MY NON AESTHETIC ZERO WASTE LIFE (what I buy in plastic, upcycling, & more)

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Yay! This video is a collab! Watch Kirsten's video (from Strolling Through Life) after this to see how her zero waste life has changed since the pandemic :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/fX-be6ydhbR5epY

[@Ally-ug3nq]

Loved this video! I think it is important that more people share content like this on more platforms. I have shared a few photos on my Instagram account, Sustainable91. I love💃 Japan🇯🇵🗾 - How long have you lived their? I have been to Japan four times!

[@Ally-ug3nq]

Where is your necklace from? Very pretty!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@ItBeThatWaySometimes oh oops! Thanks for the catch, I probably ran out of cards haha but it should be in the description :)

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@ItBeThatWaySometimes no worries at all! Thanks for the reminder, sometimes I do truly forget and I'm not upset :)

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@ItBeThatWaySometimes also THANK YOU for the engagement!

[@YnezSage]

YESSS BREAK THE AESTHETIC "ZERO-WASTE" STIGMA!!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

YES YES YES!! IT's not about being perfect or cute!

[@debbiekoortzen1154]

I agree! 🌻

[@jampanda1568]

This house looks like so many Asian houses I've been in. My house looks like this. Hahaha, but I don't think in my culture, people think of it as "Oooh, I'm recycling and helping the environment", but more like, "I'm recycling because it saves money."

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Oh for sure a lot of people seem to agree!

[@mistermoonjelly]

This! One of my mom's cabinets are full of reused plastic amd glass containers. Whenever my mom makes kimchi she likes to use those containers to store them, age them, or give them away as gifts. Usually her friends give the washed containers back after they've eaten them all, but mostly for the glass unfortunately. Hope they gave the others some good use.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@mistermoonjelly amazing! they do make great gift-giving devices!

[@truepeacenik]

It’s not limited to Asian families. I’m frugal/ careful/cheap. I grew up with my mom keeping margarine containers for leftovers. I started with glass peanut butter jars, and I keep one size of ice cream/gelato jar. I joke that I get a cold soaking jar for hiking for about $3, and some ice cream free.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@truepeacenik hahaha that's too funny. I too grew up frugal but i think their point is that Asian cultures are naturally frugal while Western cultures usually aren't?

[@grandmasmith]

Most of us that have had a large family, living on a budget have been doing these things for years, not because of wanting to live "zero waste" or anything else, but out of necessity.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

YES! I talked about this in my "things I learned about zero waste from my childhood" video because I grew up in a family of 7 so we had to implement some "zero waste" habits in order to save money!

[@glendaschroeder6457]

I was about to say something pretty similar. We didn't have a large family, but I'm realizing we weren't as well-off as I thought. We did just about ALLLL of those things and I'm pretty sure my mom didn't give a toot about the environment in the 80s. It just wasn't on her radar. Apparently, saving money was. The only reason she stopped reusing plastic is that she was told that the plastic leaches into your food and beverages when reheated.

[@ms.pirate]

I only lived with my mom and dad and dogs, i have no brothers or sisters. But i have noticed that it wasn't normal for us to keep plastic bags and reuse em 👀

[@Acrylara]

I personally am motivated by "aesthetics". It keeps me going. But instead of for example buying new glass jars I strategically opt for ones with plain golden lids, when buying food that only comes in glass. That way it's free, cute, and recycled :)

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

That's great to hear! I'm glad there is space for everyone in the ZW community. I LOVE that tip!! It's important that we all find motivation for living low waste and for some it might be the aesthetic :)

[@truepeacenik]

I have four of the same pasta sauce jars as flower / greenery vases. Many of my pathos cuttings are in Pace salsa jars. I was given two boxes of mason jars, so those are my pantry choice for the simple reason that they have measurement marks. I know when I need to restock.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@truepeacenik amazing! my pothos are in a pasta sauce jar haha

[@KeruuKat]

a suggestion for your "uglier" jars- paint them! Take the ugly-designed lids and paint em, if you cant peel off labels use some tape (or paper and glue!) you have lying around to make new labels, or you can even paint jars/cans/plastic bottles with baking soda paint for some cool texture- and if you use the baking soda boxes as a de-odorizer for your fridge/closet etc, you can re-use it as paint!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@KeruuKat i mean i personally don't mind them and feel like the paint would chip off in my case since I use them for food storage and wash them frequently. I have always wanted to try that terra cotta look for decorative glass though!

[@StrollingThroughLife]

This is so realistic and very relatable! This is what sustainable living actually looks like! Loved collabing with you, Emma!!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Thank you so much! I hope this helps people who are new to the movement. Thanks for collabing, it was SO much fun!!

[@rh7968]

your videos really help my eco-anxiety. Progress not perfection

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Aww, Robin, thank you!!! It helps me too knowing that others live like I do but we are all making such a big impact! 100% you said it best!

[@iluvlaughinghard]

Me too I'm trying to do more eco friendly and sustainable things but when you look into it, it can be so overwhelming!!! And pricy 😣 but I'm just trying to do small bits, to do my bit

[@manuelpeters446]

@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist Are we though?

[@juna8089]

None of the things you are showing are ugly. It's very relatable, realistic and more accessible. All those people on social media who buy brand new "zero waste" items just to show off they are living a new lifestyle which isn't the main purpose. You use what you already have. Be mindful what you're throwing away, using and contributing to landfills. AWESOME VIDEO.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

That's the point, they are ugly according to the internet and other zero wasters who go by the aesthetic! I want to prove to newbies that THIS is what zero waste can look like and what it DOES look like most of the time! Thank you so much! I'm so glad SO MANY people are in this boat :)

[@juna8089]

You're very welcome. This video is on point. Having things that look nice isn't gonna help the earth and global warming. Making conscious choices will. Also I'm still a newbie so this video helped me realize I can start doing "zero waste" today. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to seeing more videos uploaded on your channel.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@juna8089 THANK YOU!! For real! Thank you soooo much :)

[@juna8089]

@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist No THANK YOU! Keep up the amazing work. You're awesome!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@juna8089 you're too sweet!!!!

[@nonersays]

This is the most realistic zero-waste video I've ever seen. I don't think I could ever go completely zero waste (largely because my husband refuses. I can't even get him to use the recycling bin and we don't even have to sort ours) but I'm a huge fan of re-using as much as possible. All of our "tuppewear" is re-used plastic containers.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Thank you! It's progress over perfection for sure and becoming more conscious of our choices! Good for you :)

[@asdfghjkl-er5bx]

Men are allergic to recycling for some reason... they seem to think it's too feminine or something. My old roommate was the same way.

[@bubblefish011]

My mom uses old cereal bags in the freezer and for her lunches for work. This is the first time I’ve ever seen anyone else reuse them before!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

That is awesome! We don't get cereal often (usually dumpster dive it) but I always try to reuse it!

[@peachettte]

Hands down best zero waste I ever watched. Insta subscribed! I am so sick of people enforcing pretty over zero waste..

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

You're the sweetest thank you SO much!! I AGREE and that is why I'm here ;)

[@supersavvyspender9051]

I think this way of approaching zero waste is so much more realistic for the general population. Love this video.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

It is!! And that is the premice of my channel is to prove that zero waste can be easy and free-ish and practical for everyone :)

[@supersavvyspender9051]

@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist Subscribing! That was my approach to using a safety razor. Sometimes it will work out and rarely I'm in a rush and have to switch back to a regular disposable. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZOQoKCLr7F8h9k

[@zonkerzoe]

Regardless of how it looks, mending and reusing items always makes me feel super aesthetic. Its so much more personal and individualized than the "copy-paste" zero waste on instagram. Also, fun book recommendation: Waste and Want by Susan Trasser. Its about the history of trash in America, but it has a ton of fun ideas for reusing and repairing. I ended up doing a ton of research on how to do a lot of things in the book, just because it was so interesting and still pretty applicable!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

I feel the same even if my mending is subpar haha. Ooooh i loveee eco books, I'm adding that to my list for sure! Thanks so much, Zoe :)

[@shaunaburton7136]

Yes! Almost every thing I own has been repaired, dyed, patched etc..., and I love how it looks.

[@valgarcia7011]

It is good to have things that are practical and not continue consuming just for aesthetics

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

YES!! Turning zero waste into an aesthetic just drives consumerism :(

[@valgarcia7011]

@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist Exactly 🙃

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@valgarcia7011 hopefully this video and Kristen's video prove that it's not about the aesthetic!

[@susannebolik8558]

Yes! Never realized until now how all these aestetic videos on yt put me under pressure and how I lost my focus for REAL and functional zero/less waste! Exactly the kind of content I needed! Thank you! 🙏

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

YES YES YES!! Exactly how I felt like a year ago. So glad others can relate :)

[@Transformational_change]

This is how I was raised and live still. I think anyone who has a parent not from the U.S. was raised like this. Great video! Just subscribed🌈

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

For sure that is what I'm gathering! Thankfully my parents were super frugal and I learned a lot from my childhood that was meant to save money but also saves waste as well and I made a video about that a few months ago :)

[@ah5721]

I was raised in the US many of us do this because its cheaper and frugal. In the South and Midwest its not uncommon to keep cool whip, margarine tubs etc to send home left overs in to our family when they come visit. My mama just last night sent me home with a bulk container from Costco container that used to house nuts that had bean and ham soup.

[@JessIcaMessika]

Personally I love seeing the "ugly" side of zero waste because it's not easy at all to have absolutely no plastic in our homes. Even if we try, a large amount of what we all purchase as far as food, is in plastic. I mean unless you have a bulk store but they are so dang expensive you'll spend $100 on produce alone, before you ever hit the grains and nuts. I love seeing this and knowing the efforts I'm making are having a positive impact. I have my kids learning too and my husband has been making some surprising strides as well. You're doing awesome and you're an inspiration.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

so true!! gotta keep it real, no one is perfect!

[@queenfrankiesoup]

YES! I've been thinking this for ages! Also, beware the greenwashing! It's so easy to buy - for example - muesli in a pretty cardboard box because it looks more 'rustic', but there's a plastic bag inside. Better to just buy the muesli that's in the plastic bag and *only* in a plastic bag.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

YES!! Good point! Though, I'm not sure that's exactly greenwashing, I see your point. Maybe there will be a cardboard only option somewhere, too ;)

[@lisaphares2286]

Or go back to using wax paper inside cardboard. It’s all compostable, but in winter can be burned in a wood stove to warm your home and reduce use of fossil fuel.

[@leamariakiehlmeier2985]

In Germany we have one brand, that sells oatmilk in a reusable Glassbottle which is really nice. And it tastes good, too.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

That is seriously the coolest thing I've heard all day!

[@evie8826]

Hii, can you maybe tell me which brand and where you find it? I'm sure I won't be able to find ot in my tiny town but maybe next time I'm in a bigger city :))

[@dorisw5558]

@@evie8826 Velike, you can find it in most bigger supermarkets right next to the milk in the refrigerated section. And some organic supermarkets carry Völkels Oatmilk which is also sold in returnable bottles.

[@christine-my3gd]

German people have cool vegan stuff. Im jealous 😊

[@MyHolyUnicorn]

They now have yoghurt in deposit glass jars!

[@monique6384]

Thank you for this reminder that zero-waste is NOT about being aesthetically pleasing. ❤️❤️

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

for sure! I have to remind myself quite often too

[@ejk872]

I'm glad I finally found someone with enough sense to go sustainable and eco friendly by not chucking everything they already own to replace their items with say glass or metal. It kills me to see others being so wasteful with perfectly good and useful items. I wish more people had the consideration you do to make the effort to live as waste free and environmentally friendly as much as possible.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

makes me so sad to see that as well!

[@marthaharris6276]

Getting labels off glass jars: when you have a greasy pan (we're talking really greasy, like something you deep fried food in), soak it in super hot water and put your jars with stuck on labels in the water with it. The oil will loosen the labels while the water cools. Then just wash everything with a grease cutting soap.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

interesting!

[@newt702]

Washing grease down the drain is really harmful to the environment tho, you might be better off using a different method

[@kai_desu]

@@newt702 it could still be done if it's thrown in a bowl instead of the sink.

[@lisaphares2286]

Washing grease into a septic system can cause problems, but city sewage processing can handle it. For keeping drains clear, mix more grease cutting soap in the water before draining if you do this to remove labels. And do as many jars as will fit.

[@tuanoini]

Wow this was so refreshing! This is the kind of eco-friendly life that is realistic and accessible for many. Watching this also made me so thankful for the recycling system in my country. In Finland, we hardly have any landfills in use today. Instead, we have a massive, country-wide recycling system that is state-funded. I can recycle biowaste, plastic packaging, carton packaging, paper, burnable waste, glass and metal at like 10 meters from my front door. Most Finns tend to have quite a sorting station in their kitchens - it's so common that often it's partly built-in.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

thank you!! that makes me so happy to hear other countries learning how to recycle better and hope the US follows suit :)

[@ah5721]

sounds dreamy! I cant get my folks to recycle because their recycling pickup only really takes paper products ..

[@annaosterman7734]

This is actually inspiring🙂 I really enjoy your realistic, "everything isn't perfect" approach. Also, your enthusiastic, but not overly cheerful narrating style is anazing. Will watch more videos🙂

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Thank you so much, Anna!! That is why I'm here :)

[@johannab6525]

This is so nice to hear! By choosing this lifestyle, our homes don't look like the ones we see on Instagram. But this is the house of someone who is actually making a difference for our planet, not just pretending to because it's fashion. Thank you for your video!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

YES!! Couldn't agree more :)

[@binkybunsssss]

This is the most realistic sustainable YT video I've watched so far. Thank you for sharing what you do. I also reuse plastic containers since most products here in the city are packed in plastic jars. Instead of buying glass ones, I also make sure to first use the plastic ones I already got. ☺️

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Aww thank you, Rose!! What great tips :)

[@cbains720]

Thank you for the realism. I hate seeing so many other zerowaster who say a don't buy new disclaimer, but then proceed to show 20 items to replace.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

RIGHT!! My channel is all about using what you have :)

[@FiNe_SiTe]

Thank you for this. As someone who's fairly new to zero/low waste living, a lot of the aesthetic-oriented vlogs made me feel that I wasn't doing it right if I had no remaining plastic or cabinets filled with only glass/bulk jars. YES. Reuse what you have before replacing items with sustainable items.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

exactly how I felt in the beginning! This is to show new ZW-ers that you don't have to fit that mold :)

[@jturtle5318]

I rinse or wash heavy plastic bags that junk food comes in. You can also use kids drink pouches, rinse through the little hole. Select the ones you want for your project, cut off the zipper top and make them one length. Use the widest zigzag stich in a short stitch length and butt the edges together, and make storage bins, tote bags, etc. I cut strips from the bags and stitch the cut edge to make handles. People love them.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

great ideas!

[@smirbelbirbel]

Great video! Just one little addition: be careful when you buy a big bulk of something that it's an amount that you will use before it goes off. That's especially important for nuts and seeds. Of course, some things like salt and flour basically don't ever go off, then it's fine.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Good to note! Very important to remember that food waste is bad too!

[@ah5721]

flour when ground produces small oils and can go rancid . best to use it with in the year of it being ground

[@herracaligari]

Flour absolutely goes off, you’ll taste it too

[@andi8717]

We strarted hardcore composting and I was shocked how much didnt even need to be recycled now. The films that cant be recycled now get turned into ecobricks and there's a dropoff about an hr from my house. I just store them in boxes until I visit my parents and drop them off on the way. We reuse a lot and have had a few people question why we have plastic still, so thats been fun explaining. Only been doing this about 6 months so we're newbies, but this video made me feel better bc Im not aesthetically pleasing with it. 🙃 You gave me lots of good ideas. Thanks!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

that is all so cool!

[@hope.s9947]

As a family of 6, our minimal, low waste life is a little different. We donate any and all used items, buy few items of clothing to get all the use out of them, buy few toys for all our kids to share, reuse coloring pages, use ugly old cloths for most cleaning jobs and reuse all the plastic and glass items either in the home or in the garden. I was raised this way and never really thought of it as making an impact, just the way we live. I am happy to know it will make a difference in our world also!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Thanks for sharing! Those are a lot of how I grew up in my family of 7 :) I talked about that in my Zero Waste Habits from my Childhood video that growing up, this was just life. Not sustainable living or zero waste, just a naturally low impact life :)

[@epicbethh]

I had a teacher in high school who was also a fast talker, when students complained it was too fast said “then listen faster” lol

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

hahahahah too funny!!

[@beepboop9628]

The fast talking is actually very refreshing, I process things pretty quickly so I find myself getting bored or zoning out in some conversations when there is a lot of pausing or it’s just slow going ❤️❤️❤️

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@beepboop9628 so glad it's beneficial for a lot of people! I just always point it out cause someone always says something haha

[@isabellemelissa7726]

I’m a little confused, I sped up this video out of habit and heard the “warning” but even sped up, I still find the video quite understandable? I’m over half way through and have no trouble comprehending their speech so I guess I’ve mastered this skill? Might be because my mother tongue is French and I’m used to speaking quickly, but I’m a little surprised this is an issue!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@isabellemelissa7726 Thank you! But, yeah everyone learns, hears, and interprets at different speeds and I know I'm a fast talker so I just give a quick disclaimer even if it doesn't fit everyone :)

[@camilleb.c.9019]

I use kitchen scissors (clean ones :P ) to cut my pizza when I use silicon mats. It works very well :)

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

GENIUS!! I need to try that instead of trying to slide a scolding hot pizza off the mat and onto a pan hahahah

[@shipit4595]

Where I live in Italy everyone use kitchen scissor for pizza 😂

[@ah5721]

Thank you for this ! When I started the aesthetics brought me in, however when I was flat broke I felt resentment that I couldn't afford to buy everything in glass or plastic free. What kept me trying is people like you , the Fairly Local Family and Shelbi. I have to say my menstrual cup is ugly , and I made my own pads and cloth wipes out of flannel receiving blankets my kids outgrew . I also use old kitchen towels as cleaning rags when they get to stained or worn out. I use cloth scraps from my sewing to stuff items. I turn old sheets into rugs or dresses for myself or daughter .I am part of a buy nothing group so we make sure it get second life and I buy second hand furniture solid oak that too golden that no one wants for cheap and rehab it with sanding paper and stain to make it look new,

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

It's so much more practical this way, right??

[@hf1493]

This is what I needed for my OCD. Im learning from you that it's okay to have all of these items, even if they don't match, don't look cute, or done fit in. It's good to do what you do because it's Better for the World.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

you got this!!!

[@insulanerin7601]

Saving bags, using up everything etc. is how I grew up. Before the Internet, nobody thought their pantry had to look great, it just had to be practical.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

that's great!

[@vanessa3550]

Love this video. I'm not zero waste by any means (hard to be when you are living with people that don't care) but try to be environmentally conscious as much as I can be, so a lot of this was very relatable. But also this really goes to show how beauty is in the eye of the beholder, because I really thought some of the things you showed where really beautiful. Especially that cat tree with the colourful fabric on the platforms! I absolutely loved that. All the cat trees I see in stores are brown, beige or grey colour, which I find absolutely boring and ugly even. (So is the one we have at home, but we've had it for years and as is the spirit of the video, why buy something new when the old one works even if it's ugly and just needs to be repaired every now and then.)

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

I feel you! I totally agree, I love my funky zero waste ish house but some people really want the jars and white and plants haha. Definitely do what suits you :)

[@thechroniclesofkweencoth]

so refreshing to see a realistic aspect of sustainable living. I don't call myself a 'zero waster' as I'm just fed up with the aesthetic zero waste that is now 'normalised' on social media, instead I rather myself a low waster. I still buy things in plastic cause it's more affordable than the local zero waste shops. I only get very specific things in bulk, and even then, I tend to opt for the more local wet markets and local chinese shops (for reference, I live in hong kong) instead but politely ask them if I could use my own produce bag or container. More than often, they're happy to accept them. A lot of the local shop owners are elderly people who runs them and are just surprised seeing a young millennial being so different in their approach to food shopping I suppose. To see their smiles and gratitude honestly makes me feel more motivated. :') And yesssss, to re-using plastic bags / bread bags / freezer produce bags (let's face it, sometimes it's cheaper to buy things in bulk from the freezer aisles than from the zero shop's freezer bin. or at least it's here!) for doggo poopies!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

I feel you so much. I hate the aesthetic and it's so frustrating when someone is new to the movement and they see they can't see those "standards." I love the term "low waste" much more. I love a simple "can I use this bag/container" because most of the time they will say yes in order to save their products haha. LOVE REUSING!!

[@ber1779]

Are they grateful you’re shopping locally?

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@ber1779 in my area, yes

[@circeverba4394]

This is how I was raised by my eco conscious mom (except she’s very extreme in a bout always healthy way). Glad to see content about reusing with purpose and minimizing when you can.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

This is how I was raised by my frugal mom hahaha but seriously how cool!

[@mushroomsssssssss]

i love this so much it makes me feel so much better about not having an "aesthetically pleasing" sustainable lifestyle

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

EXACTLY!! So glad this could be an inspiration :) thanks so much for watching!

[@AH-cy4md]

Use it up Wear it out Make it do Or do without 😊👍 ☮️

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Love this saying!!

[@justinethompson1917]

I love the sentiment behind this video. Nothing needs to be beautiful to be useful. I never thought to wash my tinfoil but you can bet I will be doing it moving forward.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Exactly the point! I'm glad that was portrayed :) I save everything ugly or not! Happy reusing!

[@ClandestineGirl16X]

You are fantastic! Thank you for helping to break the stigma of cute glass jars every where and no plastic in sight! Thank you for being real about the zero waste lifestyle and not being like those people who do it for the anesthetic photos ❤❤❤ I tell all my friends about your channel and how informative it is. I hope your doing well and have a fantastic week ❤

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Thank you so much!! That is SO important to me is to show the real side of zero waste to prove anyone can do it whether they "look the part" or not. you're the sweetest, thank you SO much that means a lot! I hope you have a great week too :)

[@ChristysChannelYall]

I live in the U.S. in an area where our recycling is not currently being picked up due to Covid and there is almost nowhere to take it. It’s very frustrating. I find zero waste/low waste to be very difficult as I have an OCD problem where I cannot have lots of extra stuff, be it containers, plastic bags, anything just laying around in case I need it. My brain registers it as something to be done and then I will go into this obsessive cycle of cleaning and organizing continuously. It is VERY frustrating as I don’t want to just throw stuff away. I have become a super minimalist and only buy exactly what we need in trying to cut down on waste. Props to you for finding all these ways to reuse stuff.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

no recycling due to covid?? Is there an explanation cause that seems so silly to me. Okay, I couldn't relate to anything more! I skirt the line of hoarding and wanting to get rid of everything every day!! It is so hard to live sustainably in this world designed for consumerism...

[@valgarcia7011]

I have four cats and I take good care of their things, they like my old clothes in their bed, I wash them every week, my cat made holes in her fabric carrier, Cobbler patched it up and it works fine

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

cats are sooo easy to entertain! I have another video on my channel about how to live zero waste with pets :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYSpY5iCgNB5gdU

[@notinamerica_911]

I think it is great you do these videos more people need to see them. Our planet is drowning in garbage and consumerism is the culprit that keeps it mounting every day.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

I have one coming in a few weeks, stay tuned!

[@erintannehill]

Love that you shared not only this message but also you shared examples in your own home! I have a few things that I've upcycled that aren't the prettiest, but I definitely could do a better job of finding things secondhand versus buying new. For me, I think the ugliest things I have are old shirts that I wear to bed or for working in the garden. Some of them are almost 20 years old and in rough shape, and I care more about function than how it looks. Another thing I have is my mom's childhood desk and chair. It's about 40 years old and in great shape, but definitely isn't up with the trends.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Oh yes, my gardening/yard clothes! I've always done that since I was young growing up on a farm. It's all about functionality! That is so cool :)

[@sashastoute]

Thankyou for showing your plastic utensils or plastic anything. Its reusable. You are so down to earth plz dont change. Love this video so much. New subscriber😊

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

just keeping it real! THank you SO MUCH for being here :)

[@georginashanti4605]

Thanks! New subscriber. Finally a reality check to the zero waste movement. There's never going to be zero waste, even our own bodies produce waste. Thank you for bringing back the balance. Small steps lead to big changes. 👍🌟☮️

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

WElcome, Georgina!! RIGHT! That is the goal! Aesthetics are fine and dandy but for those of us who don't strive for that, it makes us not feel included in the movement!

[@borleyboo5613]

This is right up my street. Using old plastic containers, spread tubs, ice cream tubs, jam jars etc is how I help the environment. I don’t have a drier, I make my own soap and washing powder. I’ve subscribed. 👍😃

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

I love it!! Welcome to the eco fam :)

[@lisaplummer8144]

This makes me so happy. So much more practical and less wasteful than trying to fit a certain look or label. I try to fix and mend as much as I can and I’m trying to incorporate some trash into art and craft projects. Thanks for this video!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

love it!

[@stzxvkzzn]

So refreshing to see a realisitc approach to this. The whole Instagram-aesthetic to everything in life needs to go!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

yes for sure!

[@shaunaburton7136]

I think we need to rethink as a society what we think looks good vs what works. If clothes have stains, if curtains or rugs or blankets have holes or stains etc or something doesn't look new but still works we should keep them.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Oh 100%!! Well said!

[@jamiefechnay7849]

I love most of the ideas! The only few things I would not do is supergluing any bowls or plates meant for food because superglue is not food safe. I also don’t use chipped ceramic cups and dinnerware meant for food anymore. I used to until I learned that lead can leach from chipped ceramics and bacteria can hide in it. Chipped teacups and bowls can work well for plants though. I also hand wash single use plastic forks and spoons instead of using the dishwasher.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

nice!

[@windinthetrees8573]

Thank you! This is how I live my low waste life.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

I feel like a majority of us live low waste like this, practically! I want to show more of the world that this is what it's really like, not just the perfect aesthetic stuff you see on the gram

[@amywiseart]

Just discovered your channel! It's so refreshing to see this side of sustainable living. While their isn't anything wrong with zero waste with a minimalist aesthetic, it's become a trademark of what minimalism and zero-waste is supposed to look like. Your approach to a zero-waste lifestyle is very humble, effective and most importantly REALISTIC for those who probably don't have the money to replace the things in their home to fit sleek minimalist look, but want to do good for the planet.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Welcome to the team! I completely agree! It works for some but it doesn't have to be the goal. Thank you sooo much! My goal here is to prove that is CAN be realistic, easy, and fun for nearly everyone and I'm so glad that message is coming across :)

[@ClandestineGirl16X]

Annnnnnd I LOVE how you made the cat tree! Thats such a great idea!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Thank you! It was sooo much fun and we saved so much waste from the landfill!

[@chandramembaca1168]

Yessss!! You're just like meeeee! (or I'm just like you). I'm so so happy to see another person who has similar view regarding zero waste. I hate mason jar! I hate when they ask us to replace plastic containers we already have with glass containers, thing that makes me feel like to give up zero waste.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

we can make it so much more practical!

[@chefinator16]

I love this! My household uses a combination of mason jars and salvaged tomato sauce jars as our drinking glasses and it's funny because we use those more than our aesthetic cups. Plus I feel less guilty if one of the sauce jars breaks than one of the fancy ones.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

aww thank you! that is amazing!! after I just moved I didn't buy any replacement cups and we just use jars too haha. I love a multi-purpose item!

[@cassiemarie859]

loving yankee candle jars as glasses there is literally a minimal company that sells glasses that look like them, Im like " thts a freaking candle jar lol

[@ah5721]

thats why I bought stainless steel cups by Better Four Your . I was tired of things breaking in ceramic or glass

[@chefinator16]

@@ah5721 That's a good idea!

[@Gardentrellis]

Hahahaha “I’ll either use for banana bread OR DOG POOP” that part was so funny to me because of the drastic change between something delicious and something gross. ;) I like your humor!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Right hahaha it's just so versatile hahaha!

[@baharpiena9246]

Aaaaah, so happy that I found your channel. Finally somebody shows not the "pretty" zero waste objects to use.😃💗

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

RIGHT!! Welcome to this eco fam :)

[@hannahnifong6498]

I LOVE THIS SO MUCH! This is what sustainable living actually looks like.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

EXACTLY! It's not about the swaps and looking cute (though it CAN be) it's about saving the earth in easy ways :)

[@rebacarmack8335]

I’ve heard that The Mennonites crochet strips of plastic grocery bags and make mats ; shopping bags etc. I try to wash my dishes in a pan and use that water for my roses- the detergents keeps aphids away; never thought about saving dehumidifier water.Thanks for sharing!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

lots of people do that!

[@Jennifer.villezcas]

This is so relatable, I'm so happy I'm not the only one who is not aesthetic all the time.💕

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Me too!!! Thanks, Jennifer!

[@monopolyn]

Super agree on the repairing. I have these black shorts I got at a second hand store that I have been repairing for over 3 years as they still are usable. Super proud of them!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

that's amazing!!

[@RowenaKWong]

I applaud you for being so up front and practical about living sustainably and minimizing waste. My lifestyle is very much like yours and I love to repurpose "broken" things after mending them a couple times. I don't have any small kitchen appliances either - I do everything manually.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Thanks, Rowena!! I want others (especially those new to the movement) to not be so overwhelmed by the swaps and the aesthetic! That's amazing :)

[@MaggieVee]

This video makes me so happy! I feel the perfect, aesthetically pleasing zero-waste videos can actually make people feel they have to buy more ("prettier" things) BEFORE they can start going zero-waste, which is so counterproductive.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

SO TRUE!

[@hasitdawnedonyou]

Thank you for making this video! Tbh the aesthetic is the thing that made me very uncomfortable because I like having all my jars look the same and etc. I bought all my ‘new’ jars second hand though so I allow myself that 😂

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Me too! And I knew others felt the same so i just HAD to make this video!!

[@sarap1167]

I am really enjoying the practical waste reduction messaging in this video.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

truly my goal since the beginning of my channel! It's not about buying stuff, it's about using what you have and it's so possible to do it for free :) sub for more!

[@bc9543]

If you're crafty, use your cut up silicone mat for a table protector during craft projects 😊

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

OOh what a good idea!! Thanks :)

[@TerraBuns]

Great video! A lot of these things remind of my childhood since my mom does a lot of the things you listed lol. The reusing old plastic bottles/glass jars, the bag of plastic bags, watering house plants with water used to clean veggies, repurposing things from garage sales in the garden etc. My dad used to always be like “why are you keeping trash in the house” and as a child, I saw it as “being cheap”... but as an adult I find that I’m starting to become more like my mom haha. Definitely have a lot more appreciation for that mindset now. Love seeing these more practical things that are easy to incorporate into daily living and aren’t just about the aesthetic. Thanks for sharing!!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

That's where I pull a lot of inspiration too :) it can be so easy to live low waste like this, and cheap!! Thank you, Tara :)

[@anettkruus]

I REALLY like your worldview and points you're making in this video. Completely changed my view on zero waste

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

awww thank you so much!!

[@ktm9292]

Love this. I reuse plastic takeaway containers for food until they start to degrade. This is great for meal prep because they stack really well in my freezer. Then use them for organising small items in cupboards. Only recycle if completely broken. Also, I've switched to bar soaps and conditioners but some old neighbours left the country and left behind all there shampoo and conditioner, I used it up and didn't have to restock for over a year. Saved a lot of money. I keep one set in the cupboard for guests.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

They are the best! I save so much money this way :)

[@debbiekoortzen1154]

I loved this video, thank you! This is what zero waste should look like. I am so inspired. 🌻🇿🇦

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Thank you SO much Debbie!! I agree :)

[@jenwood6712]

I seriously LOVED your video! It was so raw and beautiful and honest.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

I just put that in my videos for those who need it I know not everyone does haha. Thank you!

[@Justlookin1986]

Yes finally someone who thinks like me. I don’t call myself zero waste. Because I don’t do the whole jar thing. But my family dose know me as if it can be reused give it to me 😂

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Low waste is all that matters! I only use zero waste because it's a more recognizable term haha

[@karinhart489]

We got a local dairy cooperative to work with the university to come up traditional looking milk cartons made out of plant based material (but not plastic or wax linings) that quickly decompose when put in compost. The other dairy distributes milk in glass bottles. They both distribute their products in small groceries & produce markets. Back in the early 1970s when we started recycling bottles & cans (Boy Scouts picked up newspapers once a month back then) first you had to removing labels from bottles or they couldn’t be recycled (we came up with a soaking method. Then you had to drive them 15 miles to the recycling center behind a community college. It was exciting when ten figured out how to pick up recycling on trash day. Just wanted to say I reuse glass spice jars by having a friend who buys bigger quantities at the bulk section get a little more extra for me. Also, sometimes I walk a neighbor’s dog for exercise & use their disposable dog poo bags. After watching another of your videos (had a crocheted pouch with plastic bags stuffed in it) it occurred to me I could reuse the long skinny bags we sometimes get green onions in when I take their dog out. I was having trouble finding something to reuse them on.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

wow that's amazing!! love those ideAS!!

[@NaturallyMermaid]

Normalize ugliness!! Love this video & collab.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

YES YES YES!!! Thank you so much!

[@evaklassen8679]

I love how realistic this is!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

always keeping it real :)

[@evaastoul8160]

Loooove the video Emma, so inspiring! You cannot even imagine how much I can relate especially with the bag of bags! I'm so guilty of this omg haha!! Sometimes, I have too many and what I'll do is I'll take the ones that are in the worse condition and use them as trash bags. That way, I do not have to use a brand new trash bag. Because, inherently, trash bags and normal plastic bags are equal :)

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

THANK YOU EVA!! I felt someone would relate to that lol. That's what I do too!

[@khazermashkes2316]

I love the emphasis on using up what you already have or what would otherwise be thrown away instead of buying new "sustainable" consumer goods!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

YES! Why waste good product??

[@turtleface25]

A good method is to plan what you'll do with the container before buying the product. If you're like "oh I need to get more Tupperware" you can justify buying margarine or a product in a plastic tub because you're not really producing any waste. You need that tub.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

oh YES to this!!

[@kyliebaker1206]

Now this is the 'word'. Perfectly said.... So much buy buy buy and not enough use use use. Well done.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

YES YES YES!! Thank you, Kylie :)

[@Warrrkotka]

bag of bags classic :D I have many similar things (I'll try post photos of my bottle and jar collection in your fb group) As for other things I store screws and nuts in old str8 tins and when I recive bubble mailer I tear the outside paper and use inside bubble wrap when I need it.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

I can't wait to see! I love using packaging as storage! Love these things :)

[@jillmcaleese6514]

Super! None of us is perfect. Thankyou

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

exactly! thanks!

[@CurveTheRain]

I say potato you say “todaydo” 😂 I kid! Awesome vid as always!!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

I am not sure what you mean haha but thank you so much!

[@CurveTheRain]

@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist lol in your bloopers you say “todaydo”!!😛

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@CurveTheRain OH YES hahahahahha i forgot about those! Good one ;)

[@ohnana21]

Wow. This is the most relatable zero waste/sustainable living videos I've seen. I always thought my pantry was so ugly compared to the aesthetic ones online lol I'm glad you showed that "ugly" items around the house and that we own is real and necessary.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Exactly! I want to show that everyday people ARE zero waste already. It doesn't have to be a whole ordeal :)

[@flocela]

Don't those silicone mats have a weave of fiberglass inside of them? Fiberglass encased in silicone. Once you cut them, then the fiberglass can get out and in your food.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

apparently haha i didn't know that upon release of this video but have since thrown it out :)

[@jadesavedbygrace2325]

Thank you for making me feel better about what I am able to do to be a responsible consumer.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

of course! just out here doing what we can :)

[@katebender4745]

This was very helpful! I'm just getting into trying to live "less waste" vs "zero waste" in an effort to make less trash but not become obsessed or stressed by it. Being reasonable while doing the best we can seems to be the more realistic way to help. Thank you!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Aww, thanks, Kate! 100% a great way to think about it :)

[@azuritevalentine6199]

This is so realistic. I wish more people knew it was really like this and not the aesthetic looking that's for rich people. That you can buy second hand zero waste. I've bought so much reusable things second hand. I bought food huggers for $1. Bought wooden utensils too. Got a nice coconut bowl and wooden fork ware second hand. And more for like nearly $40 in 2 trips to the reuse store near me, mind you several different things reuse store

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

thank you, that is always my goal! you can be eco with what you have instead of buying a ton of stuff new :)

[@clovesbian]

Also trying to be ZW has turned me into a plastic bag hoarder lol. I have sooooo many plastic bags for cat and dog poop bags that i 100% get from WORK that disposable cups come in and i take them before anyone can throw them in the trash. It's also Freeee

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Okay same hahahah! I keep every bag and try to find some use for it!

[@luzdelunayusti8467]

I loved this video. I have sooo many ugly things that I just don't want to throw away because they're perfectly functional . And I struggle with actually being zero waste and trying to look zero waste. Thanks for making this video. I didn't know I needed it!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Thank you! I FEEL YOU! There is no look to zero waste so you do you!

[@clovesbian]

Also currently using a second hand shampoo lol! Our neighbor was gonna throw away this whoooole huge bottle of this rly nice coconut shampoo when he was moving and i took it off his hands and i'm still going through it 6 months later aha!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Glad I'm not the only one!

[@theoldaccountthatiusedtous6767]

This is what environmentally sustainable living looks like! I'm still somewhat mediocre but improving day by day, and I do like aesthetically pleasing... but my idea of what is aesthetically pleasing has changed. When I was younger I thought I wanted jars that were all identical, but now I actually prefer the variety of jars. I do take the labels off... it's a pain in the butt but worth it for me. I use oil and baking soda.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

for sure! I keep my content realistic for the most part, at least I hope. Thanks for being here, I hope you enjoy the rest of my content too :)

[@evaastoul8160]

Also, I would love to see a part 2 ;)

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

OOOOH yessss I will gladly make one!

[@Erin-rg3dw]

Ziplocs - I wash & reuse them until they have holes (my family's done this for years to save money). I have re-usable bags now, but still a lot of Ziplocs. Bread bags, etc. - I use them for trash bags. If they're the style where they have air holes in them, I recycle them. My pantry is packed with misc. jars/containers, some I bought secondhand, some I inherited, some came from food/goods I bought, including protein tubs and a 2 gallon pickle jar. I generally prioritize foods in glass, but I'm very cost-conscious and sometimes the price gap between a plastic item and a glass one isn't something I can do. I had to laugh when you mentioned keeping/repairing/continuing to use items after they've gotten "ugly." The first thing that came to mind is one of my laundry baskets. It's folding mesh style, and the handles are gone and there's holes in the mesh (which I now use as handles). I'm not going to donate it because it's too broken, and I'm not going to trash it because it still holds laundry. Eventually, it'll be too far gone and get trashed, but for now I'm going to keep using it. I love that you talk about access to bulk goods and cost because not every town has a BYOC store. My local bulk store bags everything in plastic and the Whole Foods in town significantly cut down its bulk items (the container options are either plastic tubs or paper bags) due to Covid. Many of the package free options are also significantly more than the packaged, i.e. plastic bagged coffee is $3 less per pound than compostable bagged coffee. I'm on a tight budget and an expense like that can be the difference between whether or not I can buy bananas that week. So the bigger container means less packaging, usually is cheaper per serving, and also saves trips to the store (save gas and time).

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

these are amazing!

[@SeraphIsEpic]

I know I’m a month late on this video but it was in my recommended and I just wanted to say DO NOT USE CUT silicone BAKING MATS they have fiberglass in them!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

OMG WHAT!!!!! Thank you SO much for telling me!! I will find a new use for it and replace it (and this time be more careful haha). THANK YOU!

[@user07-awubt01]

@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist the video was great n I took away so many tips..for any broken, chipped containers or food prep/cook tools, best to reuse them for non edible purposes

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@user07-awubt01 definitely! I use them for storage and plants :)

[@ber1779]

@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist you can use it in a cupboard or drawer to prevent things from sliding around when you open the drawer

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@ber1779 for sure!

[@klt12421]

Wow! Just found your video and it made me subscribed😊 I can relate to the unaesthetic part of zero waste living and I think this video gives a calming effect to people like us who feels that having plastic inside our houses is a sin but throwing it away will make you more of a sinner. Haha! Watching this help me accept that I can still use plastic as long as it last and not feel guilty about it. Hello from the Philippines 😊🇵🇭

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

aww welcome! so happy we have this likeminded community :)