zero waste swaps for EVERYONE // Swaps for Beginners & Advanced (no. 2)

[@Shelbizleee]

Not me crying at the end and when I was watching this back... THANK YOU SO MUCH! If want more beginner & advanced sustainability/ eco-friendly/ zero waste tips you can find me on IG I N S T A G R A M » Shelbizleee (instagram.com/shelbizleee)

[@vcr6854]

YOU’RE AMAZING!!! 🤩🤩🤩

[@megantousignant18]

So many Shelbi and Madison videos this week! Such a blessing!!! ❤️🫂❤️🫂❤️

[@milenarosa3390]

This is my favorite channel and as a teenager I totally understand your experience in high school as well❤️

[@presleecarson532]

You’re awesome

[@jasminegutierrez7254]

I’m honestly surprised that you’re not at 3 million. The quality and knowledge in your videos are why I’m hooked! I’ve been on this journey for about 2 years and I’m even getting my husband to make some changes!! Thank you for what you do!

[@Katerpillar_]

And her realistic and relatable attitude is just so much more interesting and refreshing than a lot of similar creators, not to compare but she is just my absolutely favorite by far

[@sabrinasassine7578]

Agreed!!! 😊

[@presleecarson532]

You’re awesome watch eat move rest best KZbinrs ever

[@allisongoorman]

You have inspired and educated me in so many ways. I don’t eat meat, I compost, I second hand shop for everything I possibly can, I buy less, my partner and I have one car instead of two, I think about everything I buy and it’s life cycle, I have reusable bags, and so much more! Thank you for all you do.

[@presleecarson532]

Go watch seaspiracy on Netflix so inspiring

[@carolinecaroline4764]

One thing that has really helped me when shopping is thinking, "I don't buy trash." It's getting me out of the habit of buying things like paper towel, disposable plates and cutlery, napkins, etc. that my family uses. Now I'm branching out to, "I don't buy things that make trash," (like deodorant) and changing products as things run out. It's a slow process but it means that I understand the products that I buy and I feel empowered with each shift. I'm fairly new to sustainability as a habit and I really appreciate these tips.

[@batty_babette]

That's a great way to look at it!

[@Emily-hd9sm]

What a great reply when people scoff and ask why I won't just buy the "more convenient" disposables! People act like me making less "convenient" choices for myself is their problem and A) it's my choice and B) it happens to be a choice that doesn't waste money and the environment

[@presleecarson532]

Go check out peta and love and lemons best recipes ever

[@mollyb8136]

That's such a cool way to transition

[@dippyfresh8155]

That’s great! (Also I’m loving the gravity falls pfp)

[@MelC517]

I’ve found that my journey is at this point dictated by what I can afford to do. I’ve had to learn to be patient with myself if I can’t afford to support a brand at that very moment, but I keep them in mind and encourage other people to support if they can. (For example, I finally got a leaf razor after eyeing it for a year!!) That being said, I appreciate the emphasis that the most sustainable thing to do is to make due with what you have. It’s such a game changer to value your current belongings, and it changes your mindset for future purchases (asking yourself if it’s something you really need, how much use you would get out of it, and if you will continue to value it longterm) and it has saved me sooo much money, helped me be more mindful, and honestly affected the people around me in a positive way too! I’m constantly recommending this channel, thank you for all that you do to help educate people at all levels!

[@darcyferrigno]

I love the use of using scraps in a new recipe. I remember growing up my mom would weekly make a blended, creamy veggie soup with all the leftover veggies in the fridge. It was delicious paired with some bread and no veggies went to waste.

[@sheila3936]

Same, every week we made “cleaning out the fridge soup”. Leftover veggies, pasta, rice, frozen food with freezer burn; just about anything can be saved by soup.

[@janetstonerook4552]

I chop up my leftover veggies for toppings for my omelets and pasta etc. Never have enough leftovers to store up for soup etc.

[@dees3179]

Bottom of the fridge curry. Also know as cooking or household management. Never understood the concept of food waste.

[@jessicasantos6690]

Is it weird that the beginning almost made me cry? It feels so good to think we are making a difference. Go Team Shelbizlee! Thank you for everything you do for us Shelbi! You are a gem and put out content more important than anything else on the internet. ❤️

[@Ouroboros6]

I'm a beginner. I'm using up the stuff I have and then will be buying sustainably. Most of my clothes are second hand and I pretty much only buy something new when I need to replace something I already have. Your channel has really inspired me. Thank you.

[@BouncyBrown]

Potatoes are fairly easy to grow at home! Once a potato (from the store, etc) has eyes on it, you can plant it in a bucket of soil. It takes a couple months depending on the type of potato but it's very simple and doesn't need much space!

[@sheila3936]

This is the only thing I can grow. My wildlife gets any other crop I’ve tried even in hanging pots on a second floor balcony, critters find their way. Good thing we love potatoes.

[@kingcrimson1204]

This is amazing and I'm gonna try it 🤣 I've only really grown herbs but it's NOT EASY... we have a largish balcony for an inner city apartment but it's still not really a great growing space 🤔 also those damn aphids 😥

[@yatinsebert]

@@kingcrimson1204 you should try using a grow light, I grew a lemon tree from a store bought lemon seed in my apartment with just grow lights 💡. Plus they are fairly cheap, mine was Ten Dollars. Also try growing micro greens, they grow very fast and ready to harvest in 15 to 25 days depending on the greens.

[@dees3179]

Exercise caution, blight is a real problem. Also important to understand if you are home composting. Some things have to go in green waste as they need high heat to safely be processed and that is only possible large scale, , some are safe to compost.

[@estellegirard3111]

I like the shift you have taken lately regards the bigger picture and try to make the producers or government change the way they act towards the planet.

[@beap3633]

I just got a new phone and decided to get a refurbished phone instead of a new one because of you! Thank you!

[@elihinze3161]

You and your cool tumbling composter inspired me to begin composting on my apartment balcony! It's reduced our household waste by a lot. I'm also learning to sew so that I can give thrifted clothes a new life ,and so that I don't have to support fast fashion!

[@Reiko29DBS]

You literally ARE THAT, you keep me fighting for sustainability, you partially inspired me to go back to college for environmental science, you make me feel like I'm not alone in feeling this way considering everyone around me acts like theres nothing that just "one person" can do.

[@emilynewell5667]

Your videos inspired me to create a compost in my backyard and I have the happiest community of worms now. Side benefit, my kids love worms.

[@miss_m_yt]

I would consider myself in the middle of my journey. I attribute many of my decisions due to what I have learned from you. I still am struggling to pass the message on to others (the people who are around me value instant convenience over sustainability no matter grrr).

[@crazyone223ash]

I’m new to sustainability and living a low waste lifestyle. I have a local refillery that just opened that I have been frequenting. I also have been going to my local farmers market weekly and I am just getting into composting. I would love to help others live a more low-waste sustainable lifestyle and hope that my friends and family adopt some of the changes I’ve made. Thank you for your videos, they have helped me so much on my journey thus far.

[@crystal260]

Just starting out. Still using up my old stuff, and just bought a home with land with the hopes of starting a homestead. 🥰

[@Katinthekingdom]

I love you so much! I love how you are both an eco-warrior, but you don't make newbies feel guilty that they are not there yet. You make the community better! You make the world better!

[@Yozora0no0Hoshi]

I’m a beginner-just found you this year!-and slowly using up what I have and trying to replace items with sustainable options. I won’t be able to be perfect at everything due to my partner, availability, and sometimes personal preference, but I do what I can. That’s why I love your tag line because it reminds me that every effort counts! 💜 I’d love to hear more about making your home sustainable-things like water heaters, choosing efficient large appliances, insulation, and maybe solar panel options or similar.

[@SarasBooksAndThings]

Thank you for all that you do! I am a relative newbie. We are getting better at recycling, and moved to a place that has curbside compost. We rarely eat red meat. And our newest swap is the earth hero laundry detergent sheets.

[@jessicarodman7629]

Don't feel discouraged if you fail at growing tomatoes! They're a picky plant. I have 5 plants out of the dozens I started from seed. Gardening is definitely a healing activity. This channel has encouraged me to make so many sustainable changes. I've always been thrifty, but owning an older home and watching these swaps and the Madelbi lifestyle vlog has really made me a hardcore diy-er and second hand enthusiast to maintain my home's time period. I think I would classify myself as intermediate in this journey because of my location and resources available to me. I do the best I can with what is available.

[@laurenalise3488]

Shelbie you’ve impacted so many of us here on KZbin! I believe you were the first “zero waste” content creators I saw and it kept that fire in me to continue this sustainability journey. There’s times were we all get a bit beaten down by things people do and things we see, but you kept that passion I’ve had since I was young alive. Means the world, and I’m so happy I’ve been able to share this and get some of my closest friends and family on board. Thank you from all of us! ❤️

[@Alina_Schmidt]

13:10 For a broader level like a workplace, a deposit-system for cups and other dishes could be a great idea. You get a reusable cup/ bowl with your drink/ meal, pay a deposit and you get the deposit back when you return it. My universities have those and I prefer it over a reusable cup. As I don‘t have a dishwasher I appreciate one less thing to clean.

[@guineawheat]

Love this video so much! I also love the format of the first little bit with the stats of 'if we did this, we would reduce xyz amounts' - it's incredibly sharable for people who aren't as familiar with the YT format, plus it's aesthetic goals as hell so if you wanted to do more like that, I wouldn't be mad! haha

[@seauwen6691]

You've helped me do so many things more sustainable! My mom recently needed a new phone and I showed her how to do it more sustainably (my old phone) and I got my new phone used (with a new pela case) but honestly there's so much that you've helped show me how to live my life in a way that actually alignes with my values and what I care about!

[@cinnyslittlefriends1379]

Wow, those statistics really put your actions into perspective! Thanks for sharing that, it makes me want to do as much as I can to live sustainably

[@LunaNatz]

The tip about replacing things one by one has been the best tip for me. I'm currently on a tight budget but I've been slowly replacing items like toothpaste, shampoo, razor etc one by one as I can afford them. My most recent swap has been deodorant since I finally used up my dove stick and now I'm using wild

[@raapyna8544]

I did it like this as well! Best thing is it saves money now, that I don't have to buy the disposable versions anymore.

[@LunaNatz]

@@raapyna8544 I've noticed this as well, not only is it good for the planet but for the wallet too lol I did the math recently and I've saved so much money on razors alone

[@temple19198]

We need more channels like yours. You are an expert and you take your time to really be accurate with info and reviews, you make it look fun and beautiful and practical, and you are so informative. seriously idk what i'd do without these videos! Right now, I've accomplished a lot. I'm pescatarian, only eating fish for health reasons and only on special rare occasions (but i plan to stop completely if i can just get myself to resist!). I don't EVER use paper plates, plastic bottles, plastic wrap, plastic phone cases, plastic headphones, or pleather. I buy less clothing (still working on that tho!), I pay attention to harmful brands and family companies. I make sure what I buy is ethically sourced. And I never plan on stopping the little changes I make every day, even if they seem insanely insignificant. My next goals are to stop buying plastic packaged groceries, to buy less unnecessary items like clothes or plastic knickknacks, & to stop eating fish, cheese, and milk (already made a bit of progress with oat milk!). I also have recently started an eco instagram encouraging people in my state to help in different ways. I also have a petition for the US government, lawmakers, and corporations that has 128 signatures so far, from places as far away as South Africa, Sweden, and Indonesia. I can't wait to see what my life will be like in just a year or two, all because of channels like this!

[@MikaylaRickard]

I’m definitely in the middle! I’ve been all in with sustainability for a few years and I definitely fell victim to the beginner stress of thinking I have to give everything up. But after doing my own research and binging all of your videos I’ve created my own sustainable lifestyle and I’m getting better every year. 💚💙 thanks for being awesome!

[@vickiejones2683]

Nomadic movement has some great small farm sustainable coffee.

[@tlfocht]

You've given me so many resources to move forward in my journey, and I always appreciate how real you are about it. I love that you acknowledge that everyone is on a different level and everyone has different needs.

[@Cannonball1022]

I just love your overall approach to trying to live more sustainably. You seem to meet people where they are on their journey, and offer a no BS approach.

[@J03ski3s]

Love your motto Shelby and thank you for reminding me how 1 person can really make a difference!

[@lyndsey268]

I’ve been subscribed to you for a couple years now, and I always tell people that you’re my favorite KZbinr/influencer! You’re honestly doing such a great job, and you’re INCREDIBLY inspiring. 💚

[@beckyjones8959]

Related to repairing clothes, even if you don’t know how to sew well you can always turn old clothes into reusable cloths or rags for cleaning or even removing makeup by cutting them up and hemming them. This would also be a good way to start learning how to sew

[@lizaveta8975]

I love your channel. It's been educational for me in HELLA many ways. I've been reducing my meet intake for several years now and I've given it up completely just 7 months ago, it's like a few moments after I discovered this channel. It's educational and motivating. The infos might be basic some of the time, but the advanced ones normally blow my mind. I'm happy to be a subscriber!!

[@purplevolution]

I just found your channel last week and you have really shifted my frame of thought around climate doom. Thanks for your work!!

[@cuhweenuh]

I’ve been watching your videos for years after my first search for eco friendly swaps on KZbin. Your videos have always been a source of light and inspiration, congrats on 300k you truly deserve it! ❤️

[@myxochi]

Shelbizlee, you are totally awesome. I’ve learned so much from you and I seem to be always telling others about your ideas every time I talk with my family and friends. Thank you so much for giving me/us this info. 💕

[@Huntress_Raven]

1 person just did make a difference. Shelbi, it was you! Anyone can do anything with the power of the internet. TerraCycle bin is technically at the top of my wishlist, but I don't have a bank card, so I won't be getting one...yet. you, shelbi, are awe-inspiring and your videos are very informative. So I want to let everyone here know- it's not to late. Our planet is very, very resilient. Mother earth is the best recycler. Has anyone heard of recycle bank? It's a recycling incentive that pays you for recycling! I read about it on page 19 of green careers. I think it's cool that you can actually get recyclebank points that you can spend later!

[@miraearles3372]

So glad to be one of those 300,000 who are making a difference! 😊 Thanks for this community

[@MagicalMandi]

I'm definitely somewhere in the middle. I've always been naturally eco minded. I didn't mind getting made fun of in high-school too much. I always enjoyed shopping second hand. My dad and grandma taught me how to garden. And I recently got my own chickens. I'm a big hippie chick. But have learned so much from your content. I'm improving so much in the past few months. Thanks for everything.

[@emmafarnen7844]

NOPE NOT ME CRYING ?? 😭💖 I am so proud of your (and all of our!) journey Shelbi! Found your channel during the pandemic and wow, the fact that I have started to change my lifestyle for the better, and have spread awareness to those closest to me is incredible. Still working on using up ALLL of my products and afterwards, staying with a minimal collection. Only purchasing what’s really needed, that’s good for us and the planet. I would say I’m a newb, there is so much I want to do. Broke college student on a budget and trying to buy a pre-existing home at the same time lmao. Would love to see an eco-friendly homebuyer tips vid? 🤔 from organic mattresses to home gardening, compost/worm box to led lighting, faucets that save water to dimmable lights and reusable air filters and whatever you can think of! My boyfriends Cuban family says “poco a poco” (little by little)! 🥰 cheers to 300k and many more to come!

[@lenroz]

I'm definetly a beginner, but because of the way I was raised and the country I live in, it has been easier. I rarely buy things anyway so the changes haven't been that drastic, but your advice always challenges to be better (without shaming etc.). So thank you for what you do. Hope the channel grows because your content is not just important, but very easy to follow (for beginners such as myself :D)

[@shannonmason3390]

I was already doing a few things to try to be more zero waste and feeling really alone in doing so. Thanks to you I have been inspired to do so much more and do it confidently and proudly.

[@JaniceJean13]

I love how you have steps for everyone and lay it out in such a way that’s inspiring and informative but not horribly overwhelming. Also I love how you make it more personable, like reminding us we don’t have to give up things if it doesn’t work for us but to try to find a sustainable option 💕💕

[@bethwarman9434]

I'm asking my friends and family to take part in eco-friendly actions for my 25th birthday, instead of gifts, this year and this is such a great resource for me to share to give them some ideas!

[@christianne4411]

I hope you know that it’s not just you that loves your community, your community loves you too 💚 I’ve lurked for over a year now... probably closer to two... you are a great teacher 🥳 keep up the fantastic work!!!

[@TheFluorescentFish]

Just wanted to let you know that I just set up my very own compost tumbler! After telling myself for years it wasn’t feasible because I’m a renter, when I moved and couldn’t find a composting service I decided to go for it anyway. I’m having so much fun with it, and can already see how much is being diverted from the trash. Your enthusiasm on your channel for taking that next step has been a big part of what got me thinking about this stuff in the first place, and what keeps me motivated- thank you!

[@buckeyedav1]

I know right? Its amazing how little trash is going to my curb now since I started composting and recycling I was pretty lazy about sorting out my recycle bin stuff from the trash can stuff I literally could go 2 weeks now without having to take my trash can to the curb. Anna In Ohio.

[@megan2176]

Wish-cycling!! Love that term! I was definitely guilty of doing that before your video awhile ago talking about contaminating recycling with nonrecyclables. People feel good putting things in the recycling bin instead of the garbage - we give ourselves a pat on the back for "doing the right thing", not realizing we're doing the complete opposite of what we thought!! Love that you gave it a name, so hopefully people will become more aware. :)

[@mollyb8136]

I've tried to watch a lot of people in sustainability KZbin. Yours is one of the only ones who i've consistently watched. It's how you educate. I come here to be educated and inspired. I'm currently working on not eating meat anymore but eat significantly less. I have learned what sustainable certifications are in my country. I've started composting. My period routine is now 95% reusable. My shaving routine is plastic free (and my skin is better). I wrote in to the shop where I get my tea and they're now working towards home compostable and recyclable packaging

[@roseaddams5401]

Thank you so much for being an educator to my partner and I. We have made so many changes thanks to your guidance and we are more sustainable than ever before! We compost, have a rain collecting barrel, we have pela cases on our phones and so much more. However, our favorite swap by far is a bidet. We don't know how we ever lived without one lol. Thank you so much and we wish you the best!

[@mariaolguinchavez3244]

I love your channel! Coming from a Mexican household, I get told a lot that I'm turning into a hippie, just because I started trying to grow some stuff on my balcony, started composting, I constantly tell them to reduce water waste. I'm from California.

[@Starry_Night_Sky7455]

Keep being their role model.

[@MariaSanchez-wz4kc]

you are definitely the main inspo that motivated me to turn to a more sustainable lifestyle. it really began with your dumpster diving videos that also changed my mindset of trying to diverge good products out of landfills. i kept up with your videos which were the basis to my knowledge on zero-waste. thank you so much!!

[@autumnraine3209]

You did such a great job on this video! Loved the ideas for taking sustainable choices a step farther

[@VonnieBeGood]

I started this whole journey in late 2017 by going vegan, then following vegan KZbinrs, which lead me to sustainability KZbin and this channel. Since then I've started buying most things second hand, buying more of what I can't find second hand from sustainable companies, participating in my local elections, composting, and growing my own vegetables. This is in addition to recycling and the reusable period products and reusable shopping bags I was already using. Thank you for offering realistic guidance and inspiration on a subject that can feel very much overwhelming. ❤️

[@poppyneale]

I love this video! It’s so good that you’re promoting how individuals can make small changes that add up to a big change! Also Your editing is soo good🤍

[@roxariano4953]

I was so glad i found you because i never knew zerowaste could be my coping mechanism to my depression and anxiety and im so glad i could make a change to help the earth

[@ToneBreistrand]

Not me tearing up at the intro... Amazing video! You really should be proud of yourself for the work you do and how many people you’ve reached out to. You’re making a huge difference!

[@glenoakes5388]

We haven't taken all the steps you have, but you've helped us learn so so much. One of the biggest lessons was how you wait and sit on purchasing solutions. We've passed up several purchases, tried solutions we had the stuff for, and the purchases we've made (used & responsibly new) have been much better thought out. Thank you for your honest approachable, anti-gatekeeper position! Love your work!

[@alliemay6076]

Since I started watching this channel, I’ve stopped eating pork and beef, I used laundry strips instead of jugs of detergent, I use my dryer as little as possible, I take shorter showers, I’ve changed my period routine and use reusable products, I bought pela sunglasses since my old ones are too scratched to use now, and I try to buy better made clothing including scrubs made of recycled materials seeing as it’s very hard to find second hand scrubs in my size. I try to do small things every day to help the environment. I feel like I wouldn’t have known about these things with you!

[@emmastrange7594]

I'm so thankful for this channel. You're the reason I'm going "zero waste". I've started swapping out product and thinking about electricity and water consumption. But the biggest swap I have made, is my closet cleanout. I'm selling 50+ items of clothing, and started shop-stop. Boycutting fast fashion, plastic bags and eating less meat. Period has been awesome, and cheap! haha Keep posting! People, like me, need video's like yours to know where to start. Lots of love from here! :)

[@persephone213]

I would consider myself an intermediate at zero waste/sustainability. Also, congrats on 300K, you deserve it! You & a few others have been literally teaching me how to go more low waste. 💖

[@spiritofchaos58]

I've been composting for about two years now. Since I live in small town Arizona (desert, rural, nobody cares if you have a weird hole in your backyard), I just stick food waste in a hole and mix it with dirt. I never felt the need for a compost bin or anything. I think it's going pretty well. I managed to grow some garlic last year just using the dirt in the compost pit, and this year looks like it'll be just as good.

[@SparklinYoga]

Lively video! So often I hear that I cannot change anything and I am only one person, but I don’t care because I am not the only one and because this is the attitude of losers

[@kenzamouzon1498]

You are very inspiring ! I've changed a lot in my daily routine thanks to you and other zero waste influencers, and I've also recently chosen a meaningful job in a company fighting overfishing. I have a lot of work left but thank you for your work inspiring people ! From Paris with love.

[@lookforward2life]

Thank you! businesses have tons of advocates, decades of experience fighting for their own profits and existence. The Planet has so many fewer, just thanks for fighting for fish and the oceans.

[@TheInspirefly]

Shelbi, you are helping me recognize both what my family could improve and the positive impact of what we are already doing! Thank you so very much for that

[@Lizzybert]

You are such a badass! I love how informative your videos are. I am a beginner, and am embracing the process step by step. Thank you for all you do on this channel!!

[@chloeb1642]

I ❤️❤️❤️ the "advanced version of this beginner swap" format of this video! I'd say I'm in the middle. Lots of stuff that has been second nature for years, and just what we do as a family. But also a lot of things that are big hurdles for me (especially since most people in my house aren't on board).

[@mandamoo8746]

Shout-out from Australia!! Shelbie, you are the only one keeping me sane in my journey to reduce waste, save our planet & become a better human! When you suggested a call to people, I was like; "THAT is a gift in itself!" You are so inspiring and so worthy of this channel! Thank you for keeping my focus up front and current, and for your ever evolving content! My own journey sees me doing most of the beginner options & some of the more advanced too.....some of that, based on yours and your friends platforms.....so please never give up "teaching"! 😍🥰😘

[@feylights166]

I am still in the beginning stages. I have always cared about the environment, but I haven't really known just how much everything affects...everything lol. But your channel has really helped me become more aware. I have started to do more research on how things are produced, and now buy from sustainable coffee brands.

[@joytotheworld2100]

I've been a sub of your channel for years.Your truly an inspiration. I buy about 95% thrifted clothing, I bought reusable k cups for my coffee maker,compost,garden,mini orchard,swap for landscape plants,grow from seeds I've harvested ,sew,cook everything from scratch,recycle ♻️ etc. Its my lifes goal to educate about saving this earth.

[@daviddecker3619]

You’re helping me so much in my sustainability journey! I’ve switched over to reusable bags and produce bags, sustainable cleaning supplies for around the house like reusable paper towel and glass spray bottles! I’m going to start composting soon because of you constantly saying it (you finally got me about to do it!!) as well as so many other things!!

[@PixieII]

I'm still quite early into my journey, but as someone who grew up with little money and is still on a low income it's surprising how many things I do as standard just because I grew up being aware of saving money and not wasting things. I'm also learning to pick my battles - I always said I'd never shop somewhere like Primark because of their dubious ethics and because I could find better quality clothing cheaper in charity shops, but then they released their own line of period pants which were affordable, so I shopped there for those because I figure in the long term it was the better choice (there is no way I'd have the money to buy them from ethical brands).

[@marixlife]

Love this and all of the work you do Shelbi! I do a lot of the things you mentioned, and I also run a small cottage food bakery (certified home baker, essentially) so I thought I would write down some of the things I do from my business’s perspective! These are kind of basic things but maybe this can help some small business owners or avid bakers 💕 I compost my food scraps (obvs) or freeze chopped fruits/carrots etc. when they aren’t being used by my family (can use in muffins, carrot cake, or puréed to use as an egg replacer in many recipes!) I try to buy things in bulk (flour and powdered sugar especially from online sources, although it’s hard to find an affordable and vegan cane sugar in bulk, so I usually get mine at Sprouts bulk bins) I recycle (clean and dry first!) any cans and the aforementioned flour and powdered sugar bags (remove the plastic lining from the paper bag and rinse and dry the bags!) I reuse bread bags and other plastic bags to store my baked cakes and other finished goods in the freezer (I wash and dry them between use of course!!) I use reusable silicone baking mats, cut up my old ones to use in place of parchment paper, pipe with reusable silicone or cloth piping bags, and buy or receive a lot of my equipment secondhand (I’m lucky that my dad had a huge stockpile of cutters, baking rounds, tins, and even my Kitchenaid! But you can find a lot on Poshmark actually) If you’re making baked goods as a gift you can get creative with your packaging! Put cookies in a mason jar, make mason jar cakes, or thrift some old cookie tins (my idea for Christmas cookie boxes 😌) I try to buy fair trade ingredients like vanilla and chocolate or B-Corp certified like Miyoko’s (her butter and cream cheese is the absolute best imo) but I know this is expensive and also a privilege so this isn’t the most important one! I donate 10% of my profits from either the month or an event/pop-up to local or ethically- or sustainably-minded organizations (my next pop-up I’ll be donating to organizations that benefit the efforts against Line 3!) I make big batches of jam out of in-season fruits and freeze them so I can use them whenever someone requests them for a cake (and I try to avoid using out-of-season fruits in general so I make seasonal menus) Also all of my items are vegan lol. If you made it this far, thanks for listening to my info dump about my little business 💕

[@anyawillowfan]

You're the only sustainability channel I continue to watch regularly and it is in large part due to your phrase 'you cannot do all the good the world needs, but the world needs all the good you can do', this idea really helps me not to stress when I'm unable to do something, but also not give up completely. Basically your whole idea of understanding accessibility, and that it is a mindset change rather than a goal of becoming completely zero waste (which isn't an option for most of us, or any of us), really changed my outlook and I've made so many changes one at a time because of you. Thank you so much for all the work you put into your videos, you are amazing.

[@macNcheese4me]

I appreciate your growth mindset. These little steps we take towards sustainable lifestyles spread to others. I know you talk about the difference the subscribers could make. But my family members are also taking steps towards sustainability with subtle encouragement. Almost all my immediate family members now compost. My mom started her own gardening. She said she does it with her grandchildren in mind. Anytime we visit she makes effort to be more environmental.

[@elizabethdirks6533]

Love the Beginner and Advanced Swaps series! Just a year and a half ago when I first subscribed I was definitely a beginner. Now thanks to your helpful suggestions I am in the middle of the road here. Plastic zipper bags are gone, no more one time use period products, WGAC toilet paper, no shaving, we make our own food, tried tofu for the first time, buying better soaps and cleaning products, buying my children's (and my own) clothing second hand, and on and on. Thanks to these changes, my children are growing up learning not to waste, too. It is wonderful that you find fulfilment in your work. You truly are making a difference in so many lives as well as the lives of future generations. Thank you!

[@janetstonerook4552]

I'm always been pretty frugal but in the last few years I've become mindful of everything I use or buy. My biggest shift has been to quit buying much stuff in the first place! I make my own laundry and cleaning supplies, room scents, and cook almost all my meals from scratch. Got rid of subscriptions, cable t.v. and rarely buy anything but basic cosmetics/personal items. The only new clothing I buy are underwear and footwear. I'm regularly save about $400 a month and I haven't deprived myself. And I feel proud of myself!! 🤗👍😘

[@inbarkoren9112]

I'm just starting out with this whole eco thing and you talking about swapping skin care reminded me of a thing that I learned recently: there is a soap/shampoo/conditioner that is called "love beauty and planet". It markets itself as a ecological, cruelty free product BUT it is actually made by Unilever, and apparently it is one of the top 10 most polluting companies in the world! Always try to read the small letters and don't be fooled by marketing, I am swapping my soap as soon as I run out!

[@ashneu]

Thank you for you channel 💖 I watched for the dumpster diving videos but stayed for the eco-teaching Texas LGBT interracial couple! You are the reason I double check packaging for recycle labels, save food scraps, and buy eco cleaning/ hygiene products.

[@ellie764]

i have been trying to have my family to be more eco friendly so hopefully the beginner tips and tricks will work better for my family

[@thebusyenbee]

Hey Shelbi. I love this video. Particularly with the compost point. Here in Australia the government have launch 'FOGO' bins where the waste management pick up composted items which is almost everything and provide free compost bags and information on how to properly compost. Its incredible how by lobbying bigger companies and people with power makes such change. Stay amazing!!

[@leonielaperriere6571]

You honestly changed my life. In my every day life, I always try to do the most sustainable thing, and recentry I started my own business (self employed - I'm a photographer and a videographer), and I try to be as most sustainable as I can. My business cards are made from recycled paper, I bought my camera and video equipment mostly secondhand, I use public transport whenever I can, etc. If it wasn't from you, I would probably have done none of those things, so thank you so much!!!

[@ahjessica]

Thank you for all your hard work educating us! I’ve found your vids and channel so helpful especially in transitioning to a more sustainable lifestyle ☺️ you’ve inspired me to minimize red meat (8 months now 💪🏽) consumption, shop secondhand and local, refill, 4Rs basically!!, and be mindful of what i consume. 300K well deserved! Gonna be here for the 1M+!! 💯🌱 🌱 you cannot do all the good that world needs, but the world needs all the good that you can do! 😉🌱🌱

[@vcr6854]

You and Alli (Cherry) have been such an inspiration to me, I’ve changed my habits so much. I wish I could’ve made these changes earlier

[@rn2787]

Fragrance free and sustainable ❤. I am going to buy that when I run out of my current stuff.

[@marieamelieforrer472]

In France, we have a plant called Chicorée which is what we used before turning to coffee. And a lot of people still drink it nowadays, Mine has a bit of coffee in it, but it does have that coffee feel even when it is pure, the great thing is that it is quite local !

[@BouncyBrown]

In the US they call it Chickory. (I just did an internet search.) I didn't realize it was a coffee alternative. Very cool!

[@elisabethd6573]

Yess ! ! We make it in North of France! Never realised it was more sustainable, but indeed !

[@marieamelieforrer472]

@@elisabethd6573 yes! Although I don’t know how much ressources it takes to grow but It always better since it is local

[@marieamelieforrer472]

@@BouncyBrown honestly it is very good but don’t expect it to taste like coffee, there are some like mine that have a bit of coffee in it because I don’t love it when it is pure. You basically mix the powder with boiling water or whatever milk you have. I have also heard that some people cultivate it in their own garden because it is apparently easy to grow but I could be wrong haha

[@cuppajavaplease]

I am very grateful for the wonderful education that you have given and continue to give to all of us! I am such a changed person now. I was raised to respect the earth---we never used pesticides on flowers or vegetables growing up and tried not to waste food, etc., but since learning about fast fashion and other wasteful consumer practices, I now buy only 2nd hand clothes and technology, I compost and grow my own vegetables, am vegan, and try to remember to take my cloth bags to the grocery store to avoid using plastic bags (strangely, that's the hardest thing for me to master!). Keep up the good work! You are making such an important contribution!

[@jennaleonard3870]

I use a cooler to store all of my compost, and that cooler sits on my balcony. I don't smell anything because the cooler covers odors. And once that cooler is full, I either take it to my town compost site or I give it to my mother for her garden.

[@ShanaDee0214]

You… I need people like you. I’m still learning so much and I recently found out that what I was eating was literally killing me. Out of curiosity, I researched to find out what else I used that could be making me sick… I was devastated. We have been programmed from birth to live as consumers with no regard to where anything we use comes from, what’s it’s made of, etc. With that said, I have been panicking because I have no idea what to do to change or how to transition. THANK YOU SO MUCH ❤️❤️❤️ new subscriber. Day by day I’m doing what I can to change!

[@ZeroWasteFamily]

Is absolutely believe that we collectively drive change and when you show how much we can change and reduce waste if did all the things to share here. Great work!!!!

[@CuriouslyBrightEyed]

Thank you for being this introvert's personal choice of entertainment 😍

[@ashleykraft5012]

The vulnerability is real just like your work! No shame ever 💞🙏🏻 we love you Shelby!

[@marynelson2875]

Love you and your channel Shelbi! You and Immy introduced me to the sustainable movement. I no longer eat meat, I shop second hand, and I’m working on reducing in other areas of my life. Thank you so much for everything you’ve taught me!

[@renehoffman4343]

You've already given us all so much whether it's inspiration, education, or just hope. Love your channel! 🥰 Makes us eco conscious people feel not so lonely.

[@sarahr.3241]

I'm a beginner when it comes to consciously thinking about my impact, but it many ways I lived much more sustainably when I was a broke college student than I do now, just because some sustainable things were cheaper. I used to take the Amtrak train for 3 day cross country trips because I got a student discount, but now I fly for those trips. I used to walk and bike and bus everywhere because I couldn't afford a car. Now, if it's farther than a 10 minute walk, the time I drive and half the time I walk, and if it's more than a 30 minute walk, now I always drive. I used to buy so much less stuff, and ALWAYS second hand, but now sometimes I buy new sometimes because it's more convenient. I rarely bought meat, because beans were way cheaper. I don't think at this point I'm going to go back to taking the train or the bus, because they take so much time. But I am starting to do other things that I never did before. I'm starting to compost now, thanks to the sharewaste app. I'm trying to buy things with less packaging and not using plastic produce bags. I'm cooking vegan meals some of the time. I'm trying to go back to walking and biking more, and trying to be more conscious about consolidating trips when I drive. I'm keeping a wishlist now and trying to talk myself out of impulse buys. Maybe I'm a beginner? I don't know 🤷

[@WayToVibe]

I spent most of my time in the backyard of the house I am renting today. The back is so overgrown with blackberry bushes and landscaping that has been let go for over 20 years now. I was shocked to find blackberries, blueberries, plumbs, 2 kinds of apples, and what I think might be an apricot tree. Not to mention a ton of mint growing in the decaying remains of a raised bed, along with dozens of rose bushes that are covered over in ivy and other vines. It's going to take a LOT of work, but I'm determined to use what this yard already has in place to reduce the amount of food I have to buy from grocery stores. Nothing like shopping in your own backyard!

[@luciennechae164]

Honestly I joined your channel because I really liked your personality but my respect for you even went up higher when you took a step back and made the statement about what your channel is really about a few years ago. I haven’t been purchased any plastic bottles or bags for about three years now and watching your video really put things into perspective for me (and I am sure it did for a lot of other people). But mostly importantly I am glad that you are taking time off for yourself. You very much deserve it 💕 one step at a time ☺️ Will always be supporting you and your channel and your cause!!!

[@luciennechae164]

Also I take shower every three to four days (sometimes five days, sometimes ewwww) unless I have a real good reason to shower!

[@iidaii8875]

Advanced+ tip: Coffee bean farming is one of the biggest contributors of deforestation so cutting down your consumption to for example one cup a day would actually be even more sustainable.