I HATE these zero waste swaps...

[@itsonlyme2011]

I'm so glad you made this video. Carpooling for me is the absolute worst. I live a 30 minute drive out of the way for any of my colleagues, and while I have considered using public transport to get to work each day my travel time would go from 30 minutes to a whole hour and 30 minutes everyday! I always feel so guilty for it but public transport around me is absolutely useless....

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

i feel you!!

[@AprilCMango]

i appreciate all the texture mentions omg

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

As a neurodivergent, I have to mention it haha it's all I think about

[@emilylarson1603]

My zero waste coffee routine is at home pour over with a reusable cloth coffee filter - It's really simple and easy

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

i should try!

[@debb12345]

I just wanted to say that I have disabilities and I related SO HARD to your coffee situation. Learning a decently complicated zero-waste process is A LOT when you don’t feel good and when you’re doing everything else. I can’t drink coffee (and my body is starting to reject tea), and I think the occasional $6 coffee is a great swap until you get your ideal setup! You already do so much, so don’t beat yourself up over the coffee. Thank you for everything!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

yes! I have chronic migraines and sometimes I just need a caffiene boost without using too much energy. I don't beat myself up I make these videos to be relatable and will totally keep splurging hahahaha

[@andreacraig-green1195]

Emma, former barista here. Coffee takes some practice for your preference. If you prefer diner type coffee follow the directions on your can plus a scoop or two.... 1/8c is usually the scoop size for most coffee. Also, the dark the roast the LESS caffeine a cup has❤

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

yes i know it is a science and I just can't crack the code haha

[@kiwifeijoa]

DIY toothpaste, understand that one, am still trying to make one that tastes nice and does the job properly. I gave up using sponges a while ago, now just use a linen or cotton cloth for washing dishes and a steel wool scrubber for saucepans. I boil the cotton cloth often, has lasted ages. If I'm running out of dishwash liquid I sprinkle baking soda in the water too, then I need less dishwash liquid. This was a useful topic.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

so curious how swaps work for some and not for others!

[@connie5689]

shredded paper can be added to regular compost as brown compost material. I also save many boxes ( tape removed) to cover my gardens during the winter months. It helps protect the nutrient level.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

yes I mentioned that in the video, but my compost is way too dry already being in the desert

[@marianamccune1165]

I love the taste of instant coffee and was pleasantly surprised to learn that it is actually really sustainable because it produces a higher yield than standard coffee. And no other instruments required. Highly recommend.

[@Kereea]

One of the only coffees I can stand is an instant cappuccino blend. It comes in a #5 bin but lasts me a good long while since I don't drink it often (only when I'm really cold or need to stay up late).

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

I like it in a pinch it's definitely better than when I make ground coffee haha

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

oh yum that sounds good!

[@hanamiyuu_]

You can throw the dishcloth on the washer or boil it for a few minutes with some washing-up liquid. I have had my dischcloths for years and I was them about once a week or so. I don't do dishes with mine, I use it to wipe the table. 😊

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

oh yes I clean them by hand but they still get gross and I said I have sensory sensitivities so I don't want to use them :)

[@hanamiyuu_]

@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist sorry, I missed the part about sensory sensitivities.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@hanamiyuu_ all good!

[@emilyann2581]

not a zero waste mascara per say but beseme cake mascara, I love it as a person who isn't using enough mascara before itll expire in 6 months, cake mascara expires after 2 years. it's deffinitaly diffrent but I do love it

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

oh awesome!!

[@halslibrary]

My mom loves the Swedish dish clothes so I always get them for her birthday and Christmas. I got a dish soap bar so we are slowly getting her into that now

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

just proof that every swap is different for everyone :)

[@KellyS_77]

Coffee tips: Instant coffee is easy peasy. Try either Nescafe or Taster's Choice (medium roast). It comes in a nice glass bottle that you can reuse or recycle. OR if you want something less waste, look at a pour over or an aeropress. Both are incredibly simple to use. I prefer the aeropress because you end up with grounds that are relatively dry and the filter is really small, and glue free so it's super easy to compost. You can also buy a reusable metal filter but personally I'd practice with the paper filters first. The aeropress makes "espresso strength" coffee, it's easy to just add some heated milk (of your choice) to make a tasty faux latte. Do you not wash the Swedish dishcloths? I just throw them in the washing machine when I wash the dish towels. You can put them in the tumble dryer or line dry it.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

I love the easiness but not the flavor

[@dyj321]

I'd recommend making cold brew concentrate in your French press. It's super easy! Just throw your grinds and water in there like normal then throw it in the fridge at least 12 hours, but you can go however long you want! You can drink that straight or cut it with water. I'd say espresso is more difficult than normal coffee, though. But it's fun to experiment with!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

i've done that and don't hate it i just like it hot better :)

[@anaferreira1958]

Swedish clothes can go in the wash which freshens them up and the sponges I throw in my dishwasher to clean it up

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

i don't have a dishwasher any more :(

[@friendly_herb]

I love my bamboo dish brush that clips into a bamboo handle! That paired with the Blueland powder dish soap is 👌 Also my partner uses a French press for coffee and it doesn’t seem too difficult to master

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

i need to try that! i should've mentioned french press here haha i hate them. I love the no waste aspect but I find they have to be really particular when it comes to measurements and temps and times and i always hate the coffee i make in them :(

[@Kereea]

"The fabric just starts falling apart" yeah, that's my zoo tote I got for my zoo membership like five years ago. The canvas is just, like, disintegrating and you can see where it was reinforced with plastic.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

yes!!!!!

[@notmychelle]

I use a stovetop Moka pot for coffee. No filter needed, and though the good ones are a little spendy they last for many years. Just don’t forget it’s on the stove and blow out the pressure release and it will work forever.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

i'll have to check that out!

[@supernova622]

Found a super cute vintage ceramic one at a thrift store for ~$10

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@supernova622 AMAZING!

[@abbeyroche2983]

I love my e reader. Pair it with the Libby app and it’s the epitome of ease and sustainability!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

the best!!!

[@fairyduckling]

for a lint roller, theres washable lint rollers, but it is made of not really sustainable materials, but it is still basically infinitely reusable

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

yes true!

[@samiko6091]

But then you have to wash it and only running water works and it's really hard not to wash it down the sink and all the microfibers off the clothes go with :( I haven't found a solution yet

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@samiko6091 i like lint brushes!

[@soffigoff]

you can wash your Swedishdiscloth in your landry so they will last longer, and when they dont wash looking clean you just use it to clean not just in kitchen.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

cool!

[@bammbeeee]

This came across my feed today and I really like you take on everything! Elate cosmetics makes a great low waste mascara. I haven’t used their new refillable mascara just yet (still waiting to finish the original). It’s a nice subtle mascara.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

welcome! thanks for checking out my videos :) I also want to try refillable, I think the brand I use now (Zerra and Co) takes back their old containers for reuse

[@fereil23]

I’ve tried doing diy items for so long, toothpaste, deo, anything skincare and especially makeup. Buying all the ingredients constantly just for them to not look like the product from someone else’s post or recommendation, I trail onto using my less eco-friendly makeup since I go out alot and enjoy trying new styles. I found that just using up all my products until I buy a new one and purchase from sustainable brands or that atleast try to be sustainable!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

right! there is no one size fits all and that way sounds sustainable for you :)

[@Kereea]

Yeah, my dentist wants me on a specific toothpaste due to my gums being naturally sensitive, so I just use that with an electric brush that I can replace the head on and batteries in. The MOM's near me now is convenient since it takes batteries for recycling, tho I try to use rechargeable batteries when I can.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@Kereea that's great!

[@thesnoopydance645]

I dont like ANY reusable straws. I'm always freaked out by what may be lurking inside of them. I know you can wash them with a special tiny brush but, yuck. I've trained myself to not use straws at all. Swedish dish cloths, also a no for me. 🙂

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

that's true they can get kinda gross....

[@tammystoddard2830]

Natural luffa is great for dishes. I grow my own and give as gifts. They can be thrown in the washer too.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

they're awesome!

[@KS-jf2jf]

Coffee 😋 I hear you! I've tried just about any method. The French press is good, but mine broke 😭 so went to my Spanish percolator. That is perfect! I also have regular coffee maker w reusable filter, but found that the metal mesh isn't as good as the paper version...and unfortunately I've had a number of them rip...not very well made (about like your comme ts on reusable poor quality bags!). Summa summarum, the percolator is the best for energy use, super easy to clean (only rinse), least trash (just compost the coffee grains) and tasty! Thank you for the video! Inspiring as always 🙂

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

one day i'll get something fancier, I would love an espresso machine! but for now I just don't do coffee at home haha

[@kayliemcintosh7841]

I like this type of video. My favorite part of eco conscious living is not buying trash all the time. Plastic bags and packaging. "I bring- you fill it."

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

yes i love that!

[@Kereea]

Tell me about it. There's almost no bulk buying near me so I have to sort so much crap to make things recyclable. Thankfully my current county system takes #5 stuff, my last place didn't. Also was NOT happy that a thing I ordered last month came with a ton of Styrofoam peanuts, in this day and age. Still trying to figure out how to store those so I can reuse them later for shipping or something.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@Kereea i can't believe they still use those too!

[@gingerdemoss]

I use my swedish dishcloths in my camper. All I can think of right now that I hate are paper straws and cloth hankies. I still use cloth hankies to 🤧 but I hate it 😂😂😂

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

omg i HATE paper straws! honestly i think we all do!

[@veraerdei6008]

Bamboo straws, bamboo cutlery, bamboo toothbrushes (I use re-cycled plastic toothbrushes) bamboo anything: NO THANK YOU! They are really hard to clean and due to them being an organic material, they can easily become a breeding ground for barceria if you don't clean them properly and air them out. There were many occasions where I went on a trip with my bamboo toothbrush and put them in their case before it dried and after I took them out the next day, they smelled and tasted horrible. Don't get me wrong, they are much better than buying the plasticn(/disposable versions in the case of cutlery and straws) verions of these products, but I feel like finding an even better alternative for bamboo was a really great choice for me. (also many bamboo toothbroshes are coated with beeswax, which could also be a problem for some vegans). It was a really great and informative video (like all your other ones) and I love your honesty!!!!!!!!!!

[@sarasoueidan]

What's your alternative to bamboo toothbrushes?

[@veraerdei6008]

@@sarasoueidan I use ones made out of re-cycled plastic and don't throw them out, I re-use them to scrum my grout or any other small surface. The one I use has replacable heads, so i only rebuy the heads, not the handle, making them even less wasteful and resource intensive. The brand is called Jordan, they also make less sustainable toothbrushes, but I'm glad they have this product!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

yes to bamboo being kinda gross haha!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

for real there are so many ways to reuse toothbrushes!

[@veraerdei6008]

@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist Exactly! I have a big container full of used toothbrushes and they often come in handy.

[@Azarko212]

I haven’t finished the video BUT I used the walnut sponges that I think earth hero sells but omg they molded on me so fast. Hate it

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

oh noooo :(

[@Azarko212]

Also, I hate the q tip from last swab. I’d rather just use a rag or towel and just wipe what I can from my ears. And I hate how they send me sales all the time like, no, this is the LAST swab, I don’t need a three pack or even just one more, I’m only one person lmao

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@Azarko212 right! THey're really not great...

[@SunshineDaydreams7]

I love my French press, it makes great coffee. I think it just takes a little experimenting to find the ratio of grinds to water you prefer (I know not what you wanted to hear!). The coarseness of the grind matters a lot too. If you buy pre-ground coffee, it's finer than what's recommended for French press. You can also try pour over, some people like that flavor more and you can get a reusable fine metal filter... On another note, I used beseme cake mascara. It is a little messier than the modern mascara we are used to, less dramatic, and takes a little more time to apply. But it's the best I found so far!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

i feel like i've tried it all (ground size, water temps, measurements) and it all fails for me so I've given up and that's okay

[@schmirfle]

I HATE my metal reusable coffee cups. I can always feel the metallic taste from it. Fine for cold drinks but not for hot! So I stick to my faithful plastic reusable. I’ve had it for 7 years now and sure it looks old and battered but it is perfect for me.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

omg you're so right I get that too!

[@Martin-qt7fq]

I've grown up with the swedish dishcloths, being a swede and we could usually wash them several times before needing to dispose of them. We'd just pop them in the washer and they would be kinda like new again, at least clean and fresh

[@Martin-qt7fq]

After a while they would become toilet scrubbers and lastly shoe polishers

[@denisemarie485]

I use them until they fall apart. One brand didn't last long at all. Found another that lasts forever. Love them. I soak them in hydrogen peroxide to sanitize themat the end of the day 😁

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

I do hand wash them and use them for weeks at a time but still hate how gross they feel at the end of their lives

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

genius!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

i'll try that next time!

[@ciannacoleman5125]

Personally i really like my bambu spork. It is compact & lives in my purse so i can use it when i forgot metal ones from home for packed food or when i eat out (though i only remember it half the time). I think its crazy everyone talks about the swedish dishcloths when you can use regular dishcloths lol. I only use cotton dish cloths, steel wool, & a dish scraper, Ive used them my entire life lol.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

right??? I feel the same about dish cloths!!

[@Kereea]

As for my least fav, probably either my all-biodegradable sponge (its coconut hair scrubby side is hard to rinse out but the normal sponge side is fine). Also poorly made silicone bags with separate closures for the tops. I have lost so many of the top closures and that has made those baggies useless for anything other than sorting stuff temporarily. I prefer my reusable ReZip plastic ones, they're easier to clean and care for and the only one I've needed to throw away in years is because my dog got to it. My most fav other than the ReZip reusable bags is probably the wool dryer balls I use. I was never fond of dryer sheets and I can use essential oils on these to scent my laundry which is really, really nice.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

OMG YES to the poorly made silicone bags! what a waste!

[@shaunaburton7136]

I have a hard time cleaning stasher bags.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

yes me too!

[@officialheidirose]

Another former barista here. I highly support your idea to get a second hand coffee or espresso machine. I got my mum an espresso machine & now she makes lattes at home all by herself :) For now, consider a pour over container. It’s simple to just pour hot water over your grounds in a filter. That way you don’t get as many grounds in the coffee as the French press. From there you simply add the sugar/flavor or milk/creamer you want. What do you want from your coffee?

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

love to hear it! I think that really is my main problem: I like lattes and not plain coffee! thank you for this! I really just want good flavors all around and consistent flavors. With my french press I found it varied from too bitter to too watery to burnt to decent tasting haha.

[@officialheidirose]

@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist lattes are really easy to make especially with a machine. Technically you could froth milk with a handheld, but if you want heated milk you’ll need a machine that includes it or a separate frother machine. Personally I haven’t found a reusable espresso grounds holder (just been using Starbucks blonde roast pods) but for regular coffee, I have a reusable grounds holder and I fill it with Joffrey’s coffee (Disney’s brand because it’s really good and they have sustainable efforts) I buy it discounted at T.J.Maxx. Hope some of this may be helpful, you’ll find what works for you soon :)

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@officialheidirose good to know thank you so much!

[@chrstopherblighton-sande2981]

I may have found a genuine plastic free laundry sheet!! They are made by a local company here in the UK called 'Simple Living Eco'. I've ordered a pack and PVA is not listed as an ingredient, neither on the pack's ingredients nor on the ingredients listed on their website. I haven't used the product as yet so I can't vouch for how well it washes, but I remain hopeful.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

oh how cool! can't wait to hear more!

[@kat_thefruitbat]

I don’t wear mascara anymore, but when I still did and was looking for a “zero” waste option, I bought a reusable/washable mascara wand and used it to apply jarred waterproof eyeliner/brow filler to my lashes. I used Kat Von D super brow pomade, which comes in a glass jar. It looks like you don’t get much, but trust me, it will last you a very long time. It’s smooth, not waxy, so the mascara wand can easily pick it up and apply it. You just lay one side of the brush on the product to pick up some product- gently so you don’t get a ton on (you only need to get it on the tips of the bristles). It isn’t going to completely coat your lashes and give a dramatic look, but it works and it’s the best solution I found at the time (this was a couple years ago so I don’t know if there’s anything new + good out there by now that’s specifically for this purpose). The pomade I mentioned is waterproof, so if you don’t want to use an oil or balm to remove it before washing your face, then try looking for a water-resistant product (gel liner or brow pomade in a pot/jar) and use the same method I described. When the product gets too low to pick up with the side of the mascara wand, you can either switch to a small makeup brush with short stiff bristles, or simply apply the product to the mascara wand with a clean finger. Always close the lid of the jar immediately after you get product out because these sorts of products, not only the one I mentioned, tend to dry out very easily over time if they’re regularly left open to the air for more than a little bit at a time (you’ll more than likely need more than one dab of it for a full application, so no need to screw it back on until you’re completely done, but lay the lid on to keep it covered in between). Also, always wash your mascara wand in between uses, and you will of course need to wash it with the same oil or balm as your lashes if you’re going to use a waterproof product. If you have a Nordstrom nearby, when you run out of product you can take the empty jar to the makeup counter for recycling (not sure if other stores offer this by now), or you can of course repurpose the jar yourself (the Kat Von D jar is quite pretty).

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

i'm not looking for a dramatic look haha i'm clearly no makeup girlie, i just have blondeeeee lashes and need them to pop a little on camera :)

[@kat_thefruitbat]

@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist You’re already gorgeous! ❤️😊 But I completely understand wanting to make them stand out, and I think this solution would be perfect for you since you’re just looking to darken them! 👍👍 To ensure you color the entire strands of hair for your top lashes, you may need to apply combing upward with eyes open AND downward while looking down (since the product is not completely liquid like traditional mascara). You obviously won’t need to coat the underside of your lower lashes, since no one will see that area. Couple more tips- It helps if you “wiggle” the mascara wand back and forth while combing onto your lashes (squint your eyes and tilt your head back to “stiffen” your lashes while you do this). Also, if you tend to get especially oily around your eyes, you can get a transparent face powder (or one that matches your skin) and lightly brush some on around your eyes (before applying mascara) to further prevent mascara transferring onto your skin. Just be careful not to use a lot or else it will stand out because you’ll look super matte on only one area of your face. You should be fine without powder though if you get waterproof or water-resistant product for your lashes, and it’s easy enough to just blot the skin around your eyes with a square of toilet paper in the middle of the day if ever you’re feeling really oily. Let me know if you have any questions, and I’d love to how it goes if you try anything out! ❤️

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@kat_thefruitbat awesome thanks!

[@7drunkenmermaids431]

I use nothing but steal containers and I just always have a clean bowl or small plate at work to microwave my food on. I'm so clumsy I simply can't use glass containers.as for mascara, I've been using both mad hippie that I like but it smells odd, (bio plastic tube... And the Besamé mascara cake. I like it. Just takes a few coats. It's in a small tin. U get it wet and run the product onto the wand but it dries and all stays in the tin.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

that's an idea, but I hate doing extra dishes

[@karinhart489]

I need to find the latest video on laundry detergent sheets. I tried some unscented ones in April while car traveling, and they were so much easier than getting a plastic laundry jug container. I tried to get the most environmentally friendly kind to try out, read all the reviews, but it is confusing. In addition to trying to avoid plastic, there are some nasty chemicals in most liquid detergents I avoid. However, not all sheet manufacturers list there ingredients. It is frustrating.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Yes def watch my laundry sheet video!!!

[@karinhart489]

@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist, I’m so frustrated with all the chemicals the sneak into detergent & packaging. 😣

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@karinhart489 RIGHT SAME!!

[@GarouLady]

I bought some stainless steel and learned quite quickly their pros and cons. Now I use them for when I go out to lunch and plan on having a cold meal like pasta salad or I need something for leftovers. I still use plastic straws because metal ones hurt my sensative teeth but I have a brush that I use to clean them daily. I go to 2nd hand stores and ask for socks that are going to be thrown away due to having no mates and I use those as bottle cozies for when I take my spice jars or pantry jars to the store to refill up. the colors make me happy and gives a giggle to the cashiers. win-win situation. also with caffeine craving, I actually found postum online. someone bought the recipe and brought back the product. It doesn't taste like coffee but it's a lovely warm drink that's not tea or instant spray coffee that works for me at night.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

love to hear everyone's takes on the swaps I "hate" thanks for sharing! I'll have to check out that drink!

[@breannajohnson1318]

Okay, for those of you in the comments looking for ideas for zero waste coffee, look into something called a “coffee sock”. It’s a reusable canvas material used with a jar of your choice to make cold brew coffee. 1 tbsp (15ml) coffee grounds is equivalent to the amount needed for 1 or 2 6oz (120ml) cups of coffee so keep that in mind for the amount of water and grounds that you want to use. If you are not a fan of or don’t have access to a coffee sock, you can also use cheesecloth and/or a CLEAN silk stocking in its place.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Imight check that out I already have one we use for tea!

[@karinhart489]

I tried something like a cloth sock to make my pour over coffee but it didn’t work out for me. So I use a natural paper filter to hold the coffee grounds in a porcelain cone, then I put the grounds into a 4 gallon square bucket with lid that I’m composting to make soil for planters on walkway to my upstairs apt. I use some old scissors to cut up the paper filter & mix it in. So far it’s working.

[@emiliakarlsson2545]

You can wash the dish cloth in the dishwasher! It will last you forever.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

I wish I had one!

[@meganlovesmatcha]

Izzy mascara!! I want to try it out.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

adding it to my list!!

[@madysonrodriquez8710]

@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist ive been using it and i love it just isn't waterproof but they refill it for you which is nice

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@madysonrodriquez8710 refills are cool!

[@fereil23]

I use besame cosmetics! Using water makes it look crazy, you gotta use any oil or serum! And they’re refillable!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@fereil23 oh that's great to hear i'm adding that one too my list too!

[@samiko6091]

Agh!!! The washing detergent sheets! Ive a load of chemicals to google now! Its vegan but now more checking to be done!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

it's wild!!

[@wecrazys]

For some general coffee tips: find the roast that works best for you (light roast will have more of a natural sweetness to it if you prefer a sweeter drink), how you make your coffee (ie french press) will determine the grind size you should use. Also try experimenting with your additions like milks or creamers (evaporated, whole, oat, etc). Harder to give advice without knowing exactly what your main complaints or struggles are but maybe this helps a little? They are at least basic tips that don't get more nitty gritty like water to coffee ratio and such.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

i've tried every kind of roast and they all taste nasty in the french press. I also already got rid of it haha i've given up

[@wecrazys]

@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist haha that’s fair, the French press isn’t my favorite either. If you do get an espresso machine I hope you enjoy it a lot better

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@wecrazys i'm sure I will! keeping my eyes out for a second hand one ;)

[@denisemarie485]

What is it that you don't like about using a French press at home? Too weak/strong?You need to grind the beans coarse compared to a drip coffee maker. Wait until the water stops boiling before you add it to the French press, give it a stir and wait about 5 minutes before pushing down the plunger. It's a trial and error thing but once you get the hang of it, it's easy peasy. It took getting used to after our drip coffee maker broke. What was only a temporary solution, ended up a daily thing for us. Now I love it but we do like very strong coffee.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

it seems always bitter or even sour! i can't ever get it just right. It never tastes like coffee shop coffee, just bad haha

[@ashy812a]

@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist try using a lower water temp, I get my kettle boiling then let it sit for a couple min (bit lower than the 195 ppl usually rec) bc bitterness is usually from too hot of water esp bc I let it sit for a while. for sour coffee you usually have to grind finer and increase steeping time but thats also bc of the beans (which are expensive then a decent grinder is min $100)

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@ashy812a i've tried this too to no avail

[@HolisticTake]

You always do great with your vids. Thank you!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

awwwww thank you!

[@clothyoriginal]

You might like the aeropress, since its so quick you don't get any bitterness. Plus it only makes 1 cup at a time. Downfall is that it needs filters but they are tiny and I've heard of somepeople using cheesecloth instead. Also make sure you are getting good coffee! Whole beans is best and grind them yourself, not hard i promise! And be sure to heat your milk too!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

oh nice! I'lll look into it!

[@xxsarahlizxx4757]

I really hate toothpaste tabs the most out of all the zero waste swaps. They just don't work for me at all. I think bamboo cutlery sets are so unnecessary, I always thought they are a waste of money when I already have silverware at home I can use on the go. I also prefer metal straws over bamboo. I actually love the metal food containers, but for certain uses. I have a metal sandwich box, so that works well cuz sandwiches dont need to be microwaved. I also have a metal three tier tiffon, it works so well for taking home leftovers at restaurants. Ive never tried a swedish dish cloth, something about using cloths to clean dishes grosses me out for some reason. I prefer the bamboo dish brushes, they last a long time and work so well.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

right i like metal boxes for cold foods but i rarely eat cold foods

[@anamayayo5]

I hate making coffee in the French press because it comes out too watery, instead I use an italian coffee maker, they are not very expensive and the coffee comes out really good. Ive been using the french press to make tea when i want to make a good amount of it.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

i do love the french press for tea! Is the italian one also low waste? or does it use filters, etc?

[@anamayayo5]

@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist yes it is low waste! you just need grounded coffee and water :)

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@anamayayo5 i'll look into it thanks!

[@Domsfun]

Swedish dish cloths are horrid. Love flannel unpaper towels for a lot of things including in the bathroom and as reusable tissues. Hate metal bottles that don’t flow right for drinking straight from. Love the bottles that do. Hate all the greenwashing on products that makes it very difficult to find anything that isn’t greenwashing. Toilet and floor cleaner is on the top of that list

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

thanks for sharing! agreed, I HATE greenwashing

[@denguad09]

You should try besame cosmetics cake mascara.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

i've heard a few people recommend that one!

[@recycleonwednesdays]

I'm confused about the coffee one. I understand how making coffee at home is more frugal than buying it. Is there something uniquely wasteful about coffee compared to getting anything else at a restaurant? Or is it just that it's a more frequent purchase for most people?

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

if you don't bring your own cup it's extremely wasteful! The "paper" cups cannot be recycled

[@purfections]

Try a moka pot for espresso!!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

OMG thank you! I think what I've been doing wrong is making black coffee and even with cream I don't like it. I'm a latte girl through and through

[@shaunaburton7136]

I gave up mascara.

[@Kereea]

I only use one mascara and that is a colored mascara I only wear for going out reasons so it lasts forever so long as I clean the brush before putting it back in the tube. Otherwise no. thank. you.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

if you don't need it, don't buy it!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

that sounds so fun!

[@findingthebroom]

looooove this top!!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

awww thank you!

[@bumblebeez1995]

I haven't found a single natural deodorant that actually works, or ones that im not allergic to so im stuck using dove :(

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

they have refills now right? I don't use natural deodorant either, check out my deo review videeo for some awesome brands :)

[@bumblebeez1995]

@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist they do, but the refillable container is expensive and poor quality.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@bumblebeez1995 that's a shame

[@marie-andreehould9859]

I have a French press... and I hate it. It's too big for only one person so I have a hard time measuring the right quantity to make and end up wasting some every time. It's also very difficult to clean, coffee grounds end up everywhere! Instead, I have an espresso machine at home and a reusable metal cone filter at work. You simply need a kettle and you can pour over any sized cup or mug! Also very easy to clean. I love it!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

so glad someone feels me!