10 Ways Zero Waste Living Changed My Life

[@yolkir.]

really glad you spoke about your privilege as a white women in the western world and environmental racism. i've been transitioning to zero waste for about three years now and a lot of the people who i've learned from have been white women on youtube and almost none of them have ever spoken up about their privilege in the movement. i really hope others will learn from you and uplift the voices of AND pass the mic to zero wasters of color and working class zero wasters, who have been zero waste long before the movement because they couldn't afford not to be. also, it would be really cool if you made a video recommending zero wasters of color on youtube (just a suggestion, hehe)!

[@ehudson8286]

I am SO GLAD that you are starting to talk about environmental racism. This is such an important thing to talk about and far too many people overlook it. Thank you for being able to talk about and bring attention to this issue.

[@ellenkarlsson9490]

I recently watched A Plastic Ocean on Netflix. Very good documentary that really made me think. I'm in no way zero waste but I'm trying to reduce my carbon footprint and the amount of waste I produce and that film really gave me motivation to try harder. Other documentaries I can recommend for anyone interested in marine life and the ocean are: The Cove, Chasing Coral, Mission Blue, Blackfish, Sharkwater

[@eatpigsnot]

and the soon to be released Seaspiracy

[@mxrored]

I loooove that you are using your platform to bring awareness to the privileged voice that often comes hand in hand in today’s zero waste movement. It’s so important to address where we are standing when we talk about these things. You look super happy and confident, and it’s wonderful to see. Just also a reminder that you don’t need to wear makeup for us/the camera if you didn’t want to, as you’d be beautiful with or without 🙂

[@amberamato916]

You are such an inspiration. After watching your videos my husband and I have decided to turn our house zero waste. It seemed so daunting at first, but we decided to just replace items as we run out. For instance, tonight I ordered reusable fabric sandwich bags, bamboo cutlery, and metal drinking straws. I'm so excited to begin this journey and I'm so glad I have your videos for ideas!

[@sorayas.seemann9959]

You are such a lovely and inspiring human being! 🌌🌈

[@simini1837]

I am a 40 year old woman from the Netherlands. Since my early twenties i was almost never again insecure about myself and who I am and how I look. I accept and love myself. Its so freeing and lifted a load of my shoulders. I hope you recognise how intellligent, beautiful and kind you are and that you are able to ditch the last remaining bits of insecurity!!

[@FinsternisSan]

I'm really glad that the conversation within zero waste is talking about other issues besides aesthetics! Aesthetics are nice and all, but I found that since joining the movement a few years ago there wasn't a ton of nuance from popular zero waste people besides talking about the physical aspect of waste in your own home. A lot of columbusing within the movement, and just catty snobbery which has always frustrated me when I was scrolling through instagram. A lot of the time it seems more self centred, and that's fine to start but it shouldn't be the end point when waste is affecting others like how cancer valley exists (which is linked to environmental racism) ableism/classism within the community (ex: dragging those who buy pre-cut/pre-made foods), diet culture, and even within my own country in Canada, 140 first nations reservations don't have clean water and we have the the largest amount of freshwater in the world, and a lot more. I think people forget that zero waste is fundamentally, a political movement. Even if you aren't a political person, there's a lot of issues that stems within zero waste, and any social movement and they're all intersectional. So I'm so happy that more people are talking about these issues. If you need some resources, I am happy to link some in instagram since i think youtube flags links on comments!

[@laurawalsh3121]

thank you so much for bringing intersectionality to your audience! I'm really looking forward to seeing your content in this as I've just started to try educate myself on privilege and environmental racism too!

[@3highonlife]

Love your videos and always look forward to the next one 😆 Can you please do a video/ speak about biking to and from work? I would love to know what you do about the cold mornings and dark evenings, what you do when the weather is too bad to bike in, etc. I really want to start biking to work and would love some tips!

[@nataliejohnson8089]

This isn't specifically about racism but in terms of books around environmental discrimination I would really recommend "Why Women Will Save The Planet" by Friends of the Earth, it's super interesting in regards to women's involvement in sustainability and how they are affected by it. I love your videos so much!

[@SustainablyVegan]

Thanks for the recommendation

[@renanuneza8932]

I’ve been watching your videos for a couple of weeks now and you have really inspired me in so many ways. I’ve started biking to work which I never realized has so much benefits not only on me but on the environment. I could tell you a long list of what has changed in my life going zero waste we’ll I’m not completely zero waste right now but I’m working on it one day at a time. So thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!!

[@lauradonofrioart]

Don't worry about your videos being too long. I love listening to you, you are my favorite zero waster! I feel like we are friends even though we are an ocean in between. I feel like you are talking straight to me as I go through the dishes. You chat to me during dish time, yes! I enjoy and value what you say, long or short! :) Hugs to you, friend!

[@The.blessedbee]

your hair looks beautiful in this video!

[@SustainablyVegan]

Thank you thank you! I'm still doing the no shampoo thing - but washed my hair with castille soap here for the vid xx

[@debbiewolfe9621]

Hmmm...eco-racism -> new word for me. Thanks! You always teach me new things!

[@SustainablyVegan]

New to me too xx

[@gmt5664]

Nice to hear someone talk about eco-racism. Great video!

[@RubyintheSky]

I love your channel! It's so funny that you mentioned loving yourself more fully, because the other day I was actually thinking about that as well, and wondering why, unlike most girls my age, I am in the lucky position to feel very good about myself most of the time. What you said about it made a lot of sense to me! I've been vegan for 2,5 years now and I try to move towards less waste as much as I think I can, although I'm by no means 'there' yet. But just knowing that the changes I make for myself, small or big, are helping me be less of a negative impact on the planet fills me with joy and in turn can't help but make me feel better about myself as well! Your work is meaningful, keep it up

[@alexc632]

I missed your videos, so happy you're back!

[@briskoldberg3846]

I've loved your videos for a long time but you somehow still get better in each one! Thanks for always keeping me inspired! 💜

[@nikuasmom]

I was thinking through the whole video how great your hair looked ;)

[@ninahorn]

christian stone same omg! And her makeup!

[@beardedevil]

A great read on environmental racism is Rob Nixon’s “slow violence and the environmentalism of the poor” Thanks for all the zero waste inspiration! :)

[@SustainablyVegan]

Thank you for the suggestion I will be sure to read it

[@veggielouise2355]

I love your videos! To let anyone who, like me ,does not have access to bulk stores if you live near a Holland and Barrett who have a pick and mix section , you can use your own jar ( remember to weigh it first ) !!!!

[@emeliasoderlund]

Just getting better and better! :)

[@lindatait5326]

I love your passion and enthusiasm! You have helped me to feel able to discuss environmental issues with my husband and encourage him to reduce plastic waste as well. He now takes a water bottle to work with him instead of buying bottles of soft drinks to have in the car (he drives a lot for work). He understands how I feel about reducing my impact on the planet and bought me a KeepCup for Christmas and a Hydroflask for work so I can actually ‘walk the talk’. Thankyou! Also, btw, your hair looks amazing! Hugs xx

[@fionamcdonald4791]

Loved this video. So interesting. I started working at decluttering my life last year and have just started on my zero waste journey (long way to go yet). The two are so interlinked. Apparently, the main cause of clutter is over shopping (which I had been doing for years). I have been buying less so as not to clutter my life, which of course, is so much better for the environment and my bank balance. I am a full time teacher with family responsibilities, so wondering how I can find the time to set my compass for a zero waste lifestyle. Plastic wrap is all about time saving and convenience. I just need to be mindful of what I am doing to break my long term habits.

[@51jmiller]

I was wondering what's going on with your hair, the last few videos it's been looking better & better! I'm so glad to have found your channel. I'm learning too how giving up stuff makes so much room for real living. Very good to hear you are proud of the work you are doing, you have a lot to be proud of.

[@realestatewithlarissa]

You are always an inspiration for my own journey! #KeepOnKeepingOn

[@lianne6056]

Love this video and love your ethos - truly inspiring. I am vegan and am not zero waste but am waste conscious - and it is scary. I wish we had more bulk stores in the UK. Planning a monthly trip to Hetu - can't wait!

[@SustainablyVegan]

Laura will be so happy to have you visit the shop!!

[@alecwinner]

Your videos always inspire me, but as a disabled poor person I feel like I can't go 0 waste, or even really reduce my waste. Do you know of any tips or bloggers/vloggers who are poor/disabled and zero waste who might have tips? I really want to start changing i just don't know where.

[@SustainablyVegan]

I definitely agree there are no resources out there (that I know of yet) that talk about how to cope with Zero Waste living if you have a disability of some sort. I will however endeavour to find out the best way to tackle this and hopefully provide you with some useful information soon

[@rebeccajane713]

Following

[@alyssamontalbano2426]

A suggestion is to eat more plant-based. It's a way to reduce environmental waste since meat production is much more wasteful than plant production (if your condition allows you to eat that way, I know some require such high protein it's not economically feasible to significantly reduce meat consumption.) I personally eat pescatarian for this reason, it's only a slightly higher environmental footprint than being vegetarian but it is much less than consuming meat and I'm able to get my necessary protein quite easily. Additionally getting your veggies/fruits without plastic packaging helps, and most grocery stores have that option, not just farmers markets or bulk stores. I find that eating plant-based is cheaper than eating meat, but that depends on where you live.

[@CallieTheClue]

Thank you for this wonderful video. You are a true inspiration to me!

[@user-ys5zs6if2p]

Hopefully this inspires many to join the movement. Thank you. :)

[@Wonderless_1]

I accidentally came across your channel a few weeks ago.. now I have a keep cup and I'm taking something of a no spend challenge during lent! You're inspirational :)

[@Ally-ug3nq]

Wonderful video! So excited when I got your notification :) With future videos , could you do one on ZeroWaste events like Birthdays / Weddings ? , I have several ideas yet I like your style and it's always great to have more ZeroWaste tips. While I live a ZeroWaste lifestyle to the best of my ability I'm also a supporter of FairTrade items , what are your views on this ?

[@SustainablyVegan]

Thank you will write them down and figure out a video for these topics

[@katdance2106]

Your videos have truly inspired me. Thank you for sharing your videos!

[@emmaleman1100]

Great video - delightful self awareness. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and discoveries.

[@OceanEyes02]

I've worked for a job where my boss literally told me that I didn't look professional enough because I didn't wear makeup there. Needless to say I left that job not much later lol. Great video!! This is so inspiring! :)

[@cherryjc7822]

Thank you for bringing this information to me, I only ever heard of eco racism and never thought about it again but hearing how this is affecting others right now gives me a push to do more than just going vegan...

[@MegaErgie]

Hi! In the very short time that I've been aware of the zero waste lifestyle and your channel, my life has changed drastically! Namely, I am now very aware of my habits of consumption. So, today when I was shopping for (package free!) fruit, I faced a dilemma: all of the fruit I could choose from was from thousands and thousands of miles away! And then I started to think about all of the other things I eat daily that comes from just as far if not farther: quinoa, couscous, rice, beans, etc. Talk about a huge carbon footprint! I felt defeated, thinking about how hard it is to eat a sustainable and eco friendly diet. Is this a dilemma you feel? If so, how do you handle it? I'm vegan so the scope of what I choose to eat is already relatively narrow. I love your channel, btw. Thank you so much for the great information and inspiration!

[@olivianicoloff2998]

so much love for you and your channel!!! HIGHLY recommend that you (and literally everyone) read "living a feminist life" by Sara Ahmed, it's the most accessible and applicable expression of her theory, but all of her work is incredible. also i'm a tall gal too i feel ya hunny xo

[@SustainablyVegan]

Amazing thank you :)

[@nakymatonlapsiN]

really appreciate you talking about the global and colonial scale of environmental injustice. so many zero waste bloggers have well-intentioned but shortsighted ideas that ignore their privilege and position in society/the world. zero-waste needs to go above individualism and address systems of power.

[@beetle6859]

soo happy u r gonna be more intersectional now

[@CatherineDelino]

It made me subscribe when I heard about Philippines..I'm a Filipina...you're such an inspiration. How can i see your documentary?

[@SustainablyVegan]

It's called a plastic ocean

[@jjay6432]

Yes zero waste has helped me grow in a way that would never have known otherwise. Keep up the good work, love your videos ✌

[@FrootKat]

I am very much looking forward to being at this level of a zero waste lifestyle :) I am very proud of where I’ve gotten to as well, but boy I am stoked for the momentum to pick up 😊

[@amabelvitai1153]

Great video! This is so inspiring

[@lianne6056]

PS: Would love a hair update. I have been no poo for 3 months and am struggling...... have today washed my hair with homemade shampoo - castile soap, almond oil and essential oils and it feels so much nicer. I have literally spent the last 3 months with my hair up because it is not nice.... maybe it is my hard water?? (Surrey) x

[@SustainablyVegan]

Hard water is entirely the problem, whenever I get the chance to use soft water I don't need shampoo at all! You could try using charcoal and boiling your water once a week to get it clean !!

[@terrielemaire5884]

I stopped using commercial shampoos 2+ years ago and my hair has never been healthier. I use castile soap bars, used to use liquid castile soap but don't like the bottles. I did try water only and even tried the acv and baking soda thing but they were both just...blah. Water only was too much work with the daily preening and brushing and acv fried my hair. Castile soap is biodegradable, cruelty free, and the bars last me about 3 months with long thick hair and I use it as my shaving soap as well. With only a piece of paper for packaging it's a pretty low waste (not zero waste) option.

[@evywolfe2904]

this is super random but your hair looks so nice in this video

[@anne-marief.9611]

This. Brilliant. Thank you so much for sharing. You are such an inspiration. I needed to hear all those things from a mentor ;)

[@caramelushca]

Loved this, Immy. Your channel is just fantastic! :)

[@juliamoriah9056]

I absolutely love your hair😍 it's so shiny and really well taken care of.

[@Karonsen]

I really love your videos. New subscriber here, keep up the good work :D Have a nice day!

[@katarzynabogorska49]

You inspire me to be a better person. Thank you! :)

[@Kylrana]

Since you mentioned your height, it just made me curious how tall you are? Ps I’m loving your approach to your videos this year, you’ve never looked happier 💚

[@SustainablyVegan]

haha i'm really not that tall - i'm 5,9 but all my friends are petite so it made me feel like short women were the most beautiful - so ridiculous !! Aw thank you very much, I do indeed feel a lot happier

[@alinalev5480]

Thank you! Great video! I feel exactly the same way! Could you please make a video about cycling in the city, that would be so useful

[@sarahgregg8943]

Sweety you really are gorgeous inside and out! I love your honest and sincere perspective on your videos, it's so refreshing! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences and inspiring us all. Keep up the good work!!! Your hair looks A MA ZING! PS you inspired me to go vegan 7 weeks ago! 💚💚

[@studiousgirl71]

Love the shots of You in the broom bushes. Thanks for this inspiring Vlog ❤️

[@rainbowmagick7094]

Wonderful video. I have learned so much from you. It's already changed me and I've only really just begun. I've practised a lot of zero waste options for several years, but recently really took note of my consumption and it was scary. I've jumped fully into the pool but of course I still have lots to learn. One of those things I hope you can help me with. I've got mesh produce bags and my own grocery totes. I've found how to get what I need in bulk and have jars for things not good for mesh. But is there another option I'm not thinking of to "bag" up items such as flour or sugar. Is jars the best option?

[@rainbowmagick7094]

Oh my gosh, duh! Thank you so much. I feel a little silly not thinking of that. Especially since I wanted to start making reusable bags from thrift store materials. 🙄

[@michellep7158]

Castile soap has a high ph so what did you use as a rinse?

[@farfesha]

So much yes! You are a beautiful person inside and out and so inspiring! Thanks for your content!

[@MinnestoaMakeup]

Your makeup looks so pretty!

[@alexc632]

Have you watched the documentary called Trashed (the one with Jeremy Irons) by any chance? It is the first one that made me really want to change my actions and showed the devastating impacts we have on everyone on this planet. It honestly brought me to tears. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

[@kimi9844]

I'd love to see book recommendations from you! Also, can you name the documentaries you mentioned in the video?

[@SustainablyVegan]

Definitelt watch A Plastic Ocean it is so great and pretty eye opening - will definitely do a book recommendation video soon! thanks for watching

[@ultrabeating]

Plastic China is also a good one re: environmental racism

[@SustainablyVegan]

Thank you x

[@lexiu1495]

you're such a positive person and I love watching your videos. :) xoxo from Germany 🇩🇪.

[@belvives]

What lenses do you use? I have always appreciated the quality of your videos!

[@swishyfisheyful]

You are so inspiring!!!! Absolutely love your videos and your conscious message and effort!

[@beebeeliciousss]

Your kitchen at the back looks great! Have you done a tour of this kitchen?

[@SustainablyVegan]

This is my parents house not mine so think it would be a bit redundant to do a tour since its not mine!

[@beebeeliciousss]

Sustainably Vegan no worries, just think it looks great. Thanks for sharing so much of your life with us, your video content have been great so far! Keep up the wonderful job

[@amychen2504]

It boggles my mind that you learned to care less about your looks with Zero Waste when you look so gorgeous! Girl, you're perfect just the way you are and I'm glad you know now.

[@HNGuthrie]

If you're interested in reading further about environmental racism, an environmental historian wrote a book called Clean and White about the relationship between waste management, race, and racism. I've just started it, but it's great so far, and a former professor of mine is using it in a graduate school class he's teaching about environmental justice.

[@SustainablyVegan]

Thank you thank you !! I will xx

[@trisarahtops8928]

It's so good to see you highlighting environmental racism. I've travelled to a few countries recently that are disproportionately affected by environmental issues, and it's really opened my eyes. I find it infuriating that people in so many countries are essentially being forced to create plastic waste because they don't have access to clean water, for instance. If we really want to solve our collective waste problem, we need greater acknowledgement of how these global inequalities perpetuate the issue.

[@wangxunan1409]

Just discovered ur channel，great contents and eye-pleasing videos！Your channel will grow big! Feeling #2 sooo true recently, no one actually cares about how you look every day, as long as you don't look messy or bad ; )

[@avielsiul]

I always watch your content, you’re amazing! Big fan from Chile ❤️

[@SustainablyVegan]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate you xx

[@bonnierodriguez8007]

Very excited for future videos! You are beautiful inside and out. :)

[@FountainBeee]

Woohoo! Keep those benefits coming.

[@meghanciuffetelli7493]

Love This!! Hi from LA!!

[@andxvs5339]

This is so beautiful, congratulations ❤️

[@marcr2557]

So inspiring! Keep it up!

[@tinuuh]

This is really inspiring! Thank you so much for doing this :) Saludos desde Chile 💗🙌

[@nicolemitsi]

Great video!! Unfortunately no poo didn't work for me :( even after many months my hair was an oily thick tangled mess lol.

[@bethford1150]

Whats the name of that documentary about Manila?? Sounds really interesting

[@SustainablyVegan]

Its called A Plastic Ocean - its on Netflix if you have it ? Its not just about Manila but every place and demographic affected by plastic waste !! such a good watch

[@bethford1150]

Sustainably Vegan thank you, I’ll defiantly watch it! There’s also an amazing documentary on Netflix called Mission Blue, which I’m sure you’ve seen but I highly recommend it :) I recently did a big research project on oceanic pollutants and how ocean gyres and transporting them all around the world. Thank you for your amazing videos, they really inspire me, Im hoping to go totally zero waste in September when I start university!

[@dashavinogradova495]

you're very inspiring! thank you :)

[@lasloan499]

V inspiring and great message✨💚🌱🙏🏻😍🤓we need positivity in the world - thank you love love ur vlogs

[@91CdX]

Very inspiring!

[@Chris-yk3gg]

Thank you for your inspiring videos! I really like the way you refer to more resources and giving them credits so that we can also learn from them. Lately I've been listening to the "Stuff mom never told you" podcast where they discuss a lot about topics todo with racism and feminism. They gave me a lot of perspective on these matter, you might want to check them out too :) !

[@SustainablyVegan]

Thank you thank you will def check it out xx

[@federicafrancesconi2595]

Wow what beautiful hair 😍

[@mrDdales88]

thanks

[@soflobrat]

i love your videos so much ! thank you

[@tissuepaperbutterfly]

How is your hair so shiny?! Hair care routine please 😁

[@SustainablyVegan]

Haha not washing for a really long time ! But yes I will do a proper routine soon

[@theghostofyoutube8178]

QUEEN. LEGEND.

[@karolinahrubesova2016]

Love everything you doing xx

[@serpentine9069]

Your hairs are amazing!

[@scarletpotato1690]

Could you post some vegan recipes? That are simple and low cost, thnx ❤️

[@constanzamontero64]

You are so inspiring and awesome❤️

[@queenblurblab]

I really enjoy the channel "mariashutup" her channel focuses on intersections feminist from an Asian American perspective.

[@SustainablyVegan]

Thank you!!

[@stefanieyeoman4210]

This is an amazing video ❤️❤️

[@FrootKat]

You look absolutely beautiful, I couldn’t stop thinking that the whole video!

[@shegrowinthegraceofgod4016]

You look great 😊 thank you for always making good content video :)

[@EmilyShawn]

I always enjoy your videos

[@Blueopall]

Thank you for this amazing video ❤️

[@ala_wav]

Finally here!!

[@jan1babs]

Inspirational