The BEST zero waste swaps from beginner to advanced

[@paigalina129]

Recycle tip: Hydro flask has a lifetime warranty. My hydro flask was bumped and banged so bad it wasn’t keeping cold. I did research and hydro flask recycles and replaces your hydro flask. Make sure it is clean (remove stickers) and remove the lid write the address on the hydro flask and send it as is. Yes, send a hydro flask in the mail. See their website. No need to EVER throw one away. Great video as always Emma!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

wow that's cool! woohooo, thanks so much!

[@Cheesetime28]

I would never buy a hydro flask. Its consumerism culture? And they have lead??

[@paulas_lens]

19:00 •Waiting for hot water to arrive before your shower? Collect that cold water in a bucket. •Be careful with your detergents if using dishwater on your plants - even "bio" ones can hurt them. Rotate which plants get the water. •When I wash out bottles before recycling I put *that* water onto plants. •If you collect rainwater, watch for mosquitos breeding. Covering is best, but a fountain keeps the water moving or I have even heard that adding a bit of cooking oil into the water prevents them from laying eggs.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

amazing, thank you!

[@tamaraking8259]

I cut an old, torn flat sheet into 40cm squares and serged the raw edges to make napkins and hankies. Doing this saved the sheet from going into landfill and gave me ‘free’ hankies that I don’t have to worry about losing if I misplace them when out of the house!

[@anaalves3658]

I have done the same, I actually have 2 king size sheets that need to be repurposed, they are super soft 800 thread count sheets that I bought about 13 years ago. I'm going to try to cut them down to fit a smaller mattress, if it doesn't work out I am making pillow cases and napkins 😊

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

how cool!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

nice!!

[@flowermeerkat6827]

Great idea!

[@pamelaspooner7183]

Cut down the middle and sew the sides together to make a new middle. The edges get no wear!

[@Reiko29DBS]

I have a yeti double insulated water bottle and I love it. The opening is big enough for me to fit my hand in and that's KEY to make sure it lasts so I can clean it properly.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

oh good!

[@anaalves3658]

So for people that don't own a tumble dryer or don't want to use one, we bought a spindle when our daughter was born, we cloth diapered her, didn't own a dryer and didn't want to buy one, the spindle was amazing, you just pop your washed clothes in it and within a couple of minutes it has spun the clothes at such a high speed that most of the water comes out, then we just hung up the laundry in a metal indoor clothes drying rack and it would dry much faster. We still have and use the spindle machine. We moved countries and we now also have a dehumidifier, we don't use it a lot but it helps to keep the indoor humidity levels down, when the water reservoir is full i use that water to flush toilets, soak pots and pans and for cleaning bathrooms and floors. Having a bucket in the shower is the best way to not waste the perfectly good water that is running out of the tap before it's at the correct temperature, we lived through a massive draught and are very aware of water waste.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

good idea, thanks!

[@MomIrregardless]

so lucky i am!! i live on a small hobby farm, raise my own eggs, chicken, pork, beef, and goats and milk. so lucky.....now if i could only get over my 'black thumb' and get a garden going!!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

wow that's so cool!! I feel you hahahaha

[@flowermeerkat6827]

During COVID I bought some old fashioned hankies. I keep a hankie in my pocket and an extra one in my purse. They are softer and much more absorbant that tissues.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

they're amazing!

[@Monsterfiend23]

I think the big ones like using your car less, and using less water and energy, are the most important. I tend not to sweat the deodorant packaging as much but taking public transit whenever I can reduces a lot of potential carbon emissions. Great video!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

for sure! makes sense :)

[@karinhart489]

Another wonderful video. Oh, a few years ago my church asked people to adopt “Meatless Monday” and donate the money they save to the local food bank. That was a great motivator. Good news here, the “free bench” next to mailboxes in each of 5 buildings debate caused the HOA board to create & recruit volunteers for a “reuse/recycling” committee to handle questions and issues that have popped up. They recently sponsored a big complex freebie swap meet at the “clubhouse” meeting room that was very successful. It’s great that the HOA decided to be supportive on this. It starts with asking HOA to do something, and help them get volunteers so the board doesn’t have to do everything.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

wow that is all so cool!

[@Reiko29DBS]

My bidet totally changed my life and watching your video on it is what finally pushed me to get one. THANK YOU

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

literally a game changer! yayyyy!

[@justinweatherford8129]

I use a bidet attachment in conjunction with Who Gives A Crap toilet paper.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

a great combo! @@justinweatherford8129

[@LewisTurner-c3j]

Switching banks was something I didn't think off until recent. Turns out the 2 banks I was with were found to be the worst for investing in fossil fuels.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

wow that's wild!

[@danielsellers8707]

I have a silicone cooking mat I got from Wirksworth zero waste shop; I really love it & got Mum & Dad one as well!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

amazing! they're the best :)

[@calicofloof]

I am a former barista and I have SO MANY feelings and opinions on reusables. At the moment, the 16 oz Stojo coffee cup has been my ride and die for over 5 years now.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

omg I bet you have all the good recs! That's so interesting, I'm not a huge fan due to the not-so-rigid sides, I feel like I'm going to spill it!

[@calicofloof]

@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalistyou bet i do!! Stojo's hard plastic band is where it's at! I've been gifted another collapsible cup with a soft, beverage koozie-like cuff and i can't stand using it in the car because you have to overthink your grip or hold it by the top. My previous all-time fav was/is Joco. I love the glass body and its wide silicone sleeve. I've had keep cup since 2010 and their slim silicone band didnt do enough to give me a safe place to grip the cup.

[@SalsaNube]

On buing second hand-when/where possible it's great to join or create a swap/sell group. It not only savers the environment, one can also get to know neighbours and other citizens. In my town, on some sundays, there are gatherings at the open market squares. As the regular sellers are not working on sundays, the group/neighbourhood/foundation rents the space, and everyone that want to sell is putting in some cash for it (usally appr. 1-3 dollars), and can sell/swap/donate whatever they have laying around at home, or without any fee come and buy/take what the want and need. It started as a swap, now it involves lots of people. You can meet friends there, you can get to know new people, and it helps both the environment and the citizens from being alone and to get to feel part of a community, as well as to get some cash or spend not much for something. I like that this seems to be a bigger trend as now malls are trying to mimic this and invite ppl to do such gatherings inside (but then only swaps are allowed), when the other stores are closed. I think it is most probably so that the restaurants and cafe will have some customers even on a day, when the regular shops are closed in the mall, but anyhow, it is nice, that they noticed this trend and are willing to follow a nice habit. And whatever is being left after the swap, goes to charity.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

yes!! we need more No Buy Groups! donating and trading is the way of the future :)

[@lyndacrossley9548]

Tote bags kept in my car or a few 'bagu' sized bags in my handbag, is a real easy thing to do.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

love it! so easy!

[@kjm5980]

I've been using a Kleen Kaneteen for years now for my coffee, and a larger one for water. I receive so many free reusable water bottles and coffee mugs from companies through my work. I just keep them all amd don't know what to do with them. I use bidets in my upstairs amd downstairs bathrooms and you got me onto the reusable toilet paper with them! You are correct, it is super easy to use. Other swaps: reusable napkins, paper towels and tissues, diva cup, lunchbox and silverware for work, electric water distiller for humidifier, reusable air filters for furnace, stasher bags and glass storage containers, wool dryer balls, bulk laundry powder. Would love a video on making beauty and skincare more eco-friendly

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

these are great swaps! I'm not really a beauty girlie but I'll try my best :)

[@HolisticTake]

I've been thinking as of late how cool it would be if a law was passed forcing companies how to dispose of the items including environmentally friendly options or if it's trash the environmental impact. I wonder if people would think twice before buying it knowing it cannot be recycled or it's a one time use or it will end up on the landfill somewhere. I have items I need to dispose of and I don't know the best way (environmentally friendly) of doing it : (

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

we may see it one day, we need something like that!

[@anaalves3658]

Most people are not terribly concerned with the environment, they just want the cheapest and easiest option. That's why companies like Shein and Temu are around. Everyone, that includes me, enjoys instant gratification and that comes at a cost to the environment. We don't consider where it came from because it's complicated to do so. I just bought "barrista" almond milk for my cappuccino at home and my husband pointed out that it's not from a local manufacturer and had to be shipped from somewhere outside of Portugal, we looked at the package and couldn't find out where the almonds were grown, where they were processed or packaged. Leaving me feeling like a complete fool, I was trying to choose a better option than regular milk but didn't taste into account all the variables that contributed to the environmental impact that this product has. Sometimes it feels too overwhelming 😢 so it's easier to just ignore the problem.

[@samiko6091]

Thank you!!! I get such odd looks putting veg straight in the basket

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

same hahaha but it's just too easy!

[@samiko6091]

​@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist hehe exactly and I bet Thorley all wash and peel veg at home anyway!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@samiko6091 rght!

[@VeganMangoQueen]

Magnesium balls for laundry. Try searching Japanese magnesium laundry routine.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

okay!

[@aliyahs8574]

I was binging your older videos before the new year and started composting!! I realized how big my backyard is and I was like wait… this is actually very easy…. lol so thank you!❤

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

yayyyyy! good for you!

[@ashleystanley7941]

I really wish I had waited to get some cotton mesh reusable produce bags instead of the plastic/polyester mesh ones. I have been reusing them for five years, and I wash them in my guppy bag. I love my Alpine Provisions shampoo and conditioner, and I also use an inexpensive shampoo/conditioner bar (Love, Beauty, & Planet, usually, but I also like HiBar and Tangie). We actually had a small herb garden, a tomato plant, and a couple other plants when we used to have a porch. Now we just have one chive plant outside our apartment door because it's super hearty lol. Anybody can grow something, even if it's just one herb plant!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

wow these are amazing!

[@HolisticTake]

I want to see a part two! You inspire me and remind me to be mindful 💛

[@Waste_less_want_less]

Agreed!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

aww thank you!! i'm on it :)

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

you're too kind! @@Waste_less_want_less

[@magadiendor]

I really really enjoy your videos Emma! Not only the topics are always interesting and offer an in-depth view, but also your voice and the way you speak are very enjoyable!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

omg you're just too kind! thank you so much for supporting my work and I'm so glad you enjoy it :)

[@CreativeRedundancy]

Hello Emma listening I haven’t done or use all of these butt 😂 have done some like mending (even reusing thread, sCRap fabrics when possible) , rain catchment( gardening takes quite a bit of water)and composting( fertilizer is expensive at times). Take CaRe

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

good for you!

[@samiko6091]

Inspired ... to try and find some of these in the uk. I’m currently using a morsbag volunteers upcycle fabric into bags

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

woohoo good luck!

[@blargblossom]

I am by means perfect in my reducing waste journey and I bet a lot of people agree with this feeling, sometimes I stress myself out trying to be 'perfect' and waste free. Anyways, I wanted to add to the composting bit. I thought as someone that lives in an apartment would never be able to compost. Well, after a lot of research I discovered as long as you have enough air flow and turn your compost and you had a good ratio of of green to brown items (food scraps are green and leaf litter, news paper, sawdust are all brown) it doesn't matter what you put it in. I use a two terracotta pots. A bigger one holds my mostly/done compost and the small er terracotta pot holds what's currently being composted. I did have to drill holes in them for added air flow. And with one year worth of food scraps composted my big pot is just over a quarter full, which is perfect for my house plants (it all shrinks and breaks down a lot). I chose the terracotta pots because I thought they look nicer since I'm on the ground floor and our apartment is weird about what can or can't be on the patio (only outdoor furniture and plants). Though how to tell if my plants are getting enough nutrition is still beyond me but I do occasionally add commercial fertilizer because I still have it around or I'll add magnesium through Epsom salt or add things like commercial fish fertilizer or bone meal.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

wow that's amazing to hear about your experience, thanks for sharing!

[@HolisticTake]

Yes do a video on the banks!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

i'm on it!

[@Merryyy203]

Thank you so much for this video! Loved it.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

woohoo thank you!

[@ciannacoleman5125]

On the subject of toothbrushes - I’ve been using them for over a year (though I’ve been using nylon bristle versions) and had to pickup a standard cheap plastic one recently. The bristles are so uncomfortable to use! Lol I have to order some more bamboo ones since the toothbrush is bugging me and I won’t last the next few months lol.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

I feel you!

[@Exitstarr]

This is a good one, I haven’t watched zero waste videos in a long time.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

omg thanks for making this your first one :)

[@helmickkm]

The food pantry I use puts our produce in plastic bags, so I’m crocheting reusable produce bags with vintage cotton yarn I got second-hand! In girl math, that makes it almost free lol

[@helmickkm]

I’m also hoping to make some plarn using all of the bags I’ve gotten from them so far, then making a purse or something out of it!

[@helmickkm]

Sorry, I’m going to keep adding comments as I go through your video (ADHD life lol). While it’s not perfectly zero waste, I’m about to go get everything I need to make a bulk batch of hot cocoa powder to make it easy to make hot cocoa on a cold Colorado day! It’ll have much better ingredients and I’ll have almost an ungodly amount that I’ll probably finish by March

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

yay that's so cool!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

omg I wanna try plarn! @@helmickkm

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

no need to apologize! imperfect is better than not trying at all :)@@helmickkm

[@geofft3214]

Good list. I do 25 already. Should weight these - maybe do a weighted calculation. Giving up your car is probably the most impact but tricky. Instead could at least change to hybrid or electric, take public transport etc. 👍

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

ooh that would be fun!

[@terryhenderson424]

We top dress shurbbery with used coffee grounds. We also veggie pit, in ground composting, pur prodice scraps. Its on-site, closed loop recycling,

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

wow so cool!

[@lyndacrossley9548]

Shampoo bars, YES! My hair is and scalp are better too.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

that's amazing!

[@elsa_g]

When you catch your shower water you can also use that to flush your toilet, just pour it in the bowl.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

yup!

[@House_Of_Brine]

Hey! I noticed you have a bottle of CeraVe. I just wanted to say that they test on animals, and there's many other brands that are cruelty free. I didn't know at first and I got a bottle myself.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

this must've been while I filmed at my mom's I never buy mass produced stuff :)

[@jasminsophie819]

Love these ideas!!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

yay thank you!

[@terryhenderson424]

We still use the plastic produce bags because too many pesticides et al, meat juices et al, cleaners et al leave thier residues on the check out belts and ard then not adequately cleaned.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

what does plastic produce bags have to do with pesticides, I'm genuinely confused?

[@terryhenderson424]

@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist Around here, we have both Walmart and a Kroger chain which are mix format stores carrying groceries, hardlines, and garden center items. Most groceries stores also carry rat, mouse, and insect products year 'round with summer seasonal pesticides, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, amd fertilzers. These things are put on the check out belts right along with, before, and after food.

[@tamaraking8259]

@@terryhenderson424 but how do you guarantee those plastic bags are not contaminated? I mean, I know the USA food safety and hygiene standards are really poor compared to the rest of the world so I most certainly wouldn’t trust those plastic bags because they do NOT get cleaned at all and are insanely germy

[@sustainfem]

I bring cloth produce bags from home instead of using plastic bags provided by the store.

[@terryhenderson424]

@@tamaraking8259 my concern is the killing chemical residue on the grocery belt. That and the Shiney residue of meat juice.

[@KnoelsNook]

Ok hear me out: if you have a removable showerhead, just use that as a makeshift bidet. 😅

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

that does work if your toilet is close enough and you don't mind potential water all over the place hahahaha

[@nicolewotton3612]

Baggu bags are my fav!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

they're the BEST

[@lea_chii1093]

I would love to hear your thoughts on the cradle to cradle principle - maybe you could do a video about that next?

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

is that like a circular economy? I'm not familiar

[@andreaescobar5818]

Hello Emma. Hope you are doing amazing. Do you think you could consider making videos on how you mend stuff and your experience with sour dough or just making bread in general? Pretty please … I just received a bread maker for my birthday that’s coming up 💜 and would love to get your thoughts

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

I don't have a breadmaker so I can't speak to that but I can make a sourdough video!

[@andreaescobar5818]

You are amazing! Can’t wait for the content

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

aww you're so kind thank you! @@andreaescobar5818

[@Rivkah_of_the_Remnant]

I would love to see a zero waste office supplies video.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

already have one! Check it out here :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKCYZJp4r5abrsk

[@luciaklapp]

The purpose of 0 waste is to not buy things you don't need. Then what's the point of trying new things every month? I don't think it's very conscious to create content to create unnecessary consumerism. 😵‍💫😥

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

This is not unnecessary. These are recommendations that people can buy IF they need. I never EVER say "you HAVE to buy these or else." No. I give people recs and always disclaim that it's only if they NEED them. Plus, a lot of these are things we use daily: toilet paper, floss, menstrual products, tissues, etc etc. You want people to still use the wasteful version of TP? I shouldn't offer a more eco solution to a product everyone needs? It would be totally different if I said "everyone MUST go buy the new lomi and a new pela case and the latest EV or you're not eco" no I never say that. Long story short, if you don't like my content, move along. I never promote consumerism. You must not know me!

[@terryhenderson424]

We are attempting to avoid mylar packaging and towards that end are nolonger buying Lipton tea because the tea bag sleves are wrapped in mylar.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

nice!

[@shaylanrubendavila6940]

Reusable tissues? So for many years there have been handkerchiefs so why did they make reusable tissues

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

it's the same thing just different names, like bandage and bandaid

[@sarajean1861]

Can you do a dive into the take back bags? I like the concept... but are they truly keeping things out of the landfills?

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

take back bags being what exactly? Like For Days clothing recycling programs?

[@sarajean1861]

@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist yes

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

there isn't much research to be done unless these companies let me go on a tour. Whatever their website says we just have to trust @@sarajean1861

[@septembersilvia]

🙂

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

THANK YOU!

[@ourfamilyaccount]

I thought they were called hankerchief not "reusable tissues", whatever. Glad you mentioned it to your audience 👍

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

it can be either

[@terryhenderson424]

One county north of us it is illegal to use rain barrels. Down spout and surface water is suppose to go into the sewage treatment system, the septic tank, or a retainment pond. Many municiaplitkes rely on HOA's for all code enfkrecemnt and water collectiin systems are not allowed in many HOA's.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

I would love to read about this, mind sharing the county? ugh true I hate HOAs

[@terryhenderson424]

@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist King County, WA. Dont be fooled by thier web site which at times promotes water collection; thats a newer, different hand of government. By code, roof down spouts are to be plumbed to the sewer collection or septic system.

[@o-dreng8778]

That's crazy 😢

[@terryhenderson424]

@@o-dreng8778 The solution, if you belong to an HOA is to work to strategically chip away at the rules at little at a time before things become an issue. Once you've got the 'fores and 'agins lining up it becomes much more difficult with bruised feelings at minimum. The function of am HOA is to maintain property values and also create rules the association's members can live with.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

right! @@o-dreng8778

[@HolisticTake]

Avoiding plastics is better for your health anyway for women and men!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

for everyone of all genders@!

[@kleptomelly]

The Wild deodorants are so tempting but I really don't care for the natural deodorants. I'm one of those people that still wants an antiperspirant and I have yet to find one that checks all the boxes. The quest continues...

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

interesting! Well, if you ever change your mind I truly love Wild and don't find that I'm smelly at the end of the day

[@teacherlovesbeauty]

I wish i could find a 1 ply recycled bamboo tp.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

why 1 ply?

[@teacherlovesbeauty]

I use Scott tissue. That is my favorite. I think it's one ply. The others are too thick. LOL!@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

i feel you! I like Who Gives a Crap cause it's not thick either and it's made from recycled materials :)@@teacherlovesbeauty

[@teacherlovesbeauty]

@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist hmmmmm.....ok! I'll try it! Do you have a code? I looked in a few of your videos.....couldn't find one. Want you to get credit. Lol

[@halslibrary]

Do you have a bidet option that can be used in an apartment? I would love to get one but not sure how it all works

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

not sure how appartment vs house affects anything? but as a renter, i used both Tushy and Whisper but way prefer whisper. If you choose to buy one I have a code you can use!

[@pamelaspooner7183]

Take a jug of warm water with you to the toilet and after your business, just pour the warm water over your ‘parts’. Same as a bidet. Pat dry.

[@sandraleishman878]

I never buy kleenex or paper towels. I use toilet paper to blow my nose. And i have bought a couple more kitchen cloths to use

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

cool!

[@kylreckamp]

Why do you no longer use soap nuts? I was almost going to get some, but then saw you suggested a different product.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

no reason in particular except that I needed to test other options for the channel! They're still a fav of mine!

[@kylreckamp]

@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist okay, thanks for letting me know! 😁

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

happy to help! @@kylreckamp

[@coffinbirthcutie9126]

❤❤

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

you're the best :)

[@shadowofthenorm]

Is it too cheesy to say First 30 seconds after launch?

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

not sure what you mean

[@katicakatanga]

@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist People like to comment "first" to mark that they were the first viewer/commenter on a video :p

[@HolisticTake]

I forget if you've ever mentioned this, are you vegan?

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

mostly! I'm 100% vegan at home

[@la_chieuse]

As a stranger, I have to say: you speak sooooooo quick it is so difficult to follow you! I had to rewind several Times!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Unfortunately, this is just me and I cannot cater to 1000s of different people BUT youtube is great at making content accessible! Use the gear icon to slow down my videos so you can enjoy even more :) warning, do not watch my old content, I used to talk faster hahahaha