Normalising A Sustainable Lifestyle / Chat and Update

[@KurlyKy]

Great video. Totally agree with you. I tend to describe myself as "90% zero-waste" and "90%-vegan" which is much more accurate and doesn't reinforce unreasonable claims about my lifestyle.What's most important is that we all do as much as we can given our circumstances, because every change DOES have an impact. And nobody will ever be totally perfect anyways so it is critical to have an attitude of encouragement and understanding.

[@acmulhern]

Zero waste is very important. Don't let rude people make you feel that your efforts don't matter, because they do. Yes, veganism is better for the environment than eating meat, but if you support the import tropical fruits from the other end of the world that is packaged in plastic then who are you kidding? As you said, all of these choices are hard work and that's all we can do. Use our common sense and try to do our best to lessen our carbon footprint. I think the whole cowspiracy thing skewed people's view of what eating meat means. Beef does need a lot of water to grow, but the farming methods in Europe are very different to those in the U.S. I live in Ireland and our cows obviously don't have the same environmental impact as those that are raised in the U.S. For one we have more than enough water here and our cows are all grass fed, because we have plenty of that too. I'm not saying that cows aren't bad for the environment, but I'm saying that the simplified statistics that were used in the cowspiracy movie don't apply to the entire planet; they were designed to illustrate cattle farming in the U.S.

[@stylenseason]

Same in Indonesia. In fact, tropical forests here are burnt down to make plantations. I am so glad to see many open minded vegans here, because I have been attacked by a lot of vegans who never stepped on the soil of my country yet they act as if they know that the way things go here is the exact same thing to what they read on google or what they see in their own countries.

[@Sneakyfoxeh]

I'm a vegan and honestly, it's okay if you're not vegan. Veganism is about compassion for all creatures, humans included. Unfortunately, some vegans forget that. I'm glad that you're doing it at your own pace. I slowly converted to veganism over two years. Started off with breakfast, then switched snacks and finally added in vegan lunches and dinners. Even if you never convert fully over, just eating one meatless meal or snack will help. The way I see it, it's one less animal off your plate, which is awesome! If you need help, or just want to rant to someone, feel free to message me. I'm not the vegan police, so no worries and much love.

[@Gittemary]

Thank for this comment, it literally made my day! Such great spirit and very motivational actually! Hugs!

[@Offensive_Username]

"I'm a vegan and honestly, it's okay if you're not vegan" WTF, we've reached the point where vegans want us to apologize if we eat meat?

[@ambycakes]

Chrissy Marie honestly the community needs more people like you

[@thinedgeclimbing]

yesyesyesyesyes!! It angers me when The Vegan Kind and similar organizations are unkind about non vegans, we need more compassion in this world and to praise people for what they can do rather than criticising them for what they havent done

[@stylenseason]

So glad so see a comment from open minded vegan like you.

[@voodle48]

there are a hell of a lot of armchair doctors and psychologists out there. You do not have to justify why you do what you do, why you eat what you eat or where you are in your journey regardless of what that journey is. You have wonderful morals and I wish more people were like you. Keep it up. 😆😆😆

[@gillustrative]

I'm glad you're keeping an open mind and trying it out (: Trying is better than not trying at all. Every bite counts. Even if people simply don't eat /as many/ animal products, it'd make a big difference. We all start somewhere.

[@ArleneAdkinsZell]

In our current global wasteful society, ANY effort matters, caring matters and there is no room for bullying, shaming or name calling. Please keep on, you are an inspiration, love your honesty.

[@aquietwild]

Thank you for this video. I've been puzzled by the number of militant vegans on KZbin that don't represent the worthiness of their cause. It seems to starkly contrast with the minimalism movement where one of the core values is that looks different for everyone. It is key that change is accessible and manageable, in the same way Marie Kondo made minimalism accessible, and Plastic-Free July made zero waste accessible. When change is too hard, and people judge you for your choices, progress does not happen.

[@EvelineUK]

Love this! I have only recently started watching zero waste videos and slowly making changes in my life. I don't think I'll ever be able to put all my rubbish for the year in one mason jar, but like you said, every step counts.

[@Cazlee87]

I think you're amazing girl. You're on a journey and I applaud you caring for the planet and for sharing your experience. I'm challenging myself to be vegan and I sometimes worry about getting into debates with people and attracting criticism from meat eaters and even vegans. I think your approach is really healthy and will generate interest. People will come in their own time and are on their own journey, just like us 😊 don't stop sharing the love!

[@genxcessdefector338]

I'm a vegan and I think what you do on this channel is great. If you want to try veganism to improve the environment, I think that's awesome! I became vegan for the environment. But honestly, if you decide it's not for you, you shouldn't beat yourself up and no vegan should tell you that your efforts "aren't good enough". I personally love your channel and I think your zero waste videos are some of my favorite YT videos.

[@Janxart]

I agree 1000% It's fantastic when people make small changes in their lifestyles and diets. There's no reason to be elitist when we're all working towards the same goal: saving our planet. Thanks so much for the videos. I really enjoy them :)

[@natalieanne4607]

I love this video, people who disown others for not being a perfect vegan, vegetarian or even zero wast-er aren't keeping the big picture in mind, whether that be to help the environment, save animals, or improve one's health. The common goal among people who chose to make steps towards these lifestyles is really what's important, and any step no matter how small is a step towards change and certainly does make an impact.

[@paolamucino7842]

Well I´ve seen a lot of vegetarians and vegans contribuiting in a very high way to plastic polution, among other stuff that are not good for the environment either. For me that shocks me more than people that are not vegetarian-vegan but are going zero waste. I was vegetarian for 6 years, but I got very sick with typhoid and after 2 years my body is still very fucked up, I was craving meat so bad, so I decided to listen to my body and started to eat meat again, because I was feeling terrible, I tried all I could but nothing worked, I´m still struggling with that but is my choice and I think being healthy in any way, is the best way to preach with the example. If people see you are not healthy they would not "copy" or replicate the message, or if you attack others, instead of promoting the lifestyle you want to spread, people would be away from you and from the cause. Good for the honesty, and just remember that people will always judge, always; just keep being honest with yourself. I´m currently writing a cooking blog and trying to mix all, because I have friends that want to learn more about me, my lifestyle and the way I use to eat, and the way I eat now. Is written in Spanish, because I´m mexican (Living in the States now) but it has a translating tool in case you want to visit ;) www.morenachef.blosgpot.com Big Hugs!

[@victorialim]

Love this video. Turned vegan this year and I really agree with what you say about welcoming people to make small changes. For me zero waste is so much harder- and for you it is veganism. We all learn from each other and I think that open mindedness and acceptance is so key when it comes to change. Keep doing what your do because you're amazing😊

[@ambycakes]

All that matters is we make our efforts. People are quick to want to box us up in little categories and subcultures but what makes us amazing is our diversity. I wish our society would get back to that instead of constant criticism.

[@GrowthMusicTravel]

Excellent points. It's so important to encourage people. If loads of people can make little changes and at least reduce waste and consumption of animal products, it seems that would ultimately make a bigger impact than if a very small group of people were going all the way. And information is key! The more one knows, the more good decisions and changes one will be inspired to make. We're all on a journey, and it's called that for a reason!

[@serenatronto3340]

As a meat-eater I feel lucky to live in the country, so I can get to local meat from farmers. I still buy meat at the supermarket, but usually it is local meat as well. A lot of vegans and vegetarians look at me as if I'm the worst woman in the world, but a lot of times they're not doing anything else for the Earth -they buy packed fruit and salad, they throw plastic wraps on the street, like it's a garbage tray..... I'm actually doing something for our planet with my Zero waste journey and all I get most of times is hate. Also, one of the main reasons why I keep eating meet is because I run low on energies when I stay vegetarian for a while. I eat lots of veggies and fruit and carbs, but still I miss something if I don't have a little meat or an egg -and I don't want to take any supplement or vitamins. Hate me or not, I'm keeping on with my Zero waste journey, hoping one day to have a few animals in my backyard. Every step that we make to reach a greener lifestyle is important, even the smallest things count. Gittemary, you inspire me so much and you make me go on with my journey and you always give me nice prompts. I'm sending all of my love and support to you and to everyone who is living an enviromental friendly lifestyle -any way possible.

[@priscillajimenez27]

I'm pushing for a more Mediterranean diet myself which has more produce and whole wheat foods with more fish/seafood and eggs, and occasional meat (poultry) and dairy and the rare time of beef. From what I've read Mediterranean diet is only slightly more impactful than vegetarian/vegan so I'll take it.

[@sixxlee890]

I would truly love it if more people took any of your values as their own. You do so much good for the planet, and help so much with people's knowledge of living sustainably. If every person managed one day a week without meat, it would make a huge environmental impact. You're being realistic - everything good happens one step at a time.

[@StaringCompetition]

I loved your honesty about your world view in that video. You were naive though to the backlash you would receive. Peer pressure to be socially acceptable is dangerous reason to adopt any diet. I would rather you used your energy towards what you believe in, not conforming to the "cool kids" and social blackmailers. Radical honesty should get you an audience, as you have seen, that can be a good thing. You are a role model.

[@Anni94100]

YES YES YES to everything you have said in this video! Positivity, compassion and kindness all the way! You're doing a great job and every little thing we do has a positive effect. I hear that very often as well that being vegan doesn't do anything. I've started off as being vegan 1,5 years ago and that has led me to become more environmentally conscious which is why I started transitioning to zero waste and it is hard! You can be so proud of yourself! What matters most, in my opinion, is that we critically think about our everyday choices and that is what you do. Take your time and enjoy experimenting with a plant-based lifestyle. You are an amazing person and I hope you stay the way you are! Much love from Germany

[@aromaofhope]

Great message! It's not easy to go zero waste, vegan, or vegetarian, but it can be fun if you go at your own pace!

[@ruinedfall]

As a vegan, i am glad to have found your channel, and THANK YOU for trying to go plant-based! huge props to you, and if you are really trying your best, don't let other put you down! it's so not worth it, and you do you girl, take your time find your pace, i'm sure you will get there one day (:

[@AWanderingEye]

This is first time I'm hearing about you lecturing --- fantastic --- can you do a background video (or maybe someone here can point me to one you've made already). How you got started, where you lecture, is it strictly volunteer, topics you cover, etc., would all be useful to know. Glad to see how you're making changes in your life and appreciate your taking the time to update on that earlier video. I saw some of the vitriolic comments and felt badly for you being hit when you were just being honest and vulnerable. Given the state of things and the machinery we're up against it's gonna take a lot of folks making lifestyle changes to alter our environmental course. Early adopters should recognize that they're in a unique position. The majority of the world's human population will need baby steps, 1 day/week campaigns, or targetting just one aspect (plastic-free, start compost, buy in bulk, ride mass transit days, etc.) in order to start waking up to the choices before us. Thanks Gittemary!

[@Britfan06]

I love this video!! Very well said. There are so many ways to be environmentally conscious, and every little bit matters. Bravo!

[@RachelTeeKae]

Yes, I am about 85% plant-based raw vegan, but if I ever want an egg from my neighbor's chickens or local raw honey for medicinal purposes, I feel like I need to hide it or 100% vegans will attack me.

[@Sneakyfoxeh]

RachelTeeKae That's the thing though. It's impossible to be 100% vegan. Drive a car? Not vegan. Have pets? Not vegan to some. Play tennis? The racket isn't vegan. Heck, I've accidentally eaten products with cheese or milk in it. I don't know a vegan that hasn't made a mistake yet. As long as you do your best, that's all that matters.

[@RachelTeeKae]

Chrissy Marie thank you! ✌🏼️🙂

[@canadey97]

+Chrissy Marie you're like the nicest most supportive vegan ever.

[@Sneakyfoxeh]

Cana Dey thank you! You're very sweet yourself! The way I see it, going vegan is a very hard thing to do and yelling/attacking never made anything better. Plus, we could all use some positivity. 💙

[@videosarenumber1]

I really enjoyed this I've really started reducing waste especially plastic waste recently the past year And it's hard to go immediately go into it It's definitely something that is going to take time and lots of experimentation But it's a fun process along the way

[@lydiacorneal3320]

It should always be about the effort and not perfection. I think making an effort to change any habit for a conscientious reason is admirable. We shouldn't focus on "mistakes" but rather the victories big or small. Rome wasn't built in a day!

[@NeliaRose]

Awesome every little step counts! Really love this it is so important to understand that many people live the extreme opposite to a Zero Waste Lifestyle or Vegan Lifestyle and simple telling someone its all or nothing or its so easy ect will not work but if you show them one or two things slowly let them become interested for themselves instead of telling them that what they are doing is wrong. Plus it is so important to encorange everyone who is even thinking about becoming more sustainable. Love this video thank you so much for sharing !! :)

[@gillianbutler7986]

Great video Gittemary. I think that most people unfortunately eat meat, drive everywhere and don't give a second thought to how their food is packaged or where their clothes come from. The only way to change people is through education and that's what you do. If we are going to give everyone points for each environmentally friendly thing they do, you score extremely high in my opinion, so much higher than most people and any points you lose for not being 100% vegan surely you gain more for your lectures and social media activities as you influence others to change their lifestyles.

[@emeliasoderlund]

This message resonates so well with me. Thank you for the reminder!

[@tinastheoutsider]

I'm here in the United States where it's really hard to find things I need without it being in plastic that is affordable, I now try to only buy items in glass or in paper so I can add the paper to my bonfire at least. I've cut down on my meat consumption and purchasing as well. I don't like when people try to shove down their ways of doing things down our throats neither and have the strongest views where if you think another way then your way is wrong. Glad you made this video. 😊

[@luzsalas9528]

Thanks for caring! All "small" actions matter and count.

[@donnaflores50]

Hello Gittemary, First of all I want to let you know I love your vids! Next I want to encourage you to eat plant based if that is your conviction and decision in your life, not from pressure from others. I eat a plant based diet due to my own decisions not from pressure from anyone. I started that path when I was diagnosed with Sero-negative rheumatoid arthritis. It has put the disease into remission and I am very thankful for that. Lastly, I am 56 years old and have been called many things. At my age I seriously care less. I have practiced zero waste principles and have lived a earth friendly lifestyle since I was a teen (long before it was "fashionable") and received a lot of flack. People need to get a life and stop trying to live others lives for them. There will always be haters- simply ignore that load of garbage. You are doing a fantastic job, keep up the good work. Your vids make me smile and give me new ideas. Thank you for your work. donna in Southern California, USA

[@tyrawatkin279]

this makes me so happy, you are trying and that is what makes me happy. thank you!

[@michellemunoz8926]

Thx for sharing your journey into becoming the better you. Your videos have immensely inspired me to reduce plastic consumption. I have been a vegetarian for many years and would love to be vegetarian one day. X

[@thinedgeclimbing]

yes girlll!!! I hate when people criticise you for not being 100% perfect. I hate when organisations like The Vegan Kind make fun of vegetarians and call them unkind things for not being vegans. These people are trying!! Im not 100% vegan, like 99% is a good effort i feel! Ive been heavily criticised by a famous zero-waster on instagram and youtube for buying kale in a plastic bag because that's all that i can get where i live, and she told me i should just not buy dark green leafy veg (which is where i get my iron from). These attitudes just make people not want to try. Focus on what you CAN do, not what you havent done

[@VeraBogiari]

I am so happy for you gittemary! So glad to near you are experimenting with veganism. I am sure you can do it. Once you distance your self from animal products you'll start to see the cruelty involved is not worth it, it's just a matter of habbit really. :)

[@vicky36191]

Thank you ! Keep up the great work Mary !

[@IGOR-wz8id]

Thanks for what you're doing Gittemary! I think the world really needs more people like you. I also had kinda similar way with veganism and zero waste, just I was more successful with the vegan lifestyle, but I'm trying to minimise waste as much as possible and if not, to recycle. And I think doing all possible is great, but doing already something is very good too)

[@headintheclouds754]

I think celebrating small accomplishments is incredibly important as well and Cool shirt!

[@dittemose167]

Tak for dine videoer, generelt har jeg lever jeg med en bevidst grøn tanke gang. Men har den sidste måned forsøgt at gør lidt mere. Du inspirere på andre måde end de andre zero waster. Jeg er Nørresundby nitte, så vi er lidt i samme kamp om hvordan man lever plastik fri i Aalborg. Tak for denne video den får det hele ned på jorden. Istedet at gøre det hele alt for Extreme .. Tak

[@adora08phoenix]

Hi Gittemary. I've seen this same phenomenon as well in various movements: veganism, feminism, etc. People turn into self-righteous extremists. I'm very sorry you had the experience you had with your video. It is totally your choice how to approach your life and I'm glad that you see that. I've been vegan for over 15 years and I'd like to apologize for the comments people have made to you about it. If those people are spewing hate at that level it means they have enough pain and suffering in their own lives that it is spilling out to those around them. What they need is compassion because they've clearly lost their way on their journey. Good luck on your journey. I hope you are able to transition to a vegetarian or vegan, but that will depend on you. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need suggestions for where to eat or where to get products. I look forward to learning more about the plastic free zero waste lifestyle from you.

[@CuestaAdventure]

I think that the changes in alimentary habits for improve yourself is the first step for change the world, because is possible peoples start other changes inside you, and use the self knowledge for upgrade all your conception of existence. May the force be with you all. :) I'm vegetarian .

[@jennyfischer4699]

every little step in the right direction is a good step !

[@Sabrina-ck4bx]

What a beautiful video. A beautiful message and a beautiful life! :)

[@WellTraveledBooks]

This video was great. I've been vegan for about a year now and the switch was very easy for me. So it has been hard for me not to be militant and I grow very frustrated at people who don't just easily make the switch. Slowly I am trying to sympathize and while I know that every bit helps, it is hard for me to fully praise that. I am slowly getting there though, and trying to encourage people to make small changes rather than trying to force full on veganims on them. Unnatural vegan just made a video about something similar and it is opening my eyes.

[@jackiepenner-lourdes3374]

Keep doing what you are doing; you're great!

[@believeinyourdreamsslowlife]

I love your Channel. I subscribed. Please continue sharing your videos. Cheers.

[@smallforestdweller6999]

Wishing you joy and success on your journey! :)

[@Gittemary]

Thanks a lot :)!

[@ebonyalexis32]

i respect you so much

[@literoylty]

Denne trengte jeg i dag💕stå på, du er mitt forbilde🤗om vi sammen gjør det vi føler vi kan så utgjør det alikevel en stor forskjell 💕💕💕

[@sagessedantan]

Great video! I agree with you on so many things :)

[@msesasis]

an amazing video!

[@eileahfrye-edmonds413]

You're so adorable! This video is great! 😌

[@seal4597]

Yes! Please making videos of "meatless" recipes.

[@waterskin7]

when i search the terms of sustainable life style i was hoping to get some advice such as "getting a baby as soon as possible to consolidate a marriage " instead i get advice on where to find food source .

[@DaaaniCalifornia]

I really really like you 😊

[@vickiemorris3480]

please do more videos. did you got married? 🐘👻🎃