We Tried The Zero Waste Lifestyle For A Week 🗑️♻️

After your many requests, I finally decided to do try to make zero trash for a week with my friend Sky. It was TOUGH but REWARDING! Who saw our final results? :O
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Milena Glimbovski
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Milena's Zero Waste Shop!! original-unver...
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We Tried The Zero Waste Lifestyle For A Week 🗑️

[@MichelleKhare]

SOOO excited to finally release this highly requested video!!! What did y'all think??? What should we try next?? :D

[@imanimoulton2574]

You should try the water fast for a week , I've heard it has a lot of benefits

[@crowsrose8789]

Michelle Khare first off, I love your videos💜. Do you know how this could work for people who have to take medications? because once you finish the medication either there's a package or a bottle left, obviously you could repurpose the bottle to hold like beads or buttons or something but what about the packaging, especially for things like people on birth control, who take it orally either for the intended purpose or to regular out their cycle, after the month is over they're left with an empty package. Just asking💜.

[@karensonhing869]

❤️

[@MichelleKhare]

wow this is an awesome question. i'm not sure of the answer! I would send a message to Milena :) instagram.com/milenskaya/

[@KatieANDgee]

Michelle Khare fab video!! I'm going to use some of your suggestions.

[@athenanadalin]

as a barista at starbucks it always blows my mind how many cups we trash in a day just in our one store, highly highly encourage everyone to bring your own reusable cups!! you get a discount for using one:) (edit: I didn't realize how many people didn't know about this so let me share how it works!! bring whatever cup you have to Starbucks and just ask for your drink to be made in it, we'll ask you to take the lid off for sanitary reasons but then we'll pour your drink right in:) if you're in a drive through just tell us that you have a personal cup and give it to us at the window!)

[@jessicasmith9452]

Athena Nadalin Same at the Tim Hortons I work at! It. Is. Not. A. Hassle! So worth it. :)

[@beccawhenlifegivesyoulemon9423]

Can you use a standard travel coffee mug?

[@brittanyfranco7817]

I think a lot more people would bring a reusable cup if they knew they could get a discount. I wish this was advertised more because it would probably save Starbucks money and it would help reduce waste.

[@evafehr7706]

Rebecca Goldsmith at the Tim Hortons that I used to work at, you could just bring a regular travel mug and the coffee was like 30 cents cheaper or something along those lines:)

[@athenanadalin]

yeah we can make it in anything!! you get 10 cents off which isn't a whole lot but it adds up:)

[@tsarinaromanov2641]

One comment I want to make. When transitioning into the zero waste lifestyle don't feel guilty about using the things you already had! We're growing up in a society of plastic and convenience so as we become more earth-conscious we first need to use everything we already have. I had an entire drawer in the fridge full of plastic yougurts. I drilled holes into the bottom of the them and used a tray I had laying around. Volia! Seed starters. Are they the best? No but I'm just trying to use up what I have in the most effect way I can think of. That's all you have to do. Little steps.

[@funnlecake221]

Tsarina Romanov this is amazing

[@MeganVandermolen]

Alot of people forget this 😁

[@Ana-sj4et]

i’m seriously considering making the switch to this lifestyle and this was actually a concern of mine! so thank you ☺️

[@Megan-ir3ze]

I know that feeling. When I look around my house, there’s plastic everywhere! I actually feel overwhelmed when I think about. I know I shouldn’t feel guilty. It’s what we’ve been taught.

[@riley1271]

Most*

[@santanaoutlaw]

Damn, just when I went vegan, an even harder challenge awaits... F' it, sign me up, the earth only lives once right?

[@b0o0dlesn0o0dles]

santanaoutlaw I’ve been vegan for three years now and minimal waste for around a year! It’s doable but you have to put in the effort, lots of planning and researching to find food and recipes but doable :) Good luck my friend

[@katarzynarawska9999]

Being zero waste is so much easier when you are a vegan :)

[@BananaBunni3]

That's exactly what I said!

[@diociharesibelli2547]

santanaoutlaw being zero waste while vegan should be easier cuz u can buy in bulk and meat packaging...ugh some can't be recyclable

[@shraddhanipurte639]

I can relate omg but sign me tf up too!! MOTHER EARTH WE ARE COMING!

[@heddaskarblokhin9447]

As someone who has worked in a zero waste store this is one of the best tips I can give: DONT BRING GLASS JARS! They are heavy and take up a lot of space to bring with you and will put you off buying in bulk. Use wash bags (the ones you use when you wash your bra or delicates in the washing machine), thin cotton bags or re use plastic bags you already have. If you have some bags in different sizes you can buy pretty much everything, even sugar can be used in a cotton bag as long as the threads are tight enough. If you use these light weight bags they don’t get all the work of subtracting the weight at the cashiers so it takes less time. If you buy something liquid or something where you need a container, then use one of the plastic ones you have at home (cause you probably have plenty), weather it’s an empty ice cream box, soda bottle or a hummus box, just use something light to bring, then pour it in the nice glass jars when you get home.

[@queeniebaggins3732]

Hedda Skår Blokhin I just mostly re-reuse biodegradable paper bags until they have to be composted. Some things I use fabric and bags or jars 👍

[@agirlwithdreams15]

Often time bed sheets come in bags you can reuse!

[@wanderingwalksasmr]

Yesss! Love your post To buy in bulk shops you don’t need to purchase brand new jars and containers etc - we all definitely have ones already waiting at home. Even if they are plastic it doesn’t make sense to throw out and replace something if it’s still in good working order 🤗

[@bazli83]

omg, the washing bag, you get in Daiso, nice.. this is a good tip

[@centuryfiles9558]

You can use: mesh/muslin produce bags (that can be diy), your old plastic Tupperware, metal Tupperware (I got mine from goodwill), silicone bags(honestly the best), and pretty much anything you already have

[@shelbymiller6144]

I like that you did this authentically. Not judgmentally. Just honesty about your opinions and experiences!

[@شالمري-ث5م]

قصص سكس

[@Isa22Cruz]

You could have also sewn your own produce bag with like an old t-shirt and it would have reused the old tee, therefore avoiding fabric waste! AND the packaging from the new bags!!!

[@jadebedolla323]

This is a great point!!! Fast fashion produces a lot of waste, even just keeping your clothes for a longer time can help reduce waste

[@admiralbum]

I couldn't understand the problem "we cannot buy anything unless we buy produce bag". That's how capitalism and greenwashing entered zerowaste idea. By buying pruducebag one is generating another waste. Why, when switching to zerowaste, don't use all the stuff from the previous life? Empty jars, plastic containers, plastic and paper bags that are already in the house, etc.? I think it's more zerwaste than throwing it all away and then buying special "zero waste gear".

[@PyrusFlameborn]

@@admiralbum like I can't imagine they did not have a single bag at home, no shopping bag, no sack, no backpack nothing.

[@moonw0rt]

For anyone watching-- you don't have to go cold turkey. Start with a safety razor, they aren't as scary as they seem. A stainless steel straw and some bamboo utensils. Bring your own bags to the store and buy more items in glass jars that can be reused. Bring your own water bottle wherever you go. Get a keep cup for coffee to go. These are all VERY simple steps that make a HUGE difference.

[@Eishallengirl]

Mama Bear I have to strongly agree to what you said. Another thing might be a menstrual cup and/or cloth panty liners and cloth pads. Washing your hands, showering and bathing could also be done with bar soap. There are special kinds for different types of hair and awesome smelling soaps for your body.

[@agperri]

yes agreeeeddd

[@brennahasselmann8075]

Why bamboo utensils?

[@moonw0rt]

Brenna Hasselmann a big problem is single use plastic utensils that are given away at many restaurants, if you carry some on you when you are on the go (most of the sets I've seen are bamboo) it helps to reduce your plastic waste.

[@sydneynicole837]

Brenna Hasselmann you can use metal but they add weight and bamboo resists bacterial growth (which is helpful when you have to carry it around in your purse) and is a very sustainable material to grow.

[@KatieMurphyMeadows]

I have extremely sensitive teeth so i use straws every time i have a drink. I never thought of a reusable straw! Thank you so much!!

[@ellieblunden1463]

I know this is kind of an old comment, but if you're thinking about getting a reusable straw and you have sensitive teeth then maybe you should consider getting a silicon or plastic type of straw. Silicon would probably be better just based on the fact that it's not plastic lol. Metal straws can hurt if your drink is too cold and it touches your teeth.

[@ellieblunden1463]

@muselylove my main problem with bamboo utensils is that they're absorbent and cannot be properly sanitized. If you use them in a certain type of drink a lot, they'll start to "stain" and the taste of that drink will hang around. Non porous ones are usually a better way to go.

[@ayraa125]

It's good to learn more in a video

[@godzilla8878]

There are glass staws you can buy them

[@ComradeHeydi]

@@ellieblunden1463 oh wow. I never knew that. Thanks 😊

[@cboyd3469]

Your channel is really becoming a force for good. This is the kind of challenge that really makes a difference. Keep up the good work!

[@ellenkitty000]

this didn’t age well 😅

[@GymKarla]

Why would you necessarily need produce bags? I mean, you could just buy them loose, couldn’t you? At least in Germany you can do that...

[@princesscaraful]

Cara L I was so surprised by that too

[@theminimalistninja]

That's hugely dependent on the store. I've been to stores in NYC, Berlin, Vienna, and London and whether they do it or not depends on their system :)

[@mallorielawrence5878]

i buy all my produce loose for the most part but for stuff like brussels sprouts i need to use a produce bag or else theyll go everywhere and get messed up lol

[@krystelhardesty9960]

Lol I always put my loose produce in a bag of some kind, because when I was younger I worked in grocery stores and the put trash in those carts and they never ever get washed. If you don't use a cart but one of the small tote things ya they don't get washed either. So bring your own basket or bring your own bags for the produce.

[@sintija1757]

Krystel Hardesty Do you not wash your produce at home? I dont use any bags and just wash everything properly.

[@hsfhanaa]

I'm totally going to look into the reusable produce bags

[@Honeynutification]

You can also use bra bags (zip-up mesh bags) :) They might be cheaper too

[@emyleemargaret]

i got a variety pack on amazon a long time ago for $9. they're awesome and cashiers always say they love them

[@Bacall1]

Emily Taylor yes!! I have the same and absolutely love mine! I’ve had them for probably a year and it such a small thing but it feels so good!

[@xgrimesreaper]

i actually made some from old scarves and tshirts! if you have any sewing skills or have/can borrow a sewing machine, try making your own with materials you already have :)

[@sarahscarbrough9567]

I have these and they're PERFECT. They're transparent so grocery store staff have an easier time :) www.amazon.com/Earthwise-Reusable-Mesh-Produce-Bags/dp/B01M24RXF7/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1524659568&sr=8-4&keywords=earthwise+reusable+mesh+produce+bags

[@masha7377]

I'm so happy I live in a country that takes recycling seriously (Germany). Every house has bins for paper, plastic/metal, compost and waste. Still, a lot of trash is just burned, but at least it doesn't end up in the ocean. Most vegetables aren't packed in plastic, neither at the grocery store nor the farmers market. When I visited New York, I was shocked how much plastic was used! Also things like spreads or condiments are often in plastic containers. Here, they're usually in glass. Bottles can be returned (you even get some money back, also for plastic PET bottles), other containers are thrown into glass containers so it can be recycled. I always carry a fabric bag with me, just in case, and reuse the occasional plastic bag for trash or dirty shoes on a trip. Oh and I also noticed that many americans use fabric softeners and dryers. Not only does that strain the fabric so it wears out more quickly, but it's also even more chemicals in the water, more electricity and more packaging. You can use vinegar instead and hang the clothes nicely (especially in LA). If done properly, you don't even have to iron anything.

[@evehuffman9753]

I'm going to try that

[@isa1992m]

From Germany as well and you know we ship waste to Asia/Africa where it ends up in the ocean? We are not holier than thou. Also have you been to an average grocery store? Some produce only comes in plastic.

[@amanda.._..]

Actually less then 10% of items are actually recycled! It’s better to reuse and compost than to recycle because most of it will end up in landfills like the trash in the trash can.

[@priscillajimenez27]

I gotta move to Germany

[@fandomlover3651]

Vinegar as a fabric softener? How would that work? Would I put some in my detergent section of my washing machine when washing clothes? Sorry I’m just curious as to how that works

[@ellenbern00]

In Sweden we recycle our pet-bottles, and we are so good at getting rid of our trash (in a good way) that we have to import trash from other countries.

[@eliskacharlottew.2408]

My boyfriend is swedish and he told me this as well! As an american I was so skeptical at first but Sweden really is ahead of the times!

[@thebandaid3435]

Take ours!!! It’s so sad to see trash (plastic) in the streets and people in my neighborhood not using their bins correctly! I live in California

[@Verenneito]

In finland we also have deposit fee on bottles and cans and around 90% of them get recycled :) Its a nice system

[@Sarahlenea]

I've spent a year in Finland, and that's also where I learned to take reusable bags with me when I go shopping (you had to pay 50 cents each time you forgot to bing your own bag -pretty efficient system^^).

[@corsicanlulu]

why would u want trash from other countries?

[@hazzlan98]

Great video! BUT everyone, remember, there is usually not a huge need to buy a bunch of stuff so that you can lessen your waste. You probably have a lot of glass jars from let’s say bought olives or juices, or existing plastic bags or fabric bags. Ask your parents or grandparents. I swear they will have lots of stuff. Look up stores or facebook groups where you can sell, switch, loan or give away items that you no longer need. The whole point is to cut out the production phase in the chain. No production means less things that may end up in landfills, and less energy extraction from our planet. Everything doesn’t have to look like an instagram photo. Do it for the planet, not for follows.

[@sarahmachane2288]

LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACKKK

[@armanyleblanc3155]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@breannas781]

🙌🙌🙌

[@piiak6848]

Thank you Michelle for making this! Recycling with high standards is already commonolace in Finland, but we’re only 5 million people. I hope this will get people to think about their consumption habits. I’m constantly trying to figure out how to recycle even more and reduce my consumption of plastics, which are the most difficult to recycle for reproduction.

[@xxGuItArGiRLxx89]

Piia K Scandinavia is ahead of the world in so many ways.

[@katalaiho6785]

Yea as a finnish person myself. I recycle plastic, biowaste, cardboard,glass, paper and so on. It’s not hard to recycle so I don’t understand why people won’t do it

[@НикольКугунов]

You should focus more on reducing, than reusing and only than recycling

[@bambivscake172]

I lived in Finland for a year in a Finnish family and there wasn't much recycling in my opinion. Some kind of plastic like milk bottles were put in a different container but everything else was put in the same one... also wherever I went in nature was often a huge amount of trash… In Helsinki, the city center, it was fine but in most other places it wasn't....

[@floor6569]

The biggest supermarket in my country actually started selling the 'ugly' fruits and vegetables for a lower price and everyone buys them! 😊

[@ElleParkin]

I want to buy the imperfect produce! What website/company did you guys use? This stuff breaks my heart 💔 our poor earth

[@MichelleKhare]

it's literally called imperfect produce!! :D :D here's the link (not sponsored) -- www.imperfectproduce.com

[@ElleParkin]

Michelle Khare ah thank you!!

[@JahidulIslam-py8fn]

+Elle Parkin cement

[@truneilson]

Odd Box also sells the odd items.

[@ElleParkin]

Tru Neilson awesome!!

[@zoey6052]

TIP: Paper napkins can be composted just like some teabags. Egg cartons and other paper/cardboard packaging can also be composted.

[@zoey6052]

You can also buy reusable like food wraps or make them ourself with cotton fabric and beeswax. You can use this instead of cling wrap or to cover food even for work lunches.

[@spriddlez]

I think this is a great idea but really highlights privilege so much. This would be so much easier to do depending on your available free time, where you live and other factors. It's really got to come from the industry rather than individuals to be successful... but hopefully if enough individuals start doing it companies will see its value.

[@emmilittlemuffin]

Spiffleh it is, but it's also so much cheaper. We moved to zero waste and minimalism after my arthritis got so bad I couldn't work and we had no insurance and we were able to use it to make ends meet. My parents live practically zero waste bc they both grew up impoverished, and grew up not buying anything that doesn't have a fourth, fifth, sixth use. I ge t where you are coming from though!

[@Ana-sj4et]

there are small things you can still do to make an impact though, that was her point. and we as consumers have to be willing to do that, because the only way we’re going to get these companies to change is if we hurt their profits. the industry is only as powerful as we make it. if we keep buying things the way they are because “it’s too expensive or we’re too busy”, then they’re going to keep making it like that because WE are the ones buying it anyway. be willing to be uncomfortable for a bit and go without some favorite products. because i promise, mother nature will take its earth back if people keep making excuses.

[@bettynatale2521]

Finallyyy, influencers trying zero waste ! That's awesome, thank you for being respectful of this movement. Some people, specially youtubers who have a lot of followers tend to do this challenge just like another-weird-but-funny-thing-to-do, so thank you for giving some information about our footprint, thank you for trying to make efforts to be involved in this, hope you'll continue and inspire others !

[@AmykayDesignStudios]

Am I the only one who just puts my produce loose in the basket without taking a bag?

[@mychannelmtl2496]

Amy Kat Exactly - me too! Why would you need an individual bag for oranges, potatoes, lettuce - anything really! Never an issue, I just put all items of one kind together at the cash and they can weigh them easily.

[@heatherpowell1838]

Gwen Paker that’s why you wash all your produce at home before you use any of it

[@fashionbug9880]

I only do it with things I don't eat the outside of (like bananas). Otherwise, I'm putting my apples in the cart where some child's butt or nasty purse was, and I'm not having that lol

[@XXXkazeXXX]

many supermarkets over here have biocombostable bags for veggies as an alternative option ❤️

[@fashionbug9880]

M Mc I prefer to think about dirty hands touching my food than purses that have been god knows where and baby poop filled diaper butts lol it's inevitable that workers will touch the food, but it's not inevitable for it to touch the germy cart

[@noeneubanksfan943]

8:46 did anyone see the people waving in the back?😂

[@emmanystrom735]

Omg yeah I was looking for peeps in the comments that saw that, thaught I was the only one hahah lol.

[@emmanystrom735]

@@hansikarakesh6878 oh okay haha

[@kara6418]

@@hansikarakesh6878 yeah looking at it there hands are making a “< _ < _” motion than a waving motion

[@MissPuppettear]

YEEES. It is so wonderful to see youtubers with big followings bringing light to these issues. You have so much influence, and it warms my heart that you are using it in this way! 💗

[@MsLeonor1968]

If you’re serious about going more waste free, learn to become more resourceful. Take in your own reusable grocery bags, make your own produce bags out of old colorful clothes or scrap sewing material at like Walmart. Use water bottles from home. Compost when you can, give leftover older produce and bread to wildlife. Keep urging stores to bring in bulk and to stop bagging their foods in plastic 👌🙂 Recycle.

[@LifeguardOutofWater]

Michelle! Love that you tried this out! I know a lot of KZbinrs make a career out of basically just being wasteful with hauls and PR unboxing and excessive product purchasing for videos. Do you think you will keep trying to reduce your overall waste even if you can't stay zero waste?

[@MichelleKhare]

YES.

[@somethingclassified2286]

Michelle: I'm starting my compost today Me: TAKE THE STICKERS OF THE PRODUCE

[@simply_yoland_ing]

I am slowly adopting a zero waste lifestyle but it is difficult. Sometimes I go into a store and grab what I need but at the checkout I realize that nearly everything I got is packaged in plastic. It is a difficult journey but I am determined to achieve it. Greetings from Spain ❤️

[@ashleytobler7788]

This is such a great movement to bring to people's attention, I'm so glad that more people are trying this. BE CAREFUL everyone who wants to compost, the stickers on your produce are in most cases not compostable. And if you include that in your compost the whole batch becomes useless, so peel those off!

[@vanessa.i.r9613]

You are becoming conscious. That's so good Michelle ... Keep doing a great job as you've being doing. Your video about the effort that women from mozambique do was amazing. Keep going and do not give up!

[@stephanieluna7218]

Wait... What about toilet paper

[@nikolaiivankovic6927]

Rather than recycle empty laundry soap containers, google if there's a soap refill place you can go to. Most place will let you bring in containers and refill them!

[@chloe8578]

I wish big shops and supermarkets would try to be more sustainable. Like everything comes in plastic when it doesn't need to. Shops could quite easily change their packaging, but for some reason they won't. I feel like that is a big reason why many people produce a lot of waste, because there are not many easily accessible options available. Instead of supermarkets selling drinks in individual bottles, why can't they have liquid dispensers where you can refill your old bottles? And many things can be sold in those containers, where you scoop out whatever you need and put it in a reusable bag (like the nuts in this video), such as cereal or sweets. Waste could easily be reduced if big brand shops make the effort.

[@DrivingOnWires]

I feel like this is so focused on the individual's impact when we see in this video how companies are making wasteful decisions. The recycling company isn't recycling, the grocery store carries all these packaged products and refuses to sell misshapen food, all the food companies that package their food in plastic. The green movement isn't sustainable so long as it focuses on individual impact because it is then only accessible to those who live in the right places to access ecofriendly things, who also have enough money to make the economic investment into buying the reusable products or the earth friendly one, and they also have to have the time to compost, go to farmers markets, cook, sort their recycling, etc. We will not save the planet from the bottom up, it has to be a push for top down regulations, policies, and changes.

[@inamib.9786]

Very much agreed! I think the zero waste lifestyle is great but ultimately it’s putting the onus on individual when it’s really companies creating all the waste. It contributes to the culture where as individuals are asked to change while companies are allowed to stay the same and make it hard for people to actually change. It reminds me of the obesity crisis where companies encourage people to exercise more to distract from the fact that they sell highly caloric, highly sugary and generally unhealthy food that is designed to be addictive. There has to be a point where companies are asked to change too

[@emmilittlemuffin]

Companies won't be motivated to change until there are enough people not supporting them anymore, and we can still change the damage we ourselves do too!

[@Xentrolis]

I think Emmy makes a compelling point. Companies won't change until the bottom line is impacted. If enough people stop using their products because they produce waste, they'll be forced to change their ways. After all, a business has to turn a profit to succeed.

[@inamib.9786]

But how do you boycott the only grocery store of the neighbourhood? Or the recycling company contracted by the city? There’s services you can’t avoid that have no incentive to change unless forced to do so. There’s a lot of small communities with limited consumer choices. Voting with your dollar is great in theory, but in practice it’s very limited. Companies could just change their service in LA and NY while staying the same in smaller markets where change would cost more than the potential profit. And it’s a lot easier to ask corporations to change, than to ask millions of people to make changes that are currently very inconvenient

[@Xentrolis]

Inami B. I don't thing you'd have to boycott the *entire* company. Just only buy items that don't produce waste. Eventually they'll get the message when their waste-producing items are hardly selling.

[@samhuntfx1023]

It's so much easier to do in Australia. We have soft-plastic recycling available now :)

[@runwaychick7]

I'm a Peace Corps volunteer in Morocco. Here is how less wasteful they are. Towels to wipe anything. The vegetable market has no packaging, you just put everything in a bowl and they weigh it all out and you put it in your own bag. They don't use toilet paper, but water ( I don't think I can ever leave TP lol). I have NEVER seen plastic silverware or plates. The don't like their trash cans, but wash them every time they're emptied.

[@meagonweaver609]

You can use recycled tp or bamboo tp from different companies like "who gives a crap toilet paper"

[@HannahHinze]

I LOVED this video. About 2 years ago I started reducing the amount of trash I create, and I've been making slow but steady changes since! I make my own cleaning supplies and conditioner, use unpackaged shampoo bars, use a traditional safety razor instead of the ones with the plastic cartridges, use cloth bags and jars at the grocery store, keep bamboo cutlery and a reusable straw in my bag, etc. It's all added up to make a huge difference, and it's been really easy to implement gradually!

[@lilybrown7265]

As a Brit, it really frustrates and saddens me that many teabags contain elements of plastic in the bag itself and are not compostable like many think they are! Had to do some research into companies that don’t use plastic for the bags, and I’ve switched to loose-leaf tea too!

[@chilliam00]

Loose leaf is the best 🍂🍃🫖☕🍵 (coming from a fellow Brit and someone of Chinese descent, so we know our tea).

[@yoelperez5743]

What were the names of those stores? Ive been trying for months to find loose produce that I can put in my own containers

[@naturesudhar]

Sustainable stores.

[@LoveThemGorillaz]

i mean you dont /need/ to put the fruits in a bag?

[@assemblyizeable]

Yeah, I rarely do. I always wash my fruits and vegetables before I use them, so I don't see the point most of the time.

[@onestoryfallen]

Thank you!

[@Melza01]

We need to weigh them before we can pay for them.

[@aaahlydia]

Melissa Govender so does everyone I think. You still don't need bags for that though

[@beatamcclure3965]

This!!!

[@heidibarrow9811]

Thank you for making me aware of the 'imperfect produce' company, it is such a good idea helping farmers, being sustainable and saving money. I'm from the UK but I just looked it up and there are a few companies that do it here to, you have potentially just changed the way I get veg for the rest of my life... xx

[@SustainablyVegan]

I mean, this was great 💚

[@nadinecuenca8641]

Agree :) so happy to see people looking to make a change.

[@joocymangoes]

What I really want to try first is zero-plastic-waste, because I feel like 80% of the waste I produce is plastic and is the most harmful to the environment.

[@sirpupwheaton]

This is awesome! I've actually been trying to figure out ways to reduce my impact on the environment. I don't know if I could go completely zero waste but this video gave me some good ideas. Coincidentally, last week I received an ugly produce box (I live in Toronto) and it was so exciting. Also, I got a reusable bag that folds up neatly/small to put in my purse for purchases that happen and I didn't bring a bag. Thanks for your awesome and inspiring videos!

[@lifelovegaming]

Bev Herscovitch I try to reduce my waste and here are my best tips: always carry a cloth (to use as napkin for blowing your nose or spills), use a nice water bottle, get a reusable utensil set, use Tupperware instead of plastic wrap, stop eating fast food, have reusable bags (grocery and produce) alongside jars in the car and in a backpack, always bring a jar empty to make the weighing process easy for the cashier, and get out of the mindset that you cant eat normally while reducing waste. Honestly sprouts allows for zero waste shopping and they have everything from flour to spices to candy that isnt packaged. Also find a local farm if possible, where you can get eggs from. I hope this helps!

[@lifelovegaming]

Almost forgot: If you compost. The best way to store it is in the freezer until you make time to compost it!

[@katherinedenney6528]

Even just taking steps to reduce the trash you produce can be huge. Even just making the switch to reusable bags, bamboo toothbrushes, reusable straws, not getting plastic silverware, carrying a reusable water bottle, and making an effort to buy things that are in reusable or recyclable (preferably glass or cardboard) packaging can be huge. Other things like if you currently use disposable razors switch to a low-waste straight razor or even just make the switch to a reusable razor with cartridges instead. Little steps can add up!

[@xuefenyang7926]

Lieske Essek a great way to live more sustainably and environmentally friendly is by being vegan !

[@lifelovegaming]

xuefen yang I agree. That is why I dont eat meat and eat from local farms for eggs

[@jordyntoll]

Could you do a video on drinking apple cider vinegar for 1-2 weeks? It would be really interesting to see your results and overall thoughts and if you found any benefits heath wise. You have opened my eyes to different kinds of fitness, and shown the importance of physical health as well as mental which is so important. Thank you for all the inspiration!

[@naturesudhar]

Don't buy apple cider vinegar in shops. Produce ur own. It can costs very much low price when compared

[@cheeerryjamm3225]

Michelle YOU ARE LITERALLY THE BEST Please keep up the good work, i don't know many ytbers who work as hard as You do. Can't wait to see next videos from You!

[@QuietschePinguin]

I just love love love that you tried this lifestyle! I've been slowly adapting the zero waste lifestyle but it seriously is not easy. It was so much more easier to go vegan for me. Your video was also so informative and motiveates me to do better :)

[@jazzy.jazzmin]

I think it is really good what you did with the no waste challenge. However the napkin thing... i don't think it was necessary to return them since the employees just throw them away cause they can't use them again for the next table. So you could have just use them and try not to get some the next time. But yes. All in all a good challenge and i hope more will follow.

[@LisaMichele]

fulltime idiot I was thinking that too!

[@AlexaVonSuess]

Same with utensils and straws. After they're given to the consumer, they can't be taken back for health and safety reasons.

[@shikhajohn7458]

Here the farmers market is every saturday, maybe I should consider buying from there instead of the grocery store. It might make shopping a bit easier.

[@TinyPigy282]

In England the supermarkets I visit don't have nut/seeds for you to put in bags it just come already weighed out and packaged

[@megandixon7350]

pigywoo 12 in most grocery stores in America they have those so you can choose how much you want. For example, if you have a recipe you want to make but it only calls for a little bit of something you can just get that much instead of buying an entire bag that will just be wasted.

[@truneilson]

pigywoo 12 Check out Sustainably Vegan on KZbin she lives in England and talks about all the good store to shop at.

[@rhiannondorman]

Lidl have baskets of nuts you can bag yourself :) otherwise you have to be in a big city like London, Bristol or Manchester for zero waste shops

[@fla7403]

Not your typical ones do but if you shop around there are some, wholefoods for example too, maybe look at your local health food stores

[@McKenzieIdeality]

England actually has more zero waste shops than America! Kate Arnell is a KZbinr who lives zero waste and she commonly talks about all the package free shops that are popping up everywhere. Definitely check her out. Bulk food is everywhere when you really start noticing it:)

[@espressomaskin9837]

Heyyyy Michelle and everyone who feels guilty about laundry detergent: at some stores, they have that so you can refill your bottle. I don't know if that's a thing in the US, but in most parts of Europe, you can do that. There are tapps filled with soap and stuff

[@spokeforhours]

I am not zero waste, but I am lucky to live in a country where it's easy to remember to use less disposables and to recycle. In Switzerland, while I don't think there are zero waste shops, it's easy to find reusable alternatives (like produce bags). Also, everyone is basically forced to recycle, bc trash bags are expensive due to a trash tax (that Swiss people voted for) that makes it really expensive to just put everything in the trash, so every house has that corner/cabinet/room full of glass, PET bottles, and cardboard waiting to be taken to the recycling center or to be put out on the street on the collection day. While it isn't a perfect system, I believe it does implement some environmental consciousness into the people, and when it comes to the US, culture will be the biggest challenge to a more low waste society.

[@Cherry_amphetamines]

spokeforhours it would be better to recycle less and focus on the other Rs that come before like reusing your own bag but having that make people more aware is good

[@emmabloom1793]

www.unverpackt.ch/wo-kann-man-unverpackt-einkaufen/ Here are many Swiss zero-waste stores listed, I hope you can find one near you :)

[@juliecoats63]

I loved the enthusiasm and education you brought with this video - welcome to zero waste! Zero waste guilt is actually quite normal. To combat this, it is important to recognize there is a larger system involved that does not support sustainable choices, make small and conscious steps forward, and do what you can to change the system. Great job!

[@studiousgirl71]

Pre planning goes a long way when going zero waste.

[@aimeey2859]

Yeah like bringing your own cloth napkins or containers to a restaurant instead of expecting the restaurant staff to provide towels for you...

[@miss_xenia_]

I would love an update after a couple months of what you still do every day now! ❤️

[@Kathyelyn]

omg, I use so much paper towels, idk what to do like... reusable kitchen cloth? and wash it? Like people before paper towels did? like people in europe do? srsly america? 😂

[@MichelleKhare]

yes! just using old rags and washing them :)

[@Jazminzesati]

People still use kitchen cloths, all my family does at least. I think paper towels are a luxury, lol.

[@amarantagalindo758]

Although, paper towels are wasteful because of the packaging it is compostable.

[@emmilittlemuffin]

Generation me on etsy makes amazing "unpaper" towels, in dozens of colors. They're my favorite!

[@eileenbrans1000]

Microfiber cloths are great for cleaning and probably at least as absorbent as paper towels !

[@ellamullins5192]

I made my own toothpaste once and loved it, but I started getting smooth surface cavities because there was no fluoride in it. Both myself and my dentist weren't sure how to add fluoride to it, so I'm back to regular toothpaste :(

[@bellar.9915]

It’s like whenever I gain interest in something, you make a video about it. I.e. I’ve been really interested in zero waste lately and trying to slowly switch over. HOW DO YOU ALWAYS READ MY MIND!

[@blakelygarrison]

Basically it’s a “being a VSCO girl for a week” 😂

[@evehuffman9753]

Ye🤣

[@yrla]

Michelle, more of videos like this, please!

[@alexandraogilvie2168]

I love this but I have one quick comment: most "reusable" products take a lot more carbon to make than the disposable ones. Cloth produce bags have to be used hundreds of times before they're actually carbon neutral. I'm sure we all have a million plastic bags in our kitchen, and so I use those to get produce, bulk foods, etc. It's cheaper and often better for the environment.

[@SciFiGuy72]

Excellent video! It's such an important and easy to solve issue, relatively. Thank you for exploring this and passing on what you learned so we can take advantage of it.

[@cheese0134]

While I love the 0 waste movement and think it's absolutely amazing for the environment, it's not realistic for everyone. The closest "bulk" store that would be zero waste is HOURS away. For some, it's just not a possibility.

[@SweetasSugar42]

One thing I learned today is that teabags can't go in my compost bin. Something about the teabag not being fully biodegradable. It is extremely difficult to even recycle/compost.

[@sashaadler5253]

get some loose tea :)

[@oc038161]

There's reuseable tea bags made of silicone! I use them for looseleaf tea :)

[@gerina.]

well, that’s the tea

[@LPS102]

Imperfect produce is the best ❤️ I've had my subscription for 6 months now and I only spend about $30 on produce every month!

[@jillievanilli1767]

Who would give this a thumbs down? SMH!!!

[@peachygrace9871]

I have so much hope for our generation! More people are vegan and waste free than ever, I’m 15 and vegan...trying to make as little waste as possible but obviously it’s hard living with my family. I wish it was easier but collectively we’re getting there!

[@ramseyzakaria1333]

Thanks for killing all of our vegetation

[@ellie6888]

Boost Bois What about the cows, pigs, chickens that get tortured and have to eat grass. They kill our vegetation too I’m vegetarian but wish I could go vegan but I still live with my family. Humans aren’t even designed to eat meat. Would it be different if you thought about it like this: how would you feel if someone took you child/friend/family and killed it for others to eat

[@ramseyzakaria1333]

AnimalBug humans are designed meat what are you talking about, we need protein to live.

[@ellie6888]

Boost Bois We don’t have enough canine teeth to properly break down meat. Also, you can get more protein from beans and things like that than meat

[@ellie6888]

Think about this: we are neither designed to eat meat but also not designed to eat just plants www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320047.php This artical explains all of that

[@evangelineharding644]

In Australia we have a system at shops called the odd bunch. It's where they take odd fruits and vegetables and they sell them to people. And we also have reusable bags every where.

[@ClaireFrancis]

8:47 why is their wave scaring me

[@bellaherrera2173]

my classroom at my school collects all paper from all our classes and recycles it every week

[@samLannoyandmyboys1D]

I've been zero waste for over a year now and it gets easier over time I never think about it now and it can be embarrassing but whenever you explain yourself people are usually pretty positive!

[@thatissobeefy7364]

Sam .delannoy I’m trying to go zero waste but it just seems impossible

[@samLannoyandmyboys1D]

I think it definitely depends on where you live. Living in a city is definitely easier... that is not the case for me. The thing with zero waste is that you have the 5 Rs (refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, and rot/compost) and they should be prioritized in that order. So if you can't find something packaging free, find something in recyclable packaging (paper over plastic!). The reality is that sometimes you will create trash because we live in a society that relies on disposable products... but that is ok! Just try your best. Focus on one aspect of your life first, maybe that is toiletries or kitchen/food... and once you get the hang of that, move on to the next! It is a process, I still make errors for sure. Do it gradually not cold-turkey. If you have any specific questions about something lmk!

[@nadyabens6904]

I didn't know that supermarket and grocery don't Accepet those fruit and vegetables because of the shape 😐 that totaly wrong and bad 😯 and sad

[@lillianadams2243]

It blows my mind to think of recycling and composting as not being a part of daily life. I live in a place where that’s the law and it’s so easy to just sort your waste, such a simple way to cut down on unnecessary trash.

[@AnhLe-zl4ws]

Starbucks sells reusable plastic cups that give you a discount whenever you use it (available at certain Starbucks). Starbucks is trying to reduce waste by selling these and providing an incentive so that’s pretty good :)

[@orlandogranados1972]

Now I know that if Michelle can do it, i can do it. Thanks Michelle you inspire me to workout and do more things to make me feel good.

[@JohnFortnite23]

I reeeeeally want to live zero waste and cruelty free like sooo badly but I’m only 15 so it’s not really up to me. I use the products my mom gets for me, I eat the food my parents buy. I’m mostly cruelty free and completely vegetarian. Hopefully I will be able to live this lifestyle in the future. All these beautiful amazing people who live this lifestyle they inspire me to do better. I also want to be an example though I may only be 15 I want to inspire other teen and just anyone in general. I really hope everyone reading this feels motivated to make a change! xx

[@Deedj1]

Love the content Michelle! You should do a video with Safiya where you test various makeup during a workout, I think it suits both of your channels very well!

[@centuryfiles9558]

This is a KZbin video I rewatch for fun.

[@shellygilman1]

I have a reusable Starbucks cup for a year now, and i keep paying attention to how many cups are thrown away when i go there, it is so much, please buy their $2 reusable cups, they are so good!!

[@LISTEDGames]

Companies should firstly change how they package their products, shouldn't be our only responsability..

[@jwinkies3011]

ALSO cutting back on your waste can save money- instead having to by things that you throw out, like razors, period products, straws, paper towel; you buy it once and reuse them

[@caelenw6572]

Thank you!!! It’s so frustrating to go into a store and see all the plastic and feel like I’m the only one who notices/cares, I’m glad I can see others going through the same process to know I’m not alone!

[@katharness2797]

♻️♻️♻️

[@drewd4801]

Yes! As a zero waster (or trying to be) it's so important for people like you who have fairly big followings to spread the word about the movement and to educate people, not just be all preachy which I think turns a lot of people away from this super awesome movement

[@gracewarmuth4380]

You can put some paper and cardboard products into your compost. We have general waste, green waste and recycling bins at every household in Victoria in Australia, so at least that's something. Also we don't *have* to put our individual fruits and veggies into bags, so that's something. Also love what you're doing Michelle, you're really making people think about important topics!!

[@swapnashah7184]

their are compostable Ziploc bags and they’re 100% compostable and they’re amazing leave change my life

[@weegyvidz1420]

I’ve actually never heard of reusable produce bags, tbh I’m probably going to start using them now 😂

[@kadambari7708]

Michelle. I recently discovered your channel and I can't help but binge watching it. Your videos are so out of the box and it makes you think about the things that we should think about and things that matter. Thank you. Looking forward to more such thought provoking and brilliant videos. I wish you could reply 💙

[@theLilly9987]

Thanks so much for this video❤ beautiful

[@mkqsa_]

And also I am so proud of you guys for trying to make a difference in the world. 👏👏👏👏👏

[@kristinestrand]

I really enjoyed watching this video ❤️

[@kaitscott5768]

Grocery stores in New Zealand are starting to sell odd bunches or produce at reduced prices so less goes to waste!

[@TBegay]

I live on the Navajo reservation. So all our products travel a lot. Basically we import everything and so our prices for everything are 8 - 10% higher. We end using a lot more gas to transport those products and fresh foods are not as fresh they could elsewhere. It's also a very arid environment and we have hardly any water rights. It's most owned by the state of Arizona even tho the Navajo reservation is a huge part of AZ. So zero waste or minimal waste is incredibly hard out here.

[@TBegay]

No grocery store on the reservation does bulk bins.

[@NejisMate]

I know this video is supposed to be positive, but... I just can't believe how they lived before the challenge. I don't live zero-waste, but I think it's normal behaviour to recycle and compost, to return paper towels at cafés that you don't use, to bring reusable bags when shopping for food... I'm just shocked by the amount of waste they made and how difficult they found this. I don't buy anything in a week to deserve this challenge being difficult. This video left me more upset by the amount of waste they make in their day-to-day lives and think that's normal, rather than teaching me anything. Is this normal behaviour in the US?

[@kenyatte1020]

It is. The US is a very wasteful but many of its citizens are trying to change

[@KP-ej7gc]

This is normal behavior in the US. I am an American. Where are you from?

[@avast47]

sadly this is the norm.

[@stefaniawelvaert7063]

Same... If I go shopping even for clothes I bring my own bag. I switched over to a diva cup 2 years ago, I use a wooden toothbrush, I always have my reusable water bottle with me, I use reusable cottenpads, I only buy bars of soap, I shop in a lot of second-hand stores, I don't accept straws...But bringing your own bag is like the basic. It's so simple! Think about how many plastic bags you don't throw out because of one reusable bag? It blows my mind that a lot of people in the US don't even know the basics...

[@marissamartinez923]

I loved this video. You are so inspirational!

[@mitalirajput3004]

You should continue to try to reduce your waste and thank you for actually trying

[@roseyang5942]

Eats a bag of chips and looks at bag

[@lulasadventures3758]

You don't need those mesh bags! They just weigh the produce which is usually in solid form so why not just put it directly in your reusable grocery bag? I believe you could have researched a bit more before making this video. Why didn't you buy second-hand reusable stuff? Thanks for experimenting with this lifestyle, and this is a good promo for this lifestyle. But next time research.

[@jillianelise5]

I'll never understand why our schools don't educate on: 1. How to defend yourself from assault/rape 2. How to recycle or at least what it is, alot of people don't even know that there are recycle symbols on the packaging they buy! 3. How to handle mental health challenges seeing as anxiety and depression rates are super high 4. How to save money 5. How to have healthy relationships with other people (feel free to add on to this list).

[@bararobberbaron859]

Wow this comment is old, but I would like to add, not just how to save money, but how to run a fiscally responsible budget. Don't buy something today if you don't have the money for it today. Use savings if something HAS to be paid for on the spot, otherwise delay the purchase. First pay your bills, then split the remainder in 4 pieces. 1/4 goes to savings, 1/4 goes into your 'in case of emergency' fund, 1/4 goes into 'fun' (holiday, new TV, going out to dinner) and the last 1/4 is for you to spend that month on whatever you want but don't need. Sometimes you can't help but somehow end up in debt, a decent chunk of debt could be/have been avoided. The first year or 2 years you might have to use a different balance in the budget where 80% goes into putting a bit of a cushion in your emergency fund and your savings where you don't save anything for 'fun' and spend the last 20% on fun that month. Saving is hard to maintain if you have to give up everything. And after you built up a bit of a cushion in the emergency and savings funds you can start siphoning a portion off for delayed fun and have some left for immediate fun/pleasure. There's so much to smart budgeting, building in buffers everywhere, rewarding yourself but also have a rewarding feeling every buck you manage to put aside. But if they just taught the basics in schools, that would be freaking amazing. 7. Something like ethics or critical thinking? I think that there's far too little focus on that, responsibility, right and wrong, navigating gray areas, being a person of honor, keeping your word, how to navigate situations without getting stressed and such. Some overlap with your point #3.

[@luciaradulescu2431]

At first it’s normal to produce more waste if you want to reduce it and you will feel guilty. But it’s logical that things as detergent you will use and at one point you’ll have to throw the packaging away. BUT the thing you can do to change your ways is now that you finished a bottle, search for a more sustainable option for detergent (dropps), shampoo, toothpaste/brush etc. Hope it helps!! :)