My favorite zero waste brands and zero waste swaps I recommend for 2024

[@Karebear01]

A warning for my thick haired girls, Plaine products will not be enough for our hair. The product is thin and you will need to go through a lot of product to feel clean. If anyone has leads on sustainable, thick hair friendly products, let us know!!!!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

I should've said something, I have thick hair and do have to use a lot but only wash my hair once a week so it still lasts a while

[@Big0leBee]

Ethique has shampoo bars and conditioner/cowash bars with curly/wavy hair in mind. It’s been doing good for my thick between wavy and curly hair

[@CocoShin]

“Look in your neighbor’s trash. People are throwing away buckets all the time.” 😂😂 I don’t know why this made me crack up.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

hahahahah there's always so many on the curb haha

[@erintannehill]

I found several new ideas in this video! Thank you, Emma! Quick tip for removing wax from your ears, you can pour a little bit of hydrogen peroxide in them [one side at a time], let it sit for about 5 minutes, and wipe opening of ear with a cloth. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down ear wax and helps remove the deepest of wax. I don't do this often, but when my ears ache, it is the best.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Aww thanks, Erin!

[@bravobby8773]

I just switched to period underwear a few months ago and holy crap they’re amazing. Since I’ve stopped using tampons I feel so much better

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

they are INCREDIBLE!

[@Volundur9567]

The ear cleaner is exactly what they used to use (ear spoons). Even the Norse used them.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

woah cool!

[@hale311]

Also if you have a used bookstore by you go to them! Most of the time they will take your books too and give you trade credit to use

[@feylights166]

Yes! I admit when it comes to books, I love to have shelves full of books (definitely more of a maximalist in the book and manga department), but I will do a periodic declutter, and take them to Powell's here in Oregon to get store credit.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

YES!! The only one near me IS SO overpriced :(

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@feylights166 I also love to donate to Free Little Libraries

[@hale311]

@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist uhh I hate that for you!!! Does your library have a sale that they do?

[@magizzles]

I’ve switched to 100% recycled plastic trash bags from Grove Co. as a way to support recycling. I also switched to recycled paper toilet paper, some brand at Target. In 2023, I want to try out a clothing swap company (Swap Society) and that refillable candle wax. Oh and I also want to check out my local puzzle library instead of buying puzzles. :)

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Intersting, I will have to look into those they are definitely a step up from traditional plastic!

[@hannahbravo3970]

I have one of those lint removers. Do not use them on blankets with raised patterns as it pulls. I use mine everyday because my cat sheds so much

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

yeah they do snag!

[@tempestgrey4629]

Thanks!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

you're an angel thank you so much!!!

[@HolisticTake]

Good ideas and don't forget your libraries have books you can read for free! If we don't use them enough they may go away.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

YES!! Libraries are AMAZING

[@rvank8037]

Thanks for this! I'm interested to try the lotion and refillable candles. My favorite zero waste swap I've made this year is learning to make my own bread :)

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Bread can be so easy!! I love it too :)

[@Azarko212]

1) I love thrift books, I’ve bought so many from them over the years and always have something on my wishlist. At goodwill, I’ve found two books on my wishlist for less than half the price, one of them for almost nothing compared to the used price. My Dark Vanessa was 16 and change on thrift books, found it in the goodwill bins for 50 cents. The Tattooist of Auschwitz, around 5$ on thrift books, 99 cents at goodwill. Always worth a glance in a thrift store. 2) I loved ethiques shampoo bars and used them for about 2-3 years. Unfortunately, the dandruff was terrible and my hair quality started to suck starting about a year ago (and I was using their dandruff one already). For my Christmas gift I wanted traditional shampoo and my hair feels absolutely amazing. When these bottles are finished I’ll give the refillable ones a try but shampoo bars seemed to have run their course for me 😩 3)will have to check out the other period underwear. My thinx ones are so dry and rough in the crotch area and honestly I think it’s from being air dried, or being 3 years old lol Great video as always ❤

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

My thinx have done they same thing! They are also amidst a lawsuit for using PFAs in their underwear so Modibodi all the way!

[@Azarko212]

@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist I submitted my claim with them online. If anyone sees this who has bought thinx between 2016 and like now, if you have proof of purchase you will get up to 21$ back. It’s not much but I’ll put it towards a pair of modibodis. 3.50$ per pair up to 3 pairs without proof and 7$ per pair up to 3 pairs with proof. You have until April to file a claim

[@fridalopez738]

Honestly i feel like trying tampons again but with a reusable applicator because sometimes i just want something internal for busy days

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

yes me too! they're a great swap!

[@film9491]

Omg reusable floss pick! That was a product I really thought should exist but didn’t know actually did!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

RIGHT! It's been a lifesaver!

[@Masterclassonlife]

I too learned a lot about zero waste swaps.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

great!

[@Nomad1025]

Cocofomm dry shampoo is made by women, comes in an aluminum bottle and paper refills. It’s real shampoo, not shampoo alternative, and you dump some into your hand, get it wet and lather up. One less TSA worry too. They also make other products, like dry conditioner and dry face wash. These days, you literally can have a full toiletry kit with not a single liquid!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

I'll have to check that out!

[@suzubee9602]

Thanks for sharing the tampon thing. I've worried a lot about my period and going backpacking or camping and I've been very lucky they haven't overlapped yet

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

YES!! Mine overlapped so much last year so I needed a swap and Dame is lovely!

[@TheTuneProject]

This was so helpful! Lots of things I’d never heard of or thought of before (mainly reusable tampon applicator, floss pick, & refillable candles!) 🙌👏

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

SO happpy to share these amazing and unknown brands!

[@Camille_Boomer77000]

I'm glad you covered the period underwear again. I couldn't remember the brand you had mentioned before and I've been wanting to get a pair. Thank you!!!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

I made another recent video with an update after using them for two years!

[@fallonrocks]

You should try arbour made candles! It is a reusable candle holder and the wax refill is in a cardboard box. It is also a small business!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

That is SO COOL! Everly is also small but always down to try more :)

[@brachak.99]

I wish I could use my quip reusable floss pick 😕. My teeth are tightly packed together and the floss pick does not hold the floss tightly enough and the floss keeps coming out when I use it

[@lauracastro6967]

Same! I tried it and was really hoping it would work for me, but it didn’t. I hope they make a model that can hold onto the floss better!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

oh no!

[@StephanieGiese]

Does soap from shower and dish water hurt your plants? I have to admit, I am not great about catching our gray water because I figured our neighborhood automatically recycles the water that goes down our drains anyway. This might sound ignorant because I don't fully understand the concept of reclaimed water, but I know we are fortunate enough to have it. We live in Florida. Our neighborhood sprinkler systems are hooked up to what the county calls "reclaimed" water, which from my understanding is wastewater that has been cleaned enough to reuse on landscaping, but is still not clean enough for drinking. I honestly never really thought about it much further because it's something that happens automatically for us where we live, but it makes total sense that if we were catching our gray water ourselves we would be using less than we are now.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

It is *usually* already recycled but it cuts my personal water usage (including the bill) in half. As long as you use natural soaps and it's quite diluted (as shower water will be) it is fine!

[@LennyKJ1]

Such an awesome video. I so need that floss pick! I spend so much time struggling with my eco floss.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

THEY ARE AMAZING

[@hale311]

I love thrift books! I got a lot of my school books from them because they sell used text books

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

oh that's amazing!

[@adelehare8495]

if you want a reusable floss pick where you can use your own floss, get something cheaper like the GUM Flossmate!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

I already have one and didn't think it was expensive considering I can use it forever

[@adelehare8495]

@@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist cool! obviously use what you have, i just wrote the comment for other people thinking of buying one :)

[@melissafrick3997]

Yes! Physical books for the win! I mean I buy a lot of ebooks but I do love Physical copies of books if I want to support indie authors or want to read the book again, and thrift books is my go to!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

I tried ebooks years ago and found myself not ever reading so I had to make the swap!

[@angesoie]

thoughts on "arbor" candles? they are refillable and have a sillicone bottom to help pop out the wax

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

never heard of them! So no thoughts hahahaha but now i wanna try!

[@feylights166]

I buy both new and used books. New because there are new releases I want, and I want to support authors. I have a Kindle, but I also still love and buy physical books. Here we have Powell's, which is a great new and used bookstore. When it comes to books and manga, I am definitely more of a maximalist. I of course wish publishers would use either recycled paper or other source, but I just love my books.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

THat is where I am always torn, I want to support authors directly! So I buy occasionlaly from them if I can't find them on Thrift Books

[@kiwifeijoa]

Excellent overview of what you used for zero waste living last year. I think using what you've got and then researching well and getting stuck in there and using these options is what you do so well. I like ethique products too. For nut milk I use metal coffee strainers and they make a smoother nut milk and are easier to clean than nut milk bags, it's what works over the long term isn't it. I like hiw you used your ebike for your shopping. Have you seen those cargo bikes in Denmark, they can even carry furniture on them. Saddle bags are also so useful. Really interesting to see what works for you and what doesn't and why. All the best for 2023.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

This isn't even an overview, this is just my FAVES! Always use what you have!!

[@kather9]

Finding out quip made a reusable floss pick was a game changer. Flossing with a string and my fingers always results in cutting off circulation to my fingertips, which is obviously not a fun time, and with single-use picks generating so much waste I haven't been flossing. I'm already on a toothbrush head subscription from quip, so it was easy for me to add the floss pick to my account. Would you say the compostable floss you have is good for tightly-spaced teeth? I switched from quip's expandable floss to their sliding floss because there was way too much resistance during flossing and it was resulting in a lot more floss use (and frustration), but ideally I want to floss with plastic-free string.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Yes I hate it!! I love Quip!! I don't have too tightly packed teeth so I can't say for sure but I have had no problems with it with my average teeth haha

[@gravincas3916]

I really appreciated this as the swaps were mostly different than what I've heard of before! I never even thought of a reusable lint roller before. I have been toying with getting an e bike. Or even just a regular bike, so I can ride to work. Did you get yours second hand? Either way how much did you spend on it if you don't mind telling me? The hardest part of all this for me is getting my husband on board . He just resists most every thing that isn't conventional. Our water heater just broke and instead of looking into a hybrid, he just basically refuses to deal with the extra process of finding someone to install one that will have a warranty on the work. He just wants to go with what he knows and won't do any research into anything else. Theres tax credit and the energy savings and it would be cheaper in the end, but it still doesn't convince him. I've got him using bar soap and that's pretty much it. I'm afraid he won't let me spend the money on an e bike. Also spending extra money for food is becoming more difficult. Bulk is not cheaper where I live. Organic is obviously not cheaper. I tried going vegan and couldn't do it-I'm also not convinced it's better for the earth than regenerative farming. Inflation made it so we can't buy organic anymore. I am going to buy a soda stream this year. My husband drinks a lot of flavored water and it would save money and materials. He's actually on board with the idea! I bought some 70% recycled trash bags off Amazon by evolution brand, I like them, they're sturdy and decently priced. I just had a hysterectomy so that means no period products anymore at all. Highly recommend, lmao. I'm also working hard on intentional buying. Really giving a thought to what I need vs what I want. Hopefully that'll bring less things into my house over all-even if second hand or good for the planet.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

always trying to highlihght small, new, and unique brands instead of the same 10 every zero waster talks about. They're great, but we already know about them!

[@leanneono6237]

My favourite swaps are Grumm, Smol and Odd Coffee! They're not 'perfect', but I think a nice balance to achieve practical more sustainable living

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Never heard of any of those I will have to check them out!

[@Amy-ul8fj]

I don’t have a microwave. Do you think the candle refills be melted down in some warm/hot water?

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

for sure! I would transfer to a glass dish and set that in a pot of water on the stove. I dont think this bag is designed for stove use

[@alib6060]

Love your work. FYI, sharelinks didn't work.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

what share links?

[@tekayla888]

made it to the end 🔥🦋❤️

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

awesome thank you!

[@TheYgernependragon]

what do you think about the laundry detergent called drops?

[@gravincas3916]

those have plastic as well. The wrap the liquid is in is polyvinyl alcohol.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

Greenwashing unfortunately, they use PVA. Check out my most recent video about laundry sheets (applies to Dropps too)

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@gravincas3916 so sad!

[@janniedison2244]

What about truly free laundry detergent. I've been wanting to try.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

never heard of it I'll add it to the list for my next laundry review!

[@Amy-ul8fj]

I have been using this for years! Smells amazing and works even on my husbands nasty work clothes (he’s an electrician).

[@janniedison2244]

What brand is lotion

[@HolisticTake]

Plaine or Ethique

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

From a local refill shop that is now closed but I love Ethique's

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@HolisticTake Ethique is amazing and I need to try Plaine!

[@hannahtheriault6913]

PLEASE use the lint brush on your carpets, youd be horrified

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

oh gosh I'm scared haha

[@gilashroot8697]

Please do NOT use silicone in the oven.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

why? Silicone baking mats are approved to use in the oven. I would love to see some sources and educate myself if possible!

[@gilashroot8697]

@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist as far as I am aware the mats should be OK. You were holding up a collapsable silicone bowl. And said it does not say for the oven. If it does not say it is safe for oven use it might not be a high enough silicone grade. All silicone is not made equally. I would not use any silicone, or other products, that do not specifically state uses for those uses if they specifically state uses. A quick point, I am not sure if you are aware that silicone should not be used in the microwave either for more than a few minutes (if I recall correctly).

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

@@gilashroot8697 I never said I used those in the oven!

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

I only warm food up in the microwave for a minute or two

[@gilashroot8697]

@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist to clarify you did not say that you use it in the oven. You said you are not sure why it could not be used in the oven. This is a common mistake that people make and that is why it is a hood question that I was trying to address. I was trying to answer your question: if the silicone is under platinum grade, it should not be used for as high heat as if it is platinum grade. The same way certain plastics are supposed to be microwave safe and others not. I sincerely appreciate your channel. I am on your side. I think you are 1 of the few genuine people in this niche. I know that you get "attacked" a lot. Please let's set up an understanding that any of my comments or questions are genuinely not attacks, but attempts to understand and share knowledge in order to improve our combined knowledge base with facts that are facts we can rely on and make real decisions based on. That is what I understand your channel is actually achieving, rather than claiming to achieve based on credentials or biases. By the way, I get so annoyed because I try buy zero waist or sustainable products, or at least cleaner solutions, only to find out that the solution has a greater problem, like laundry straps with PVA. I do not live in area where they break down PVA. It is just so frustrating. It should be law that every year water purification systems are re-evaluated and the laws to purify water should be changed accordingly to make sure the water is actually being purified from the "new" or "newly introduced" chemicals like PVA. I hope that I expressed this correctly.