why i QUIT zero waste | what i'm doing instead

[@allisonfromearth]

the missing clip at 5:53 is supposed to be a bamboo cutlery set FYI!! thanks as always for tolerating my subpar editing 😍 and let me know if you have any future topic suggestions 🧡

[@lindafarnes486]

Plastic is literally everywhere. Microplastics are falling in rainfall and being found in the most remote areas. It has entered the food chain. Those are facts. Recycling turned out to be a con, since everthing just got shipped out to Asia. Tragically, the concept of saving the environment isn't even a real concept. The environment will always be here. The question is, what will that environment be like and are you going to enjoy living in it? If not, what are you personally doing that is contributing to the polution and waste. Getting involved in politics would be a good start. Stop sitting about letting people who don't care run your towns, states and country. Look at your own lifestyle and do your best within your means.

[@allisonfromearth]

like i mention in the video multiple times, plastic pollution is a huge issue. but scientists have reason to think that simply forgoing plastic by replacing it with other materials may exacerbate the climate crisis. i completely agree that those of us who want a better future should make our voices heard, but i disagree that we can't save the environment. it's a living entity and our actions have threatened and even destroyed ecosystems all across the globe!

[@multiply67]

@@allisonfromearth It's not about the climate. It's about the bits of plastic that are inside of your brain right now. Climate change is not as bad as plastic contamination. Be an adult and choose the lesser evil instead of trying to be perfect. How do you think people lived without plastic AND without recycling glass. The only real solution to climate change, if it is even real, is the forced reduction of quality of life or fertility control. Because no matter how hard you try, earth will never feed quintillion people. So, don't even bother with zero waste, just stop using toxic materials like plastics.

[@multiply67]

Plastic contamination is more dangerous than climate change. Therefore avoiding plastic is more important than reducing your carbon footprint. So what if glass uses more resources? It's simply worth it.

[@anastasiya8314]

It’s funny that sustainability is mostly doing less. It’s about consuming less material goods, driving less, using up what you already have, and when absolutely necessary just buying tools and household items that will hold up to be reused for a long time. That’s why I think frugal minimalism goes hand in hand with sustainability. I’m a stay at home mom and food waste is something I work on avoiding on a daily basis by cooking our food, meal planning, having leftover days and using up all ingredients. (Currently making croutons and pita chips from the bread I had baked earlier).

[@allisonfromearth]

100% nailed it! i find myself relating to the conversations in reddit forums about anti-consumerism and frugal minimalism wayyy more than i relate to the zero waste / plastic-free groups😅

[@Its_Asteria]

Yes! I'm gonna use shein as an example to add to your point you already made if that's okay. Shein is cheaply made mostly plastic based clothing using labor that's less than legal. Same with temu for their products. And it's cheap, and trendy, so people will buy so much of those things. And they don't wear or use the things at all or more than once. It's different I'd someone buys one thing occasionally from them. But most times those items just end up in landfills. Thrift stores were filled to the brim with shein clothing at one point and the shein clothing didn't sell. So eventually it ends up in the trash. Whereas you can get things from say a thrift store or brand new and make sure it's something that will hold up, and use it until it rips or breaks. And with clothing. You can repurpose it even though it ripped. Bedding stuffing for a pet, handmade pillows, rags for cleaning if the fabric is absorbent, if the pants just have holes in them, cut them shorter and turn them into shorts, or patches for holes. Learning to sew and taking a few ripped clothing pieces and combining them into a new thing. I think that'd be a big huge step, and it'd be a similar concept for just about anything. I'm an artist as well so being able to take something I can't use anymore and turning it into something else can really reduce waste as well. But eco friendly won't be effective if you're still buying too much, not using all of it in time, and it goes bad, or it breaks and you just toss it instead of reusing it for something else. By the way I love the idea of making your own croutons and Peta chips from the bread you've made, very smart

[@amylivingston4590]

Absolutely agree that "frugal minimalism goes hand in hand with sustainability." I use the term "ecofrugality" (and have built a whole blog around it) to refer to the combination of the two, because I think they are two sides of the same coin.

[@allisonfromearth]

@@amylivingston4590 that's wonderful! i'd love to check it out 🧡

[@amylivingston4590]

@@allisonfromearth By all means! It's here: ecofrugality.blogspot.com/

[@blaklena]

Maybe the problem Lismore the consumerism... My mother has been mostly plastic free for over 30 years now, but first and foremost it is about buying less! And about recycling! My mother keeps plastic boxes that are not dangerous for health, she keeps jars, and dosent trow out all of her plastic to buy all brand new glass! Plastic free dosent mean have 0 plastic at home it is about making better choices with what we buy and already have! Obviously if you have to drive around town to get to a plastic free store, you better buy local, or go to a farmer's market... I believe that this is a very good movement if you use common sense!But clearly if it is to hide consumerism in pretty natural packages, then it won't help...

[@allisonfromearth]

your mom is goals! i think the problem with the zero waste movement is that we rely too much on "common sense" [which isn't actually that common] and take our intuition as fact instead of looking to the science. i'm a *relatively* smart person but allowed myself to be swayed by greenwashing and cleanwashing propaganda. reducing consumption should be the main point, but i think that point gets drowned out when the message becomes "you need a reusable swap for that" or "plastic pollution is a bigger problem than emissions"

[@allisonfromearth]

the lifestyle your mom has been living for decades should be the gold standard and is exactly the kind of thoughtful approach i hope to encourage!!

[@mystic5663]

Plastic leeches microplastics!

[@silverssssssss]

@@mystic5663 so does sea food and meat and all that stuff because animals are eating the plastic

[@stellaz2595]

Reminds me of the 1950's - when we used to return our soda bottles, which went back to the manufacturer for refilling.

[@ayuumi6262]

standard practice also with milk. i know some brands in uk started doing it again.

[@absc6272]

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[@doravalencia2214]

We did it in Mexico until the 2000. Mostly for sodas and for plastic ones too

[@candicefrost4561]

Never knew that was how things were done but I like that.

[@ArleneAdkinsZell]

Milk jars too

[@apmanda]

7:51 I would like to add that there are scientists advocating for less plastic or plastic recycling, but they are typically ocean/water scientists. This is because the areas in which plastic actually causes the most detriment is in the oceans and our own water and also the plants and creatures in the waters which we consume. But I think most of them are not advocating for plastic-free, and more often than not it’s usually about responsible waste and making sure we hold irresponsible companies responsible for their contributions to water and ocean pollution in general. Microplastics in the ocean is a HUGE longterm issue and has already manifested in drastic changes in oceanic ecosystems as well as toxicity in seafood and other water-consumption-related matters.

[@allisonfromearth]

good point, i'm friends with an oceanographer and she used to advocate for a zero / less waste lifestyle but has since switched her approach to advocating for better waste management policy -- from my understanding it's because the ocean absorbs so much CO2, which is in many ways worse for oceanlife. plastic litter and microplastics are a huge deal but greenhouse gases are an existential threat, so i guess it's kinda short-sighted to advocate for lifestyle changes that could quite possibly raise people's carbon footprints 👣

[@ltlmel2004]

Cudos to you. Finally someone gets it. Micro and nano plastics are a thing

[@oliviastamato]

@@allisonfromearth I'm friends with a brazillian scientist (Antonio Donato Nobre), he proved and showned how the Amazon forest holds the water that makes rain all over the world and how climate change affects the movement of the water that we need. He's a zero-waster. I get what you're saying, but there isn't a formula for zero-waste or to be less waste. I believe that people should do they research, but do whatever works best for them. There are a lots of scients, just like there are many that aren't, just like most things in life, even if they have the same profession, they don't agree with everything. Your search was also comprovation bias, because there are proof that the zero waste has a positive impact. Anyways, that's just my point of view.

[@N0ah-96]

I only worry that plastic never actually goes away, it just breaks down smaller and smaller into the environment. The damage that plastics do to the environment is so much more than just its carbon footprint

[@aceman0000099]

Well as she said, it degrades into carbon emissions, and eventually it will return to a similar substance from which it was made (oil) however if we buried it far underground, it would be effectively zero impact. That's not happening tho

[@zanepierson6816]

I love that you take the stance of “does it make sense in your situation” and also “which one of these is actually more resource intensive or wasteful” because I don’t think many people think about that. I love that you also point out the re-usability of items you’re buying, like the organic cotton totes. This is definitely something that called me out and I now know that I need to do more research on this type of stuff. Thank you!

[@allisonfromearth]

best comment award 🏆 this whole video is literally me calling myself out lol so don't even think about feeling bad! just trying my darnedest to not be so attached to preconceived notions so i can refocus on the things that move the needle in a positive direction 🧡

[@TurissChin]

It was so refreshing to see someone acknowledge that some "eco-friendly" alternatives are just not accessible to some people. Thank you.

[@alexandraw6264]

There are a lot of (legitimate, scientifically backed) health issues associated with plastic use. I liked the video, just think that’s an important thing to mention when discussing plastic use.

[@brickbard]

I agree with this. While plastic might be a more environmentally friendly option in some cases when it comes to climate change and emissions it is NOT more friendly when it comes to microplastics and the HUGE amount of studies that have been done on their effects on the health of people, animals, and their environments. The more studies that come out, the more we can see that plastic is really bad for us. But again: it's really hard to make the change away from plastic when in some places, like where I live, there is almost no packaging that doesn't have plastic in it. I can only grow 5 months a year, our farmers market is open may to October and is really small with limited variety. So I do use plastic, but with limitations and making sure that I try to do as little packaging across the board as possible.

[@localabsurdist6661]

@@brickbardalso single use plastic products are a lot more harmful to the environment

[@kaylamoon730]

That's why I'm plastic free. I'm not switching to plastic free because of carbon emissions, I switch because of micro plastics sinking into our food and water and affecting health and fertility

[@Jojobla-xi4gi]

exactly, avoiding single use plastic is not just about the environment but also human health. From bisphenols to PFOS contamination from plastic packaging

[@thematchababe]

@@kaylamoon730 exactly, same here

[@kcnurse19]

I have 3 cotton totes I have been using since 1976. I have others as well but it is always fun to use the oldest ones shopping, haha

[@candicefrost4561]

I make bags from extra fabric and crochet

[@DebiGoldben]

Thank you for the information about wax wraps and plastic bags. I have fibromyalgia and using plastic bags instead of doing extra dishes, etc. means that I have more energy for my family and friends. I was feeling guilty about using plastic bags. I don’t have to anymore.

[@socialdeviant13]

This! All 3 adults in my house have ADHD, so we have trouble with home care. We buy a LOT of duplicates of things that are easily lost, or disposable things like baby wipes. Since the 2 kids are also neurodivergent with food texture/taste sensitivity, we buy a lot of food in disposable packaging because it means they eat something other than nuggies and fries. My motto is "anything is better than nothing, but nothing is worth making your life unlivable."

[@sarahkinsey5434]

You can reuse those for any pet waste if you have pets, liners for small garbage cans, when you want something to stay dry, etc. So many uses

[@lucycliburn2344]

It is so encouraging to see a young person, opening their eyes to the need to see a bigger picture. I’m 67 and I’ve been trying to tell people about this kind of long-term, reduce the number of unintended consequences, lifestyle.

[@irenegildonoso5123]

Thanks for bringing light about this issue! Being zero waste shouldn't be merely an aesthetic to follow blindly. People should inform themselves about what makes sense to them in order to reduce their own CO2 emisions. You can be the most eco-friendly with your grocery purchase, but if you are going to travel by plane every month for pleasure, you defo got the idea wrong. There are online calculators that can help people be more aware as to in which areas they can do better to take care of the planet 😊 Nice video!

[@allisonfromearth]

NAILED IT! thanks a million for this thoughtful comment 🧡

[@FrankGutowski-ls8jt]

How much co2 does extra plane passenger add?

[@mommyingBetchay]

Zero waste is unattainable but I am very grateful for all the lessons that I have learned along the way.e and my family might not be able to do most “zero waste ways” but it is always good to be reminded to be conscious of our spending and consumption.

[@allisonfromearth]

well said, there are many habits and behaviors i'm bringing forward with me, but also a lot i'm trying to unlearn 🧡

[@rbancal4768]

True, we also attach zero waste with an aesthetic too.

[@allisonfromearth]

yes! and it's so hard to resist! i come from a background in design and the beauty of ZW is what first appealed to me tbh. while i don't feel it's necessary to completely detach yourself from aesthetics in order to live a more sustainable lifestyle [the secondhand economy exists, after all!] there's definitely this pressure to over-consume certain swaps and go out of your way to shop plastic-free! thanks for watching 🧡

[@lucycliburn2344]

When I was in grad school in the early 80s, what you were talking about called Family Ecology. And one of our most eye-opening assignments was to give a rough estimate of the energy involved in everything we owned, from manufacture to maintenance. The most shocking thing for us was that our professor owned a Steinway piano, and she actually used more energy than the rest of the class combined. That really was my introduction to thinking long-term and total product. Congratulations on joining the non-fad based crowd.

[@a.w.4708]

Was having Steinway piano linked to the energy usage?

[@isaacgates5859]

For the reusable bags vs plastic bags I would say that as long as you're taking good care of them and using them almost every trip to the store then it will be better than plastic. I usually use 2-3 bags for my weekly shopping, but the amount of food in those bags would equate to about 8-9 plastic bags, or 3-4 paper bags. So without having looked at the exact numbers, I think reusable bags beat out plastic, especially cause they're cute.

[@isaacgates5859]

Oh also noticed, 2 of my 4 bags are polypropylene, which the first source only lists you needing to use it 11 times for it to be better than plastic bags definitely have done that.

[@allisonfromearth]

i agree they beat out plastic bags, like i said, if you're able to use them as many times as required to meet the environmental payback period. but i've been in the ZW movement for over 5 years and brands have sent me at least 3 reusable bags that i never asked for or needed. i've also noticed many people buy extra bags just because they're cute, not because they need them!

[@weirdmyst7963]

I recycled my plastic bags and found/sewed old ones to make a bag that I wont use. Because Its ugly and I am how in love with it😂 My plastic thst I do have (most of my things) will last forever and is already 7+ years old

[@sarahkinsey5434]

@@allisonfromearth Where I work we sell the thicker reusable plastic totes that are super cute. My family has enough bags we don't use in the first place.

[@cjr790]

I do want to mention that you said only about 40% of glass gets recycled as if that’s a really low amount (of course we should do better! And it is better to reuse glass than recycle) but only about 5-10% of plastic actually gets recycled in the US! Plastic has a way lower recycling rate than the 30-40% for glass. What you say about using more resources to make glass is true but that does not mean that choosing glass over plastic is worse option. From a purely environmental standpoint, decreasing emissions by choosing plastic seems to be the better option but it is corporations, not individual consumers that contribute the most to emissions and truly have the power to make a difference. From an ethical standpoint, I would prefer to use materials that have a higher chance of getting recycled so they are not put in the landfill and shipped to other countries to rot

[@cjr790]

All this to say there is rarely ever a “right” answer when it comes to low waste! First paper was the enemy, now plastic, but there are so many other factors like you mentioned! I think as long as more people start to learn about “zero” waste actions and focus on reduce first, then reuse, we can make a change for the better

[@allisonfromearth]

@@cjr790 i totally see where you're coming from, but from the way i understand it [could be misinterpreting the data], the US sends 30% of our glass to be recycled, but of that 30% we send, only 40% is actually being recycled into new glass packaging -- the rest is incinerated, gets used as aggregate for constructing highways and things, or goes to the landfill. so it's like a fraction of a fraction. i totally agree that the plastic recycling rate is even more abysmal, but it's almost like comparing apples to oranges because the two types of materials have different carbon footprints. everyone talks about how wasteful single-use plastic is [and i agree], but the way we dispose of glass -- an even more resource-intensive material -- is worse in many ways! i'm really hoping for a better solution in the US, but until that happens, it seems plastic is oftentimes the more eco-friendly option for packaging 😩

[@andthatsshannii]

Thanks for this! I always felt really bad that I continued to use deodorant, skincare and toothpaste in disposable packaging. I tried so many things to cut them out, but the alternatives just weren’t good for my skin or my smell. It made me feel like I was a bad person for not succeeding on my zero waste journey. I think I really needed to hear this!

[@jessicalindly2118]

Totally agree! I’m allergic to coconut oil and it’s REALLY hard to find good soap that doesn’t have it. I did end up making the switch to bar soap from body wash and I found one that comes in paper packaging.

[@nessamcness2399]

Yep. I have tried a gazillion "natural" deodorant. All failed in some way or another. I use regular deodorant from the grocery store and my armpits are happy and I don't smell. Life is good when you do what works for you😊

[@mackymacky6959]

I did the same like you, went back to my toothpaste yous pea drop(add baking soda n brush a good few minutes)deodorant I only swip 1 time, pea drop of face cream. Sounds funny but last longer😊.

[@Liv2Pnt]

I started doing "no-buy" months when I started budgeting and working on getting debt free. They're great for saving dollars!

[@allisonfromearth]

that's so cool! i've only done one no-buy month on purpose but several on accident 😜 and it's veeery satisfying

[@nata3467]

Consumerism in general, ordering non stop from Amazon and returning stuff ( something like 50% is sent back) , fast fashion and decor and car culture are bigger targets. It would be nice if sizes and shapes of glass products were more regulated ( simply shapes, no decor embedded, etc) so they were easier to reuse.

[@ubadahoop]

I agree with you about consumerism, but there's just no way people are returning half of the items they buy. In the spirit of this video, I looked it up and found this: "The rate of return on Amazon items ranges from 5-15%; however, returns for consumer electronics and clothing can be as high as 40%."

[@consultinghistorian]

Clothes sizing should be standardised definitely

[@91splamy]

@@consultinghistorianI think the clothing should have more/ and measurements available so we can measure ourselves and buy what fits based on that. It would make things so much better

[@megc.9253]

We use mason jars for everything and we've been reusing them for years. They are very versatile

[@sarahkinsey5434]

@@consultinghistorian I think women's pants should be sized like men's with the waist and inseam measurements. Everything is too long on me

[@nicolablom8053]

Best advice is LESS consumption, less buying and use what you have! Don't through away, donate or recycle(where possible).

[@mollybeee]

I have found using wax paper works for wrapping a sandwich or when I'm portioning things for the freezer and many can be put in your compost. Been using it for over 50 years.

[@nataliasegal8674]

You're a treasure. How do you not have more subscribers? I love your nuanced views and appreciate your research. Thank you so much for this thought provoking video!

[@allisonfromearth]

way to make my absolute day!!! thanks so much for that, you've warmed my cold shriveled heart!

[@corvusmonedula]

23:41 ...I've never thought about preservatives that way. People around me hate "chemicals" and "unessecary ingredients" in food but it really makes sense to put them they. maybe not all of them, but I rather have preservatives in my plant milk than having them go bad after 3 days in the fridge.

[@allisonfromearth]

absolutely! preservatives prevent food waste!

[@circlenowsquared]

I definitely fell into the trap of buying things to be "zero waste", but luckily I've kept and continued to use most of them, like the organic cotton rounds, my totes, reusable handkerchiefs, etc. As long as you intend to keep using those things for years on end instead of continuing to buy things, I think a few purchases are fine, but don't fall down the rabbit hole and go overboard or, like you pointed out, it's counterproductive! I'm definitely adhering to "what works for you" so I don't guilt myself as much as I used to.

[@allisonfromearth]

hear, hear!!!

[@kaylenewinter248]

Instead of buying the face rounds or making them just use face cloths/ face towels. The little square towels in the same aisle as all the other bathroom towels, their purpose is for cleaning your face anyway and they are cheaper to buy as well and you don't need a lot of them and are reusable and easily washed

[@doloresperezfraiz7402]

I am working on my dissertation on implementing 0 waste in my campus. Your perspective is very insightful and I will definitely have a look to your resources before progressing in my work 😊

[@allisonfromearth]

oh that is so fascinating, thanks for sharing that with me! we live right near the university of north carolina at chapel hill and i love the fact that they have compost collection bins set up here and there, and they use the compost to feed the community garden! it's so neat. i think they also have some kind of water catchment but haven't looked into it yet 😍

[@theiage]

Your section on glass containers and re-use/recycling reminded me- my area has removed curbside glass recycling, opting instead for large purple bins in public locations. Some of the glass is recycled, but they're also re-using it in some interesting ways apparently: 'The majority of the glass collected in these containers will be sent to a glass processing facility where it will be recycled into new glass containers. A portion of the glass will be crushed into sand and gravel for use in a variety of local construction projects, such as paving, pipe bedding and backfill.' The construction project use was new to me when I read it. Have you heard of anywhere else using their glass that way?

[@abbeyroche2983]

I’m new to the “zero waste movement,” coming from crunchy and I have always been wary of over consumption, even for “good reasons.” So I decided I was going to use all the things I already have until they are no longer usable. And then I’ll try to replace with thrifted items. I also stopped using single use anything if it was possible to replace it with something I already owned. I feel like going out to buy something brand new is one of the worst things you can do 😢

[@lunikilo]

Re: plastic baggies versus resuables like stainless steel containers: a very good point about the environmental cost of creating the things and then moving them around, but as plastic baggies essentially have to go to landfill, where IIRC they not only take up space (not a whole lot of that in island countries like Taiwan) but break down and enter the food chain and create microplastic pollution... Are they still the better option over a reusable container? Genuine question. There is so much research to wade through and there's so much differing opinions re: whether plastics are endocrine disrupters or not.

[@allisonfromearth]

a stainless steel container that you use for years and years and take real good care of is the better option IMO!

[@ilariacicconetti2365]

I don't agree with you completly. The zero waste massage and main aim is to reduce not recycle. We should be more responsible for what we buy and be more conscious of what the durability of items and packagings that we bring to our homes. Plastc and waste in general of course are just a part of pollution and climate change but it's the easiest and closest thing we can to as individuals and citizens of this planet. The quantity of our trash that ends in poor countries is insane so we have the power and will to be better persons

[@allisonfromearth]

absolutely. the problem arises when "zero waste-friendly materials" create more emissions [which also harm poor countries disproportionately] and are also ending up as trash because they're used in a single-use way. i have zero qualms with the spirit of zero waste -- i'm glad to have been a part of the movement because it taught me several invaluable lessons i'll have with me forever, but we can't deny there's a misinformation problem in the sustainability community. i know firsthand just how many catchy shortcuts eco influencers teach their followings and they're not always helping! reducing consumption? HECK YES. trading in plastic for glass or paper or single-use compostables? mayyy wanna look at the science first!

[@ilariacicconetti2365]

@@allisonfromearth reducing consumption is key! And I think it should be the leading part of the zero waste movement! Use up what you have first and then try more sustainable alternatives! Just swapping to sustainable items is just a consumerist habits and it’s not what the zero waste movement or the sustainable movement in general is about . We should put an end to single-use habits. That’s terrible

[@Its_Asteria]

​​​​@@ilariacicconetti2365 if I may add too. Trend cycles also accompanied by consumerism is a big player too. People aim for aesthetic looking alternatives that fit a vibe they're going for. Especially if they're aiming to be like the influencers they watch and follow. Trends are very fast now and one type of aesthetic or packaging type may switch on a dime and then suddenly its not eco friendly anymore. An example for the micro trends thing is Stanley cups. They're reusable stainless steel cups that are sturdy and will last you a long time if taken care of. However people have been consuming massive amounts of these cups. And what will happen when the trend dies is they'll end up in thrift stores, people won't entirely want them by then, and then they may end up in landfills next. They may even skip the donation step and end up in a landfill anyways, as thrift stores and the like won't have space for tons of things, they unfortunately toss what they can't sell or don't have space for (which is why chain thrift stores are just as wasteful sadly) Overconsumption truly is one of the main issues. You can switch to eco-friendly products but many are misleading. While others are genuinely good but people still have the same habits as before when using those eco-friendly options. So it becomes less eco-friendly. Overconsumption, and taking down fast fashion brands like shein and temu, reducing food waste, potentially adjusting what retail stores and the like do with unsold product that they damage and toss instead of donating or selling at half price, we could reduce a good chunk of trash intake. The other step would be oil and gasoline. Many things do need those things but if we found a way to cut that down to necessity, it could help immensely. At least these are my observational thoughts as many of the true wastefulness comes in big companies and brands. Luxury brands destroy and toss perfectly good things too I may add. But this is what I've observed. I truly personally think while we do have responsibility on an individual level, what we do as individuals won't matter in comparison to the bigger sources of wastefulness and pollution in the world. Cars only make up a percentage similarly to individual scale issues. Agriculture is one of the bigger ones (this includes pesticide free products and products labeled as eco-friendly, it still came from an industrial style farm to get enough of that product on shelves for people to buy) Overconsumption is a big one now alongside plastics. Something that could be done instead is reusing plastic containers and bags as much as possible until they quite literally break or rip. I wouldn't recommend this for plastic waterbottles like Dasani ones, but like, pet food bags reused for dealing with trash or pet waste is an example. It'd reduce the need for a huge thing of plastic bags. Or better yet just tossing your trash without a bag if possible or if allowed by the garbage company and recycling companies

[@GoingGreenMom]

​@@ilariacicconetti2365 Now if only people paid attention to reduction and just replaced as needed.

[@jamesaaronslayton2463]

Do we have any research or info about plastic being toxic? The zero waste info I have come across has included almost no discussion of climate change and has had a focus on plastics that end up hurting wildlife. I do value the info about glass, and it is great to know, but in addition to the harm to wildlife, mostly sea life from what I hear, I keep hearing about plastic being toxic. I have not been able to find a reliable source to confirm or debunk this but I will admit I am not as well educated on research methods as I could be. I just thought I would ask bc those two make up almost all of what I have read or listened to on the subject. I have not directly heard a ton of mention of climate change in relation to plastics in the specific zero waste articles and videos I have seen. Not that I have heard it at all, but it has not been the forefront of the messaging I have consumed. So my question stands, is plastic toxic to touch of be exposed to and how harmful is glass to wildlife in comparison to plastic. I feel it is likely safer to use glass in a lot of situations as I do not hear of it being as harmful and it is easier to reuse it and to keep it for a lifetime. I cannot make plastic c9ntinue to be used for the remainder of my life. I feel the argument of glass not really being recyclable also applies to plastic and I am aware of more cons to plastic over glass. So while I agree glass is not a solution, plastic not being as bad as we were told does not necessarily make it the wiser choice over plastic. I need more info and we all need a new opti9n that is better than both.

[@Debilinside]

Even as a middle aged eastern european I really enjoy your videos, its a very refreshing take to hear these things from an american. I strongly believe the key to lessen our impact is overall lower consumption and less waste. It always baffles me when I read how much food people throw away in the first world. I was raised to always be mindful and plan, so our household go months without throwing away anything. Its not something we actively think about, we are simply mindful of how much and what we buy. I try to raise my kids to not be impulsive, especially when it comes to food. All these cutesi videos on instagrams, trendy bloggers and rich people telling how you should upturn your life and change everything you do feels really dishonest to me.

[@Sabrina_Pare]

i loved this video so much. As a sustainability content creator, who gets picked apart for every piece of plastic I use, I NEEDED this message!

[@allisonfromearth]

whew you and me both! definitely developed a few complexes as a result 😅

[@lissapomposmansfield]

Thank you for taking a nuanced approach to this conversation and for modeling the ethos of "when we know better, we do better"! As you say, if we change our minds and practices when we're presented with new information, we're growing. It's so refreshing to see common-sense advice that people can tailor to their lives in whatever ways might fit their current situation (e.g., eating less meat is more accessible/approachable for most folks rather than going vegan). I just really appreciate your content. Thanks for sharing your research, your sources, and your perspectives.

[@lisadoes]

Reusable vs plastic bags is an issue that I’ve been contemplating for a while. While I know that reusable bags are far more energy intensive than single use plastic bags, seeing those darned tattered plastic bags hanging from trees everywhere I look has been enough to make the switch worthwhile for me. I do believe I see them less often now than before reusable bags became the norm.

[@allisonfromearth]

reusable bags are the more eco-friendly option in general, we just have to be careful not to over-consume them because it defeats the purpose!

[@adorabell4253]

It’s also important to read the life cycle reports because there are a lot of cultural biases in the testing conditions. For example the Scandinavian one used average bag sizes found in stores and the organic cotton bag was smaller than the plastic or regular cotton ones so they doubled the number of organic cotton bags needed as compared to plastic or regular cotton for the same amount of groceries. They also used their standard bags which are thicker than ones found in the USA and so didnt add double bagging which is common in many CA/USA stores. They also assumed every plastic bag would be reused as a trash liner and then burnt for fuel vs just tossed (and lucky if in the garbage). Is it a bad study? No. But it’s important to read the actual studies vs just media reports on them.

[@thatjillgirl]

One thing worth considering is that many reusable bags exist that are NOT organic cotton. A lot of reusable bags are just a sturdier grade of plastic. They're less resource-intensive to produce and don't take as many uses before you've got a net environmental benefit. And of course, as she mentioned in the video, a LOT of reusable totes already exist and you can very easily find one secondhand if you need it. We don't all need to keep buying new ones.

[@Sonja25997]

I loved the take on beeswax wraps vs plastic zip lock bags. However I wonder if that answer changes when you consider the breakdown/recyclability of these products. For example how long they need to break down.

[@allisonfromearth]

end-of-life [disposal] is typically part of the lifecycle assessment! disposal and biodegradability are big considerations when it comes to an item's sustainability but they're seldom the most important factors 🧡

[@kaylamoon730]

Im confused on how washing bees wax causes more emmissions than creating and shipping plastic baggies. Could someone explain that for me?

[@davisartstudios]

Some of the plastic avoidance comes not as much as environmental but not using toxic plastics to wrap our food in.

[@allisonfromearth]

true, but this is a video about environmentalism and i'm speaking to people who avoid plastic for environmental reasons

[@anahgzz]

I literally watched this while folding plastic bags to reuse because we still have to use them to dispose of trash where I live in. Having a more sustainable lifestyle is not at all about being perfect but about reducing impact in habits that matter like what you mentioned on the video (more sustainable transport, reducing meat consumption, etc!) and basically just doing your best

[@aliceisonyoutube]

Another thing to note is that buying in bulk in plastic can be equivalent to buying at a plastic free bulk store, better if the grocery store is closer as you say. I got to my bulk store (largest chain in my country) early one morning and saw them refilling the organic rice from the same 10kg bag I can buy at the supermarket for much less. Before that moment I hadn't given pause to think much about how the products were transported and packed prior to turning up in the bulk bins. It was also a brand I didn't feel great about because they sell and heavily promote single serve microwave rice pouches. In the bulk store it didn't have a brand on it. I have a family so we eat a fair bit of rice. Stored correctly we have no trouble getting through the bulk rice bag from the grocery store.

[@lillyziegler8813]

Generally I understand that plastic can often be lower in carbon emissions however I think it is really important to take into account that we are poisoning animals and the water we drink by plastic getting into our oceans. Therefore I think it can most definitely also be a threat to everyone. Of course generally consuming less in general is the best way to become more eco friendly.

[@allisonfromearth]

so so true, but i feel like we often forget that greenhouse gas emissions are poisoning animals and our oceans as well! both issues are beyond important but the question is, which is more of an emergency?

[@moriahjade]

It’s so cool to see someone from my area on KZbin and caring about the environmental impacts! I’m actually from Durham and have been searching for so long to find likeminded people here in NC.

[@lilithhenry]

I must admit that we should all take lessons and keep ourselves educated and still learning throughout our lives, but personally I didn’t go for plastic-free because of environmental issues at all, but for my personal health issue. I still avoid plastic as much as possible especially towards food because I don’t want to process micro-plastic and I don’t want to accidentally inhale plastic fumes in case of fire in my house. I try be or tend to be as much as i can a zero waster too, but as a lazy realistic person, sometimes I go to the fastest option too. The more I go old the more I have learned that living a perfect life isn’t reachable but trying to do small changes here and there and maintain those habits is the best that one’s could do. I am an imperfect millennial but I try my best to do my part. Hope that you would be kind enough towards yourselves too because life is too short to live in constant fear and remorse. Have some mercy on yourselves and be happy even if you’re not the best person in the world. Have some gratitude for your belongings and for your best memories, treasure them as much as you can, show some appreciation to your loved ones, and don’t take them for granted. Kisses everyone.

[@rosannevandersteen3388]

Well, here in Canada where all of our straws are paper and we can’t get plastic bags at the grocery store, we don’t have any choice anymore. I’ve also heard that the chemicals used to make the paper straws are also carcinogenic. Now, every time you go to the grocery store and forget bags people are either buying more heavy duty reusable bags or paper bags. Of course, we can still buy plastic garbage bags. So, instead of reusing plastic bags to line garbage cans and pick up dog poop, you have to buy more plastic garbage bags. I do try to do some things. All of my glasses are mason jars or old jam jars, I compost for my garden, I don’t line my small bathroom garbage cans anymore, I use vegetable scraps to make soup stock, I buy clothes and dishes from the thrift store, and I try to buy less overall

[@delaneyrohrer4440]

I just watched your apartment tour and I FELL IN LOVE! Your channel is this little diamond in the rough and I’m so glad I found you keep it up!

[@allisonfromearth]

so sorry i'm just now seeing your comment but i have to admit it brought a little baby tear to my eye 🥹 infinite thank yous for this 🧡

[@wisheduknew294]

So they have bulk markets there in San Antonio area? I can’t find any here in Houston and this is a large city.

[@rozaucja8612]

We eat 5 grams of microplastics a week. How much glass a week do we eat?

[@syddlinden8966]

Right. We are at the point we need to go to the manufacturing level and mandate use of green energies to RECYCLE, and we need to go back to glass being returned to factories, cleaned, and REUSED. Corps only switched to plaatic bottles back in the day so the heads could get bigger checks.

[@yellowzora]

I have quite a few of canvas shopping bags, none of which I've bought myself. They are in use as much as I can find them jobs to do, for storage at home as well. I will never buy one, that is for sure. I'm from Germany but live in the UK, and for my childhood I always took the bottle returning system for granted. It makes so much more sense to have bottles cleaned and refilled rather than made into new bottles first. Then suddenly, buying glass bottles would make more sense than plastic, I hope (but I believe the plastic ones also get cleaned and refilled? Don't quote me on that). All in all, I try to reduce my waste by buying less, and reusing what I already have / can get from somewhere else second hand, as long as it makes sense. Making a weekly meal plan really helpes, as the only foodwaste this household has is really just scraps from cooking, and the compost is collected once a week. There is such a long way to go, and I would like to see an ideal world where I can cycle to the nearest super market, buy stuff that I can store in my reusable containers and not pay an arm and a leg for it. We'll see.

[@Su-ri5ob]

Ever since I learned that the whole carbon footprint idea was developed by BP in order to shift the emphasis from themselves I have been sceptical about most green claims.

[@daand.1042]

What is BP?

[@EmmaBray-jg8jg]

Please don’t confuse the issues with conflated ideas

[@tabsc3489]

thank you SO much for all this critical information... we really have been moved to make a difference but consumerism has taken the reigns for many zero-waste/sustainability movements. It's time for each one of us to think critically and consume intentionally. also, NC represent!!!

[@allisonfromearth]

perfectly said!! also, hey neighbor!

[@alesmr7034]

I wonder if this also applies to Germany, we have a glass recycling system

[@beckyholston]

Where did you get your information on the impact of beeswax wrap?

[@susanruan3663]

I read the Sunset article on Bea Johnson when it first came out, before the zero waste movement existed. It was fascinating to see such an alternative way of living, but I quickly realized I couldn't live that way. First of all, I can't use glass for everything, the weight of carrying multiple jars upstairs to my home, just isn't practical. Not to mention, anything in glass jars is more expensive than if its in plastic. I just don't buy very much of anything. It seems to be the easier way of following zero waste.

[@marycassidy1695]

I bought that book and I'm ready to give it to a thrift store.

[@stefs3460]

I feel that just being mindful about what you aquire and how you use it is a helpful thing to do. Also being poor helps. Too poor to buy new sometimes too poor to buy used so I usually only buy whay I absolutely need. I do have a compost pile and a garden I use it in and that helps some too. I see the money going away if I waste food so I try not to buy mote than what will go bad before I can use it. People think they eat more than they actually do. That's why their food goes bad in the fridge. Most plastic packaging gets reused as tiny garbage bags. The city I live in has cubing laws so the smaller bags are the poo bags when I walk my dog. I use repurpose and use again every item in my home to the fullest. Being Eco conscious is a mindset not a product you can buy.

[@allisonfromearth]

💯

[@ms.lonasenglish1864]

Your video is great, very informative! Thank you! I just have a concern about microplastic getting into our water source every wash of the plastic item that we're using. It can be the reason why people are trying to swap to materials other than plastic (although the energy consumed to make a plastic bag is much less)? So what would you do to avoid this? Or is it something that not quite concerning?

[@Animal3Lover3]

Just bought my own shopping cart cuz i got tired of having to return it, hunt one down etc just to use one in store plus some stores lock the wheels if too far from the store. I dont have to grab plastic or paper bags now plus use my fabric bags that I have when my basket runs out of room and hang it on the cart. Only problem is the clax cart which i recommend is $250-$300

[@flamingo6828]

I think when it comes to packaging, probably the most sustainable kind would be using pottery/clay and baskets. There's quite a lot of places around the world where people use air drying earth clay to store food to keep fresh for weeks or months, you can even make a refrigerator out of it. And baskets can be a good lightweight packaging for things, reeds or barl can be used for nets or for carrying bags or storage boxes. What's nice about these is the clay can be easily recycled once it's finished being used, pottery can be used for generations, and baskets can decompose when they're worn out. The only caviat to this is that i don't think these forms of packaging would work when it comes to mass production, thses are resources that would best be grown and cultivated over generations and used within a local economy

[@sbon4771]

Been using my 2 large canvas totes since 2003, they’re going strong over 10000 uses. Avoid the free/cheap plastic ones that become trash. Canvas does last!

[@orozcodavid101]

I appreciate the video! and had heard a lot of these points before, at the same time I don’t really like the first point “plastic won’t reduce your co2 impact”, I don’t get why people would be avoiding plastic for the CO2 impact in the first place? For me the reasons to reduce plastic use really come down reducing your microplastic exposure and reducing the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills, water ways and the oceans (and the fact that recycling plastic in the US is essentially a myth, the vast majority of “recycled plastic” ends up in a landfill or in the environment). However I do agree with the point on glass waste, if you’re not using a product that uses 100% recycled glass, it’s basically just going to get downcycled into cheaper grade glass and not reused

[@allisonfromearth]

thanks so much 😊 to your first point -- there's a common misconception in the sustainability movement that because plastic is made from fossil fuels, it has a heavier carbon burden than alternative materials and therefore makes global heating worse, so this is what i was speaking to!

[@martinademarcos4226]

The main reason, at least for me, in reducing single use plastics is that they became litter… I think that the litter part of it is the most important in reducing single use plastics… And then, unless you are going to actually Compost whatever you use… or reuse it. It can make more sense to use plastics.

[@CrepuscularQueen]

I know this is random, but I recently cleaned up a bit, and I am a proud owner of 6 tote bags! Two from events I went to two years in a row, two because collage tours give them for free, one as a birthday bag of my choice of a skeleton and books, and a blank one I'm embroidering :) I don't plan on getting more tote bags, and I love having them for my grocery runs. If I keep them for a long while, I have no complaints

[@Orynae]

It's so hard honestly. I don't even mind the fact that I've made mistakes with "sustainable" swaps, we all make mistakes, but what angers me is how _hard_ it is to find accurate information on which option is better. I feel like google results have gotten worse and worse in general, so you just get a bunch of blogs and random organisations promoting stuff that looks and feels eco-friendly... It's hard to know where to start to find real comparisons for the full life cycle of a product, and it _sucks_ that we have to do all this research on every type of product. For some things, I'll admit it's on me, sometimes I just want to buy something new instead of using less and buying used. But sometimes I do actually _need_ something to cover my food in the fridge for later, and every. single. option. makes me feel guilty.

[@marylove909]

Reduce, reuse, recycle...I think we need to go back to that. Consumerism in general is a big part of the problem. I feel if we reduce our consumption and need to manufacture period, it would go a long way.

[@invisibleCrystal]

I think a big thing people need to remember is that individuals can only do so much. We need to also vote and interact with our representatives and governments over these issues.

[@ninakonijn436]

ive got a question about the beeswaxwrap topic. ive recently started reusing my plastic bags and washing them before use, but will the washing also cause extra emissions if im doing them together with the dishes? just a bit confused there because people will be doing their dishes anyway, right?

[@edysmith9758]

How do the medical supplies fit into this?

[@allisonfromearth]

medical supplies are typically necessary! can you clarify what you’re referring to?

[@CR-qp3dc]

Two things. Plastic bags were banned in my area because of the immediate pollution they caused. Bags blowing down the street and often caught in trees. Now over a year since the ban I notice a difference. Plastic bags are unsightly not only environmentally unsound. Bringing your own bag isn't so hard. Plastic containers are bad because they can leech micro plastics into food. Everything from synthetic clothes to laundry pods too. Some people are allergic to this and seek fresh foods or glass and paper containers. Again it's more than one reason. I stopped buying body wash and hand pump soap to reduce my plastic consumption. I buy only bar soap. It is more economical too. I also buy bar shampoo instead of bottled. I still buy conditioner in a bottle and lotion. Recently started making my own lotion bars. So easy, fun and it's another plastic bottle I don't use. And again more economical.

[@RaeRaesRaveReviews]

I've been washing and reusing plastic sandwich and freezer bags for the last 20 years and now i am wondering if I shouldnt be doing that lol. Usually bags I get for free from wherever but sometimes we buy freezer bags... like every 5 or so years.

[@allisonfromearth]

i do the same thing! tbh if i found out it was more wasteful to keep washing them than to use a new one each time, i’d probably keep washing and reusing 😅 just because it’s also a frugality thing! the difference between reusing plastic bags and beeswax wraps is that people spend a lot of money on beeswax wraps thinking the price is worth it in order to be more sustainable. but since they’re not more sustainable, it’s pretty much a waste of money. just my hot take!

[@RaeRaesRaveReviews]

​@@allisonfromearth good to know -- Its also a frugality thing for me too... I hate spending money on storage containers but they are a necessity so i try to make them last as long as possible. PS I'm enjoying your videos, been watching a lot of "zero waste" content in the last couple of days and I find it really interesting how the discussion has shifted away from trash jars (and my god people seem soooo egotistical about their trash jars tbh) to more realistic ways of living a sustainable life. I really appreciate the shift to science on your part! This is the first video I've seen on the topic that actually was not just opinions.

[@AWanderingEye]

Hi Allison, Do you have a video here that shows the recipe for the label remover? TIA

[@allisonfromearth]

not yet! it’s roughly equal parts baking soda and vegetable oil, super simple 🤗 i like to schmear it on and leave it overnight so the glue is really easy to get off with a bit of dish soap and water in the morning. for best results tear off as much of the label paper as you can before applying the goop!

[@zaizeleiful]

i dont really understand the beeswax thing vs ziploc bags bc sometimes you have to wash the ziplocs too? and i worry about using plastic wrap to cover food in the fridge

[@allisonfromearth]

this isn't to say you should switch back to plastic baggies [i certainly haven't], the findings of the study were that sometimes "eco-friendly" products aren't really more eco-friendly. plenty of other options for food storage exist! but if you enjoy beeswax wraps and want to keep using them, it's 100% not the end of the world 🧡

[@zaizeleiful]

@@allisonfromearth thank you! was beeswax not eco-friendly because of the washing? what do you use? also regarding more plant protein, i prefer but i read that for meat substitutes, they're also sometimes highly processed and sometimes also effect the environment negatively?

[@allisonfromearth]

@@zaizeleifulfor food storage i mainly use glass containers, reused jars, and silicone stasher bags -- according to the michigan study linked in the description, stashers are kiiinda environmentally iffy as well, though less so than beeswax wraps because they get washed in the dishwasher]. but if i could do it all over again, i'd thrift all my stasher bags because they're pricy anyway and that would definitely cut down on their negative environmental effects. now for the second part of your question! i hear your concerns about processing but food scientists and dietitians say meat substitutes can absolutely contribute to a healthy diet [check out food science babe on IG and youtube! she's wonderful and always provides a lot of sources]. the popular idea that "processed" foods are unhealthy in any form or quantity is complete misinformation. but at the end of the day it's a personal choice 🧡as with everything, moderation and variety are key! and one thing to keep in mind is that even the most "processed" plant burger is better for the environment than an organic, pasture-raised beef burger. maybe lentils would be more ideal from an environmental perspective but i don't know many people who want to [or can] eat lentils at every meal! p.s. i put "processed" in quotes because it's a subjective term and isn't regulated but nevertheless has been turned into a scary, dirty word by charlatans on the internet who don't mind giving people orthorexia and other eating disorders with their dangerous misinformation. can you tell i have a slight distaste for anti-scientific rhetoric?! 😅

[@GreatSageSunWukong]

I'm in the UK when I was growing up in the 80s we had the milkman, he drove an electric little truck called a milk float, he delivered milk in bottles to your door and other things like orange juice and milkshakes all in the same glass bottles, you left your empty bottles outside for the milkman to collect and then they washed and reused them, we also had fizzy drink and some beer bottles where if you took them back to the shop they would give you some money for the empty bottle and they would be picked up by the drinks makers and taken to be washed and refilled. then we had the iron monger on his horse and cart who would go around the neighborhood on sundays to take peoples scrap metals for recycling. all of that is gone now

[@alvazz]

Such an interesting and well-made video! The only thing I didn't understand is how washing the beeswax wraps would be less sustainable than cling film tough? If you're only using a very small amount of water and soap?

[@allisonfromearth]

how sweet, thanks so much for that 🧡 the study i reference explains how it causes more emissions! but cutting back on both water and soap is helpful, which is why i recommend only using existing wax wraps on non-messy food items 😊

[@karenmartin9008]

So, I thought that using a plastic "tupperware" style container would be a more sustainable option than either the beeswax or the plastic wrap, but it has to be washed also, so maybe not?

[@earlgreyci]

me just learning that you live(d?) in NC since you said you lived in Durham i just moved to NC from IL in June (near New Bern ish) I used to live near places that had co-ops, zero waste store, second hand craft stores, multiple farmer's markets, etc. Now i have no idea where to get things, so if you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear! I go to Durham/the triangle at least once every two weeks for doctors appointments so if you only have stuff for there, I'd love to hear!

[@allisonfromearth]

ooh welcome! durham has a lot of great stuff!! my favorites are the scrap exchange thrift store and secondhand craft center, the durham co-op, fillaree for locally made zw soaps/shampoo/household cleaners, and part & parcel for bulk pantry stuff! i hope you enjoy living in NC 🧡

[@EYM_HERE]

I hear you and grateful for your input to be mindful of what you follow . People rather be comforted with a lie than hurt by the truth. I agree with things you have mentioned. Which is a lot of the fear marketing , advertising meanwhile many products are not truthful on the ingredients. I also like how you are vulnerable to share your own thought process of how you were feeling while making certain changes and questioning your thoughts. I do that very often as I change certain habits when it comes to being more environmentally conscious but not following a “trend” blindly thinking it makes me “better or superior “ We are all people learning and it’s crucial to not just fact check but ask ourselves why are we doing certain things . Sometimes you realize the same way you follow an “influencer “ some do it for likes and visibility than being true to the choices on why they want to make certain changes. I seem to many DIY videos I wouldn’t follow , health tips etc . LOL , I watch and so blown how people would share some cringe / questionable guides . We still all learn by doing and getting better , of course but it is good to learn from things with a at least a thorough tried and true method. I think that’s why it’s always good to speak to our grandma / grandpa’s and parents on how they did things back then. Old fashioned ways are a set staple and I know it’s been an influence to many people to “DIY” or making things from scratch but there is a lot of odd suggestions put out there now . Anyway it just goes to say, it’s good to see someone not fearing to speak on these things. It’s like me , I’m a plant based eater ( for many reasons , my choice ) but I don’t go parading or bashing people for how they eat or belittling anyone on what they consume . Even being plant based I have seen how the “vegan trend” increasingly has grown over the years ( which is cool ) but I am not big on the mock meats or just thinking because it states “vegan “ it’s healthy . Something’s are just as bad as regular products . This could be a while topic in itself but you get the point 😂. , To end with, I like your approach but you are also still conscious on what you can still do as an individual to make better choices to still reduce waste and be more mindful for the environment still . There’s so many ways we can do that even with things we may have instead of feeling like “let’s throw it away and buy more things to prove I’m environmentally conscious “ lol

[@mkaklamanis]

Could you please explain a little more how handwashing beeswax wraps creates way more gas emissions? I wash my beeswax wraps with a little bit of cold water and some castile soap.

[@allisonfromearth]

i think it's because of the massive amounts of electricity required to power water treatment plants! i should add that if you enjoy beeswax wraps, keep on using them 😊 they're not single-handedly destroying the environment and we don't have to make each and every decision in our lives based on emissions. personally i *only* bought them because i believed they'd be better for global heating -- so for me they were a waste of money since they're not particularly eco-friendly compared to alternatives i enjoy using more!

[@hstan29]

Plastic is also lightweight - good for ppl like me with mobility disabilites. I cant really deal with the heavy trendy metal reusable waterbottle, so i use lightweight plastic disposables or plastic reusables

[@meghansmith2664]

I wonder if glass and paper manufacture emissions will become much less as renewable energies roll in? That might change the results also

[@allisonfromearth]

yes for sure!

[@MyImperfectEcoJourney]

You raise some interesting points and I agree with you that being ‘eco’ is never simple. I do think that we can and should take the opportunity to reduce single plastic use where possible though. An example would be mushrooms where our local supermarkets sell in plastic containers wrapped in plastic film. The alternative is a cardboard container wrapped in plastic film or loose. Where I live the plastic containers go to land fill and cannot be recycled so the best option for me is always loose if I can, assuming they didn’t arrive at the supermarket wrapped in plastic first though! It’s a minefield to navigate and we need to be cautious or, as you say, we can make the impact worse not better with the best intentions.

[@allisonfromearth]

the mushrooms are a great example, it goes very well with the example i give in the video about loose potatoes vs. potatoes in nets! not sure if you missed it but i said exactly that 🧡

[@MyImperfectEcoJourney]

I did see that. We don't get potatoes in nets in the UK, they are always in plastic bags or loose. The supermarkets have a lot of control over our farming here sadly. @@allisonfromearth

[@Dylandesuu]

Thank you for making this video. As an environmental engineer, one of the first lessons we learn in academia for environmental management is that it’s all about people management more so than the actual environment. In academia it’s understood that humans WILL invariably have impacts, and it’s impossible to prevent that, so the solution is how to manage it more effectively. Terms like “zero waste” always made me want to do my head in because that’s impossible. I work a lot in storm water management. I’m more concerned about the transport and fate and human and ecological health impacts of oils, gasoline, and particulate matter and trash that moves through the storm water system (hence developing better rain management practices such as increased green space implementation and permeable surfacing) than if your vegetables come in a bit of plastic.

[@allisonfromearth]

thank you for this!

[@Dylandesuu]

@@allisonfromearth Of course. I too initially saw some utility (and frankly thought it was cool) that more people were at least becoming aware of environmental issues. But very quickly the veneer came off when a lot of these "eco activists" continued to peddle their content while making frankly bad decisions. An immediate one that comes to mind is Levi Hildebrand. He bought a home that he ended up deciding to sublet anyway and not even live in (think of the land use footprint for something you're not even using ie; material use, construction waste, loss of green space, etc) and decided instead to drive across the entirety of North America in a Prius (yes, it's hybrid, but still burns gas). In those two decisions alone, from an environmental management perspective, he used up more resources than any amount of plastic bottles or bags he could waste in a life time.

[@danicatempleton6745]

We've all heard the phrase "reduce, reuse, recycle" but it's less known that that phrase is also written in order of priority! Recycling comes *last* and using less comes *first*

[@denisealee]

I heard another R, which I think goes first, and that is “Refuse”. Learning to say ‘no’ first is a really great place to start.

[@GromMom27]

Couldn’t agree more! This video popped up after my Pilates video this morning and was quite the refreshing surprise 💚

[@allisonfromearth]

ah!! music to my ears 🥰 thanks so much for taking the time to watch!

[@sasopetrovic1902]

Love the video, but maybe the vinegar was not the best example to use as acid can break down the plastic that then leaches into your body

[@allisonfromearth]

thanks so much! i'd like to see a source for that vinegar claim though. my understanding is that it can dissolve certain plastics, but not the kind it's packaged in.

[@sasopetrovic1902]

@@allisonfromearth I'll try for find it. I remember that the bite problems are canned tomatos as they are acidic and they desolve the can lining.

[@FrankGutowski-ls8jt]

Vinegar containers are made of polyethylene. Acetic acid won’t react with it.

[@FrankGutowski-ls8jt]

@@sasopetrovic1902 Pineapple is more acidic than tomatoes. It’s canned with no can lining corrosion problems. How do you explain that?

[@sasopetrovic1902]

@@FrankGutowski-ls8jt I'm not an expert but to my understanding Polyethylene can and usually does contain other chemicals as well, that are usually the problem. In regards to the pineapple I not sure what are you asking me. I didn't want to imply that tomatos are the only problem.

[@gerhzg]

Understanding zero waste is being conscious its underlying base is that we should change our paradigm from linear to circular economy. Also climate change is not only about greenhouse emissions but the pollution of natural environments like underground water, ecosystems and the reduction of biodiversity, and its then when eliminating plastic is a must. Plastic is non biodegradable and ends polluting ens expelling toxic chemicals, which harm the planet

[@Rae_Ritchie_Illustration]

This was incredibly enlightening! Thank you for doing the research and sharing with us!

[@allisonfromearth]

thank YOU for finding value here 🥰

[@KhaleesiundManu]

Here in Germany, 84% of glass is recycled! It's frightening what the USA can't manage!

[@johnclaybaugh9536]

It's the thing that annoys me. Recycling anything is just the biggest chore here. Cardboard boxes at work. Plastic food containers. It's actually ridiculous. As a veteran I get free healthcare, so that aspect of life doesn't bother me. But why can't we recycle?

[@angesoie]

i think there was a health component/concern (microplastic shedding) to avoiding plastics, etc.

[@allisonfromearth]

there are also maaajor health concerns with greenhouse gases! air pollution, water pollution, natural disasters associated with climate change, etc.! the health effects of microplastics are not fully understood, but i’d venture a guess that they’re less dire

[@yazminesparzafranco644]

It's funny when she said to go count your reusable shopping bags you have, and I realized that I don't really have any. I used to work for Instacart and had to buy thermal bags, those that keep groceries cold, and I just used those all the time, and sometimes I leave them at home by mistake, and just carry the groceries in the shopping cart to the trunk of my car and from my trunk of my car to my house, since I live in a house with an attached garage.

[@NecaylPerry]

This is truly, as you said, a worldview shattering video! Thank you for sharing and being bold enough to go against the crowd!

[@Joseph2day]

I have 5 reusable tots, but I do use them for lots of stuff other than just getting groceries. I could easily get by with only 2 because I walk to the grocery store. More depressing is that I have 3 backpacks which I do sometimes feel bad about. I could easily get by with only 2.

[@mackymacky6959]

Yous the extra backpack as a storage bag, I yous mine for my winter socks 🧦 n scarfs.

[@maureenbullis1805]

What about the plastic islands in the ocean? Most glass doesn’t get recycled. Reducing all packaging is the best way to go.

[@valerieannrumpf4151]

If your glass jar is an actual mason jar, you can reuse those jars for canning, you would just have to use a new canning lid.

[@annemumford9459]

There is a company called Tattler that makes reusable canning lids. There's a bit of a learning curve, but well worth it. The gaskets are reusable for up to seven times. The other company is Harvest Guard, but there was an issue with the gasket material being non reusable. There were supply chain issues during the fancy flu a couple of years back, and the gasket material turned out to be single use. Also, a Food Saver with the canning jar attachments for the regular and wide mouth canning jars, and a Food Saver cannister for the smaller odd sized jars would eliminate a lot of the air problems. Rain Country even has a video on using a brake bleeder instead of a Food Saver machine. And a plate over a bowl would eliminate one of those goofy beeswax wrap things.

[@melissabeard6697]

I use reusable so I’m not wasting money by rebuying disposable items. I still use ziplocks type bags and containers for certain items and to freeze foods. I use glass jars to store food for short and long term and for varies items around the house. A mixture of both is the best way to go.

[@MysticMe1234]

Can you do a video on "ecobricking"? I'm not interested in the (questionable) use of "ecobricks" for construction, but instead the idea that stuffing smaller plastics into one larger plastic container takes up less space in a landfill, etc. But I don't even know if that's accurate or helpful?

[@Knownforherhair]

I mainly focus on reusable's and cutting down waste wear I can. Oh, also 4 net bags, 1 canvas and 5 insulated bags. Just the right amount for our family; we do 2 shopping trips a month.🥰

[@astererratum6546]

not a zero waster, but i have a couple totes that ive gotten as a gift throughout the year, i have an aldi next door that is my store of choice cause im poor and cant drive so they are really nice. Also lol, my dishwasher is completely broke so i have to wash all my dishes.I love beeswax wraps, don't have any, but i want one so bad for when i go camping. plastic wrap is so annoying and never sticks well. i got to use one when i was at a friend's place and it was amazing! would be perfect for wrapping my cheeses! love the video. just subbed!

[@consultinghistorian]

16 totes! And I just brought another one ! New to sustainability so I am now going to use before buying on totes and everything else

[@MultiPlexiglas]

On Glas - in Europe we have around 80% of glass recycled. But of course the weight and breakage issues are still a thing. It is really a where you live and how things are getting transported, a very individual experience.

[@sustylery]

The DIY beauty-supply-flashbacks are so real ngl they where awful and made my skin break out like crazy

[@meganmapes8026]

I've missed you on IG! So happy to see a new video here on KZbin!