Low Waste New Year's Resolutions for a Zero Waste 2024

[@helmickkm]

I taught myself to crochet in 2023, and I’m mostly using yarn that I either bought before going low-waste or have gotten second-hand, except for the Pride line from Joann. I’m actually crocheting a produce bag using vintage second-hand cotton yarn as I’m watching this video!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

that's awesome! omg I love their Pride line!

[@jessicah23]

One of the best things I did in 2023 was learn to sew! There were classes offered at my local community centre. It was affordable and more effective than trying to learn from KZbin as a complete beginner 😂 from there, I learned about a secondhand fabric store (a social enterprise!) nearby that sells fabric and notions donated to them at amazing prices. I am also less drawn to purchasing new things made of fabric because I can now, realistically, say to myself: maybe I can try to make that at home. I have also found lots of library books that include patterns so I don’t have to buy them. It is fun to challenge myself to do this hobby in eco-friendly ways. I can’t say I specifically set out to learn to sew in 2023, but it’s cool to look back and realize how much I learned this year.

[@shaunaburton7136]

Try and start a sewing group!

[@karinhart489]

@@shaunaburton7136 ask your public library to sponsor sewing workshops. I got a notice that in the town next door they will offer sewing classes. They also have a few sewing machines for check-out. Fill out those library patron surveys!

[@jessicah23]

@@shaunaburton7136 that’s a cool idea!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

sewing is a zero waste life saver!!

[@catherinewalworth6353]

I really appreciate that when so many other zero waste content creators are turning negative, you remain positive and actively moving forward. Thank you!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

awwww thank you! Gotta keep the vibes good :)

[@officialheidirose]

For those who can’t recycle at all or certain materials in their area, I encourage you to look for local stores or drop-off centers that will accept those donations! As Emma mentioned, glass is not accepted in my town; however, a local Target store accepts glass at the recycling bins near the entrance doors. Similarly, makeup stores like Sephora or Ulta may have a TerraCycle bin where you can drop off your old and empty product containers, which are often not readily recyclable elsewhere😁

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

omg yes! thanks for adding this :)

[@mariadesantiago8696]

The transforming the yard into a native meadow is my big new years resolution this year. I have been researching and acquiring as much information as I can to make sure i do it as efficiently as possible.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

yayyyy good luck!

[@baileegordon2825]

Emma, have you heard of Wild Ones? It's a US based nonprofit that focuses on increasing knowledge and accessibility of native plants. Lots of the local groups organize seed swaps and seedling swaps throughout the year to make planting regionally native plants more accessible to people. It would be another great volunteer option for people to look into.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

I have not but that is so cool I need to check it out!

[@racheljames9187]

I've been setting low waste goals every year for three years now and it's had a massive impact on my consumption patterns :) My absolute favourite has been aiming to buy no new clothing (at all)... apart from a couple of pair of socks or undies on heavy discount I've not bought a new piece of clothing in over 3 years, and this year I learned how to make second hand undies out of thrifted fabric so I have no need to buy new any more. I also discovered Depop for the first time in 2023 and have absolutely loved it. I've also been able to give my kerbside bin back to council for reuse in the community in 2023, and come to an arrangement with friends to put my small amount of waste (vacuum lint, plastic tags from thrifting, packaging from online second hand purchases etc) in their bins if I need to [in my area, an 80L plastic garbage bin is collected weekly by a truck, and bins are regularly replaced with new bins by council, so I wanted it to be used before they were going to decommission it rather than just sitting unused in my garage]. Some of my goals for this year are: - no new clothing (excepting if I really need new workboots and can't find anything suitable second hand - I wear boots out completely, had to retire my very well loved pair of steel caps this year as they started letting water in through the sole as I wore through over 1 inch of rubber in about 6 years. I'm currently using a near new pair of workboats I found on FB marketplace, but they aren't steel capped and sometimes my job requires steel capped boots) - no new stationary items (using what I have) except a new diary [I need a diary to manage full time work plus my business, and it brings me joy having a cute one] - no new sewing fabric (I'm a crafter, and I also run a business that needs fabric) - have to use my existing stash or second hand fabrics for all of my projects. Minimal (and preferably second hand) purchase of any other crafting supplies. - no new toiletries or cleaning products until I've run out and then replacements only [excepting my my hair dye in aluminium tubes if it is on special... I stock up and buy 3-4 tubes when it's on special as I will definitely use it. Also eventually need to buy something special for washing wool jumpers as my usual powder is too harsh for them]. I get lots of toiletry items as gifts and am still getting through the gifts and items I bought before going low waste.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

woohoo that's amazing! I need to try a no buy year

[@AdrienneSantiago-xf9tw]

Hey Emma! I'm doing a No/Low Buy for 2024! The only thing I'm really "allowed" other than necessities is expansions for a particular digital game. Not only will this reduce waste, but I'm saving a ton of money. Recently got a library card in my new town, so I'm taking advantage of the Libby app! If I need something for my business, like tech, I plan to get them used.

[@karinhart489]

Oh we are going to try a no buy month in either February or March.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

that's a great idea! have fun with Libby!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

woohoo!

[@adratts]

I’m finally creating some zines about local sustainable businesses and how to recycle properly! There so many new cool organizations focusing on being green, I want to do my part now 🕺

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

that is AMAZING!

[@karinhart489]

OK, thinking I’ll try this in ‘24: 1.) just forwarded the link to your blog to my email so I can read it on my tablet (then it gets its own tab) so I can remember what you suggested; 2.) update my list in phone’s Notes app: “Issues to Write Elected Officials” so I will have topics to write someone everyday via ResistBot; 3.) take the stack of paper egg cartons I saved to downstairs neighbor to give to their friend with chickens 🐓 in their yard as mobile bug control; 4.) check-in with neighbors once a month this year to see if they figured out how to follow rules on new food scraps collection by garbage company [the stupid sign was confusing & people were grumpy]; 5.) organize a kids pick up trash days at park next door.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

you've got this! Good Luck on an eco New Year, Karin!

[@amandaneale5180]

Love the sweater

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

yay thank you!

[@kleptomelly]

Thank you for all the great book and podcast recommendations. I added as many as I could find to my list in Libby. Also, a great reminder that I need to build and install my bat box ❤

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

woohoo! I hope you enjoy them :)

[@jennifershaw4756]

Great video and I love your new cardigan. I've been knitting hats with the Lionbrand Recycled Thick and Quick yarn and it's a great yarn. Happy New Year to you and your loved ones.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

ooh that's amazing! Happy New Year!

[@supersonicdevin3212]

Thanks for sharing!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

thank YOU!

[@7peacefrog]

I love your sweater! (I don't do/have Instagram, so if you ever share you doing DIY crafting/crochet or knitting's I would love to see) I want to ask, have you ever had any troubles buying yarn at a thrift store? I am asking because I was told from another youtube yarn person and they got bed bugs in used yarn before 🥺😱So I have been scared to buy something used or at the thrift store, sorry if this sounds bad/wrong. And thank you again for all your sharing! I am loving your video's P.S. Can you share the other friends you were talking about with the other KZbin channels that you enjoy?

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

thanks, I crochet it!! I've never seen anything like that from secondhand yarn personally but you could always disinfect it when you get home. I have a list of other creators I follow here at the bottom: www.thesimpleenvironmentalist.com/resources

[@Patchouliprince]

I’m so upset the local thrift store I grew up going to that was run by a local charity group finally had to shut down in 2023- Now my only option is Goodwill or a small thrift store opened by people who harassed me back when I was a minor because I’m queer. So regretfully I hang my head in shame and I bring all my donations to Goodwill

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

nooooo that's so sad!

[@lauracastro6967]

I love the idea of changing one habit to be more eco friendly every month!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

yes! it makes it so much less scary :)

[@sandibroad4099]

🤗🙌thank you!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

thank YOU!

[@drodlaren]

Couldn’t find your cardigan on ig but it looks so cool! You did a great job 🎉 I’m a scarf level knitter but i’m tempted. Also happy to hear you could make youtube your full-time job!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

thank you! I posted it to my stories haha

[@CS-xl9xv]

Climate Café sounds great I’ll look for one or maybe start one myself

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

oooh i should start one!

[@yutiekadalal6744]

Can you please tag all the creators you mentioned... I would love to follow them!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

omg I have a list here: www.thesimpleenvironmentalist.com/resources

[@junglesuperstar9270]

It is interesting that in this video you speak so fast that I could hardly understand u . I guess I am just too tired

[@katyaks8770]

You can adjust the speed...

[@juniperjabber]

if you look in the description there's a blog post you can read instead with the same tips, or you can adjust the speed. at the bottom of the video player, click the gear icon, then playback speed, and find which speed works best for you :]

[@csaat1243]

Yes, I used the settings to reduce the speed. I guess I’m not a fast listener.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

good news! you can change the speed at which you listen to my videos with the gear icon in the bottom right corner since unfortunately I cannot cater everyone's individual needs, KZbin can help you :)

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

exactly why I post the scripts as blog posts!