Why I Hate The Plastic Packaging Drama! [CC]

#LovelyPeopleMerch: bit.ly/LovelyPeopleMerch
Grr Arg, ableism! I want to be environmentally conscious but that isn't always possible for disabled people!
Go to www.squarespace.com and enter code 'outofthecloset' for 10% off your first purchase! www.squarespace.com/outofthec...
If you've enjoyed this video then feel free to buy me a drink to show your support! ko-fi.com/A1814A5T
---------------------
My last 3 videos:
Every Day Can Be Beautiful - • Every Day Can Be Beaut...
Gay AND Disabled // ft. Megan from Wegan - Part 2 - • Gay AND Disabled // ft...
Old Movie Romance | WhoHaha - • Old Movie Romance | Wh...
---------------------
Check out my blog! jessicaoutofthecloset.co.uk/
You can follow me on social media:
Facebook: / jessicaoutofthecloset
Instagram: / jessicaoutofthecloset
Twitter: / jessicaootc
Tumblr: / jessicaoutofthecloset

[@jessicaoutofthecloset]

Hope you enjoyed the video! Sorry for the light/colour changes- oh January in England! Please watch to the end of the video before taking out any pitchforks ;) If you have ideas for solutions to this problem then I would love to hear them xxx

[@yellojello13tasty]

If able people want to reduce the problem of plastic then they should do their part and buy non-packaged things and recycle when they can. Understanding that there are people who need pre-sliced/diced/chopped/etc, I suppose that companies should do their bit for the environment by using packaging which is more eco-friendly/biodegradable or more easily recycled. I guess the main problem is money, and while packaging is needed and plastic is cheep, it might be difficult to make companies dip into their pockets a little more!

[@alno1019]

Hi Jessica! I love you and this video, and I would like to say one thing while on the topic of ableism - I know words like "stupid" have been so ingrained in our vocabulary since we've been able to speak, but words like stupid, dumb, and dim are insulting someone's intelligence, which is actually pretty ableist! Most people do not realize and have no intention of being ableist by using these words - I didn't even realize they were a problem until a few months ago when I started seeing more articles about it. Yes I know people will always be like "oh, don't be so sensitive, why are you trying to fight these words there so many bigger issues in the world", there will always be people like that. But if we all made a small effort to try to reduce using these words, it could make a big difference and help reduce the ableism towards people with intellectual disabilities! I know you are so sweet and surely do not have any bad intentions using these words, but if you could try avoid saying things like stupid and dumb and swap them out for words like foolish, ridiculous, and annoying, that would be awesome!

[@Nino244]

Pleaaaase do more eyeopeners like this. It's so helpful 💚

[@wolfrhl5]

The easiest solution to this problem would be compostable containers. That and encouraging people to bring their own containers. This also might help to make sure that the person receives the food in a container that they can open, which I imagine can also be a problem.

[@annijaneway1740]

I think it would help everyone if companies that do provide these prepackaged items used easily recyclable materials rather than the plastics that are often used that cannot be recycled. Also if they used recycled plastics as their packaging since the environmental impact of a product shouldn’t lay entirely on the consumer and companies should take some responsibility by using more sustainable packaging when possible and using recycled materials when possible. Also, as a side note many of these precut/packed foods could help us eliminate more food waste by selling foods that generally wouldn’t have made it to market (especially in the places like the United States where stores keep 0 of the ugly food items) since by peeling an orange or pre slicing an apple you would could eliminate the parts that aren’t as nice and sell the rest.

[@starhill6792]

As far as the prepackaged fruit goes, to solve both issues we should use biodegradable packaging. (:

[@AveragelyAwesome]

Star Shine I'm so behind this.

[@kingjoon3381]

yes definitely! I remember in school we once did an event, and for the food we used plates and utensils made from corn/potato. we did a huge compost pile for our garden instead of just throwing it away, and it was great. I'm surprised things like this haven't gotten very far.. (I know it's more of a process/not as cheap but I do hope one day it can be more available)

[@Amyduckie]

As long as it isn’t biodegradable plastics, which have been found to be worse than traditional plastics. If there was an efficient way to recycle plastics in most countries, it would solve a lot of the problems.

[@cwolf201]

True. The things people don't see at grocery stores often.. are management and cashiers trying to figure out why an entire new stack of recycled plastic shopping bags.. rip. right and left. when trying to put them on the racks available for people to pull off. On. The bags don't even last long enough to get to customers cursing under their breath about going through 8 bags to find that one good one. then repeat

[@PhoebeFayRuthLouise]

cwolf201 In Eugene, Oregon, where I live, plastic bags are banned, and you can buy a paper bag for $0.05, but most people bring their own tote bags! That saves plastic waste and saves trees!

[@aaronlee6361]

I was watching another video about disabilities and I remember them saying "You don't actually know how ableist the world is until you are disabled" these are some good examples!

[@krmacaulay]

I am an able bodied person, and I was of the opinion that products like plastic packaged fruit was very wasteful. However, after having my eyes opened to why these packaged products can help disabled/less-able bodied people, I was disappointed that I was so narrow minded. I can still do my part to reduce plastic waste to help the environment, but this was a great lesson for me (and probably for other people) to try and think outside my own experience's box. Thanks for bringing this up!

[@CarolineFarrow]

Environmentalism needs to be more intersectional, it can be quite classist as well. I was just having a conversation about this the other day...

[@AnnaLarsen8480]

Caroline Farrow Too true! If you recycle, you're helping! If you walk somewhere occasionally, when/ if you can, you're helping! If you make an effort to not waste food, shopping at thrift stores, turning off lights, being mindful of turning the oven off once you're done using it! There's so many small things you can do, that may seem insequiential that add up! I'm sick of the hierarchy.

[@MRuby-qb9bd]

Gretchen Larsen What's funny about that is that you are essentially describing the behavior of most low-income households anyway--relying on public transportation because they can't afford a car, shopping at thrift stores because it's cheap, etc. But then some really out of touch environmentalists I've known fly off the handle over pre-packaged meals. Like someone who has to spend all that time on bus connections between three part-time jobs has the time or energy to cook from scratch. I guess there's a certain type of person that just enjoys being sanctimonious, regardless of what the issue is. It's certainly not limited to environmentalists (and obviously not all environmentalist are like that either!)

[@AnnaLarsen8480]

M. Ruby Good point! I've grown up very low income, some might say 'in the ghetto' but my parents strove for class and composure. While we didn't always get what we wanted, we had everything we needed. That came from pinching pennies with the lights and wearing hand-me-downs or thrift store clothing. Now, we don't need to, but why not save the money? My most recent exception has been Christmas, when I bought a new blouse for my mom, and my next exception will be my prom dress if I can't find one at a thrift store soon! It takes so little effort to help the environment, people wasting their breath over a few oranges in plastic aren't seeing the big picture.

[@carolinethompson8261]

I dont know.. I always get confused when I hear this and would love to hear some examples. I came from a wealthy family who was easily able to be eco friendly but wasnt always because we were also able to just do what was easiest. When I became an adult and became estranged from my family, I lived what probably would be considered a below middle class life style. This is when I realised that often what is better for the environment can be cheaper and easier and thats whdn i started. I fell on hard times a few years later and lost everything. I was actually even homeless for several months which for me and others I met seemed to be a very low impact way of life. Now I have a moderate income and live a low impact life style from an RV. I never thought about eco friendly options being difficult because I never experienced that and have seen that comment a lot lately and really want to hear more about it. Cant find any legit answers on Google either. Not with specific info anyway. I do realize that people who live out in the middle of nowhere may have a more difficult time for example buying fresh fruit or bulk foods.. at the same time I currently live out in the middle of nowhere. I recognize that that can mean different things though.

[@SesshyLoverLioness]

Absolutely! Honestly, Jessica buying a significant portion of her clothing vintage offsets a huge carbon and water cost from the production of fast fashion!

[@DoomsdayDollie]

Quick tip here! I used to work in a produce department and we'd cut things for people all the time. If you have the time and the store has the ability to, you can pick what you'd like and ask the clerk to cut it. It didnt cost any extra where I worked and I honestly loved doing it.

[@lubaleong9619]

Thank you for sharing

[@aiya3130]

Some old witch cursed my mom out in a parking lot for driving a big truck. I would have had a fit but my sainted mother calmly explained to her that we need it for my brother's medical equipment. I admire her for keeping her composure! I'm sick of the death stares people give us for having that truck. Imagine being so privileged and sheltered that you've gone your entire life without it ever even crossing your mind that people with mobility impairment need a way to transport their devices... >

[@sarahgates3135]

I’ve honestly never thought about how banning plastic packaging could affect people with disabilities. Thank you so much for opening my eyes to a new perspective!

[@joshuacreel3000]

I find it super weird that people who freak out about prepackaged things etc don't approach it from a "why don't we figure out a better way to pack this?" rather than "why does this exist" they probably have made it for a good reason if it sells well enough to exist. Also they're rarely like vegetarians or vegans or even just don't eat pork and beef to reduce their impact but hell hath no fury if you buy a prepeeled orange.

[@cariad123]

There are environmentally-friendly plastic-like packaging alternatives, big companies just aren't looking into them because they don't see the need. I can cook usually but because I'm autistic my brain sometimes gets stuck and executive dysfunction leads to me standing looking at a potato trying to remember the chopping process. I do make lists of steps for those kinds of days but it's not always enough. Having pre-cut foods and microwave things means I get to eat more than asda-brand snackajacks and tons of sweetcorn. The thing is, it isn't individuals causing most of the damage: it's the big corporations. We can't reverse what we didn't cause. Me throwing out the ends of a bread load isn't the same as the co-op throwing out 300 loaves of bread and not even letting homeless people eat them. Do you get what I'm saying?

[@Charlie-ql1wi]

Al Funcoot yes!! we have to stop blaming people for the corporations actions

[@liliumsouldem]

I can relate to the potato stuff, i am also autistic so does my husband and one argument we had was based on how to shop the potatoes because i usually cut them in 4 or 8 pieces and he wanted them on really small cubes, so we spent 30 minutes making a plan for cutting potatoes.

[@cariad123]

lilium souldem I get you, I've had very similar arguments in the past. Needlessly complicated vegetable.

[@ruthsdyspraxiacontent4018]

Hi Al :) Do coop actually do that (I suppose it depends on individual stores)? I know supermarkets waste terribly, but I know one individual Tesco store near me gives it all to the homeless. I asked my local coop tonight if there was anything spare and two staff members told me there was nothing. Hard for me to know what to do about the supermarket situation :( Thanks

[@likira111]

Al Funcoot And? If I punch you in the face it isn't okay because someone broke my leg once, and individuals cause MASSIVE damage what are you talking about? You have a reason to need those (im autistic as well) but the rest.. Edit: It was suprisingly hard to find statistics on retail vs consumer food was but according to here: www.fao.org/save-food/resources/keyfindings/en/ In the western world consumer level food waste is roughly one third.

[@victoriakondo3118]

You make a very good point that I had never considered before. Thank you.

[@watermelonwishes4193]

Me neither. 😕

[@alinefernandes4676]

Yeah, really got me thinking

[@random23287]

I saw her video on straws and found it fascinating because I'm not disabled so it provided another perspective.

[@ILovePeetaMellark]

Environmental issues are something I am deeply passionate about, and I indeed thought it was ridiculous when supermarkets etc. provide such large amounts of plastic packaged foods. I enjoyed hearing your perspective, it gave me something to think about. While I understand that certain products make life much easier for people with disabilities, I think the onus is on the company producing these products to do so using environmentally friendly packaging. It is feasible for them to use alternatives to plastic, such as compostable or fully recyclable materials, wherever possible. Peeled fruit, chopped veg and other prepared foods should be sold because people need them, but these items do not have to be sold in un-recyclable plastic. Using more environmentally friendly packaging would also provide those who rely on these products with the option of being environmentally conscious. I now realise that I have taken my ability to choose to be environmentally conscious for granted. People who genuinely need pre-prepared items to live their daily lives should never be made to feel guilty for this.

[@jessieclass741]

It is all about doing the best we can. Me I can choose not to buy the plastic wrapped option so I will, but i'm not going to judge a disabled person who needs it.

[@shedoesconcerts5762]

I think the onus is on environmental activists to consider *why* plastics are being used and push for plastic alternatives rather than for the elimination of the product. It would be fine to say 'the store should really be using re-usable packaging' but to say 'don't sell sliced oranges' or 'package them in glass' is harmful to disabled people & that's entirely the environmentalists' fault.

[@danilarsson8685]

Absolutely: the onus is always the companies, but they prefer using the cheapest solutions possible, and then "Oi! YOU, citizen, should help save the environment!" Those of us who can, as you said, use environmental-friendly solutions, but also, as you now are, be aware of the needs of disabled persons who may need to use these things (like single-use bendy straws) and know that we can never get rid of certain things outright.

[@lexiel920]

My main problem is any that may be going to waste if people don’t buy it

[@lenagoodwin8223]

Well said. For example, we really don't need to package whole vegetables in plastic, however premade/chopped options are still needed. Also many times plastic is more environmentally friendly than other packaging that takes much more energy/resources to make and is often still put onto the landfill and not composted. We really need to focus more on what type of packaging, if it's reusable / recyclable and if people will actually do those things with it. And also what happens to our garbage as many places still don't have a compost system and most recycled materials never actually get recycled in the facility. The companies are really pushing their own environmental responsibility onto the consumer while doing very little themselves

[@anna_mar]

I absolutely agree with everything you've said. And anyway, I'm completely done with "activists" putting blame on individual consumers rather than you know, the system. It shouldn't be up to disabled people to lower their carbon footprint by not using products they need, it should be up to the companies who provide these products to make them as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible. I really like the research they're doing with biodegradable plastics made from things like plant fibres to lower the environmental impacts of food packaging, stuff like that where it's about improving the product rather than not having the product.

[@taylorbritt499]

Yes yes yes yes yes! HOLD COMPANIES ACCOUNTABLE Do not blame individuals when individual people are actually a very small part of the problem!!

[@AB-xy4bc]

I feel it's another way to deflect the blame off of giant corporations, who could- but simply refuse to- invest in sustainable methods when they can make their gluttonous amounts of money at the expense of the environment. And then the average person will go 'wow disabled people really are a toll on the environment.' It's just another example of the few on top pitting the many against the most vulnerable as a scapegoat for their own greed and recklessness.

[@angiem6383]

Andie Bell, thank u for saying this so succinctly & putting my thoughts into words.

[@AnnikaVictoria24]

Ugh - the guilt is real! Thank you thank you thank you for making this video!!!

[@MrCynthis]

Annika Victoria yay two queens!

[@maggiemccarthy8766]

Old people aren't the only ones who get arthritis. That's something that always bugs me, because I've had it since I was 5. A lot of people equate arthritis with being old but in the US there are 50,000+ children with arthritis.

[@mrmorris01]

Not to mention rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. My ability to prepare food, open packages, etc varies wildly depending on whether I’m having a flare.

[@taylorbritt499]

This is so true. I was lucky enough to come across a book in my childhood where the main character had juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and I think reading that and also growing up with a little brother with autism has made me really conscious (or at least, I try to be) of people with both "visible" and "invisible" disabilities. I wish more people could have that same experience of learning about all types of disabilities from an early age.

[@cheesecakelasagna]

Musician Clairo comes to mind.

[@CattyoKitty]

This is in no way the same as a physical disability, but I have had mental health issues in the past that meant things like prepackaged foods, as I was living alone and primarily bed bound, meant I could eat without having to cook from scratch (which wasn't going to happen at the time). Things like pre-boiled eggs, sliced fruit, and ready meals were a life saver.

[@owenramm]

See my issue with the cauliflower steaks was less with the 'lazy' thing or the packaging, but more with the price of it! £2.50 for a slice of cauliflower!! Daylight robbery!

[@andy6877]

Thankyou, this is so important, as an environmentalist with ongoing chronic conditions and disabilities I often feel kinda guilty for getting so many prepackaged things and not being able to go zero waste a lot of the time when my health is bad, so it's really important to spread awareness that it's ok and your health really needs to just come first with some things and that doesn't make you lazy or a bad person

[@bryonywillis7404]

An interesting point of view, thank you. I think the problem is purely with the packaging and not the food. Prechopped foods need to exist for the reasons you mention - but the single use plastic packaging? Does not.

[@isabelleb.3653]

Bryony Steward I agree :)

[@Amyduckie]

What could it be sold in?

[@bryonywillis7404]

Amy Woods The kind of plastic it's currently in cannot be recycled OR destroyed - so it will be used once and exist forever! That is not a sensible or sustainable choice. I have seen various developments in materials lately which are totally new to me (e.g. there is a composite made of wheat husks discarded from flour making which can be used to make plates and cutlery and once thrown away it decomposes after a few months). I think we could and should invent something along these lines which fits its purpose exactly. And if we cannot do that, at the very least it should be recyclable plastic.

[@jennaanderson2202]

i agree so much!!!! the thought of plastic existing forever makes me feel sick.

[@animaliaregalia]

Bryony Steward there's a better option than wheat plastics. Algae plastics are biodegradable, and highly renewable. It would probably be the best, and cheapest option for most companies. www.bakeryandsnacks.com/Article/2013/02/28/Algaeplast-100-algae-based-packaging-within-five-years www.bakeryandsnacks.com/Article/2013/02/28/Algaeplast-100-algae-based-packaging-within-five-years

[@buddywriggles]

Look, if prepackaged fresh food was the only wasted packing... actually, even then, we could probably manage. But most things you buy come in unnecessary packaging... sometimes ridiculously so. People love to focus on prepackaged Oranges in the same day they gush about their gorgeous new Eyeshadow Palette or the lovely packaging for their high end makeup brand... superfluous packaging that they then often immediately throw out. We need to substantially cut down packaging waste, particularly on items bough instore that you're not intending to post or transport... but clickbait articles don't criticize things that serve absolutely no purpose because then we'd need to re-evaluate our life choices. Here ends my sefl-important, indignant rant. Great video and very eye opening, thank you!

[@luaevablue]

All these people commenting about how you opened their eyes... it's beautiful. Not 100% related but I have Aspergers and communicate 1000x better by text chats (even my mother says I sound like a different person since I stoped living with her!) than talking and I once fought someone because he said if 2 people were right in front of each other they should talk instead of texting each other. I personally don't do this but I hate it when people say a way of communicating is less than the other. Heck, he didn't even know why they were texting.

[@cariad123]

If we could stop the trend of abled people calling gadgets like slapchops, garlic peelers and all the cooking products on shopping channels lazy that's would be great too.

[@AveragelyAwesome]

Al Funcoot It's also a marketing issue. Showing able-bodied people exaggeratedly throwing things around or failing at life for no reason in infomercials doesn't encourage productive dialogue. Employing disabled actors would make so much more sense, we need to encourage these companies and advertisers to better their practices.

[@cariad123]

Danielle Virginie I feel the same way. The only problem is that they want as big a market as possible and we all know how abled people feel about things meant for disabled people (unless they're parking spaces or toilets). There are, of course, those catalogues specifically for disabled people, I think Jessica talked about getting cutlery with the big handles at some point, but they don't have the same range a lot of the time. Just let disabled and elderly people live, guys.

[@AveragelyAwesome]

Al Funcoot I didn't necessarily mean market it as though it is exclusively for people with disabilities, but just to use models/actors that at least could realistically benefit from the product without exaggeration or overacting which just causes stigma. I understand what you mean though, such a shame we can't just let people have access to the things they need without weird and unnecessary judgement or limitations.

[@cariad123]

Danielle Virginie I know and I agree. It basically just boils down to a lot of abled people being ableist. It reminds me a lot of the reaction cbeebies got when they hired a presenter with one arm.

[@Pharmafairy]

Al Funcoot Do many people really say you're lazy if you use gadgets that just make something easier?? I never heard of this and I also find some of those very useful! These days we have so many things which we dont actually need to live, so why complain if someone uses/buys those gadgets?

[@nymeria941]

Totally agree with you! I use some pre-cut and seasoned meats and vegetables, more for convenience and mental health spoon management than because of physical ability. I think perhaps instead of scapegoating disabled people, we should put pressure on big companies to try and make their packaging more sustainable and environmentally friendly, especially since we all throw away trash, disabled or abled alike. But yes, be compassionate, y'all!

[@masuganut2082]

Anna Babbling Book completely agree!!!

[@jenniferj.foreman8860]

They say the earliest recycling campaigns were invented by plastic companies to put blame on the consumer instead of the company. Also it’s not even the disabled. There are also the homeless who don’t have a kitchen or families living out of hotels who don’t have any knives or kitchen supplies that just meet a chopped onion and lettuce for a salad. I buy spiraled zucchini because it costs the same as the equivalent in weight to a whole zucchini and a spiralizer is expensive in the country I live in. The cheapest I’ve been able to find is 30€. Also Tesco sells all vegetables, meats, and dry goods prepared or otherwise, in a large plastic non-recyclable container.

[@rebbecachunn]

I think this has been my discussion with my therapist on and off for years. I still feel like a burden. Thank you for helping make others aware of this!

[@enchantedheartunchained3481]

It is so frustrating that wheelchair companies mark up there prices. Last week I got slammed with a $80 bill for a wheelchair part I can't even use that they won't take back.

[@UncleBuck3t]

You are honestly my favorite KZbinr, Jessica. I'm autistic (but 'pass' as a nuerotypical if you don't know) and people always judge me for getting pre-sliced fruit/veggies. I feel so defensive when I explain why I use these things, but you gave me some pretty great words to use when it comes up next.

[@Wraithworshipper]

AwwCoffeeNo. Why bother explaining to rude people who comment? I don't. I just tell idiots that their business isn't in mine.

[@NaeOnYT]

As Jessica stated, ableism isn't usually malicious or purposeful. Many (not all, but many!) people will change their mind and see things in a new light if you briefly explain why X, Y, or Z product makes it easier to live with your disability. So some people choose to answer the questions and the judgment because it can be a learning experience.

[@Wraithworshipper]

Nae G. It depends on the tone they take when they stick their nose into my business, and how good/awful I may be feeling at the time. If I happen to be particularly low on energy at that moment, their tone definitely influences my response. Unless it's a child. Kids process quickly, and they, more often than not, will speak up when an adult gets stupid on the subject of the needs of the other abled. So many of them enjoy showing how smart they are. I love it!

[@masuganut2082]

AwwCoffeeNo I would just like to say that I’m sorry people do that to you. I do not have a disability myself but I try to teach my children compassion and I’m trying to teach them I feel it makes me better as well and more mindful about what I say. Even though I am “able bodied “ I sometimes buy pre cut pineapple cuz that’s awful to try and cut up . Please don’t let others get to you. I am sure you’re a much more mindful and compassionate person than most 🙂

[@Wraithworshipper]

AwwCoffeeNo. One of my local groceries cuts up veggies when they start to get age spots. It's then sold at a discount. I try not to shop at box stores or "premium" groceries when I want cut veggies. Everyone is looking for a price they can afford as much as for convenience. Absolutely no judging in those stores.

[@myNAMEisKIRSTY]

Sometimes when people (disabled or not) try to reduce their environmental impact it can lead to guilt because of the steps they are not taking. It's important for people to appreciate what steps they can take and what steps they can't or being environmentally conscious will stop being something they can feel good about. If a peeled orange in a box makes a significant difference to anyone's day then there is no reason to feel bad about having it! And if something makes you happy you shouldn't feel obligated to ditch it!

[@kepriest]

On the subject of the cauliflower steaks I was more upset about the drastic price difference of a whole cauliflower being extremely cheap versus 2 cauliflower steaks being £5 for barely 1/2 a cauliflower

[@punky19761]

fifty percent gay I’m upset with that too. And the riced cauliflower being so expensive for whatever reason....

[@emmetcameron1026]

I really wish we could change this conversation to come up with solutions that meet everybody's needs -- including the planet. For example, could we focus on making the packaging that's used more sustainable? Another thing that bothers me about a lot of pre-cut veg is how much of it I see going to waste in the supermarket, because yeah, it's not necessarily a service the majority of people need, so it ends up on the reduced shelf, & chucked if it doesn't sell there. I wonder if a solution could be having an area like the deli/butcher's counter where you can get your veg sliced as you need it in the market. With this system, you could even bring your own re-useable containers, & then you've got zero waste pre-cut veg! I don't see anybody arguing that it's so lazy of people (regardless of ability) to get somebody else to slice their meat at the deli. I really hope as we see the rise of packaging free grocery stores, we'll see more creative measures to make plastic free food accessible for all.

[@ThatCatmeow]

The deli counter for fruit and veggies sounds like a great idea. maybe even for bread and other products? Sorry I know you posted this a year ago but I just think it's a good idea and should be included in the conversation!

[@evelynkrull5268]

This was forever ago but I LOVE this. It would be amazing to have this because I know in some stores they actually have a department for fresh cuts, why not just make it to order?

[@ashleymonahan8299]

I want to thank you for opening my eyes to this, Jessica. I am not disabled, and I think things like this really open my eyes to the life others live. You continually remove my rose-colored glasses. Thank you :)

[@micahjenkins4440]

I'm really glad to see this be addressed! I try to be zero waste as often as possible due to my passion for environmentalism, but sometimes when my pain is flaring up particularly bad or if I'm too depressed to cook, I need easy, pre-packaged meals to get food into me. I'm starting university in the fall with the intent of majoring in Environmental Science, so I'm bracing myself for soooo many people to yell about plastic packaging in my classes without taking a second to think about it. But I'll definitely be spreading the word!

[@kimberlyappelcline]

I frequently struggle with severe depression, and during those times everyday tasks seem to take immense amounts of energy. Combine that with the fact that I also lose all appetite when I’m depressed, and ... well ... without pre-packaged foods, I just wouldn’t eat. At all. Before I was married, I would sometimes eat just slices of bread for days or weeks at a time. Now, to be honest, I rely a lot on frozen dinners. (My husband doesn’t cook, but he also doesn’t consider it acceptable to watch me eat nothing but bread.) When I tell people this, they always express open horror that I don’t cook healthy homemade meals like “normal” people. Sorry, but this is how I make sure that I eat. But hearing that always makes me feel bad & I get into the same thought spiral you describe, about how, “Yes, I *should* cook meals like everyone else does. It would be much healthier. It’s ridiculous to live off frozen and pre-made foods. Everyone else manages it, so I should be able to manage it too.” And blah blah blah. And then I go grocery shopping, and I buy ingredients to cook “real” meals, and then I don’t eat much besides bread for a week, and all the other stuff goes bad. And then I feel even worse about myself, because not only do I not cook and eat like a “normal” person, but I also wasted all this food *and* failed at my plan.

[@karenak968]

this rings so true to me. i have anxiety and depression, as well as a learning disability that affects my ability to plan and carry out tasks, as well as anemia. i'm getting to the point where i'm cooking at home quite a bit (super simple meals) but i usually buy prepackaged meals every week for the days i know i'm going to be drained. people just don't get that when you're overwhelmed and exhausted like that, you can't just "whip something up". i once had a great therapist tell me after a particularly bad patch that the fact that i was eating, was much more important than what i was eating, because i had pretty much given up on eating at that point. and the vegetable thing. oh god, the amount of poor innocent vegetables that have died a lonely death in my fridge because i didn't have the energy to cook them in time. rest in peace, green pepper that i feel too guilty to throw out.

[@Rae-wv6ic]

I understand how you feel. I go through a similar thing with my depression. I figure it's better to do what you can the best you can while depression is worse... Then try to do better when you're feeling better. Doing a good thing if it makes you feel worse makes it less of a good thing. There's obviously exceptions. I'm talking about the times when you have to convince yourself to shower even though it seems impossible and requires so much energy. I wish you better days soon :]

[@kimberlyappelcline]

Phoebzter3 Some people, even those of sound body and mind, should simply never be allowed near any appliance that could burn the house down. I love him dearly and he is a great support to me in many other ways, but the man is frankly a hazard.

[@PhoebeFayRuthLouise]

Kimberly Appelcline You just described my life! I have depression and anxiety and there are many days when success means I ate anything at all! I don't know what I would do without prepackaged food! My solution to the environmental footprint guilt has been to reduce my footprint in other ways and figure it balances out! (Like being vegan, taking my own tote bags when I shop, recycle as much as I can, take the bus rather than drive, etc.)

[@kimberlyappelcline]

PhoebeFay RuthLouise I’m the same regarding reducing my footprint in other ways. I take public transit (we don’t even own a car); I reuse bags, containers, etc.; I compost and recycle; I give unwanted items to local thrift stores; I buy as many of my own things as I can from those same thrift stores; etc. I try to be as socially and environmentally responsible as possible while also taking care of myself as best I can. None of us can do everything perfectly. We each do the best we can.

[@Catmum1998]

I can’t believe I never thought about it that way before! All my friends are at uni looking after themselves but I’m not able to which sucks. I don’t cook that often, because of safety issues (epilepsy), but if I’m helping my parents make tea or cutting strawberries I really struggle with the textures of food in my hands and all the different smells (Aspergers) if I do make food on my own, it will be something packaged and pre-chopped such as a ready meal, pot noodle or frozen veg but when I make it, it feels like I’ve achieved something vaguely independent without relying on other people.

[@SysVerse]

As a fellow disabled person I so benefit from things with easy packages. I sometimes can’t grip things, and twisting things is a nightmare! The only thing I really wish they could try to do is used biodegradable containers to keep things in! So let’s say it’s a peeled orange why can’t it be kept in a cardboard, or a recycled container? But yeah this was lovely as always! Nice thumb bandage dear lol hope for speedy recovery!

[@Breerox108]

Thank you for this video! I know for some people such as myself with OCD, peeling certain fruits is awful. It takes forever and brings a lot of anxiety as it needs to be just right. Pre-sliced fruit takes away so much stress and difficulties!

[@steinistein8611]

Sabrina Spencer would buying some tool that cuts all your stuff the same make it easier?

[@Breerox108]

Well I can't speak for everyone, but for me yes there are certain foods and certain tools for those foods that make it easier. Apple cutters, for instance.

[@anniesharp6549]

Sabrina Spencer ughh, I hate peeling oranges because they need to come off in one piece a perfect circle. It's frustrating for sure, and if it doesn't on bad days I then can't eat the orange because it wasn't peeled perfectly.

[@Breerox108]

+Annelexia Sharp I have certainly thrown away some perfectly good food before and felt so guilty about it.

[@anniesharp6549]

Sabrina Spencer I luckily have tons of people who will eat the food that my brain See's as "Contaminated" but I understand the guilt, it is so real.

[@gothempress]

One of the things that bothered me about the plastic packaging "issue" is there's so many types of plastics that are biodegradable and I felt that Whole Foods especially just catered to outrage culture instead of standing up for the people that can greatly benefit from pre sliced, pre skinned fruits. I also happen to be one of those that struggles with doing things like peeling my own oranges or biting into an apple.

[@skittkes36]

I feel that the most important thing that we can focus on is reducing our waste and environmental impact AS MUCH as possible, WHERE possible. I think it's great that you have Claudia to help prepare fresh food, but it is also amazing that you, and others who benefit from prepared and packaged foods, have the choice to make your own meals! It makes sense for me to do as much as I can to reduce damage because being able-bodied means that I am in a position to do so very effectively, and the less I waste, the more room there is for others to use these necessary benefits while overall, as people, reducing global waste. Well done for discussing such an important issue, much love ❤️

[@annaarts23]

The plastic straw issue is a growing concern for me. I have Autism and other straws just taste weird in my mouth. While I want to help the planet, I also want to be able to drink since I use straws all the time. I wish that people would think about the people who need those kind of things, like pre-packaged foods and stuff, before jumping to conclusions that only the lazy need this sort of stuff. Excellent video!

[@DummyPages]

PsychoAnna Art I agree with you about the straws. I use plastic straws every day to drink my meals. I get a twinge of guilt every time I reach for one. But it's really not feasible for me to try and wash a tiny metal or glass straw between each meal. I can't afford to waste that energy and I often can't remember that things need to be washed until I desperately need them. And, yeah, that taste/texture is so so awful. It's better to use a plastic straw and stay hydrated and take care of yourself. Don't fall into the plastic straw guilt trap!

[@Wraithworshipper]

PsychoAnna Art. It took me awhile, but I finally *trained* myself to stainless steel straws. It wasn't easy at first. The straws I purchased came with special brushes to clean them. Since I wash my hands after every meal, adding cleaning my straw to my routine wasn't too hard. I also bought straws in different gauges, and some of them are pre-bent. Shopping around for an alternative which best suits your needs, rather than feeling you have no choice, may work for you, too.

[@NaeOnYT]

What about reusable plastic straws? I have some that came with lids for mason jars, and I've been using the same set for almost 2 years now. And for anyone who doesn't mind other materials: I really love my glass straws.

[@Wraithworshipper]

Nae G. I thought about glass straws, but I have a knack for finding new and inventive ways to injure myself with glass.😞

[@NaeOnYT]

Totally understandable! FWIW, I'm very clumsy and have never broken one, although my mother broke two when she wasn't paying attention and slammed them against things. XD Mine are pyrex, so when they break, they break "clean" and are easy to clean up.

[@JennCampbell]

This kind of thing happens to me when I'm out with my service dog. Because she's a tiny dog, if she's not wearing her vest, people assume she's a pet. "I wish I was allowed to bring my dog everywhere." I want to snap back, "would you like to wear my braces, go to PT, tack a handful of pills every night, and have panic attacks on the regular? Cause that's all you have to do." But I don't.

[@meghanmrowiec6634]

Such a thought-provoking video. While environmentalism is everybody's responsibility, not everyone can contribute in the same way. Similar to vaccines, those of us who are capable of being vaccinated have a responsibility to do so in order to protect everybody, including those who are not able to due to immune system disorders, etc. At the end of the day, we all need to pitch in however we can and be kind to each other in the process.

[@ln3980]

I had never even thought of disabled people when it came to prepackaged food, how ignorant! This was such an eye opener! However, it would be great if supermarkets would cut down on plastic packaging, and have an alternative, seeing the great harm it is doing to the environment. Coloured plastics especially, are very difficult to recycle, so I think that there should at least be a ban on those when it comes to disposable food items

[@ca-ke9493]

Ellen Fuller Perhaps there could be a way for us to choose our own packaging that is still environmentally efficient (since the reason why packaging is cost efficient enough to exist is bulk uniformity). I feel particularly bad about the plastic packaging when I zip thru packets of oreos because I never just have 3.

[@deademail6725]

Hemp based plastics can be biodegradable😊🌱💕

[@katelynstrack4964]

Thank you for this video. I have been on my own "zero waste" journey for awhile now and I have had the same struggles with the movement as you. I am not personally disabled but it doesn't take a genius to see how packaging is necessary in certain situations. I have left so many groups because of the straight up cruelty and shortsightedness of the people in comments on articles such as those you described. I consider myself an environmentalist but it almost seems that if you have the guts to say "hey, what about these exceptions?" you are dismissed as a fraud and someone that wants the planet to die a fiery death. Ugh. Its frustrating and I totally agree with you. Don't ever feel bad for doing what you need to do. Haters gonna hate. P.S. I shared this video with my hometown zero waste group. Hopefully, people will keep this in mind going forward.

[@ChrisPage68]

I agree on domestic violence, and it is welcome to hear someone speak up for Disabled men. I employ an agency to assist me, but as a child, I do remember my parents getting stressed out by looking after me - and they could possibly have taken it out on me. They didn't, thankfully. One abuse us Crips are prone to is financial abuse.

[@mignonetbeau]

When you're a mom, of 2 young children, that want to show you the MOST AMAZING DRAWING IN THE WORLD!!! You need to give them that attention. And 1000 other things that you need to do as a stay at home mother... pre-cut food is a blessing!

[@letitiajeavons6333]

Or parents of new babies who need to save time on everything else because babies take up a lot of time (and don't sleep which leaves one or both parents super sleep deprived).

[@RGSisters]

Thank you for sharing your side on this matter. I’ve never thought about the subject from the disabled person of view. Thank you for educating me!

[@Janeite445]

Dashutka I feel the same, Jessica is always able to show things from another perspective!

[@TheMuseTree]

My best friend has Crohn’s and Type I diabetes, so she uses those pre-sliced or segmented fruit packages because they tell her the exact number of carbohydrates and sugar in each package. It makes it significantly easier for her to track her carbs and sugar, and reduces the amount of waste she creates since she knows exactly how much she can eat.

[@anna46792]

Wow thank you for this video! I am one of those people that scoffs at prepackaged pre-done things, I justify it in my head thinking hey maybe the person is too busy to do this simple thing and let it be without actually ever buying the thing bc hey I dont need it but im not going to stop the people who do. But i never thought of it from a disabled perspective and the importance of independence and inclusion. As an abled bodied person i have never had to. So thank you for for making this video and not being condescending, it helped me find a new perspective on things.

[@willharris4324]

Before watching the video I'd found the packaged orange thing quite funny because I'd only ever thought of it as targeted towards lazy not disabled people, and I've always considered myself quite environmentally conscious so it was really interesting to hear what you thought and now I realise how useful things like that can be for some people. Thanks for the perspective

[@poxjones3019]

The issue should not be the pre-packaged goods themselves. Pre-package by all means! However, if less plastic and more eco friendly packaging was used that would be a plus. I adore your video’s! 🖤

[@mariahyldetoftdanielsen309]

I use prepackaged and pre cut food all the time as I have chronic fatigue and it makes things a lot easier because then it doesn’t drain my energy too much and I can actually cook which is something I love to do. I also have times where my arms are just very weak so it helps because I don’t need any stregth with the prepackaged/cut food

[@cello2glamour]

I depend heavily on prepackaged things. I shake to varying degrees at all times. No one wants me using knives when I can hardly eat soup with a spoon or use a cup without a lid/straw.

[@alexreith4877]

It's interesting to me as a non-meat eater, that it's totally acceptable to buy precut and plastic (or even styrofoam) packaged meat but not precut produce. Like we've decided as a community that people shouldn't have to process their own meats, but fruits and veggies are a different story. Anyway, it also made me wonder if there shouldn't be a chopping station in large grocery stores where an employee cuts and preps your ingredients for you the way that big box home improvement stores have a cutting station when an employee cuts your lumber for you. It's less immediate, but potentially more useful and less wasteful... I mean no one argues when you ask the deli counter for specific slices of deli meats or pre-prepared salads, etc.

[@thevoicesstalk]

I’m someone who’s trying to reduce my waste/packaging use because it benefits the environment (and I realise I’m privileged to be able to do this on many levels), but I know that in reality it’s far more important that we address what kind of packaging is used, instead of removing it completely. It’s going to be impossible to remove packaging from our society, especially when there are products like you’ve mentioned which are incredibly important to maintain the living quality of disabled people which should continue to be provided, which is why I feel like it’s necessary to challenge the packaging materials and transition from plastics which are nonrecyclable to those which can be, or using biodegradable packaging (like egg carton boxes) for items which aren’t moist/damp/liquids. Being able to reduce your environmental damage shouldn’t be the privilege it is in society nowadays, it should be adaptable to all lifestyles.

[@Amelia-le7ws]

Hi @Jessica Kellgren-Fozard , you have helped me so much throughout your vids, I have had an operation on my knee as I broke my knee and your vids helped me to get through it and through all of the bullying of being in a wheelchair. I am still going through physio and your vids help me through it! Thank you! ☺

[@unmercifulfate]

I haven't considered this, but for this reason, maybe the pre-sliced food should stay (I've never seen it in Sweden so I didn't really know about this before). BUT. Maybe they could package them in any other packaging? There are lots of alternatives to plastic. So maybe, push the stores to use other forms of packaging instead of pushing them to stop altogether? It would make everyone happy, right?

[@laurelaybear2501]

To me, sustainability is priority number one, because without intact ecosystems everything else goes downhill…that’s my idealistic view. On a pragmatic level I totally agree with you and I don’t think we should take it all out on consumers but also focus on the systemic aspect. Someone with a low income isn’t able to buy organic food, someone who requires a computer (or a wheel chair) even hasn´t eco-friendly buying options. So it´s important to address the industry and demand ecological alternatives - I believe there are numerous alternatives to plastic packages already- address politicians to change the system in order to make production methods that are harmful to the environment unaffordable and support sustainable manufacturing/ agriculture and so on.

[@lydiasfontouri3466]

Laurelay Bear you couldn’t have expressed better! Totally agree with you 💜

[@rainbowroflwaffles]

I agree! I put a huge focus on reducing packaging and waste in my house but I'm lucky that I'm able to do that. Like every cause (e.g. low-waste, veganism etc.) people need to be more understanding as to why these things may not be possible for people for a variety of reasons. There shouldn't be any shame in that. Personally, I think there should be a variety of produce and other items available so that those that can use whole, non-packaged foods are encouraged to do so but there are other options available. Personally I would love to know how to encourage able bodied people to reduce waste (e.g. using a reusable cup at a coffee store rather than the takeaway cups) without making people who aren't able to do that feel shitty.

[@shayelea]

I definitely agree. We should be focusing on the real problem - environmentally harmful packaging choices and not on the existence of prepackaged foods. But too often it comes across as Jessica talked about - oh my god, oranges already have their own seal, why would you do that?! - and so companies pull the product and don’t try again with more sustainable packaging.

[@sophroniel]

Yeah the apples thing is a big thing for me. Ironically it's unrrelated from my disability; I broke all my front teeth as a child and they were all capped, and subsequently I can't bite things like apples. Also the convienience factor of pre-packaged healthy food can't be underestimated; I live alone and I physically don't have the energy to cook more than once a week. I have to work, to live, and pretty much all my energy goes to that, so anything that can aid me with other things like cooking, cleaning etc is a godsend. Eggs already cooked? Eggs already cut up? Pre mixed, portioned and cut veges? Awesome!!! (eggs are one of the only things I can eat without being sick... I eat a lot of eggs....)

[@bibidv3593]

Thank you for talking about this. It opened my eyes. I never thought that far, and I now realise that I was short-sighted.

[@archos5683]

I am all for prepared prepackaged food.Everyone needs a little help. The problem is that supermarkets etc do not keep up with food packaging technology. Hemp, starch, cellophane and algae do the same job as plastic and are all biodegradable. They are more expensive at the moment, as all new technologies are, but as they become more popular prices will be able to drop. We just need our food suppliers to take the plastic issue more seriously. We can only do what we can. Hopefully we can explore suitable alternatives for our needs.

[@crimsonsmirk]

I have to admit I've never thought about the fact that some people might literally not be able to prepare/eat fruit (as an example) the regular way and have to rely on pre-packaged, pre-sliced items. So it's great that you're spreading awareness of that. With that being said, maybe the best thing to do would be to change the packaging. There are biodegradable pseudo-plastic bags, there are paper bags, reusable containers or jars etc. That would probably be a great improvement, reduce the carbon footprint and work as a compromise. Maybe.

[@user-nw9fc8bf4u]

Having prepackaged products is really important to help reduce food waste In whole head and prepared products. We should be focusing on making materials used easier to sort and recycle not vilifying individual lines (out of thousands and thousands) stocked by retailers = that’s really like trying to chop down a tree by snapping off twigs! 😖

[@MrCupcakie]

You make a lot of great points and i can’t do anything else than fully agree with this whole video! Simple stuff like buying a pre-chopped fruit or something like that, can save me SO MUCH precious energy! You wouldn’t think chopping up a melon could drain pretty much all your energy, but oh boy! Let me tell you, it really can. Great video as always!

[@chelseac4553]

Honestly, I have never thought about it that way. I mean, I have always been aware that there are people who buy products that I may think are excessive or silly; but not really about why that may be, other than convenience. Thanks!

[@shovelmetimbers]

Very good points made. Yes we ought to all be concerned about waste and the environment and make efforts to conserve. But we need to see things from all sides before being quite critical.

[@bloopiedoop]

thank you for consistently opening my eyes to things I hardly even considered and helping me grow as a person. also, your necklace is adorable and I hope your thumb heals up wonderfully

[@oxfirsklias8173]

How is it even possible that a video with the word packaging in the title is one of most important videos for me personally that i have seen! I consider my self semi disabled, with cfs of many years. Because of the very low intensity of my disability i am trapped in the able world, which is scary! I cried so much when i hear you explain how important is packaged food for the independence. I think this question of resources and how we socially think about them is soo important. I find also some correspondance to medical care for medically transitioning people. Thaaank you so much for this video! (and one other thing.. You look incredible!)

[@shirasade]

This reminds me of people poo-pooing those "funny" gadgets they sell on shopping channels, like sock-puller-uppers or some such things, when they were often developed for disabled people. (Also, because of my chronic depression I tend not to have the energy to cook properly. So ready-made and pre-packaged foods are literally keeping me alive, because I obviously can't afford to live on restaurant food/take-outs.)

[@HallyuHeavenUS]

OH Jessica, so on point and I have to admit that sometimes I have been thinking like that and not thinking of those with disabilities. Thank you for this video! Truly eye-opening. There are things I can't do because my wrists are sometimes just in so much pain ( I have family history of rheumatoid arthritis and have noticed a decline in my movement ability in my hands and wrists), I do feel stupid myself when that happens but I can't help it! I will definitely try to keep a more open mind about things!

[@thezlington8186]

I must say I'm actually guilty of saying things like this, without realising or even connecting it with being ableist, so thank you for this video. I'm sorry for my ignorance and I see now why they're useful. Maybe it would be better for companies to package them in a more eco-friendly way rather than stop the prepackaging?

[@KairuPyon]

Thank you so much! I have this problem a lot . I have a sugar free diet and am chronically ill so I'm always buying the "expansive and enviromentally " bad food because it's pre-sliced. Yet no one realises that When I'm done cutting my courgette paprika and for example mushrooms I wont have any strenght left or possible can't move my hands anymore let alone actually preparing the food further. It makes me feel absolutely terrible but I also want to eat dinner that is not cold slices of paprika. However I will try help the enviroment any way that I can , Also you look absolutely lovely

[@indiand6460]

OMG YOUR HAIR IS STRAIGHT it’s pretty! As always!

[@feadogmhor5170]

When i first saw pre cut, individually wrapped products I thought it was wasteful and pointless. Now I've changed my mind as they allow me to have a cheap and healthy lunch at work and also to enjoy a great variety of fruit and veg without having to buy copious amounts and essentially wasting half of it. I never thought about people with disabilities- thank you for opening my eyes, great video!

[@emellisor7167]

I have autism, and I can’t peel oranges because of the smell so thank you for considering that.

[@Viradectus]

If you don't like the smell then why eat oranges? This is a genuine curiosity, why not other fruits?

[@emellisor7167]

Stephanie-louise Dalton Because I still like the taste of oranges

[@mayatarud4272]

i have high functioning autism and i can't peel oranges because of the texture i usually ask one of my sisters to peel it but if i was alone the pre peeled ones would be great

[@lucasandscarlettsmom]

Yes! As an epileptic this video made me so happy. Being disabled can be very hard and sometimes all you can make happen in a day is cooking a meal. It brings me the same happiness that it brings you because it makes me feel that even though my body might be having a dance party that my mind isn't hip to, I did accomplish making dinner for my family. Keep up the great work, Jessica, you're amazing!

[@midolifuchs9965]

Thank you so much for doing this video, I should remind myself to never judge things without giving it a proper thought and seeing it from someone else's perspective, especially disabled people. It can happen so easily and is very unnecessary.

[@lindsayjsolomon]

I think it's on the company to not find a biodegradable alternative for plastics, not on the people who need the prepackaged items. We are so above plastic as humans, imho

[@elizabethdavies5387]

This was so eye opening to me❤️ I think we should find ways to support and help disabled people while also being environmentally friendly, if possible!

[@clairemckinley691]

Yes I agree with you completely! These products are so useful for disabled people. In regards to the environmental aspect of it, disabled people aren’t killing the environment by using these products, people such as companies and governments who refuse to look into biodegradable alternatives to plastic, or don’t provide enough funding to scientists to research new plastic alternatives is what is killing the environment.

[@zoesearl7252]

Wow! Can't believe this never occurred to me! Perhaps reducing plastic in other areas (back to glass milk bottles?!) Would offset the use of plastic in areas they are beneficial. Great video 🦄

[@nibnob7]

zoe searl good point, reduce plastic and also reducing milk in the first place considering how bad it is for the environment :)

[@zoesearl7252]

Zoe 7 we'll agree to disagree on the milk being bad for the environment. 🦄

[@Beanjast]

Not really an agree to disagree thing, if you have a quick google about the research and stats you will see why. Here is a direct quote from the WWF website to get you started - "Dairy cows and their manure produce greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to climate change. Poor handling of manure and fertilizers can degrade local water resources. And unsustainable dairy farming and feed production can lead to the loss of ecologically important areas, such as prairies, wetlands, and forests." There's plenty of other non biased (i.e non vegan) sites which explain why dairy is bad for the environment.

[@zoesearl7252]

BethanyAnneJane you presume I was referring to cow milk I gather.😀

[@Beanjast]

Yes! Were you not? Oops hah.

[@dianneg6361]

Being a mom of 3 kids under 3, some of those things save my sanity! Quick on the go snacks for grumpy babies that are easier for them to eat 💚😊

[@indiand6460]

This is so enlightening! I'm getting more into watching creators with disabilities thanks to you so that I can learn more and recognise injustice and flaws in our society that are a hinderance to disabled people. As an able-bodied person with no prevalent health issues I feel very lucky that I have no need for pre-packaged food. I didn't realise that some people relied on it so heavily-I am so glad I know this know. Obviously I believe that everyone should avoid using plastic packaging where possible and to the extent they can, but as long as you are trying to have as little impact on the environment as you can in areas that you can control then you shouldn't feel bad if you need to use pre-packaged items! I'm vegan which is an amazing way to reduce your carbon footprint but I understand that many people can't be due to a health condition etc.

[@luvyjustinbeiber]

Companies who make this amazing prepackaged food should create a way to package these things that have less of an environmental impact (make it recyclable, compostable, ect.). Having this food be available for people who need it for whatever reason is so great but I don't think they think about if there is a better way to package it. It's important for everyone to be able to reduce their waste no matter their situation!

[@MissTwilightHater]

Excellent video, very passionate and informative. Excellent point about the domestic abuse rates. Keep making videos because it is impacting on my view of the world (and presumably it is doing this for your 210k subbies!) - I saw the news ranting about getting rid of plastic straws and I instantly thought of you and others who use them and need them. Thank you for broadening my mind (in so many ways, not just straws lol)

[@joybell2819]

Pre-grated cheese is a lifesaver! I'm not able to grate my own always and I eat cheese almost every day, it's an expensive and rather wasteful way of buying it but it's often my only option. Thanks for making this video, more people need to know x

[@kimseymour5250]

Thank you so much for this video! I really never considered the impact pre sliced fruit and veg would have on someone’s independence you’ve really opened my eyes. I care for my grandmother and I feel ashamed as I should have known better. Thank you again!

[@EloiseEighteen]

Before my EDS etc really impacted my health I used to cook from stratch, even make all my own bread! I just can't do that now things like frozen veg and fruit are essential. My current fave is frozen paella in a bag! I try and be eco friendly in other ways, for instance re-usuable menstrual items and eco toothbrushes, ecover washing liquid. However realistically just taking my medication produces a lot of single-use non-recycable waste and to top it off my council doesn't recycle tetra-paks and I use UHT dairy alternatives. I also drive my car every time I go out...but I need to live my life, I can't just refuse medication and medical care because it isn't eco friendly, I can't cycle or walk to the hospital, I can't stay in the house because going out requires fossil fuels...

[@teenytinyflame]

I never thought about how this stuff might impact people with disabilities. That makes a lot of sense.

[@caitlinsmith5075]

(I'm studying and work in environmental policy) I'm really opposed to the whole idea of individual responsibility for saving the planet. Yes, it can make a lot of difference, but in terms of impact vs effort and proportional financial cost, a lot of this stuff has to come from larger companies. For example, there's far more impact from reducing food waste at the producer/grocery store level than at the individual consumer level. The same is true of energy usage from industrial sources vs homes, and also use of water and materials. Not to say that doing what you can isn't good, but that it isn't necessarily going to be what dooms or saves the planet. I get really annoyed that some environmental activists push the personal responsibility agenda so hard, because there's so many reasons that might not be possible or practical. All of the disability ones outlined above, as well as financial or time constraints can really impact - also trying to make sense of everything can be really difficult, there's a lot of "greenwashing" going on. In my opinion, the practical use of all this agenda is getting people engaged with and informed about environmental issues, so that they can put pressure on the big companies to make changes. But that requires everyone to stop guilting and pressuring the individuals who are doing their best but for whatever reason can't make every possible change, and instead put that pressure on the companies - and like Jessica said, do that while being conscious that you're not also throwing disabled people under the bus.

[@alexanderwe1]

I get your point but isn't that what people did in Jessica's example. They protested against the companies who were in their perspective wasteful by changing the packaging to put pressure on them, which, as you say, could have a bigger impact than a single purchase. These people normally do not protest people buying it but companies offering it. As Jessica pointed out, however, it can feel as being shamed, which is very unfortunate and supports your argument

[@Beth8554]

This video is so important! This is definitely something that I have discussed with people before, and this point of view has never been addressed. Thank you for your continued work at educating the world about people with disabilities.

[@katherinemccarney9447]

I’m really glad you made this video. I feel ignorant/naive? for thinking “what a waste, who would ever REALLY need that.” I’m glad you posted this to give me some perspective.

[@RhysUmbra]

As someone who has difficulties, the amount of plastics used in prepared foods still bothers me. But it bothers me for even juices, water, and pastas. Speaking of which, bottles for sodas and waters and juices are the worst as well as plastic bags. Those are what end up in our oceans. And those are the easiest to find reusable and biodegradable options. I do end up pushing myself a lot to go out of my way to not be viewed as lazy....

[@bedenpoy344]

AzureDemon Just a reminder that your not lazy at all!! I hope you try your best to be earthfriendly in the ways that you can and forgive yourself when you need to put yourself first 🤗

[@alycialish5]

I don't always blame the consumer for the added waste. It's the manufacturer. Maybe the pre sliced food could be in reusable containers or someone at the store would be on hand to slice the items. I'm not zero waste. There are things that I buy that are wasteful. The idea is to be conscious of what you buy and make any changes you can. The future of our children depends on it.

[@paulinejadoulle6490]

Thank you for that :)

[@assemblyizeable]

I truly like this idea of having someone at the counter to slice items that they would then put into your reusable container. That's a great idea.

[@alycialish5]

Nicole I used to work in the deli section of a grocery store. Occasionally someone would ask to have something sliced other than meats or cheese. So I don't see why they couldn't do fruits veggies and whatnot

[@laura8700]

I completely agree. I’m assuming the reason the don’t do those things may be because it’s simply more expensive for them :(

[@Kiwi-eu3sf]

Thank you for making this video. You pointed a lot of things out that I, as someone who is not physically disabled, had never even thought about. Topic like this should be more talked about, also in mainstream media. These are things everybody should know and think about.

[@katmartin6565]

I'm really glad you bring this up. I hadn't thought of these sorts of items in this way, but it makes complete sense! It makes me want to go help prep food with disabled people that I know and love. And provide them with reusable alternatives to one-use items (like silcon baking mats and beeswax wrap). I really appreciate you bringing this up. It opened my eyes. I think it's so important to do what you are capable of in terms of helping the environment. Ultimately, our contributions, as individuals, to helping the environment have minimal effect on the actual state of the environment. Large corporations still pollute and consume far more than any group of individuals ever will. So don't let ableist environmentalists get you down. You are not "the problem".

[@ekl1457]

Hi Jessica. I complete agree with you and think a lot of the ignorance is simply lack of education. One of the kids I am a carer for who has ASD and some minor physical disabilities was on the train with his mother and she was told by the train conductor he wasn't in a wheelchair so he wasn't disabled! I was very angry about it.

[@5amisntlate]

Around my uni there's a sign at every lift saying you should take the stairs! You'll be happier! Healthier! And you won't be destroying the environment by being so lazy you useless piece of - *ahem* and as someone who has a hard time with stairs (and lives on the 2nd floor of a building without a lift - i need to be able to drag myself up those stairs and if that means not using any other stairs that means not using any other stairs) that make me feel like shit! and i know that people who are using a lift because they feel like it it probably doesn't mean anything, but for me, who would love to take the stairs, i feel awful.

[@that_nao]

so interesting bc at my school they have signs near all the elevators (especially in the dorms) reminding people that some have invisible illnesses

[@ussglowcloud6988]

I really hate it when people who can use the stairs use the lift instead and people who can’t use stairs have to wait to use the lift because of them. It’s a big issue in my school.

[@5amisntlate]

USS Glow Cloud that doesn't really bother me - it is what it is. You also have to remember that they might have an invisible illness - you literally cannot tell I'm in pain 99% of the time. It used to terrify me that I might get the same judgment you're giving out now. (Also I was undiagnosed in sixth form so wasn't allowed to use the lift - the amount of times I nearly threw up or had to take breaks every floor because I couldn't actually do it) That doesn't mean that it might not be a problem, but just remember you don't know the whole story. And if there's that many people in your lifts, the problem is likely that your school just doesn't have enough lifts for the amount of people allowed to use it. My sixth forms policies may have caused me unnecessary suffering but they only had one lift and a good few hundred students. It made sense.

[@ussglowcloud6988]

I’m taking about bands of friends riding it together and taking the whole lift. Ok, maybe one of them does need to use it, but when you get nine people riding it together and they are people who you know are in the track team while there’s a person who actually needs to use it waiting for the lift the next time because they can’t fit inside, then you have a problem. My school needs to give out passes or something to people who actually need to use the lift and make everyone else use the staircase.

[@5amisntlate]

USS Glow Cloud ah gotcha. But I'd blame the school - kids are kids you know? And if they can use it they will. You just have to remember there's always a downside - the passes idea had me suffering badly (I can barely do 2 flights, I had to do 3 regularly) but if there's too many people using it things do get crowded. It's fortunate that my uni has enough (even if some of them are old and rickety and my already claustrophic self is basically praying the whole time lol) I'd bring up your concerns with your school? See if they'll listen. But just try not to get angry at the students - they probably don't really get that what they're doing is wrong. If you have a chance to educate them, use it, and if they ignore you then you can get annoyed lol I get that it's hard not to be angry at them- I know my uni's posters aren't aimed at me but feelings aren't rational - but just take it to the right people. If the school doesn't intervene there will always be too many people. That was a bit rambly? But I hope you get my point. Edit: typos

[@MusicHeartification]

You just totally opened a new perspective for me there! I never ever thought about prepackaged food being a real help for disabled or old people. so thank you! i will keep that in mind when the next conversation about that topic comes up :)

[@mrmistoffelees69]

I buy prepackaged food - I have severe depression that causes me extreme fatigue, and sometimes I don’t have the energy or incentive to eat at all, which is very bad for me, I know. Anything to make cooking and eating a meal easier is such a help to me. I completely agree, Jessica, thank you for stating it all so eloquently.