycharlebois6627]

Yes... I give a crap!! Nice to be in this community of fellow crap-givers. Thanks for this video Gittemary... lots of good suggestions here.

[@Gittemary]

I love the idea of renaming the sustainability community to “crap-givers” 😂🙌

[@ZeroWasteFamily]

Thank you for bringing this topic to light. As a zero waste family and raising my three kids zero waste, minimal and plant based I surely come across a lot of people who do not agree or understand our choices. I have found that I can’t convince anyone but rather live by example and hopefully inspire change that way.

[@vickyjansen3544]

Wow, thanks for the advice. My husband at first wasn't on board in the beginning. I just make sure I have canvas bags with me or I give my honey a bag before he goes out. Say thanks! He didn't like the bottles for freezing, so I found the Stasher bags. I gave in with a couple rolls of paper towels for cat messes only. Give and take. Although I'm very proud of him for everything he does. Thanks again

[@vallovesnature8449]

Wonderful video. Good tips. I’m 62 & have decided that for me, it’s been easier to educate by doing things around other people.

[@komarwkompocie]

keep up your amazing work!! ❤

[@carriec910]

Great topic! I’m going to mention to my family at dinner tonight how thankful I am for their support. They mostly use my reusable bags as well. My daughter loves thrifting, and my husband walks the dog while I pick up trash in the neighborhood. My son has always loved animals and knows a ton about conservation. They don’t act embarrassed that I do some things differently than most people, and enjoy the bulk food I purchase as well as foods I make from scratch.

[@alexaolguin9326]

I just discovered your channel and i´m loving it , i had the idea of going zero waste or at least reduce my waste but i didn´t knew how to start and your videos are helping me soo muuch, thank youuu.

[@arianedesjardins8775]

Yes! I feel like the hardest part of being zero waste isn't being zero waste, it's the comments and reactions you get ALL THE TIME! My family always calls me cheap but they don't understand why I buy secondhand, don't eat meat and minimalism in general. They tell me I'm selfish when I refuse free samples because I could have given them to them. They call me an extremist for my lifestyle and say my appartment is ugly because I don't care for decor, I don't have a TV and it's a minimalist style instead of changing my decor every season like everyone. My boyfriends family almost never invites us over anymore because they are insulted that I don't eat what they cook and I bring a salad to share with everyone. They say next time we come for dinner we'll bring ours steaks...like really you can't survive a meal without meat??

[@riawhetstone3725]

I have a coworker that boasts to other coworkers about how much she does not give a shit about the planet. She has learned not to do that with me bc I always challenge her on it 😒 I basically end every conversation with a “you’re not changing my mind on this”.

[@Gittemary]

I know those people as well 😅

[@priscillajimenez27]

Dang then I guess she doesnt care about her future grandkids. Sheesh!

[@komarwkompocie]

i love these tips!!❤ in the past i tried so hard to make my parents think more sustainable and it just builded tensions. also i felt responsible for their actions even if im still a young person and they are adults - soo being responsible for my own actions instead of theirs made a HUGE difference in my mental health :3 now my parents learned from me a lot about sustainbility and slowly they are becoming more aware. its so satisfying to watch them grow not only for me, but mainly for themselves🌿 being gentle with them and what they do was the best decision

[@elkespiessens1756]

Love the video! I especially appreciate your tip on making it a mutual experience and starting from the same information. That helps so much in making it an actual conversation!

[@Gittemary]

So happy that it was helpful 💚💚

[@sarahthatcher123]

Not using the 'teacher voice' is the most difficult for me...as I AM a teacher...but great, really helpful points...

[@evie1919]

can you make a video about how to find other people in this kind of "environmentalist" community in my town? i feel so lonely and ignored by others because i know so few people who live the same lifestyle and find the same ideals important. thank you for the wonderfully helpful videos!

[@christineee7948]

You could try local zero waste Facebook groups!

[@evie1919]

@@christineee7948 ive always thought about that but im so nervous around social media, and i've seen actual proof that facebook steals info and search history so im a little scared of that specific social media :( know any alternatives?

[@stormymai6252]

@@evie1919 You could try and see if there is a group (most likely volunteer) that is put together by your city council/leaders of your local area. I started getting involved in some political things in my city and I found out that many places have a local environmental group that tries to figure out how we can help our city change for the better. Its also a great way to learn about the impact of climate change at your home.

[@eunicek.]

Love from Kenya ...🇰🇪

[@judithrussell9162]

Very eloquently said, as usual Gitte. You have a very humane and pragmatic approach.

[@moannaadams]

Thank you so much! I know that I was one of the people who asked for this video. This is super helpful! You are so inspiring! 🌱❤️

[@aidita7541]

Love this! I think this is why I created a social media account to share info... I know not everyone in my personal life cares so instead of driving them crazy I figured I can create a page and those that care can actually join there and listen to me babble...🙈🤣

[@natblabla1]

Excellent points. Thank you so much, Gitte!

[@AmandaConover]

I got an ad from Mcdonald’s on this video 😂 btw this is super helpful! 💕

[@Gittemary]

Haha so typical 😂🙌

[@marikathiervoz9517]

Really good video, very important. Sometimes, I try to convince people to become more "sustainable", and sometimes I teach them. For example, you know that if you're vegetarian, it's like if you stop to take your car. (because a lot of people think I'm vegetarian because of the animal's condition, but the real reason is ecology)

[@sustainableteacheryt]

Hi Gittemary!!! I liked your video a lot!! In my circle people is already conscious or at least aware, but I’ll keep your advice near me just in case!!

[@authornesilstone]

1000 people being 20% more sustainable is better then 10 people being %100 sustainable

[@evie1919]

id love if you could make a video along the lines of "send this to people who don't care about climate change" and just communicate with stubborn people or people who just dont understand that climate change will affect them (and also the most effective ways to help once they do care)? love this video btw!

[@rachnasingh8072]

Best title ever

[@L155-c4m]

Oh man! I've been doing harm to my family. I do all the things you recommend us not to. it makes sense now I will try to introduce sustainability to my circle in a way they don't perceive it as annoying as I think they have been thinking of it the way I introduce it.

[@queerstudbroalex]

I'm curious if things have improved since.

[@luisebruch7808]

Would love to see a video about the impact of Amazon, that could be super interesting imo especially nowadays where all the shopping happens online ... ! Im sure you’d have a lot of good information on that as well:)

[@Gittemary]

I actually wrote a post about the impact of Amazon for my Patreon ✌️🌿

[@leamariakiehlmeier2985]

You say it! It is so true, also about most things

[@Mimi__.]

This was such a useful video. Great work! 🤗

[@taylortsakopulos1216]

Think this can be used within other topics not just sustainability thanks for sharing

[@mariaastafyeva1426]

Hi Gittermary you have a lot of great videos of what you do for sustainability. What about making a video of what you DONT do? What things are just not worth the small improvement, are too hard, or were falsely thought to be sustainable?

[@queerstudbroalex]

A good topic!

[@Chlunkon]

love ur videos gitte xx i've been looking at clothing and swimwear lately made of RPET fabrics, and other trademarked sustainable fabrics. i think it'd be a really cool topic for a video!

[@ailz95]

Hey, I just make them have it. Like this year my family are all getting Cora balls as part of their Christmas presents 🤗😂xx

[@ThePianosarah]

You're truly inspiring and I feel a good vibe throughout your video's! I was wondering how you deal with feelings connected to what they call eco-anxiety. Do you sometimes have the feeling that you don't do enough, that you can't allow yourself to do certain things that are wasteful?

[@AnnaRobert]

The video I needed!

[@ΘΑΛΕΙΑΚΟΡΔΟΥΤΗ]

Greetings from Greece!love your stuff..what tips could you give for people who are interested in more sustainable/zero waste lifestyle but don't have the means to do so...for example we don't have stores that sell in bulk..♥️

[@joannefortman1979]

Love your video! Thank you 💜

[@natchosm4320]

You know, I've been eating vegan, trying to buy less packaged food, recycled and composted anything that could be. And I live with my parents and I've been trying to teach them how to seperate the rubbish and to be more eco friendly over this whole year. I've honestly gotten to a point where they are the same as before and I've started being more careless about it too. Its so annoying when you try to make others understand and they in many ways knock you down to a point where you're almost at their level. It feels shit, and honestly like I'm a failure. I plan to more out this time next year and I'll hopefully be in a better mindset to try this journey again.

[@lahijaderambo]

I really like this video !

[@evafarkasova4696]

Thank you!! 🌱🌞

[@miramare1991]

i have only 2 people like that in my life. me and my best friend.

[@SimonaShine]

I deal with these people every.single.day.of.my.life! Rolling eyes,trying to discourage me from making cleaner choices are almost daily.

[@komarwkompocie]

keep doing your amazing work!! im so proud of you❤❤

[@SimonaShine]

@@komarwkompocie thank you!

[@komarwkompocie]

@@SimonaShine you welcome

[@beatricemarsilius5585]

Thank you for these tips!

[@udderlylost1178]

My husband isn't into reducing waste like I am, although he does appreciate saving money. I try to make it work. He hates bamboo toothbrushes so I buy him recycled plastic toothbrushes that he doesn't mind. Then I use those for cleaning when he switches to a new one. Is it the best solution? Probably not. But is it better than using a standard new plastic brush. I would say yes🤷🏼‍♀️ people also surprise you. My husband surprised me when he started using my shampoo bar and he loves it! I was really surprised that he ditched his usual shampoo he's been using for years for my shampoo bar. I didn't even ask him to try it 😂

[@udderlylost1178]

Also I've noticed my mom started using washcloths for some cleaning. She still uses paper towels but after she stayed with us for a month next time I visited her she had a bin of washcloths on the counter for cleaning 😊 the less I push I think the more people in my life are receptive to changing some habits

[@kimcampeau3928]

Does anyone have any advice on how to talk to someone about single use water bottles? I have an aunt who refuses to use a reusable bottle. She says she doesnt like the taste of tap water. I have gotten her a few different styles as gifts to help encourage her to use them but she refuses. I know there are companies that basically just bottle up tap water and sell it. I was thinking of getting her a water filter, either one that goes directly on the tap or one that goes in the fridge like Brita. I am looking for a solution. Do you have any companies to recommend? Thank you so much for all your information. I am new to your channel and am loving the content. Sending you best wishes from Canada!

[@priscillajimenez27]

Yeah my friend has that happening at his house with his mom/sister. They refuse to drink the tap saying it tastes different from bottled water and mind you he installed a brita filter on the kitchen faucet!

[@БелославаГенова-э4л]

Get her a reusable water bottle with a good filter :) Thus she gets the good taste and cleanness without the plastic :) I got the lifestraw stainless steel bottle and am very happy

[@adelafialova9015]

I love the blouse youre wearing! where did you get it may I ask? :)and thank you for a great video!

[@Gittemary]

Thank you so much! It is a thrift find 🌿

[@debcress6718]

Another idea: invite them over, make gittemary's vegan Christmas dinner and they will be like woooow vegan food is delicious!!!😍😍😍😍

[@Gittemary]

YES 🙌❤️

[@1019jen]

Truth