Best Zero Waste Swaps for 2025: Save Money & Reduce Waste 🌱

[@lrnntbr]

I got my parents yard certified as a natural wildlife habitat in 2024 because of your video ❤

[@Theamateurecologist]

Yay!!! ❤This is something I’m slowly working on with my parents front and back yard.

[@raeperonneau4941]

Bravo!

[@Shelbizleee]

I cannot even begin to tell you how happy this makes me!!! Congrats

[@carolineh.6824]

To all the silent youtube watchers (like I usually am), I want to give a reminder to comment on videos we enjoy to watch! Shelby's videos are so great and bring awareness for environmental issues to so many people out there and wether we like it or not the algorithm favors videos that are liked and commented on a lot. So let's give Shelby some love on these great videos - thank you for everything you do!! Your work is so so valuable!

[@jungkooksnipple3356]

i dont have much to say so just boosting

[@Shelbizleee]

thank you so so much!!

[@KawaiiBeth]

Silent viewer commenting to boost this comment! ❤

[@anabluu]

I weep for the humans for whom this yard is "different and weird". This yard is majestic, it's a dream come true, it's everything a yard should be.

[@thenonniche6657]

My Grandpa at 96 bought an electric tricycle to ride around town. He lived in an extremely small community so could go absolutely anywhere he wanted to. Not being able to drive was hard on him. But that gave him so much more freedom. My dad now has the tricycle since Grandpa passed away .

[@karissamartin5256]

Thats so wholesome

[@misstinab8175]

@@karissamartin5256That was heartwarming

[@shawnahays]

My dad can’t drive a car but he rides around town on his electric tricycle and gets his essentials. It eases my mind so much to know that he has that mobility.

[@kayebohemier]

Look, I had horrible menstrual issues for about a decade and finally got the right kind of imaging (saline sonogram) to fix my polyp and giant fibroid situation that I didn't realize I had. I used to go through a super-plus tampon in 45 minutes and couldn't use reusables. You don't need to worry about TMIing people. I'm furious that I was never taught about these health complications back in high school health class decades ago because I would have caught this far sooner had I known what the symptoms meant and what kind of imaging to pressure my obgyn about. I had surgery two months ago and now feel GREAT.

[@addster16]

Byo item for merch is so smart. So many artists and events have to bring huge trucks and trailers to haul their merch and so much goes to waste if they don’t sell out❤️

[@AthynVixen]

That merch idea is fantastic. The band The 1975 did something similar a few yrs back where you could bring your old tshirt and have it printed with the new tour logo. I think everyone should do that. Imagine if someone like Taylor Swift did it - all the massive amount of very expensive merch saved . The Eras tour sold so much merch that I have no doubt will be in landfill by the end of next yr

[@MusicSkeletonKeys]

The merch idea is neat, but at the same I time I would wager merch is some of the least disposed-of clothing given it's symbolism. People want to keep merch yea? Perhaps that's my own projection. The merch I have from shows I treat especially carefully because I want it to last forever.

[@gracecarpenter8928]

You are the only KZbinr I ever see who talks about Buy Nothing. Thank you!! I learned about it whilst living in Canada and when I returned to my hometown in North West England, I made a group and 4 years on… it has like 4,000 members!! The community loves it but it has become more and more about the stuff rather than the community… but still very positive overall. Life changing tbh!

[@caffeinated_25]

Swapping my family from 2 car to 1 car, 2 bikes was something I did in 2023 as well. My husband and I made sure both of our bikes could carry our 2 young kids in case we didn’t ride together. My city isn’t very bike friendly though so I take public transit a lot unless I’m traveling less than 5 miles, and I know there’s somewhere safe to lock my bike.

[@miranda4475]

I started knitting this year as a hobby and I found a second hand craft store to buy any yarn I might use there! I was inspired by watching you to to yours in Austin and I was like no way DSM doesn't have at least one store like this. It took some searching but there is a second hand craft store in a nearby neighborhood!

[@LeslieStinson]

15:34 omg please DO talk about how green lawns are problematic to our societal structure. I want to know!

[@caitlynnlamers7255]

She did! This past year she did a whole video on the culture of grass lawns ( but tbh I feel like the conversation should be had every year) 😁

[@Shelbizleee]

@@caitlynnlamers7255 thank you!! I will be making a video about my yard specifically this year! I also linked the lawn video in the video cards to this video!!

[@liamhodgson]

Got an e bike and did 5000 miles of commuting in two years. I estimate it saved me $2500 in gas and depreciation which was more than the bike and servicing it cost so far.

[@Thevagablondi]

Ok the freezing compost is GENIUS. We were getting a lot of fruit flies and it became a problem so I just stopped because of it. Thanks for the tips ☺️

[@HayleyTief]

I got a new car at the end of 2024, and I’d owned my previous 2012 car since 2015. It was a huge change but I was able to get a hybrid vehicle which was one swap in itself. Then, instead of trading in my car, I sold it to a friend. I had asked the dealership what they’d do with my old one and they said probably auction or scrap it. That car meant so much to me and is still in such good condition, that I was happy to take a few thousand $ loss to see it go to a friend who really needed it. And now I see my old car whenever we get together. I hope she gets another 100k miles out of it!

[@JorNicole]

Finally bought my first couch as an adult. Sabai is American made and doesn’t use fire retardants! Was considering a big box store purchase, but their company is a great swap!

[@skip4576]

I bought an e-bike last year and I love it sosososo much! I even made my own insulated saddle bags so I can run errands and get groceries with it. I only use my car to get to and from work (I wish I could bike there but it’s too far and not in a bike accessible area of town), long distances, and when the weather is bad. I’ve definitely noticed that I’m spending much less on gas. The only downside I’ve found is that if something goes wrong with the electronic parts, I have to take it to the e-bike specific repair shop, and there’s only one of those in my city for some reason.

[@zabrielleholloway2662]

For real shout out to volunteering. I foster year round with an animal shelter and there are soooo many ways to volunteer, and it's such a great way to build community.

[@casthecritter]

Recently wanted to get into e-reading and decided to buy an e-reader secondhand instead of buying a new one (:

[@rachelgrinnell]

The bring your own merch thing is so incredible. I've never heard of that, and its such a genious idea! I mean how cool is it that you would have your own, one of kind merch.

[@alleygoat]

Screen-printing merch, on site, sounds like a brilliant idea! Also very curious to try out the almond bacon bits. Great video, Shelbi!

[@4sunsetgirl]

Freezing my food scraps unlocked composting for me, such an underrated hack!

[@sarahkinsey5434]

It's amazing for those where the ground freezes and gets snow. I don't want to go tromping outside in Minnesota winters more than I have too

[@catienoble3191]

Thank you so much for making me aware that bamboo brush head replacements for electric toothbrushes are a thing! I'm definitely going to try them out... after I use up the 6 or 7 plastic ones I still have.

[@dimerymichaels3539]

Yes! I didn’t know they existed either 🎉

[@caitlinutt6254]

My pottery studio did a screen printing party where we brought in our own textiles and had them printed. I was FLOORED by this, such and incredible option and great way to build community! ❤

[@anikotokoli]

It's so awesome you listed some swaps that are not just objects but some great tips like volunteering and turning your yard into a wildlife habitat. Your videos are soo needed, so thank you for bringing awareness to all of these things!💚

[@amylouise7289]

I got a couple pairs of kayaness underwear last month and I’m absolutely obsessed with them. Now I’m on the lookout for non-period underwear that are that comfortable for the rest of the month!!

[@jenniferburns2530]

The best zero waste swaps are the ones you use! My reusable K cup, stainless steel water bottle, Chico bags, cloth napkins, silicone cupcake liners (which are also great for making egg bites), and the shampoo bar I found this year are things I use regularly and they save me money. As a person with a disability and lower income, when I find something that works for me I stick with it rather than chase the trends. I put my energy into other things, from reading books to organizing social justice projects, which make me happier than buying stuff.

[@nanny8675309]

When the Stanley Cup came out, I refused to buy it because I have so many insulated tumblers without a handle but really needed the handle for lack of mobility/strength purposes. So, I searched for just a handle and found it😁

[@megank7235]

I like how the aluminium cups look. We go to festivals and often they have reusable pint plastic glasses (uk). I like to get them as useful souvenirs.

[@allisonmann2925]

I use period underwear as a back up or at the end when the cycle gets lighter. The silicone disk for the majority of the time. If i need to buy more period underwear I'd definitely buy from your company

[@Theamateurecologist]

I want to try the disk. Is it easy to insert?

[@xElinaDB]

@Theamateurecologist I've been using the lumma disc for like 3 years now after trying 6 different types of cups that I could never get to pop open, so for me it's super easy to insert! Just push it in and up and you're good to go

[@BananaNation]

So happy you got ebikes! I'm a bike mechanic and just want to say the most important thing to do yourself is to fill air in your tires (to avoid punctures), clean and lube the chain often (to reduce wear) and keep brakes clean (reduce wear and increase performance). Find a good mechanic and bring it in yearly or every 2k if you can. Let them know that you really want to maintain parts before they go bad, instead of wearing it down so it has to be replaced. Most people want to spend as little money as possible, so mechanics often don't recomend rutine maitenence. I talk to a lot of people that has no idea basic things should be done, simply because no one told them.

[@Sam-hr6mg]

I’ve been knitting sweaters from leftover scrap yarn! You can blend the colours to get really unique patterns! Also, I’d love to know more about your front yard! The process, plants/seeds and how you did it. ❤

[@Shelbizleee]

wait I love this!! I haven't learned any knitting yet this year but I did sign up for a beginners class and it's on my goals list. That sounds amazing!!

[@Sam-hr6mg]

@ the sweater pattern I use is from theknitedit. It’s the Jasper jumper video. Super easy, she walks you through it! All you need to know is the knit and purl stitch. 😊

[@ellenmelon23]

I also logged my wardrobe and it already stopped me from purchasing a jacket this year. It was secondhand and only $5, but I have so many other jackets that I haven’t worn much!!! It’s so amazing even thought it’s time consuming up front.

[@Ari35485]

I stand by menstrual cups, they're very durable. I've had one since 2019 and it still seals, but I got a new one just in case. I have a diva cup and a black one from a brown box, I forgot that brand name

[@allisonmann2925]

I couldn't do cups they always leaked no matter what i tried but they have the silicone disks that work for me. For anyone else who hasn't been able to use a cup. I almost gave up before finding disks

[@Ari35485]

​@@allisonmann2925I got a free disk with the new one I got, I'm afraid to try it 😅 I feel like it's gonna move around

[@anastasiaedwards8837]

I really want to use cups or disks and I’ve tried several but I find them SO uncomfortable like lowkey painful. I don’t know if I’m wearing the wrong size or brand but it’s happened several times. Any tips?

[@Ari35485]

@@anastasiaedwards8837 so there are 2 types, one for after you had a baby cause your vaginal canal ain't the same; and one for use before you have a baby. I have yet to birth a person so I got the latter lol. But I find that with the cup sometimes it's the Sahara desert up there so a little water on the outside tends to help. I clean mine with hydrogen peroxide/ soap and water and it's got its own jar lol 🤣

[@piarateking8094]

@@anastasiaedwards8837 could be the wrong size but if your having trouble with things in general that are inserted it could be a pelvic floor issue

[@laureljackson9800]

I also got into needlepunch crafting this year! Isn't it fun! I got a Misto sprayer and bamboo dish brushes for Christmas. Excited to see how they work this year.

[@audsadventures6272]

Congratulations on getting certified as a master naturalist!! 🥳🥳🥳 my local community college has a master naturalist certification that you can get and I think it’s so cool!

[@christineg6123]

I love my flex menstrual disc. If you have an IUD I highly recommend a menstrual disc! No suction, just sits in place

[@donnaadkins2429]

I inventory my pantry, fridge and freezers so I always know what I have on hand and dont buy more. I also use this to plan my meals for the week as I can use up stuff before it goes bad. My garden is used to grow food and I pretty much use everything on your list except for period underwear (postmenopausal here!) and a ebike. I live in a small village so an ebike wouldnt be practical at all. Loved this video xx

[@kayleighf.6599]

Do you have an app you recommend for pantry/food organization and inventory? Sounds like something I need to do. 😅

[@donnaadkins2429]

​@kayleighf.6599 I actually made a paper copy and handwrite everything that I have on it. I have a what's in stock and ideal stock level and that determines my shopping list. I just adjust the list as I use anything. I'm sure there's an app somewhere that does it but my paper copies are on the pantry door and very easily accessible for me and other members of my family. About where 6 months I rewrite the lists and double check they're accurate. It works really well for me. Hope this helps 😀

[@kayleighf.6599]

@donnaadkins2429 this is helpful! Thank you so much.

[@lindsayschwarz1492]

Compost in the freezer has changed my life! I was always hesitant to start since I live in an apartment, but that has made it so easy and smell-free. I saw it one of your videos last year so THANK YOU!! 💓

[@Ally-ug3nq]

I love how your front yard and what you have done. The merch idea is wonderful!

[@paradeoflaughter]

We also keep our compost in the freezer and it's so nice! No smelly bin sitting in the kitchen that needs to be dealt with immediately.

[@tasha8567]

Watching this video 5hrs before my first eco volunteering trip :) I’m so glad I finally got to the point where I have time, energy and possibility to volunteer ❤

[@LisaBuntrock]

I LOVE my reusable cupcake liners and have used them for 10 years I think? The finish is so much nicer when you’re able to pop them out without any crumbs 😍

[@100Stratusfiedx]

Just wanna say that I’ve learned so much from your channel in 2024. Unfortunately, I did realize how much I was just living in my own bubble. I was able to make a few sustainable changes as well.

[@persephone213]

Sometimes I get so frustrated because I faced financial devastation last year and have been feeling like I can’t afford to be zero waste anymore lately, which makes me feel like a bad person. Reusables are my fave since they save money and the planet‼️ I’ll be preaching these for the rest of my life.

[@dearstudioaud]

I love my silicone cupcakes liners and silicone baking sheets

[@leinakaialoa3852]

I just started wearing period underwear, and I love them so much. I'm stoked that you have your own period underwear business. I was wondering if you're planning on bringing more color options to your period underwear line in the future? I usually go for a darker color palette, and would love to see a dark charcoal Grey, a royal blue, or an aubergine color. Also love that you offer boyshorts, they are my favorite style of underwear to wear. Love your videos, and thank you for your thoughtful info.

[@elviahernandez5170]

17:54 Frank Ocean in 2017 did a pop-up screen print shop, for FYF fest. I worked as a cashier for it. It was such a cool thing to see people bring their favorite blank pieces, i.e. denim jackets, T-shirts, and long sleeves, and getting different combinations of Frank's Blond album cover. I don't know why I haven't seen more venues do that!! I work as a cashier at other venues, and I have also seen embroidery 🪡🪡 for Coachella. I feel like more artists could do embroidery

[@bethanygates6812]

As a reusable cup/mug/tumbler junkie, I LOVE the look of a Keep Cup, and would love to get one but I have too many as it is, so maybe one day if all of mine break or I decide to give mine away to friends. But I agree, I’ll use what I have first 😊

[@Jessica.Reimann]

I got a keep cup as a gift in 2018 and still use mine about weekly too. I like that it’s dishwasher safe but I think a to go up with a handle would be a better gift. I’ll be rocking the keep cup until it breaks.

[@TheHPnerds]

A local band in my area did thrifted merch this year! They thrifted plain t-shirts, sweats, and hoodies and embroidered their logo and band name on them. So cool and unique!

[@Sophie-g4m6s]

Love period underwear. Especially for someone who has vaginismus! When I need some more I’ll def try out your brand! Particularly love the e-bike solar panel link. Also your beautiful front yard! Can’t wait for my new house to do this with mine xx 🎉 love the video as always. Happy New Year 🥳 🍉🧿♥️🇸🇩🏳️‍⚧️🇵🇸🏳️‍🌈

[@sufiahussain811]

🇵🇸🇵🇸💜🌈

[@katemariemc]

The aluminum cups is such a great idea!!

[@RangeGleasry]

15:39 please do get started on talking about lawns I would love to hear you on this

[@Shelbizleee]

I have a video on this! I linked it to this video.

[@xLolitaxRagxDollx]

I keep a bowl and a pair of metal utensils from home at work so that whenever people bring in food to the office, I don't have to use their disposable plates and utensils. I also save the wax from the bottom of candles (plus the containers) so I can remelt them into new candles (and use yard twine as the wick since it's something I already had from tying back branches).

[@kimieatsu]

For me I started being interested in art over the past 5-10 years and I would buy supplies but struggle with a lot of fear. I started thrifting materials and started try to use only what I have as well. It gave me more purpose and meaning so I could drive out that fear of creating, fear of wasting time/money/effort, and made it easier for me to want to make gifts instead of buy gifts.

[@aubreejobizzarro1208]

I was so so so against the coffee machines with disposable pods. My partner really fought back and finally convinced me because the coffee waste and water waste is less compared to a French coffee press. My only rule was we HAD to get reusable pods for coffee, no single use pods! I’m very happy with the switch!

[@nicolerodriguez845]

Please make a video on how to get your lawn certified 🙏

[@Shelbizleee]

coming in the spring!!

[@Dillbobinz420]

my dream has always been to turn my front yard into a native garden once i own a home 😍

[@gracecarpenter8928]

Period underwear! Yes. I’ve not used disposable period products since like.. 2017 when I tried reusable pads (but I don’t love the buttons that do them up coz I cycle so that wasn’t super comfy), tried menstrual cups but I do NOT like taking it out.. such a horrible feeling for me and they usually did leak a bit (probs coz I avoided taking it out), then finally found period underwear and WOW. I would never go back. It is a bit annoying having to rinse them out but the comfort is unmatched and they never leak if you get good brands like Modibodi and I’ll be buying your brand when I next need to buy some. The boy shorts are my absolute fave!

[@stephanie1460]

We are a one car household as well and just decided to invest in an e-bike after trying them out. We couldn't justify a second car (we both wfh), but having the accessibility of an e-bike if the car is taken is so nice! Looking forward to seeing how many miles we can save on, too!

[@Shelbizleee]

OMG exactly the same!

[@kaylajane6554]

The screen printed merch is such a good idea!!! I’m plus size and almost never find my size when I do want merch!

[@dimerymichaels3539]

My partner and I also share an electric toothbrush! I did not know there were bamboo heads! 😮😮 We do the same with reusable bags. They are in the truck and right by the doors in the garage as we leave to go shopping. 🎉

[@kiterafrey]

Not YT suggesting this video while I'm sitting watching it in period panties.......it knows me too well at this point LOL

[@jacki6301]

Love this video. I have lost a lot of weight and I donated my closet of clothes. I will use the app to catalog the new thrifted clothes so I only purchase what I can mix and match with what I have. It's easy to forget what you already have.

[@kayleighf.6599]

Yay EBiles! I added an electric wheel to my Schwinn and I am in love. Got my dad into it. Pull my kid places. Got a doggy basket on the front. It's a special kind of freedom. My happy place ❤🚲

[@morgan0598]

The ball aluminum cups sounds awesome. I have been looking for something to use at parties and I have been using canning jars but we have a lot of kid parties and I obviously don't want to use glass so this is a much better alternative.

[@leemoy]

you are not the only one! I also haaate washing my face in the sink, like you said its a mess!

[@booknerdcatlady]

I have the same nespresso pod but I actually switched to the reusable silicone lids with a used pod because it programs the foam when it brews 😊

[@eightstars]

Would you be willing to make a video about the process of becoming a master naturalist? I’m really interested!

[@claraovejero2448]

You’re everything that I aspire to be, Shelbi!

[@treefrog101]

I have been composting in my fridge for years to keep the icl off the counter. Just discovered feezing my compost. Game changer.

[@reganstandlick7520]

I was always curious about the nepresso pods, I love that they have that reusable option. I love the idea of those cups for parties or just for hosting.

[@paigeforrest7209]

Your videos are my favourite content at the moment. Thank you ❤

[@ciannacoleman5125]

Love my period underwater but only use it for overnight due to personal preference, fabric pads for the day. No need to buy aluminum cups in my house, we have a couple of restaurants in the area that use take home plastic cups, save them up and we have "free" hosting cups for parties. Smaller groups get to use the glasses lol.

[@CarrieLovesLife.]

Love my Lectric bike. ❤

[@1acyjayn3]

I still use my keep cup too! Same one!

[@celinaklinkenberg9458]

i would love to see s vid of you talking about being sustainable now and 15 years ago❤️❤️

[@suzubee9602]

Can I just say the kayaness body butter is amazing too

[@anahidkassabian4471]

Excellent vid as usual. I do many of these things already-more than a few on your rec ages ago-and there are a number of things here I’ll try to adopt, not least punch needling. Happy 2025!

[@katiebug8771]

Great swaps Shelby!

[@aubreejobizzarro1208]

I found a brand new, still in its packaging, yeti water bottle, right next to the trash a few days after Christmas. I’m a proud dumpster diver but WOW, a steal. It’s a crazy color but IDC

[@naomihirsch2796]

I like to use menstrual cups AND period underwear, so I can use what feels best depending on my discomfort level or activity level for the day. I recommend trying out both to anyone who is on the fence, and see what works best for you! Sometimes it will be a combination, like for me

[@marinaab7276]

Thank you so much for the inspiration. Best wishes for 2025 from Northern California!

[@faithcrisis2138]

On my purchase plan for this next year, I plan on getting a secondhand bike for myself, my city has amazing biking infrastructure and I feel like taking advantage of it

[@manasseh7]

People sleep on electric bikes and electric scooters..if your commute is 5 miles or less I’d def recommend one. I use a scooter even in the winter. Just bundle up it’s not that bad. Definitely save money and wear and tear on your car.

[@suegilbert7770]

Can you please provide the information about your aluminum take away container? I saw it briefly in a previous video but didn’t get the information. Also I just found/subscribed your KZbin channel a week ago and you are bringing the light with every video I watch. I love that you have the courage of your conviction.

[@charlottequincoses3231]

Not the purpose, but your hair looks amazing in this video!

[@olangericmvelazquezmunoz2081]

I love that merch idea!

[@LisiTubbee]

I just got a bamboo head and I literally love it

[@maryamg4771]

I loved the bring your own merch idea!

[@rockyrodriguez3984]

Thank you for always sharing ideas and resources!

[@Ally-ug3nq]

I enjoy these videos too S! I am having dinner while watching this.

[@jenniferri7735]

- been using reusable grocery bags for years. i lived in oregon for a long time after they’d banned plastic bags, so i got used to the reusables VERY quickly. so now when i go to the store it’s just mandatory- keys, wallet, bags. every time. - two aluminum water bottles, i think they’re from simple modern. they’re perfect. - my diva cup changed my damn life when i first bought it five years ago. i have replaced it once (it got a bit icky-looking) but it’s completely worth it. i tell everyone with a vagina that i know about them. - i don’t wear makeup, just jojoba oil for a moisturizer and clean my face with rose petal witch hazel, and last year i replaced cotton balls for the witch hazel with washable makeup remover pads. they came in a pack of 20 along with a little bag to wash them in. i can use one four times before i need to toss it into the bag for a wash, and i don’t need to wash them until i’ve gone through at least eight or so. fabulous.

[@ktnguyen4412]

I love your outfit in this video I like the layering and the different necklace it’s different from your other looks and I’m into the experimentation please keep going‼️ (from a fashion designer)

[@ktnguyen4412]

I also wanna say I really enjoy your videos and you inform a lot of my viewpoints with your easy to digest education on environmental topics. I’m a big fan of your diy mentality too also coming from a person in the alt community

[@jessicasand9381]

Thank you for the Nespresso pod hack! I’ve been looking for one that works🥳

[@Jadisms]

Just posting a comment to boost this into other people's algorithms!

[@saskia....]

I loved this video, Shelbi. You give me so much motivation and hope. I was wondering if you would want to talk about the e-bikes you and Madison chose. I've been wanting one for a few years now, but can't decide on any. I obviously would want something that is for life or close to it :). Rad Bikes and Gazelle were the ones I read the most about.

[@lalinka17]

love it, thanks for the inspo! 🙂

[@kathiebradley5881]

We save sour cream, ricotta cheese, and jars etc containers and send food home all the time, no worries on the containers.

[@helmickkm]

Due to health stuff, I’ve had to go back on a lot of my low-waste efforts so that I can simply survive, but one thing I’ve done to mainly help myself during periods of feeling extra awful is that when I feel even slightly okay, I make family-size portions of meals, then freeze the rest for when I don’t feel good or am in a rush between work and medical appointments (which is most of the time). I’m using the same amount of electricity if I make a single meal or a family size, so why not just make a lot? I bought Souper Cubes to easily freeze leftovers, then re-use the plastic baggies I store them in until they’re literally falling apart. I’m not in a place to be able to use silicone baggies, but I also use mason jars that I’ve gotten from thrift stores or buy nothing groups a LOT for short-term food storage. I also use period underwear simply because they’re SOOOOOO much more comfortable, and reducing my waste and expenditures on period products has been a major plus for me!