ZERO WASTE CONFESSIONS: 10 plastic/disposable items I still use

[@lovelynramirez]

I live in the UK and here some people collect crisp packets to make safety blankets for homeless people. Such a great repurposing !

[@danmooney4162]

In the UK you can post a crisp packet in the post box and the Royal Mail are legally obliged to send it back to the crisp manufacturers because it has a freepost address on the packet ;)

[@kristadunkers2294]

@@danmooney4162 I never knew this, that's amazing thanks for sharing!!

[@saskiacornish7126]

I know right? We have a whole bag of crisp packets piling up in our kitchen ready to go to Terracycle 😅 AND they also recycle old makeup and cosmetics packaging as I learned recently. Woo!

[@priscillajimenez27]

Oh wow I gotta look up how to do that since I've acquired a "not addiction" for chips lately.

[@Baileycake92]

Whilst its great that these are repurposed, I actually disagree with the crisp packets initiative for homeless people. They are quite flammable and also its a little degrading for a homeless person to have something made out of trash - much better to just avoid crisps and give actual blankets to the homeless. I do agree that where we can, we as consumers should purchase things made out of trash, but giving items to people who have literally nothing, made out of trash, will only make them feel like they are also trash :(

[@marians-p1p]

I am so thankful for you mentioning chronic illnesses and disability, because we often do need to use some extra items. I can't opt for non-plastic medicines, and that is ok - I need them to function, and I rather do my best in other ways. I wish more influencers realised this, so - thank you for not being ableist

[@zog9]

I recently found out that Terra Cycle use participating pharmacies in the UK (and poss other countries) to collect empty medicine blister packs and 'extrude (them) into plastic pellets' to make other plastic products. While it's not a perfect solution, it's better than it ending up in landfills.

[@charizmaticchronicles]

Smae here my mom had chronic illness and for me im pregnant the only medication that works for my nausea is individually wrapped in plastic

[@accidrainn]

I'm pretty upset about all the medicine bottles I had here at one point .. I mean at least 20 .. I recycled them but, still don't feel about them coming to me packaged in bottles this way.. One, of my medicines is individually wrapped in little plastic wrappers per dose 😭 I wish I knew what to do !?

[@sashawilkinson6978]

I feel like watching this helped me to stop feeling so guilty when I do end up buying something in plastic, I pretty much live 85% plastic free however the guilt is hard to deal with when you know the damage it causes. My husband always reminds me of how far we have come, and how much we are doing compared to most people. So thank you for speaking about this x

[@Gittemary]

It sounds like you are doing a lot of good work, that is amazing, you should be really proud 💚🌿

[@Kasiarzynka]

Your husband is right, zero waste is an amazing lifestyle, and I'm still at the beginning of this road, but I feel like the moment we start feeling negative emotions because of any positive change we introduce into our life really, we need to pause, take a deep breath, and try to realize that imperfection is in human nature. And to remember, that we don't need a bunch of people doing it perfectly but a lot doing it imperfectly. And that every plastic bag or toothbrush that doesn't go into our landfills and our oceans is a win.

[@jinayadixon8022]

When I donate blood/plasma (which is quite often and regular) I cringe at all the plastic involved but also don’t feel bad about it one bit 😊

[@misskreher]

As someone who is a nursing student I work with a ton of plastic waste weekly. It hurts me to see and I hope that one day we figure out a good way to lessen the amount of plastic in healthcare!

[@TermiteVideo]

Plastic should really be used only for medical purposes as it is sterile and light weight.

[@dorottyaujhelyi689]

@@TermiteVideo 9

[@SteveJarek]

Honestly, the medical field should really be the only people using disposable stuff. Its totally warranted as you really cannot share medical equipment otherwise you could cross infect people. Certain blood borne diseases like hepatitis can live a very long time outside the body in a syringe.

[@laneatkinson6441]

@@misskreher I also work in the medical field and the amount of waste we create sickens me (no pun intended), but there's really no better option. The spread of disease creates astronomically more waste overall, so I think it's 100% worth it to use disposable gloves, needles, etc. in order to prevent contamination.

[@marycharlebois6627]

TIP: Old nylon stockings can be used to tie up houseplants or greenhouse plants, etc. They will not cut into the plant tissue, they are strong and a bit stretchy. This baby boomer learned this tip from my Mom who also used to dye old nylons/pantyhose, then cut them into one long continuous strip, and then use this as one would use yarn to knit slippers. Those slippers lasted forever!! My Mom was raised during the Depression and The War, a time when people saved, scrounged, and reused everything. I learned a lot from her about “waste not, want not”.

[@pauoel]

Wow that sounds amazing, you should start a channel telling us more about your moms tips :D

[@marycharlebois6627]

@@pauoel Wow, thanks Paula for your lovely compliment. There’s a lot of cool stuff and ideas that I could share... my Mom certainly knew a lot of thrifty tricks about living frugally. Most people who lived during The Depression and The War knew how to save, scrounge, repurpose & repair BIG TIME!! Sharing these ideas would be fun and interesting. Unfortunately, I’m not very tech savvy. I know 50% of nothing about filming, editing, etc. But thanks for sharing your thoughts and generating such a unique idea.

[@riyakumar8932]

@@marycharlebois6627 People wouldn't care if your videos were fancy or not! You can film them easily on a phone or whatever and then upload. I think KZbin even gives you a few simple editing tools. People will be more interested in your content than whether you use fancy filming tech or not! I for one would love to learn more from you and your mom's wisdom

[@kathryndipietro8974]

I love the idea too! I wish we lived in a simpler time, because we don't need so much excess. I would love to learn some tips like that! It sounds like it would be really engaging content! 😍

[@marycharlebois6627]

@@riyakumar8932 Thank-you Riya for your encouragement on this idea... I’ll give it some thought... maybe this could be the retirement project that I’ve been looking for.

[@lauracarriero2774]

We love a honest icon!

[@Gittemary]

aw 😭❤

[@SimonaShine]

I too still use plastic in my house. And I'm not gonna throw it because it would defeat the purpose of sustainability. I still have straws,bags and cups that I wash every time I use them. It's disposable only if you make it. I dispose of them when they break. *Zero waste* does not mean not using plastic at all. Love your video

[@laurasolah13]

Thank you for making videos like this! I'm 17 and have been vegan/trying to be more zero-waste for almost two years, and I still use a lot of plastic products, because it's so hard to avoid when living at home. Also, I've had people tell me I'm not a real vegan because I take medication for my mental illnesses and that's not vegan. Like, no Erin, I'm not sorry for trying to not die and function as a member of society. If anyone reading this can relate, I just want to let you know that you matter, I'm so proud of you for fighting, and don't be too hard on yourself

[@k4rapace874]

would this happen to be a reference to erin from that one who’s the fake vegan video (hey! i’m also a 17 year old that’s low waste and vegan!)

[@laurasolah13]

@@k4rapace874 yay someone got my erin reference haha. and hi

[@camrynsingsandreads8614]

I love that Erin has become the go to name for judgemental vegans.

[@ravens4096]

“a couple of months ago, i took up drawing and painting and there is literally no stopping me at this point” i, as an artist find this quite relatable

[@Gittemary]

Uh I could image! It is a great feeling though 💚

[@reaganbowen9494]

the invention of plastic has helped save so many lives in the field of medicine bc of its uses for sterility, etc. so i've always thought that the medical field was somewhere that might always use a lot of plastic, and that can be okay since it's actually necessary and it's just important for us as a society to eliminate plastic where it's not needed to save it for where it is (and in a perfect world maybe we could invent better ways of recycling medical plastic or use more bioplastics)

[@breadroomghost8764]

I always say everyone is gung-ho about zero waste until health is on the line. I have a ton of health issues and have had multiple surgeries and hospitalizations and while appalled at the plastic waste I kind of am ok with sterility in medical settings.

[@Singingdoctora]

It was so beautiful to hear you address the disabled community! Zero waste is much more challenging when one is dealing with a disability.

[@sofiaventura2200]

As a nurse, at the beggining of my low-waste journey I struggled so much... you can imagine how much plastic is involved in the health systems. Almost everything comes individually wrapped, in single use packages. It was hard to understand that in order to keep everything sterile and to provide the best care, nowadays the use of plastic is the best option available. So when I put on the nurse uniform, I try to give the best patient care with what I have available, even if it is plastic and it comes wrapped in it.

[@priscillajimenez27]

I feel like the medical field gets a pass since plastic is definitely needed. Maybe certain things can be modifier but overall it's necessary

[@Leslie_ann_h]

I'm a patient with some severe chronic illnesses (namely CIDP and dysautonomia). As part of the treatment for these two conditions I run IVs regularly. Once a month I run IVIG and D5W and once weekly I run a liter of saline. As I have a port I have to go through so much plastic products that are single use and not recyclable. I have, quite recently though, started to keep the chlorahexadine scrub applicators and reuse them with rubbing alcohol for my face and am able to use them for some time before the foam part becomes too disgusting to continue to use at which point I then toss them. I also have insulin dependent diabetes and use so much single use products for this as well. Like can we talk about the quantity of insulin syringes that gets used in just one freaking day (typically 4)..... And then the amount of oral meds I'm also on is crazy. I'm actually at the point of requesting my pharmacy (small business, single location and privately owned) to dispense my long term meds in a zip lock bag with a label still on the label paper so that I can reuse the original pill bottles. And luckily, they have agreed to do this. I then am able to reuse the zip lock bag for other purposes.

[@thelavenderbard]

For anyone looking for ideas to do with bamboo chopsticks that would otherwise be thrown away I use them in my home garden for helping my plants stay upright and supported!

[@AmberW223]

This is such a good idea!!

[@mary554]

Oh, amazing invention !! I'll do it also ♥️

[@mayvel1537]

Yeah me too!! Great for straightening out tipsy aloe

[@LuuGolinski]

Yes, I also use them for my plants, exspecially Aloe 😁 But I also wondered if I could some art project with them. Or rather make my own sushi to avoid them being put with take out (althoug I always make a comment that I do not need them... 😒)

[@angelki3393]

Thank you so much for mentioning chronic illnesses and disabilities when taking about medicine💕Many environmental activists tend to forget about that.

[@user-sy7ni6dz4k]

This makes me feel so much better, I try my best but with kids and a husband who aren't on board with low waste, and in small town Midwest-lets just say there is a lot of fails. You are goals!

[@aimemaggie]

thank you for sharing this! nobody is perfect and I love seeing sustainability influencers sharing where they are still working on reducing their impact. I love tofu as a meat alternative so I still buy tofu that comes in plastic and I feel so much better about producing that plastic than eating chicken.

[@Gittemary]

I can absolutely relate 💚💚💚

[@ANASantos519]

A honest youtuber make the diference! 🙏🏻🌹 Love from Portugal 😘🇵🇹

[@Gittemary]

Thank you so much! 💚

[@ANASantos519]

@@Gittemary ♥️

[@blueecho9792]

When you talked about the disabilities part I got a little emotional. That is definitely me and I needed to hear that it's ok that I need to use gloves to wash dishes, and that I need certain medications and accommodations, and that that's ok. 😥😊💓

[@socialdeviant13]

I know I'm late to the party, but I also use gloves to wash dishes. Reusable gloves have helped me so much that I stopped buying disposable plates! My asthma medication still comes in plastic. Since buying a small portable (mostly plastic) nebulizer, i've gone from using inhalers that can't be recycled or otherwise used, to nebules, which can go in my ecobrick. It's good for my littles, too, when hayfever hits.

[@GarouLady]

I have so many friends freaking out due to having to use so much plastic this past year with covid in the USA and everything being individually wrapped. I keep telling them, if you are trying 100% the best you can, a couple bits and bobs of plastic is not the end of the world, especially if they are recycleable. Thank you so much for the video.

[@juditheisenauer7182]

Hi ! For nylon stockings there’s this lovely brand called Swedish Stockings. They make brand new ones from old ones that people send them! xx

[@gwynneio]

They are so warm too!

[@juditheisenauer7182]

@@gwynneio they are right ? And prettyyyyyyyyyy

[@meganc.t.8638]

I needed this info!! Thank you!!!

[@piraipirai73]

i found them to be very very tight. i am rather skinny, ordered them in L but could not sit in them comfortably. Even putting them on was kind of tricky. So i had to send them back. I would not recommend them honestly, or maybe ordering the biggest size?

[@lysannelynn]

Nice honest video :) I buy my nori sheets from the asian supermarket, not plastic free.. but 100 sheets in one rezippeble pack. Seemed like the best option, 1 plastic 100 nori ratio ;)

[@xerrias]

I keep all my disposable napkins. I typically use them for particular messes that i dont want to dirty my kitchen cloths for. but when it comes to art, i have little rags i use for that that are (beautifully) stained with inks and paints haha.

[@KeruuKat]

sometimes I find the rag after painting is prettier than the art i made HAHA

[@celestialbunny12]

My confession is sunscreen in a plastic bottle. I just can’t find one that has the same UVA protection in low waste packaging. Although I am vegetarian (on my way to being completely vegan) and recently I was able to find liquid B12 and Vitamin D in glass bottles, so I’m psyched about that!

[@bugsandbrushes]

Oh yes! Being so pale I could be considered transparent, I could never compromise on sunscreen or I'd burn to a itty bitty red crisp. Maybe someone shares some good low waste product to try. It would be greatly appreciated.

[@LennyKJ1]

I use a New Zealand brand called Skinnies. The package is made from plants but no idea if that makes it better. Good product as you need less than regular sunscreen. They took out the water so you need less product. Less packages overall. Spf 50 pa++++

[@Jexskar]

There are a lot of sunscreens that are in tins (I can send you the link if you wish) But remember that between 25 and 50 there is only a 2% the difference in protection. If I don't remember wrongly 50 creams protect up to 98% whereas 25 creams protect up to 96%. However, you can also find suncream in plastic tins that are 50. Also when sunbathing is recommended to do it completely exposed just for a while (I used to not do this, but it really makes a change). We need to care for our skin because sunburns do a lot of damage. Is better to get tanned bit y bit (if that is what you want), also in normal sunscreens they recommend to stay in the shade, wearing a 50 protection during a hot day on the beach, even if you put it more than once, is not going to avoid you a sunburn. Take care!

[@Ashe-De]

SunButter is a good 50spf one in a metal container. I personally can't use it on my face bc the coconut oil makes me break out, but i've found it good for my body & it smells nice.

[@kimberlyhenry7717]

I love so much that you are so honest about zero waste not having to be perfect. Small changes are better than no changes. As a vegetarian I take B12 as well, occasionally I can find it in glass, but when I can't, plastic is fine. I still reuse some of the packaging. They're actually quite useful in helping to organize small craft bits, or storing small items for travel. 😊

[@Cachetona777]

I remember using reusable glass CocaCola bottles in Mexico, when I was little. You would buy a case at the corner store and return the bottles when done. Wish COCACOLA would do that again, even though it’s so bad for us😏

[@vickylalonde]

I do treat myself to crisps and rice noodles once in a while, and buy mostly clearance items at the grocery store even if it’s in plastic (would be thrown away anyway). My dogs also needs ´special old puppy with lots of health & skin problems´ food and they are my priority over anything so I wouldnt do otherwise. ✌️✨

[@paulinalara3447]

Hello Gitte, Thanks for your honesty and amazing content. For me as well as with you, supplements are my plastic thing, as well as contact lenses. I know I could only wear my prescription glasses, but I'm a yoga teacher and I move a lot in general, and wearing glasses sometimes is not practical nor comfortable. In the past I ended up simply not wearing my glasses and my eyes paid the price, I got a higher prescription and migraines all the time because of the extra effort, so last year I went back to monthly contacts that I take to my optician after I used and they are suppose to properly dispose of them sending them back to the factory they were produced. I used to feel terrible because of the contacts since you have to also purchase the liquid to keep them clean and sometimes the eye drops for dryness as well, but it was affecting my eyesight and my health is before my zero waste

[@aliciadelasmaravilla]

Thank you for this! Most people don't realize zero waste isn't actually no waste at all. It makes everything more realistic.

[@cakie1771]

Thank you for mentioning the bit about how medical needs are often met with lots and lots of plastic. It is unavoidable, and it's important to remind people that no one should ever feel bad about getting their medical needs met!!

[@persephone213]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I’ve been feeling a bit discouraged lately about zero waste as there are just some things I need or really love that I can’t seem to get away without plastic with. I was feeling bad about myself and like not a true zero waster.

[@michelleberryblog6872]

In my area I have heard of a couple of people who will take chip (crisps in the uk) packets and turn them in to blankets for homeless people. Maybe there is something like this going on in our area.

[@jessytodd8536]

this made me feel so much better about the choices I've had to make during lockdown. thank you

[@Autisticheather]

I found a reusable ziplock bag hack. When i get almonds or seeds etc, they often come in very high quality plastic zip lock bags. I use those over and over forever instead of the super expensive stasher bags. I dont usually even have to wash them. (I know u hate washing stasher bags...me toooo) I usually just put dry ingredients in them so i don't have to. I love this hack. Because often i cannot get these products in any other packaging. And the packaging is cute too!

[@jenniferdouglas-craig1095]

Such an awesome idea!! I’m going to do this!! Thanks 😘

[@alicia217]

I do this too :)

[@jamesfv1]

Thank you for talking about chronic illness and people who need to take medication. I take a lot due to severe chronic disability and housebound. I have a tween who deserves the best mum I can give him. And I nearly cried when you said its not our fault, thank you. I just want to give you a hug.

[@kinakomochi_cats]

I have been trying to be zero waste for 5 or 6 years, but for over two years now I have had a chronic illness. In the beginning, I felt horrible about the amount of plastic involved in my medication, doctor visits, and the endless list of supplements. Also my lack of energy meant I couldn't do as much as before: I couldn't do my own yogurt, I couldn't compost (I'm back at composting), I couldn't cook many times and still can't, so I have to rely on delivery or frozen meals... I felt and still feel horrible for the amount of waste, but I've come to terms with it and realized that plastic is the bare minimum for me to exist on this planet at the present moment. I still do my best in other areas (zero waste skin and hair routine, using reusable containers in the kitchen, etc.). Thank you for acknowledging that some people need to use some plastic for survival. I will still try to do my best to reduce it within my capabilities!! :)

[@Olszak4640]

I was in a local speciality store where I found out they sell nori sheets in packets with 30 sheets or something. That made me pretty happy.

[@otakulaurie]

I have a local asian market that sells them in big packs of 100! :)

[@ailz95]

I'm a diabetic and my blood test strips come in a plastic tub. I keep them and have hundreds of them, can't think of uses for them, but won't throw them away - thymust be good for something 😂

[@Sofia-ji7km]

I keep my sewing needles in one, definitely they come in handy in the most random places.

[@priscillajimenez27]

Are they not recyclable?

[@Sofia-ji7km]

@@priscillajimenez27 It depends on your location (As different locations have different recycling practices) and the type of plastic used.

[@priscillajimenez27]

@@Sofia-ji7km I know. That's what I was trying to find out. Sucks recycability isn't universal

[@ailz95]

@@priscillajimenez27 No - they are the wrong plastic (of course)

[@miabonventre2159]

I put a lot of my extra napkins in my car instead of buying extra tissues because it’s easy to access in the glove compartment!

[@priscillajimenez27]

Exactly

[@JANUARY396]

Great video and made me feel a bit better about myself. I try to reduce plastic use as much as possible but sometimes it's inevitable. Also, loved the point about medicines and plastic, a lot of people associate veganism or environmentalism with anti-science and anti-medicine. I work as clinical scientist and there is a lot of single use plastic involved, both in lab and clinic, this is due to patient safety and to avoid cross-contamination. I believe though there are ways, where safe, to minimise it and I'm determined to advocate for it.

[@EmilieHorswill]

A substitute for crisps... potato pealings!! I kid you not, per large potato worth of peelings simply coat them in any oil and sprinkle some salt and spread out in a single layer and throw in the oven for 20/25 minutes - they are delicious, lowering food waste and a pretty decent crisp alternative :D

[@ZeroWasteFamily]

Great video and thank you for talking about the challenge of plastic. We found when we went zero waste in 2015 that plastic is a challenge to not bring into your home. And now will this pandemic it’s even more challenging.

[@mschrisfrank2420]

Omg, I had never thought about the waste involved in the tattoo process 😳

[@HannahSaysRaaawr]

In UK you can get a tetracycle box for recycling crisp packets and other kinds of wrappers, they’re quite expensive but my work place has one which is amazing!!

[@elllecham5378]

This video was so refreshing! It's too easy for us to beat ourselves up even when we're trying our best 🌿 thanks for showing this side of the journey!

[@nataneecynthia-charlene9454]

My passion for art and body modifications and the desire to be a tattoo artists completely clashes with my passion for being environmentally friendly and yes honestly really difficult for me

[@aloha-8203]

think of it as being like a nurse. nurses use plenty of plastic every day at their job for sterility if they didn’t more infections and more sickness using plastic for sterile purposes is okay if you didn’t then people would get skin infections live your life low waste outside of work

[@priscillajimenez27]

@@aloha-8203 at least nursing is a necessity and plastic usage in medical field is mostly needed. I salute you as a front line worker.

[@ellepicauly2007]

I find it really hard to find things like tofu, pasta or vegan meat substitutes without plastic. I try not using them as much as possible but since we eat 3 times a day it's a bit of a pain in the arse. I think at one point trying to be perfectly zero waste stressed me out so much, I let it slip for a while. However I think I'm ready to level it up again, in a more healthy way than before :) thank you so much for this video Gittemary! 🥰

[@hesmecronje6188]

I am disabled and live in South Africa. Not only do I have limited access to more sustainable options, foods that I can eat and accessible transportation I am also very limited in my energy. Sometimes I really cannot afford to exert the extra energy of cutting my own veggies or things like that and I have to resort to using products that come in plastic etc. Thank you for normalising this and making us feel like it's okay to do what we have to, to be able to live and improve our quality of life.

[@itsdaneesaur]

Thank you so much for what you said about people with chronic illnesses or disabilites. I started off trying to be as eco-conscious and low waste as possible (and that is still my goal), but I also have a lot of single-use things for really bad flare up days. It's the difference between using a single-use cleaning wipe or living in filth. So I simply have both at hand - a zero waste cleaner and rags for normal days, and single-use cleaning wipes for the bad days. It's kinda tough on one's conscience but it's all about compromise.

[@ClandestineGirl16X]

Thank you so much for reminding me its ok to not be able to avoid plastic in every situation. Live your videos and sending hugs!

[@helengibbs5255]

You are such a beautiful human. Thanks for the inspiration. ❤

[@mollynakamori]

I use B-12 daily, and get it from Amazon in a sublingual liquid that comes in a glass bottle. It has a glass pipette dropper as well, but does have a plastic cap, and some plastic in the label. This may be an alternative for you.

[@toullieuxraphaelle9868]

thank you so much to acknowledge the impact it could have on a person to have medicine wrapped in plastic. Has a person who has been dealing with mental health problems for some years, I often felt guilty that I was contributing to the plastic problem with my meds. It's really difficult to have that on your mind on top of a illness and being reminded that it is okay is always reassuring.

[@AdrienneHartLifestyleJunkie]

I love this video. It makes reducing waste feel so much less daunting 💕

[@micivalantincic8227]

Glad you spoke about this. I for example have celiac. And all the food for us is certified and has to be wraped. Because contamination can cause us ALOT of harm. I can't buy gluten free pasta in my bulk store, cause it has touched the normal pasta. And then I can spent days recovering. I hate all the plastic I produce but sometimes you have no choice. So this was a great video!! P.s. I do however buy beans and pop corn kernal from my bulk. Beans you can wash and kernal are cooked at a higt tem. And that will usually be safe. For any celiacs wondering. There are ways for us to be low waste as well!!

[@marieautratova7655]

Hello, would you mind looking into disposing of dog/cat/any other pet waste? I've heard that it's not okay to just leave it, even if it's in nature, but I'm not too sure why it's problematic. Xx

[@marionmielke5054]

Poop from meat eating animals takes much longer to turn to earth than poop from plant eating animals. Also the poop can carry parasites like wormeggs, bacteria or traces of medication if the dog is taking one. If the dog poops in a field with food that is then feed to cattle, the cattle can get sick. Also imagine everyone in the city/park would leave the poop.. with the high number of dogs it would look like a mess in a couple of days.

[@brittanyouldcott2912]

@@marionmielke5054 your absolutely right. The biology of most city spaces isn't strong enough to cope with dog waste with everything else. My area has maybe like 5% of dog owners who are awful and refuse to pick up after their dog and even so it terrible! There's so much crap its sometimes a struggle not to step in it when walking my own dog! Its obvious the environment can't handle breaking it down. :(

[@dtetv8499]

Not only that, pet food (or table food) is not necessarily natural which means the poop would have chemicals that would damage the environment

[@priscillajimenez27]

Yeah I'm not 100% sure about poop but I do know that too much of the dog urine can kill flora. In fact we have dogs in our complex who are competing at marking an area near my building and the bushes and grass has died. Also yeah poop takes forever to break down from what I've seen here even in Florida heat and rain. I would he concerned of an animal stepping in it near a bush or a young child playing hide/seek.

[@kassandrakay7008]

I really appreciate this video. I love your compassion. You just make me feel so much better about life. ❤❤❤

[@Athenia]

Thank you so much for this video! I was really curious about this topic.

[@paulastrong9649]

Love you ink. And your thinking about supporting small food businesses. Thank you

[@beatricemarsilius5585]

Thank you so much for this video. It's nice to hear that even the best isn't 100% perfect. Makes me feel better about myself :)

[@7drunkenmermaids431]

I've been thinking a lot about the tattoo situation. Your idea of all in one go is a great idea. My daughter and I will have tattoo dates and admittedly we doo it several times a year, so I'm going to consider this idea 💡

[@zoebicknell2200]

Accidentally here super early because I'm thinking about my next sustainable steps and wanted to look to you, this is such good timing! It's good to see you talk about these things as I've felt a lot of guilt during this pandemic as a key worker using disposable masks when I'm going in and out of service users homes, but health comes above being perfect right now and whatever I can do in other areas is something I can control.

[@Gittemary]

This is definitly one of thos things we just have to accept and then try to do good in othe areas, sounds like you have the right mentality 💚🌿

[@ellesumter52]

Thank you for everything you do!! 💕 I am 16 and new to zero waste. Your videos have helped and encourage me so much! Thanks for being so honest. i wish I could have you as my big sister ^-^

[@reaganbowen9494]

i've heard of a company that makes sheer stockings that are supposed to never break (i get a lot of ads for them on instagram- they're called sheertex i believe) and i've always wondered if they worked so if you ever try using them that might be an interesting video (they are pretty expensive though, but if they really do last forever then the cost would probably eventually even out)

[@MonoiLuv]

This is a great highlight -- all very relatable struggles

[@AthynVixen]

It baffles me that nobody seems to have come up with or even been interested in coming up with solutions to a lot of the plastic packaging. In the UK a rare find was a company called Yes that package cereal /snack bars in paper instead of the usual plastic wrappers but not many people sell them. Surely someone can come up with better crisp packets. However whats even worse to me is things that used to be packaged in glass like vinegar and olive oil that large companies have now started to sell in plastic. UK used to sell milk in bottles now it's all plastic that is not recyclable. I get so annoyed that things that don't even need to be 'kept fresh' ie toilet paper and soap that used to be sold in paper and cardboard are no longer.

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

The sun also sanitizes and de-smells clothing and other fabric!

[@e.f.9591]

May I just say, I love your rings, hand tattoos and nails - the 3 combined look really cool !

[@alicjadzierzak382]

Instead of crisp in Poland we can use sth called 'Przysmak świętokrzyski" - it looks like dry pasta, but we can fry it with oil and Then it rise biggest and it is crunchy exactly like crisp. They packed it with plastic but one that pack last for very long time.

[@jamesbriggs5740]

I use napkins to clean up greasy or cat messes. Also paper napkins make great paper pulp. My art (papermaking) collages are all about using stuff other people throw away. Kathy B.

[@redcurlvegan]

I love your content, keep up the good work Gittemary 💚

[@jillianwright519]

I love your honesty, and all of your videos in general!

[@RachelMoore22]

I just stumbled across your page and I’m really glad I did. I love hearing the honest information from other low-waste pals. I hope the US can work towards better practices soon. Also I’m loving your voice/ accent 💛

[@debcress6718]

In my bulk shop they have nori flakes in bulk, of course you can't use them for sushi but for kimchi or just add small amounts because of their super properties in other "asian dishes"! :)

[@KeiteiVentures]

Recycling crisps? In the UK a company called Terracycle have set up a way to recycle crisp packets into new items such as benches and watering cans. It's available in the UK and a few other countries too. :D

[@lailabay9980]

Hi, not sure if anyone has mentioned it already but it's actually possible to get a toothbrush which is totally without plastic. The head is made from a type of castor oil and the rest from bambus. The firm is called hydrophil - it's s German firm. But be avare they do also make some using plastic so read the description to make sure you get the right one.

[@nicolecuellolao3025]

I make potato chips in the microwave. They are thick, crunchy and you can add any seasoning you’d like. I prefer them to store bought, but it’s a slower (mostly hands off while in the microwave) process, but so yummy!

[@sallybeazlie6901]

Love this!! As much as I am trying to reduce my waste it sometimes feel overwhelming. It’s so nice to follow someone who is willing to discuss all aspects of “zero” waste. Have you ever done a dog zero waste video? Including what you do with the poo? 💩

[@NtlWltrs]

My son loves cereal and the ones he likes have a plastic inner bag as well as the cardboard. I keep these bags and use them to put sandwiches in. I always wash them out. I also sometimes use them as dog poop bags. It's not perfect, but it's better than just throwing it straight out

[@marycharlebois6627]

Great ideas!! Thank-you for sharing!!

[@NtlWltrs]

@@marycharlebois6627 thanks, we are all doing the best we can 💖

[@alexaolguin9326]

god i feel so relief after watching this lol Thanks for being real and honest with us

[@bittertea]

Bulbasaur! Brings me back to my childhood.

[@MI-ll3xy]

I cried for this video, thank you a lot, you have made my day.

[@silverlining7112]

Love this! Keep it real ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

[@Saforra99]

I also take home/collect disposable napkins if they can't be avoided and then use them to soak up excess fat/oil from pans to make it easier to wash them (or in some cases just to wipe them down in between uses). We still also have paper towels, but these are smaller and so often better fit the job at hand. :) Thanks for a great video!

[@zuzazwolinska6995]

I get my supplements in little compostable(?)/ biodegradable jars made out of sugar cane.

[@jennifersoto-rinehart8754]

I went one year without my contacts and I decided it’s a medical device that I use so I will continue to use them since glasses aren’t always something I want to wear. I also still use some plastic vegetable bags. They say they’re compostable since I shop a Trader Joe’s but I am not 100% on that but I use them to clean cat litter. I also use paper towels because my 18 yea old cat throws up a lot lol. I also was very into not using disposable masks but I am an educational psychologist and have to test students in person and be very near them so I use disposable masks at work as well as a cloth to have double protection. I try my best and try to be more mindful. But I don’t beat myself up about plastic anymore. I don’t really have a say in any manufacturing processes that include plastic packaging.

[@andreabarcia]

thank u so much for this video, i feel much better now hahah i think its good to show people that everyone isn't perfect about zero waste to stop to feel guilty. Kisses from spain!!

[@galanthusknits]

Where I live in the UK, it is near impossible to find greens (spinach and kale are the two I buy most) that aren't in plastic!! We do get an organic local plastic-free veg box delivered to us weekly (it's always a bit of a surprise what will be in it each week), and they do grow kale at that farm, so we do get it in the box sometimes, but no spinach, and other than that, I don't know where to get them 'naked'!

[@lisab2132]

Maybe you have a farmers market close? Usually you can hand the sellers there your own bags

[@galanthusknits]

@@lisab2132 No regular farmer's market in Chester. I wish there was. I always look to see if there's any when I go to other cities, but there aren't any that happen regularly in Chester.

[@HemerinaA]

Some chips that I found were the ones from Carrefour shop and the packaging is made from cardboard. There are made by them. I found them in Brussel's and also in Romania. They are good.

[@aranw1729]

I dont know if anyone has commented this but there is a nylon company called Swedish stocking, they use recycled nylons to make new ones. Swedish stocking are the only company I have found that makes "sustainable" nylons. Love your videos!!

[@Annabelle-iv8kn]

Tip for your Monstera back there!!! it wants to climb because in the 'wild' it climbs trees so it would probably like a climbing pole. Just a tip

[@loribirch6172]

I love your channel. It is such a wealth of good ideas and information and your videos are just fun to watch. You have a great energy. I recently discovered a bit of a high end deli in our area that makes all their crisps in the restaurant. I wonder if you might start asking at delis if they make their own crisps. It would probably be the best way to get them unpacked.

[@shalryma]

I honestly believe that all the plastic in the medical field has been nothing but beneficial, even when wasteful. It honestly saves lives and health of many people, makes medicine and medical procedures more affordable and safer. My parents were growing up in the age where syringes were reusable (pre AIDS outbreak)- their generation got a lot of diseases that way, diseases that we don't even have to worry about in this day and age, at least not when we're going get a shot. In that very field, I think it's fair to say that the impact is worth it!

[@Bjornstativ]

Thank you for this video! My next step in reducing my footprint is to reduce my screentime. I read somewhere that transmitting video requires the double amount of energy compared to only transmitting audio. I love your content, but is there anywhere I can hear you amazing tips as a podcast or something like that? Keep up the good work! You are so admirable :-)

[@dominikao.o5322]

You are such an inspiration for me Gittemary (btw that is one of the most beautiful names I've ever heard ♡). I fell in love with you and your content from the first click on your video few years ago an I've been sticking to your channel ever since. I am still learning about being zero waste. I reduced plastic a lot using only my sustainable items I collected. Also I am wegetarian since this year~ I just feel like we would be really great friends if we know each other ♡ Cheers from Poland

[@elizabeth_marie99]

You fricking rock! Keep it coming Gittemary! xx

[@elizabethplotnek3512]

Organic basics have started doing recycled nylon stockings called Re-Tights! They're a bit exxy but could be a good option if it's in your budget 😊

[@ainsleym7170]

love this so much! i always feel bad buying medication and this helps! 😊

[@vivigoesusa]

If you live in the UK there is a recycling program from Terracycle, where you can drop off crisp packets!

[@jewellbielby3401]

Most of the time in the US napkins at restaurants are packaged in paper instead of plastic.

[@Nina-cd6uw]

For plastic fibre clothing: First step would be to get a Guppy Friend Washing Bag - they catch microfibres from clothes and you can then dispose of them better. Advanced would be a microfibrefilter.