I'M GIVING UP ON ZERO WASTE - Here's Why...
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- Опубликовано: 7 сен 2024
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I'M DITCHING ZERO WASTE...what's next?
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I'm looking forward to your feedback and moving forward in a more inclusive way 😊❤️
Shelbizleee Saw this idea on Sustainably Vegan. Glad you’re joining in!
Shelbizleee I will gladly join this movement. As a vegan, the condition of the environment terrifies me. I am glad you made this video. I live with guilt because of how much waste I produce with my sterile medical supplies I use daily due to my disability. I hate feeling so guilty. Count me in!
Hey Shelbi, i messaged you on instagram! Hoping you check it out, love your videos so much💕
I completely agree it isn't a consumers fault. People buy what is easier for them to access. It is truly hard to be completely "zero waste". There are ways to reduce waste but I completely agree with what you said through out the video. I'm glad you made this video. :)
I love your channel. Very inspiring. Thank you
i'm not zero waste, i rather call myself ' trying my best to reduce waste' kind of person 😁. ❤️ your video.
myra961 me too!
yeah.
The “zero waste” movement should be called “minimal waste” movement
Then it's not zero waste, then it's two movements. Tell that to Bea.
Those are two different things
Megan it should
They call is "zero waste" not because the people involved make zero waste, but that the ultimate goal is to make zero waste.
I refer to myself and my efforts as "reduced waste".
Ran across a quote the other day, thought I’d share.
“We don’t need a handful of people doing “Zero Waste” perfectly. We need Millions of people doing “Zero Waste” imperfectly”
As someone with a chronic illness who can’t avoid collecting pill bottles and blister packs and heck, the sharps containers I have to use coz you can’t just throw out needles in the bin, I appreciate this video a lot. I also can’t use knives because of my strength and cognitive processing so sometimes I need pre-cut food which is wrapped in plastic. I try to be as low impact as I can where I can - but the perfectionism of “zero waste” can make you feel so so so bad especially when you have to get these things to literally SURVIVE. It’s not my fault pre-cut accessible groceries come wrapped in plastic; grocery stores need to invest in hiring someone to cut food for people with disabilities etc AT THE STORE. Anyway. Thank you for talking about the social justice aspect behind this!!
Annika Victoria omgosh I follow you and Shelby lol. Love both of you
Yes!! I completely agreed! I was diagnosed at 12 and there are just certain things I cannot get around, and the stress of trying to avoid that reality is not worth it. Stress is bad for everyone, but for some people who are chronically ill, it's TOXIC. So, truly, do what you can, spread the word, but just do what you can do. Hang in there.
Thank you for saying this!
There are drugstores that collect medicines and them respective packages. They do that because they contaminate water, etc. Also, most of the plastic bottles is HDPE Wich can be recycled.
Annika Victoria it is totally true that you and other I'll people need single use things for medical reasons, but I think (being an idealist) in a perfect world, medical stuff should be recicled an reciclable and we should push the medical industry to create better packaging. It's just an idea, I love your videos and the way you combat consumerism with your diy videos.
I love that you're never afraid to question EVERYTHING, you look at the bigger picture and use your voice to talk about things that actually matter! I think that businesses absolutely need to be held responsible for the waste they are creating in the first place and start taking actions to reduce it. As consumers we can do our best to put pressure on them to change, which might be more effective than feeling guilty every time we accidentally end up using plastic.
I appreciate you so much! I couldn't agree more, progress over perfection ✌
Agreed
I definitely agree with you! Well said!
I think trying to limit our trash consumption is important but i think zero waste is only possible in specific places
I would totally agree!
Alex Voss change your place. And I don't mean move.
music box then what do you mean?
Agreee! Here in Dominican republic it's a nightmare to be zero waste no bulkstores everything come in plastic the good part is that we have lots of fruits and vegetables sellers in every corner and that is helping me a lot troughout my vegan transition.
Alex Voss true its alot easier in nyc or la or maybe London? Idk. Its impossible in Denmark.
I’ve got to admit that I’ve almost given up due to perfectionism. You’re absolutely right, it’s not the consumers fault - not completely anyway. I’ve stopped buying plastic bottles full stop, I choose non plastic packaging whenever I can, I pick up trash on the beach, I shop cruelty free, I’m moving closer to a fully vegetarian diet every day, I don’t buy fast fashion anymore and go to charity shops instead, and i’m trying to reduce the amount of food and water I waste. I’m doing pretty good now that I think about it ☺️
LOL I LOVE that throughout typing this comment you were able to see how many changes you have made. You're doing great! Keep it up (:
Bella R Wow, you’re doing amazing!
You're doing a lot!!! Even 1 thing really makes an impact!
aw everyone’s so sweet 🖤 I love this community
That is so awesome!
I think consumers should do what they can to be mindful of the planet, and put pressure on companies to be zero-waste as well. Companies are out to make money and if wasteful products don't sell then they are less likely to make wasteful products. It all starts with us.
Andrea Zamora agreed
Andrea Zamora So how can you make the comoany go to zero waste then?
capitalism works on market demand so consumer demand will change things
However we also need to be politically active about Zero Waste and the planet. The value of the dollar is important, but structural support has more large scale impact. Capitalism values the dollar of the consumer, but also the cheapness and ease of the product. That will not always lead to what’s best for us or the planet. We will need some common sense regulations and taxes to hold companies accountable for their waste and carbon footprint. Otherwise it will always be cheaper for corporations to ignore their side of responsibility. And they will continually prey upon the poor consumers without the resources to afford better choices.
I can understand that. I’ve struggled because we don’t have a bulk foods like Whole Foods here. Just do the best you can. And as far as other issues, like using resources, can just limit like we didn’t water our lawn in the summer to save water. Yes our society isn’t built for zero waste so let go of guilt and perfectionism. Just do best you can.
Thanks for the perspective.
Shona Harris case in point Whole Foods where I am does not have the bulk bins for everything, only some of their products. I see people able to buy their shampoo from bulk bins, but I can't.
Seriously, it's not an all-or-nothing situation. Don't let perfect be an enemy of the good.
Smart Shona, you have the answer: “Just do the best you can.” Always and in all ways. It’s the secret to (a healthy and happy) world and life. 💜
The phrase that comes to mind is "progress not perfection" ..... becoming aware that our impact on the planet is multifaceted means that we need to think more broadly and if we go for perfect it will overwhelm. So instead I aim for progress and little steps that can add up to have a bigger impact
This reframing of the term "zero waste" and the move toward a more inclusive and well-rounded environmentalism is so smart and much needed! I have felt the same way about using the term zero waste because it's recognizable and what people who are interested in environmental topics will look for on social media/RUclips, but it has also resulted in a constant disclaimer that I am not completely zero waste. Love this new approach and looking forward to some new topics!
Yas girl 💚 100% kudos goes to Manuela for her video moving away from Zero Waste!! She inspired my video and I'm so grateful to have inspired yours 💚💚💚
Ah I totally thought you started it a couple weeks ago on Instagram! But I will link Manuela's video as well.
You are both so inspiration, not only to myself but to this movement as a whole 💙
I'm not sure she started Low Impact but she 100% inspired my shift away from zero waste
Beautiful video I couldn’t agree more! I could never fit myself into the zero waste box (or refer to myself as zero waste) as I personally found it unattainable despite my consistent attempts to lower my impact on the planet. I love that you pointed out how zero waste focussed on solid waste when there are so many things to consider! Everyone within this movement needs to watch this video and Immy’s!
As a black woman and being in stores I feel super self conscious walking out of stores with no bag and the workers look at you like "did she pay" and I'm younger too, I feel like that's not talked about enough
icon for hire x flyleaf it makes me so mad that this is still an issue in 2020 🙄 stay strong 💪
I call it ethical living. Being aware of what surrounds us . Don't blame yourself. You are human. Thank you for making me aware of this type of problems 😊
I like the term less waste because there are some places it is so much easier to do than food.
Great and informative video! I just began my zero Waste journey, and I was feeling bad and guilty that in my neck of the woods, everything is wrapped in plastic or no bulk or package free options, but this new take makes me feel so much better! Yay for low impact!
Here's my issue with some of what you said. I do agree that no one can be 100% zero waste. I DO think that more is in our control then we actually think and realize. Saying that it's not our fault actually just puts the responsibility on someone else which as adults just doesn't get us anywhere. By taking ownership of the issue in our own lives we are more likely to do all we can. However I do agree the term Zero Waste needs to go. One last thought tho is that if we as consumers STOP buying things that have waste (I LOVE my liquid detergent but seriously those bottles have got to go!) eventually companies will change how they make stuff. We can also start petitions, write letters, ect. My main point is this don't say it's out of our control. Once you say that nothing really changes. We have to feel like we can make a difference otherwise psychologically we won't even feel like trying.
Amanda Murphy EXACTLY
YES GIRL!! P R E A C H !!! My thoughts Exactly when i watched the video !
Exactly! I do get the message though, people don't even bother to try to do zero waste because it seems too big. That being said, you are so right. We, as costumers, have the power to make those companies change how they package their merchandise and how they make their products. If you don't find anything in bulk, talk to the manager of the grocery store, talk to the people at work. If people ask for it and want to change, they will change.
I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU!!
Yah I say that I agree. It requires more work not quitting and starting over. It’s about facing the blocks. Like what can’t you avoid in waste. Bringing that to the community and starting to address it and make it change. We are an affinity group already.
Being a conscious consumer and making sustainable decisions when you can is what's important. Also, like you said, promoting other issues that are even more dire than reducing solid waste. It's about doing what you can as an individual with resources that are available to you. It's about being knowledgeable and understanding that perfection doesn't exist. Striving for it can burn even more bridges. Love your videos, you're awesome!!
honestly a great video, this is something that really needs to be discussed more !! especially the fact that its not just the consumers fault, its mostly about the companies and manufacturers, they need to be protested against and changed. and the fact that lots of zero waste vegans dont focus on social injustices is really iffy, im definitely on board with the low impact movement !!
I'm with you! Phone the companies ask about recycling policies and make a list of environment killers to boycott!
Nestle has been at the top of my list for 6 years!
But even though it's not your fault , you don't have to contribute to it. Just like vegans say "yes you can't stop people from eating meat, but you don't have to contribute to it."
Zero waste is a great thing. When you go to restaurants, ask for no straw! Think about it .
But... but... the term Zero Waste is just a concept. It is absolute because if it wasn't, it wouldn't be much of a movement would it? Just as how feminism isn't geared towards taking down men in society but rather it aims for equality. Concepts are there to guide. There would never be a complete embodiment of a concept. But we make it absolute in order to set a goal, a standard, a reference frame. Movements are absolutes: sustainability, green, capitalism, socialism, urbanism. It's weak if we diminish its value and would make people less committed when we say semi-zero waste.
Very well put!
Sure, I feel like she didn't get it
Exactly! This point is over her head though. :(
I love that you aren’t afraid to talk about anything. It’s so refreshing, and it opens my eyes to so much! I watched Sustainably Vegan’s video too, and I just love both of you. These topics are so so important and I’m glad someone is talking about them, and that we can all make a difference. Words matter, and perfectionism is a huge problem, cause nothing is perfect.
Thank you for making this video! I hope this reaches a lot of people who might feel totally overwhelmed by trying to maintain a zero-waste lifestyle.
It's awesome that you recognize that people have different needs (medical, social, etc) and are trying to be a voice for inclusivity.
Keep up the great work!!!
Your mind being this flexible is refreshing and I'm glad you're a voice on youtube. This update is really compassion based. I admire you for sharing your perspective despite the criticism you may receive.
I'm so excited about this new framework of the low impact movement! I loved how you highlighted the point that minimizing the environmental impact of products should be the companies' responsibilities. I would love to see a video about activism people can do to pressure companies to change or to pressure the government to create regulations about sustainable manufacturing. I think "voting with our dollars" is important but not enough because not everyone has the privilege to do so (as you have pointed out a lot) and we do not have that much choice to begin with.
I'm not completely sure how we can put pressure on them, but I will give it some serious thought. Usually we can hit them in their pocket books like you said and that seems to be most effective, but I feel there must be other ways to be vocal.
I love this idea so much more than the term "zero-waste". A lot of the big zero-wasters say that it is possible to be zero-waste wherever you are, but that is completely untrue. I live in a tiny rural farming community where our only store is a Walmart that has no bulk section, so zero-waste is nearly impossible for me! I do what I can by using reusable water bottles and coffee mugs and bringing my own bag and utensils, but for now creating no waste is completely unattainable in the community I live in, and that is just a fact I have to live with. I love the low impact movement and will definitely be joining in! Thanks for being so straight-forward and honest, I love your videos!
I love this!! The zero waste movement tends to put people down when it is the corporations and industries mainly at fault. I agree that as the consumers it is our responsibility to make change and account for supply and demand. However, putting people down for the amount of waste they produce while being conscious about it is in my opinion not productive or even valuable in making sustainable change. The mainstream zero waste movement in my opinion is a fad driven by competition. Environmentalism and sustainability should not be about competition. A capitalist system thrives on competition. In a lot of ways I believe perhaps household zero waste movements have been implemented by the consumer society to drive people away from protesting waste accountability by the industries. What better way to distract people than have them feel bad and focus their energy on competitive waste reduction. I think we can be conscious of our waste in a way that holds the industries accountable (or at least brings awareness to that) and not have to be judged when our effort are "not good enough".
:( I live in an area where being zero waste is quite difficult. I try to implement zero waste qualities into my lifestyle, but it's impractical. It will always be a goal of mine, but I feel like it's the thought that counts and trying to put more sustainable ideas into ones lifestyle is good enough. One shouldn't feel guilty for things out of their control. I admire how much you care about the environment and how conscientious you are towards being sustainable.
Bailey Sweet i think it’s important to be more concern on progress than perfection. The term zero waste actually sounds quite terrifying. All we can do is to minimize waste as much as we can
Don't be hard on yourself. You don't need to follow this so strictly. Take small steps and reduce you impact on pollution bit by bit. Small steps mean too much.
I just stumbled upon your videos today and I enjoy how down to earth and real you are and the message you're sending. I've been making small changes to produce less waste and be more environmentally friendly, but I get so overwhelmed looking at the "perfect zero waste" people. You encourage me to try my best though. Love from Poland! And yes, I know this is not exactly a new video, but still, just wanted to say thanks!
You just blew my mind! I've been slowly transitioning to zero waste for almost 2 years now. I'm an artist and I noticed that lots of my supplies are not refillable or recyclable. I was thankful to find companies that do provide refills and recyclable products. If this wasn't brought to my attention before I would still be throwing out pens every month. Now my impact is so much les than before which makes me very happy :)
Shelbi you have done it again! with every new video you post I’m enjoying your content more and more! I love that you’re constantly evolving on this journey, just as many of us are, constantly finding new ways to improve yourself not only as a consumer, but as a person! Low Impact Movement is much more inclusive, it’s welcoming and is a more holistic approach that people need to take when living as a responsible global citizen. Social justice is a part of the environmental movement, they are not separate entities.
I value how eloquently you explained this topic and I think it was very easy to understand. Another piece of support- a lot of people seem to have been complaining about the click bait titles lately but honesty, how else are you going to entice new people to the movement? Have to draw them in somehow!
💚
You totally gained my following with this video! so many people feel intimidated by the perfectionism implied in certain green conscious movements especially zero waste. I love your critical thinking with this, I’ve always felt like zero waste was very exclusive and honestly impossible. When I heard about SV low impact movement I was so excited and this reaffirmed how great and inclusive of a movement it is!
Really loved how honest this video is. Was feeling very unmotivated due to the fact a lot of my local shops don’t have packaging free options, but now I’m inspired to keep trying to be as low impact as I can! Thank you! :)
I know this video is a year old but I just started trying the whole “zero waste” thing and you know-this video just spoke SO MUCH LIFE to me. It really spoke to my perfectionism issues (which have affected my life horribly before). You’re such an inspiration and I love your videos-keep doing what you’re doing!!
Thank you Shelby to creating this video. I started my zero waste journey because I wanted to make a difference in my life in various ways. I hate that ppl feel like if they only concentrate on their trash that they are zero waste. I joined the movement as a way to make me feel accountable for all aspects. This includes water and energy consumption, volunteering, educating others, bringing up various issues concerning climate change, plastic pollution, and the oil industry. As someone who worked closely with the non-profit sector, I feel disgusted when people don't see the need to help others who are less fortunate than we are.
YAS! I always appreciate the variety of topics you cover. Thank you so much for your support and all the work you do 💙
Agreed
I'm so glad you made this video! One thing I've noticed when trying to replace my normal plastic or wasteful household tools for the zero waste alternaitves are that alot of these products are made in 3rd world countries with no standard labor laws or regulations. I don't want to support those types of companies and practises, but I've noticed a lot of other influencers don't talk about that stuff. Those people in third world countries that are sacrificing their livelihood and overall health so we can have zero waste alternatives here in a first world country? I don't think that's right.
Morgan Funderburg agreed.
Great video!
My problem with zero waste movement was that it was only focusing on the packaging, not what is in the inside... for example I am not going to buy something that came from thousand of miles away from me, just because it is package free. I am going to buy the local option even if it is already wrapped in plastic
I completely agree with you. I'm not going to buy products that aren't organic/or that have GMO's just because they are zero waste. Lots of hygienic products can be found zero waste, but when it comes to food it can be quite difficult. I would rather choose a healthier food item, and attempt to recycle those materials that came with it.
I totally agree! I've been wanting to focus on the clashing ideas like that for a video.
Thank you for this! I have had so much anxiety around my solid waste! I never thought I could be zero waste because of my lifestyle and I felt so guilty, but now I feel like every effort I make is a worthy one. Thank you so much. I think it's important that we have a mindset of "low impact" so that anyone feels like they can produce less waste and make a healthy impact on the planet in this way. "Zero waste" feels so intimidating and isolating and doesn't inspire much community.
I couldn't have seen this at a more apt time. I was just sharing about the guilt associated with zero waste, and how it perpetuates this constant feeling of not being good enough. Thanks for being so honest and being brave enough to say how you truly feel about this.
This all makes sense. Also you should talk about getting involved with businesses (small or large) about say NO to plastic. Learning how to voice your thoughts more and louder!!!! To vote for the right people, to tell companies to stop doing the least when they CAN do better. Thanks for the vid ❤❤❤
Thank you shelbi for this video. I am disabled and vegan, & have always felt like I needed to sacrifice my health as being disabled for the sake of this movement. I do buy prepackaged fruits and vegetables as sometimes it can be very hard for me to use products that aren't already prepared. My medications, and some of the things I need everyday I couldn't find in zero waste forms so this is so refreshing to see. I was feeling very down about how my living situation impacts the earth but the points you made made so much sense. Thank you so much. I think the focus as you said SHOULD be on what you're doing to help, not being perfect. ❤
Two years later and this is completely true just over a year ago I was completely obsessed over this movement for about 2 months. It all started with the vsco girl straw thing and it led to me seriously considering taking my life so I would make less of an impact at 13 years old. I would cry for hours about how much of an impact I was making and would eat less than a meal a day to because the only food available to me was in plastic so for days I would eat only watermelon because it was the closest thing to zero waste I had available (only the sticker on it) I would sit in my room with the lights off, everything unplugged and would just cry for hours because I didn't was to waste energy or break things. This movement is important but no so important that people should be considering taking their life over it especially children who don't know how much they are harming themselves
I feel you. I just started to get into zero waste ideas too. I found myself avoiding from going to public places to shop/eat. Everytime they serve a glass of water with a plastic straw, it makes me feel guilty. I know even if I refuse, it will go straight to the trash can.
this is going to make the movement much more accessible and inclusive and i'm all for it
I like hearing this video ! I have been trying to be more conscious of what I buy like trying to
Use coffee grounds instead of the k cups. No makeup wipes I use natural cleanser and a rag . Or making sure that I reuse jars or make sure I use reusable bags. It’s baby steps and I watch many people who support it and I love it ! I think it would be cool if people came together and started community composting , since I know most trash I have comes from food stuffs but as a student I don’t have my own composting area haha . Love this vid
this makes me feel so much better. I've been unhealthily obsessed with zero waste lately. eveytime I''d buy something (even just doing the shopping) I'd feel so bad just because i can't always find plastic free options. As a university student on a budget who shares the expenses with other 2 people, it is so hard to do always the more eco friendly choice, because I can't make all the decisions on my own (and sometimes it can get pretty pricey).
I love what sustainably vegan is doing because she wants to focus on other topics, and celebrate our victories (as smallas they may seem) instead of hating ourselves for our mistakes.
I'm so happy you're joining too
Your story is the exact reason I am so excited about this shift. It can become too over whelming to try to be perfect and I fear that this could cause people to drop off rather than keep trying.
Thank you so much for all of your support.
😍
Thank you. As a disabled person, I get so frustrated with the zero waste movement. It's not inclusive at all, and often views stuff I need as wasteful luxuries. Like my electric toothbrush or plastic tooth flossers or my prechopped veg, and especially my disposable plastic straws.
If I didn't produce waste, I wouldn't be alive. My tablets come in plastic blister packs. It's not possible to do without them and not die.
I worked in a nightclub and I can tell you that regardless of whether people ask for straws or not, eventually those straws have to get thrown out and replaced for hygiene reasons (and that's only if they are sitting there for long periods of time which i can assure people they aren't because every night we would have to put more straws in the holders because people kept using them). And there's also soooo many boxes of them in the cellars, along with piles of soda bottles kept together in plastic packaging. That's not going to change any time soon as much as anybody would like it to. So even if you choose to have a straw or not, in a nightclub/bar/restaurant it doesn't really make a difference and nobody should feel bad for using one. I think we can all strive to try use as little waste as possible in our everyday lives as every little helps, but nobody should be made to feel bad about things that are out of their control.
this is the first video of yours ive watched and i love it! ive been looking into becoming "zero waste" but i realized quickly that it was impossible to really be zero waste, and i got overwhelmed by all the suggestions from youtube videos on changes to make. some changes are just not feasible with my lifestyle and where i live, etc. but i think its more important to make the changes we CAN make and not worry about being the perfect zero waste activist. if everybody just does something, itll mean a lot more for the planet than a handful of people doing everything. but i love this video, especially since it felt really genuine and relaxed, i felt like i was sitting with a friend and chatting :)
WOWZERS!! I have given up *sort of* as you explained here, "it is out of my control". So I do the best I can. Thank you for labeling it as "perfectionism" cuz that is the truth. That can feed anxiety... I look forward to the next chapter!
I stumbled upon this content in my newsfeed and am very grateful that i did. I agree strongly with your points and advice. Water is HUGE! I mention it in my video "27 Recycling Tips". I have always felt a certain anxiety about trying to be zero waste and couldnt agree more with your opinions. I also do feel it is inspiring and eye opening for one to simply educate themselves and make the best lifestyle choices they can without feeling preassured to be completely zero waste. Great video and message dear! 😊🙏💚💚💚🌿
Saw a few of your anti haul videos but after watching this I instantly subscribed!! Thank you for keeping it real and honest!
I’m incredibly happy I found this video. I’ve been having this mental challenge and anxiety about all the waste I make, and this video has relieved a lot of it!
Thank you for saying this out loud. That we dont have to be or aim for perfect or beating ourselves up when we somehow make some kind of waste. I feel sooo bad every time I "mess up" and I'm tired of being focused on what I'm not doing right/enough and not being able to call myself an environmentalist just because I'm not 100% zero waste. Thank you for lightening my shoulders a bit. Let's focus on what we actually DO for the environment, share it and cheer on each other💪#thelowimpactmovement
This is what I have always said in my videos. It's okay to not be perfect, perfection doesn't exist.
Every little thing you does makes a difference and to be proud of what you can do and that you want to make changes.
I agree with this 100% I’ve been trying to go zero waste for a few months now and not being able to be perfect at it has not actually deterred me from the movement bc I know I can’t go completely 0 waste but it makes it hard when explaining it to other people. So I started saying I’m going minimal waste, trying to create as little waste as possible and not to have an excess of things I don’t need. Calling it minimal waste has helped me keep on track with it and also helped others have an open mind about it! Thank you for bringing this to light
Change what you can, deal with what you cant, and be wise enough to know the difference. I'm fairly new to this movement and the term "zero waste" has kinda stressed me out because everywhere I turn in my apartment, there's plastic. My blender, my favorite pens, some of the materials in my clothes, and EVERYTHING in my bathroom. I am determined to not let these things overwhelm me and it's astonishing that something as simple as changing the term can make such a difference in relieving that pressure. I will continue to progress in lowering my impact, thank you for the video.
this discussion is so important! too many people believe that issues like waste are individual problems, when they’re ultimately the effects of capitalism, overproduction, etc. treating such huge issues as a reflection personal convictions can be exclusive and classist
Thank you so much for switching focus from perfectionist zero-wasting to trying to motivate people to pay more mind to issues like energy and resource consumption. These are problems that tend to be sidelined next to the more instagrammable topics of zero-waste and bulk-store quinoa. It's not just about touting the size of your five-year trash jar, but also whether you bothered to turn off the lights when leaving the bathroom. I'd love to see you expand on the subject of, e.g., water consumption, or sustainable food production practices.
This is my first time visiting your channel, and I'm curious to see more videos of yours. Cheers!
I love this, you're totally right that 'zero-waste' doesn't provoke people to think about their water or electricity usage, their gas consumption, or plenty of others things that don't come to us wrapped in plastic. This is a more whole, and more pragmatic, approach and also more inclusive of those that can't access every earth-friendly thing or take the most green path every single time.
You mention those that don't have access to bulk buying, but there's also been a lot of backlash here in the UK about supermarkets and pre-cut and prepared food with zero-waste-ers condemning people for buying them (like caluiflower cut into 'steaks' and wrapped in plastic). Some pointed out with this issue that many people with motor disabilities need these kinds of products to live independently and to make healthy food choice (i.e. those that experience a lot of pain or simply can't chop up produce for themselves). I know that's one group of people and one issue, but we need to consider other people and their experiences in everything we do and everything we advocate, especially when it's a matter of making the planet a better place to live *for everyone* :)
First video I watch from your channel! CONGRATS!! Thanks for stepping up and say the truths nobody (or very few people) talks about. Life is always about balance, priorities and rationality. Keep going!
At first I was really offended by the title, but the ideas and beliefs in this video have really inspired me to try to create less waste, because I'm not intimidated by the term zero waste anymore. Thank you so much for challenging these ideas and liberating me. :)
this is important and i really appreciate your perspective. i'm just getting into making some changes to reduce my waste and i'm already kind of turned off by the perfect pantry pictures and how everyone makes their lifestyle look so clean and put together. it ain't like that! we just do what we can, make practical changes, inform ourselves as much as possible and keep talking to each other about it.
Thank you so much! I'm not very active on YT but had to comment. I'm in SA and water conservation is HUGE here. Protecting our pollinators is huge! ZW is amazing and it's a wonderful thing to strive for, but I agree that ZW is not the only pressing issue here - 'rebranding' the movement as something more inclusive will hopefully help others to stop and think beyond what waste they produce - to think of their overall impact on our environment and on each other. In.gredients in Austin just briefly touches on this general idea on their website and it's absolutely a good point and something to mentally chew on. Thank you so much for the video!
Yo found this video because I was on a 'related videos' hopping spree. Love this so much. I've always had an issue with these 'movements' because of demonization and lack of consideration for those who can't be 'perfect' in their efforts to do what they can. I agree these sustainability movements based on an individual based level should exist but we should be supporting the little movements, not arguing when someone needs a straw because they can't lift the glass or have seizure disorders. Thank you for voicing your opinion on here in such an articulate manner and giving some space for others to try to do the same.
This was very interesting! The low impact movement sounds great!
I completely agree with you! I've recently joined the zero waste movement, but I'm not zero waste. I still buy snacks sometimes, I buy produce in plastics sometimes and I sometimes forget to bring bags to the supermarket. What I mean is that I am adopting everything I can from the zero waste movement, but sometimes it goes wrong. We're only humans. And as a biologist, thank you for bringing up the environmental problems. What I try to do is to connect the minimalist/zero waste lifestyle with biology - how some aspects of our lifestyles are wrecking the planet. Keep inspiring
I appreciate this video!!! I’ve been wanting to start slowly swapping things in my daily life for a “zero waste” lifestyle. I’ve been researching and looking into productions and it’s so overwhelming!! As someone who lives with mental illness the stress of taking care of myself is a daily struggle let alone the daily stress of trying to be zero waste in the sense of “perfectionism” It’s like I don’t wanna start because I don’t wanna fail! So so so so glad I came across this video I am definitely ready to get started now! Thanks for the encouragement!
I followed Sustainably Vegan then recently found and followed you and you are both fantastic! I was so glad when she changed from Zero Waste. We don’t have much control over packaging (Aldi is a prime example, affordable great quality veggies, but soooo much plastic!) we do, however, have control over how much food we waste. If we minimise packaging when possible and stop wasting food we are making huge strides in the right direction. Keep fighting, you’re amazing xx
A video like this is something I'm sorely missing from a big part of a so-called "environment community" social media, and that's self-criticism. I see so many videos where people go "We should all be doing this thing because of this and that", but no one talks about the potential downsides of these movements. I understand why, because obviously they want to promote any aspect of the environmentally friendly lifestyle and don't want to scare anyone away, but I still thing it's important to be honest and critical and ask ourselves if what we're doing is actually the right thing to do. Thanks for taking one for the team, subscribed!
I've just watched a few videos about zero waste and what captured my attetion a lot was that they were very often going to the shop by their massive SUV cars, which are obviously runned by fossil fuels (or maybe electricity, but this is again very often made by burning things). I'm very happy you made this video. I am from a small town, and it's impossible to buy everything here unpacked. Thank you a lot! :)
It has been stressful, but then I stepped back and said to myself this pressure is so unrealistic and impossible for most. However if people can start working slowly over time to reduce even 30% of their waste in various was it will make a bigger impact. Today's society is so hyperactive and we feel we need to be guilty for everything under the sun. I love your videos and you come off more real than most. Straws were really never a hard thing to give up since I hardly use them (that is fact), but other items was shocking and it said a lot to me that I can change over time. I also noticed that the term zero waste became a way to buy buy buy and not think. It was get this do this. We all need to stop, think, and plan and be patient with ourselves. You rock and happy to sub your channel.
New sub ! Thank you so much for this video you have really helped me feel less guilt and defeat about trying to use less waste. It’s just not possible for most people to be 0 waste and I’m so happy you brought this up xox
I'm so glad to see this video ! I'm actually following some zero waste influencers, and I'm surprised to see how much they use their car, the plane... Trying to reduce your waste is fine, but it's not worth to try to be perfect only on this area. I believe that we should do small possible things in ALL the aspect of our lives.
I'm really happy for this video. I'm Brazilian and here is really hard be zero waste and is expansive. Besides, I work in a biology lab and a lot of stuff we use are disposable and there's nothing we can do about that because of the biological risk. I see so many people saying how awesome and necessary is be zero waste, but working on a lab or leaving in Brasil turn the tips really hard to follow and it's really nice and kind hear that it's ok not being completely zero waste and definitely not our fault, exclusively. Thank you for this video
Thank you so much for making this. I want to transition to zero waste but living in a rural area make it super hard. I really appreciate this.
For the past 30 years, our family we have called all of these things "going green". I have been doing many of these things even longer as a child. It isn't so much a movement but a way of life. I like be your comments today
I'm completely with you on the zero waste issue.
"Sexy" topics was a good one!
Keep doing what you're doing. You're awesome!
I went to the store the other day and only purchased about 6 items. I told the woman bagging “I’ll just put those in my bag, no need to bag them!” She looked at me, looked at my bag, and starting putting the items in the bag. She put two cans in one bag, a bottle in another, took those two bags, and put them in another bag together. I left the store with six bags for really know reason. Sometimes waste in unavoidable but I don’t think we should feel guilty about it. Live and let learn.
I'm on board with you Shelbie! I'm so proud of you and Sustainably Vegan. Also found out RUclips unsubscribed me from your channel. Not sure what is going on with the tube but I do not want to miss out on your content.
I am glad you are out there talking to people, you have a great message. I have been trying to bring these ideas out on my blog especially that every little thing counts.
Thank you for taking the words right out of my head and making it into a video!! So very true!!
Every little bit helps 💚😁👍
In addition to waste reduction I also believe that we can do more collectively, especially those who have more influence leading the way. We can demand changes to our favorite brands/companies for a reduction to their impact like compostable packing and a reduction in packaging, etc. Together we can make a change!! 😁
I think we all should have a ”zero” waste life style as much as you can. If youre a makeup artist then try to eat things zero waste. Or if you need to eat things that only has plastic packages you can have your hygene routine zero waste. Its enough that you try💕
Can i say i love this whole low impact movement. It makes a lot of sense. I was just talking to my sister about how the zero waste movement alienates people who dont fall into this very specific category of being vegan or vegetarian, who arent able to buy 100% organic whole foods, or who cannot avoid plastic. I think every little tiny bit helps and its unrealistic to expect people to do all of those things. Lots of people cant afford to be zero waste or vegan. Sometimes meat diets are cheaper. Sometimes walmart is the best place to shop for your family...i know because this is how i grew up...i can afford better food now but i dont expect my mom and her family to change and I'd never shame them for their choices. And im not vegetarian either my husband and i dont always eat meat but if he wants to then im not going to shame him or force him to eat the way i want him to.
This is a great video! In our society it's really close to impossible to go zero waste but there really is something every single one of us can do to preserve our beautiful planet. Thanks for making this video!
thanks for this amazing video! instead of "zero waste (movement)" I say "less waste (movement)", it takes away a lot of pressure!
This is awesome! I watched your videos less because I was finding it really hard to be zero waste. I felt guilty. But this is so true. My husband always tells me our decision to not get plastic grocery bags is not going to save the Earth, he points to the corporations. Every single thing has plastic packaging in the grocery store and not everyone can afford getting all things from the farmers market, especially if you have a large family to feed. Low impact is much more doable. That's what we've been doing. Yes, we can use reusable grocery bags, but we need to focus on other little things we can do, like bike to the corner store or buy what we can in cans and glass. I really loved your water video. These videos are necessary. I would really love videos on different recycling streams. Like, I have 2 huge piles of junk fabric, stained clothes. I refuse to throw out or donate for fear of it going to landfill. We need to know where we can send these plastics. Where can we send our stained kids clothes. I hear that clothes can be recycled into carpet underlayment, but where do we send? I don't want my junk going to Africa and polluting their area. Thanks for all you do.
I’ve felt this way for a lonngggg time! I have cut my waste down to as much as I can! I’ve been done stressing over it and just telling people what I know and doing my best every day!
I think people take "Zero Waste" so perfectionist, which is not supposed to be, zero waste is definetely the goal but we're all human. Everyone has their own journey & this has be iterated by many zero waste influencers. A new movement isn't needed, just reiterate that zero waste isn't perfection. Because life isn't perfection.
I think its very important to try the best you can with anything that you are doing (regardless of what it is or what the label is) but to take it slow. As human beings, we are easily overwhelmed. Focus on changing one thing at a time to make your life better (and the lives of other beings) and then slowly add in other things. Before you know it you'll be where you have always wanted to be. Nothing in life happens instantly, there is always a process, just know that you got this!
I liked the things you said in this video so much! It's true, is not hot to talk about water consumption and other as important topics. The Zero Waste movement kinda trended, and that's good, more people got aware of the issue, but it started to be too radical. I mean, we live in a productive and consuming logic, there is no way to escape that, it's a standard impossible to achieve. Our goal as individuals should be to, yes, reduce waste as much as we can, but not live in order to do that. We need to find a balance between living as we do and care for the environment and go progressively to a point where we live a sustainable and practical life.
I love this point of view. This is definitely how I've felt about zero waste and veganism. It upsets me that so many people are scared away from making any attempt to improve the environment from extremists that feel the need to tell people that they aren't a good person if they don't go all in.
Zero-waste for me is a challenge that I choose to have every single day. Nobody is perfect: Even if we can't avoid trash completely, trying to reduce it to a minimum is already a big win.
I love this! It's so realistic and even more beneficial to the planet! I always like to weigh the costs and benefits of doing something zero waste. It would be more beneficial to spend your time trying to get other people to reduce their waste or (more importantly) trying to get corporations to reduce their waste than it would be to spend time making your own toothpaste (for example). My university recently started composting everything in their dining halls. That's super huge, but took a lot of time and effort from students to convince them to do that. If all those students spent all their time living perfectly zero waste, the school wouldn't have started composting. The school composting is more beneficial than those tens of people living perfectly zero waste. It's important to do what's most effective, not what's most insta-worthy.
It’s good to see you begin to grow and admit where you are wrong. Hopefully with experience and a bit of life behind you you’ll keep growing, changing and learning. You’ll begin to see that learning doesn’t stop when college is over and that your chosen field of study doesn’t qualify you for much outside of where it got you employment . I can tell you’re a person who doesn’t like to admit when you’re wrong and it’s commendable to see you do so. The tact you were using was polarizing and at times you behaved like a person of privilege who chose to get dirty for the cause as long as you didn’t have to go near a Walmart or really any “common” place short or whole paycheck (whole foods), that you were able to profit off of that cause and that was the least of your troubling attitudes. Hopefully your new path will be more constructive.
I've been thinking about this a lot recently becuase I was feeling guilty that I buy things that come in packaging, then I came to the realisation that I live on a really tight budget and there is literally nothing I can do sometimes! I have to feed my family, we don't have the budget to buy huge amounts of food in bulk, I have to buy from the supermarket and all I can do is my best to recycle, eat local produce and buy second hand. We need to put more pressure on the big corporations to make the changes to the way they package things, and get them to reduce waste. Thanks for this video x
Something I've rarely seen addressed is producing glass and metal products has a much larger environmental impact than producing plastic does. That is not to say that we shouldn't buy glass or metal - both can be recycled infinitely whereas plastic can only be recycled a maximum of twice - but it is still a factor to consider when buying certain products and yet no one seem to talk about it.
Kudos to you for having courage to speak out about the much famous 'zero waste' movement. Although its good, but its so true that because of so much directed focus you might lose sight of bigger picture. For e.g. a lot of zero waste people consume a lot of fresh water just because they dont want to produce solid waste.