Zero Waste Is Not the Only Solution - 4 Tips to Have a Bigger Impact
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- Опубликовано: 17 май 2024
- 4 zero waste alternatives to help you have an impact without making massive lifestyle changes! While you're here, help Ecosia plant trees around the world by searching the internet: ecosia.co/explore
We're huge fans of the zero waste movement and we think that it's attracting important attention to the global garbage and plastic pollution crisis. But we know not everyone is able or wants to take on the zero waste lifestyle because it's a pretty big commitment.
There are lots of other things that non zero wasters can do have an impact, have their voices heard, and make positive changes.
We think that by going to the source and connecting with/emailing the companies who are creating unnecessary waste, we can have a bigger impact than just avoiding a specific product.
In addition, making sure that our communities are doing everything they can to run an effective waste management program where we live (recycling, composting, etc) will go a long way to reducing the amount of trash being sent to landfills.
Picking up trash and reducing our own waste are other things we can do to help local wildlife and to make a difference in our area.
Here are links to the resources we mentioned in the video:
Video - 12 Cheap and Easy Tips for Reducing Your Waste:
• 12 Cheap & Easy Tips f...
Greenpeace Petition for supermarkets to ditch plastic packaging:
www.greenpeace.org/canada/en/...
Tadashi Kawamata Over Flow art installation at the MAAT in Lisbon:
www.maat.pt/en/exhibitions/ta...
A Plastic Ocean documentary (on Netflix and Amazon):
aplasticocean.movie/
Bunz money-free trading app:
www.bunz.com/explore
Thanks for watching!
Mat & Danielle
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CREDITS
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Music & Song Credits:
All music in this video was composed, performed, and recorded by Mat of Exploring Alternatives.
Editing Credits:
Mat and Danielle of Exploring Alternatives
Filming Credits:
Mat of Exploring Alternatives 
Хобби
This was such a gentle and simple/non judgemental way to encourage people new to no-waste living to get involved!
Nll.
So well said , couldn't agree with you more!! Appreciated!!
Well said! I love those sustainability promoting trends. But as nice as it is to see people doing zero waste challenge or going vegan to reduce carbon footprint. This is not something easy for people that 2 minutes ago didn’t know those tree huggers are not doing that just for their love for nature. But there real systemic issues that affect everyone. And yes. I know people like that. And since I’m changing my career I’m meeting a lot of people like that. Which is kind mind boggling to see so many people that has no idea of the reasoning behind those actions.
So to me now a days. The simple the better.
@ⵜⴰⵏⵉⵔⵉ Taniri ok i can see your point and i can agree, maybe with ONE condition. Question mark. Don't forget the question mark. '' we are ruining the planet " are we? I mean isn't life itself ruining the possibility of life at(in) the long run ? Think about oblivion, when the Sun will stop being loving to life on Earth ! I love what Byron Katie says about jugement. It is a good think to explore when we feel the need to go deeper (when suffering is not helpful !) Has suffering been helpful at all ? In your life ? In mine ? I wouldn't say suffering is unhelpful but i don't want to inflict or self inflict (create) suffering ! At least not volontarily ! ( ..., ... ) _ To me, the author Byron Katie is the Queen for unraveling the feeling of (and the need) for separation. (When it creates suffering) please see the process she called 'The Work'. Very easy, efficient+loving.
@ⵜⴰⵏⵉⵔⵉ Taniri '' the key to freedom is to conclude every judgement by a question mark '' B.K. (Byron Katie)
a reminder to everyone:
1) recycling is good....but still it takes resource/energy to recycle
2) reuse is better
3) but LESS use is even better.
4) zero waste is perfection.....but not usually realistic.
this is called the Hierarchy of Environmental Consumption
kamehamewhat refuse packaging
Reduce, Reuse, Reclaim, Repurpose, Recycle. IN THAT ORDER!
Refuse, reuse, reduce, recycle
You forgot about composing (rot)
@@aliyatamarin8208 that's indian policy...they call it jugaad
I work in multiple areas of the food industry, and she's 100% right: *Please* contact food providers to let them know you want more ecological/healthier products.
It gives us confidence that we'll have enough supportive customers to survive the cost increase, and it gives *us* ammo to talk to our suppliers and tell them we want better options.
Most people entering the food business right now are very conscientious, so it's safe to assume it makes us happy to see demand for better packaging.
I think smaller businesses will be able to reduce waste with these calls. But I worked at McDonalds for a few years... And we used to donate a lot of our stuff to the food bank, etc., When we switched menus, and needed to get rid of our unused (uncooked) food. The reason we stopped (as is with many chains) is somebody sued for food poisoning. Whether or not the food poisoning actually occured (I mean, we were donating frozen foods that were then made by the food bank itself), the potential for loss doesn't fly. Profit is the bottom line, and being sued (bad press, loss of money) doesn't help that. I've heard this from grocery stores, other restaurants (not even chains), etc., Humans have become so insanely selfish that places can't be better anymore. Absolutely outrageous. In my city itself, theres a bill being passed to BAN single use plastics. So all the McDonald's in my city won't be able to use plastic cutlery, straws, etc.,
So I think a huge part is signing and creating petitions, and getting the pressure on local reps. She's right about this.
It's good to know companies take notice
@@issyrosenthal9100 Convince your friends to do the same, or write a post on Facebook for your friends to see: the more letters they receive the less they can ignote you
I got to ask, if a company turned bulk isnt it cheaper for the company? I mean I guess you wod have to ivest in bulks and in bulk transport but isnt it cheaper in the long run to not have wrappings? To find your own local farmers to give unpackaged goods to the shop? Shouldnt it be cheaper?
❤️
I remember my grandmother having a two wheeled manual cart, she just went out with it and a couple of big knitted bags and got the groceries for her whole family. Zero waste isn't new. It's just us that have to remember.
Emiliano Márquez go to any Italian or Spanish city and everybody has such a cart. In Austria, where I live it's more of a thing that only elderly people use, so me and my SO use cloth bags and rucksacks because it's kind of dorky to use a cart here when you're under 60.
But in Italy and Spain all the young people have those, too. It's totally normal.
I live in Poland and most of elder people still use those. Sometimes even young people (mostly women/mothers around 30 years old) use them as well. You can buy modern ones with cool designs and so on. And also - it is such a relief to just roll a basket instead of cutting off your fingers with 10 plastic bags.
right!, in our area, old folks bring "bayong" ( a bag made by weaving dried leaves ) for their purchases in local markets.. we get too comfortable with using plastics, that we forgot to realize that we're passing the inconvenience to the mother earth.. :( sad
it's never too late to start,. I just recently started going way lesser plastic use/wastes and 'ecobricked' the plastics I can't avoid.. it puts a smile on my face afterwards.. at least I've helped slowly but surely..
@@jyanalice totally awesome!
The companies created this waste
You've got to love France since 2016 it has been illegal for supermarkets to dump foods that have reached their 'sell by' date. The food has to go to charities etc., Amazing.
France’s government is doing good, in my country air pollution levels are high, and their is no such thing as recycling :( I’m starting a Facebook page to help people to go zero waste, and I’m even trying to contact our prime minister, it seems impossible right now, but I’m trying to make a difference
@@shubi2339 That is brilliant. Good Luck. I do little things in my life not simply for me but for our community too. If everyone makes a contribution we make a difference. Ironic it is poverty that is driving people to do some of the best things because they are cheap. Rewilding that is planting trees on high ground for water percolation and flood prevention (creates as a by product habitats for wildlife and oxygen and holds carbon), food forests, permaculture, reed beds for purifying sewage and lakes etc., Africa's big Green Wall to prevent the spread of dessertification, the Tiny House movemnt, solar energy etc., Some may say why bother? It is too little, too late, but that's apathy.
shubi same. I live in China and it is very difficult and easy to get discouraged by the pollution and waste :(
@@shubi2339
That is GREAT to hear.. U should be very proud 😁😁😁😁
@@shubi2339 never give up. It always starts with a few ppl asking for a change. 15 years ago, waste was not a topic at all in France, and now, many single use plastic items are or will soon be banned (plastic plates, cups, cutlery, cotton swabs, straws, drink sticks, balloon stems, oxodegradable plastic, expanded polystyrene food containers, etc.).
I think it is also extremely important to inform people that it is better using what you already have! I am so annoyed about people buying those sporks when we all have perfectly good cutlery at home that can be wrapped in a napkin ready to use outside. People are buying those pretty aluminium containers when they have plastic ones already. What happens to those? They get thrown out. I am not saying everyone does this but i have heard and seen many people who do it. People buy jarred produce such as jam and chuck those containers and buy mason jars.
I guess my point is, reuse as much as you can instead of buying new aesthetic versions.
This comment is quite on point.
I already have a Tupperware drinking bottle myself and I've been using it for the past 5 years. It's not your usual aesthetic zero waste water container, considering it's a tubular neon green-yellow plastic thing, but it works. Now one of the edge of the lid is ripped because of old age and I'm thinking of purchasing a Ikea-styled water jug made from glass and wood, not only for the aesthetic, but also for its sustainability.
That's exactly what comes to my mind when I see all those fancy stainless steel containers! Or the mason jar thing, so annoying!
I see your point and I do agree with you, we should reconsider our purchases if they´re based only on instagramability of an item and current hype about it. Re-using what we already have would be the first step of everybody interested in reducing waste, obviously. Even though, I´ve bought new glass containers for storing cooked food in the fridge after I´ve learnt that standard plastic boxes I own since I left my parent´s house release small amounts of toxic phtalates into the food. Sure, more research is still to be done but it seems that using plastic boxes regularly leads to consumption of these phtalates and they contribute to many health issues in the western world. They might also have an impact on a fetus which leads to its problems with development, as recent research shows. I really want to have children so I´m trying to make my body a good place for their start in this world :)
Just keep what you have, Then add more.
Natalie M agree!👍❤️
Although i prefer to drink from glass if i can. Plastic can contaminate your water. (or at least choose BPA free ) i dont use metal neither. But If im out all day, i usually dont carry the glass... But make exception..
My local council, Hobart - Tasmania, just voted to ban single use plastics! A first for Australia. Hopefully the start of a bigger change.
I wish the rest of Australia would do that too.
WA banned them 6 months ago
@@gavinhall3669 WA banned single use plastic bags. Hobart has banned single use plastics, like straws, cutlery, packaging etc. We banned bags a years ago.
I'm so glad to hear that!
Andi Rides what do your diabetics do
Some members of my family went to the beach for my nieces birthday and they split in two teams and competed with each other to see who cleared away the most trash! The winning team received tickets to the local movie theater! We had a blast! We removed six full and one partial lawn and leaf sized garbage bags! The pity is there was an entire row of recycling bins within easy walking distance of the beach!
Oh, this is such a wonderful idea! Thank you for sharing this.
This is a good idea! I want to try this with my family
danajonesx3 ....It was a fun outing, that all ages could participate in at any level they were able. Please do try it! It can do nothing but help the environment and give the family an extra reason to get together!
That’s a great idea!! Will try with my family
Nero P ...I hope you have as much fun as we did!
Great video! In Germany there is an app called replace plastic with which you can scan products and then the app writes a mail to the company that a packaging without plastic is required.
Tereza how cool is that 😱💚
Please what is the name of the app please?
The app called "replace plastic" but I think it only works in Germany.@@hopeomonkhegbele4958
Thanks I live in Germany. That was why I asked
Cool, then have fun with it!@@hopeomonkhegbele4958
As a dumpster diver, I see first-hand how much food ends up in the dumpster. We need more businesses donating food and more composting programs!
Excellent point. I think Olio was the first app to address this issue head-on. It's now spreading around the world quite fast. I've been talking with a Canadian member of the Olio community that's struggling to spread the word and reach businesses about how much perfectly edible food they throw away. I've pointed this woman in the direction of this channel - for inspiration, and possibly to make contact with Mat and Danielle. As for yourself, maybe check out Olio too and you'll see how much food waste is being reduced already, not just from households but also from the high streets.
@Amy Sternheim You allude to a good point.... Most of us throw out food that's gone bad every week. Being more careful about the quantities we buy is the first step. And then, as you mention... keep an eye on what's getting "old" in the refrigerator... use it first if you can, before it spoils.
I have a dehydrator, too as a "last step". An aging, wrinkly tomato or pepper, a bruised apple, over ripe bananas, old grapes... all get dehydrated and turned into fruit snacks or dry veggies for soups
There is a business that picks up food from small grocery stores,catering halls, even fast food places that dump food to close like Little Ceasar. She collects it and gives it to the homeless
@@SocaMusicLova1 Which unfortunately is ILLEGAL in many areas.
@@OakKnobFarm It depends on where you live but in the United States, according to the 1988 Supreme Court Ruling (California vs. Greenwood) the act of 'dumpster diving' is legal. The only way it can be illegal is if a local town or city has rendered it so.
A lady in Scotland has started Paws on Plastic on FB - dog owners pledging to pick up 2 pieces of plastic every time we take our dogs out - it’s spreading 😊
If only dog owners stopped throwing bagged , nicely tied in poo into the ditch.... I'd be so thankfull. I promise to pick other plastic for them if they stop polluting the environment....
Tanya, responsible owners do dispose of it correctly. Unfortunately there are irresponsible people who don't. Thank goodness the majority are decent citizens 🙂
A man in the Netherlands (my country) taught his dog to hunt for plastic bottles and started a movement to get other dog owners to teach it to their dogs as well. It's a fun game for the dogs and the environment becomes cleaner.
I'm disabled so living zero waste is pretty hard for me but I still try to do as much as I can. Plus I'm vegan so that helps the earth a lot.
That's awesome!
You're doing the best you can despite disability and that's inspiring as heck!
@Violet Heavensbee I dont have the same amount of energy to make everything from scratch, some things for my health only come in plastic, and somethings I can't make or do because of being disabled. I am luckier than others tho. Like I can chop my own fruits and veggies most of the time which other people can't always do. I don't need straws like some people with disabilities do and so on. There are countless reasons why certain disabilities could make zero waste living hard or even impossible for some people. Also most people with disabilities don't have the same amount of energy that abled bodied people do, so we may not be able to make all our meals, we may need to order in or buy a meal that comes in plastic.
Every bit counts. Your efforts save the planet.
Same problem here. I'm disabled and have to use online grocery pick up. They can't fathom another way of picking my groceries simply without a million plastic bags. So upsetting!
I live in the north of sweden and i love what my city (and country) is doing. We have great recycling and even our busses drive with biogas made from waste. The city provides compostable bags made from corn and have a lot of recycling bins all over town.
And today we learned that those buses are really explosive. (Thankfully the bus was empty and the driver was only hurt)
AmekiTV any bus is explosive if you crash it like that.....
No nornal bus would explode like that from having its roof hit a metal beam.
@@izzy19 Jag är också så jäkla stolt och tacksam ^_^
I wish my country would just show somekind of interest in enviromental issues. People just can't understand the importancy of this issues. I don't blame them, but no one shows not even a little interest on the subject.
Here in Oslo I prefer coffeeshops that reward customers that bring their own beverage containers 🙌
Which coffee shops here in Oslo have these rewards? Then I'll know which ones to go to.
Being rewarded for bringing your own beverage containers is very common here in England. It's a good scheme and I see many people taking advantage of it.
Michael Olsen Pret and Costa (in the UK) remove 50p from your order cost per reusable cup. Not sure if you have them in Oslo but..
Second hand clothes is a form of recycling. I only buy new underwear and shoes..... for health reasons.
also, if you have any clothing you haven't worn in two years, or more, best to donate or trade with others that might be able to.
I'm a thrift queen all the way!
Mostly my clothes are 2 nd hand clothes.its my way to be stepping stone to help mother earth.😇
Hey! It’s super cool! I just like to add that they’re brand new shoes in second hand market. On Vinted for example, some people buy the wrong size and then resell shoes. I’ve got a lot of shoes like that, never used and for a better price :)
(Sorry for my english)
That’s re-using. Recycling is when the object suffered a transformation. People usually confuse this two 😉
I use the Ecosia app on my phone when I have to search anything. Zero-waste isn’t the only solution but it is part of the solution, and that’s what counts! I want to start up a compost swap company/movement where you bring vegetable/fruit compostables to local participating farmers in containers(given by organization) in exchange for food. 1lb of compostable material for 3/4-1 lb worth of food.
GoldenPanda3x3 Good luck, it’s a great idea! Hope you manage to do it :)
you're amazing!!
Hope it works out for you!💚💚
I did the no. 1 tip by myself last year. Unfortunately in Thailand, Big companies only have feedback page in their website only for decoration (some company, it doesn't working at all!). I didn't have any response back from those big companies when I sent feedback about their plastic packaging but there're only one local small company about natural shampoo that I just want to gave feedback to them advice to launch shampoo bar to reduce plastic waste (I do not want to change brand as they product is very good for my hair) and the owner responded back to me politely with valid reason that they can't do it right now due to development quality. I was very impress and still keep being their customer but to avoid creating many plastic bottle. I bought a big gallon for 2 year usage directly from them. It's a good customer experience and they got one loyal customer back nby just replying to the customer.
Shes factual but not dull or boring and a little inspiring... lots of love from England🖐🖐🖐🖐🖐🖐🖐
I've been doing this since the 70s..😁😸🙏🙏🙏🙏🙋
50 years of sustainable living and we're still screwed... go figure
Nice but my Nan has been doing this since the 30's :D
@@syncu7320 Well I would say she's got 40 years on me!Lol...😂😁😀
Yah and my grandparents were doing it during and after the depression so what's your point.
cine pobre ........from one person😒 if a significant amount of people were like Cheril here we would be a lot less screwed.
Government has an important role in recycling, whether local, state, regional, etc. The biggest impact that has on the citizenry is how rules are implemented. Not only are they inconsistent from place to place, but the systems are often too selective. Examples are: a single little stain on a pizza box or paper plate (wont matter), labels left on cans and bottles (theyll burn off when material is melted), a drop of ketchup left in a bottle (same as paper), shiny vs. dull vs. newspaper, plastics identification (were not engineers), size of scrap (a broken plastic chair is too big and they wont say the definition of "big") cardboard is to be flattenned and bundled into a certain measurement (again, size not specified).They dont want string, tape, or anything "incompatiblle", yet wont say what is compatible, yet keeps the bundle intact. I could go on but the point is that consumers dont want to be burdened with how fussy the recycling facility is, especially since theyre often different from each other. These have been some of my own experiences and its all very frustrating. One needs to balance aggravation and being green. Grrr.
I totally agree that waste is a ridiculously bad problem. Just to play devil's advocate though, sometimes prepackaged/prechopped foods are the only way some people can eat them. I have a joint condition, which means I have a variety of difficulties with food. I can't chop most of it, or chew unless it's preshredded (like carrots). There is a lot that able bodied people can do to eliminate waste, but please remember that not everyone getting those products are "lazy." For some of us it is our only option to eat fresh food.
Same here! I battle a back & nerve injury w gait issues & fibromyalgia on top of TMJ. I also can't but canned foods until I can but an electronic can opener, unless they have the tabs on them 2peel the kids open.
I hope u get & stay well as I empathize/sympathize. ♥ 💐
I agree. Also, sometimes the packaged is the only way to buy fresh. I believe there might be government types of health restrictions for food packaging in stores anyway depending on where you live in the USA for example.
Do you not have family around or live with others? Is there not family time to do such things together? I cook with family. I cut for my mom who's hands shake. I visit and I cut anything she wants in the coming days and so on. I think family and friends need to do such things again for each other more so none HAS to rely on precut package items as much if at all.
@@ronnihatcher295 IDK who ur asking, but in case it's not me, I'll just reply that I strongly agree. I had only 1fam member who was highly fam oriented who passed away almost 10yrs ago. The fam went straight down hill since. It's as if I have parents but no siblings left anymore. It's hell.
There's a lot of things like that. companies and/or products start up to fill a particular need and it then become a convenience for everyone. Most people buy it for convenience sake and then complain about the company producing waste.
Take Amazon and other online companies. I live in a very rural area. Sometimes the only way I can get a product is order it online. But there are people who order everything online even when living in the city (usually to save money). And then they complain about Amazon being the cause of job losses!
I agree that a non-confrontational approach to companies that want to keep customers who might otherwise not purchase their products because of packaging can be far more effective than creating what can often be a non-productive adversarial relationship. You've offered some great tips here. Thank you.
Minneapolis has curbside composting! And styrofoam is illegal for restaurants to use. You guys should visit!
Is there anymore places that do stuff... in England we have recycle bins and green bags and bins for food...
@@misslanapford9169 I'm not 100% sure I'm answering your question, but for most places in America food waste isn't separated from other trash, and it all goes to landfill together.
Awesome! I love Minneapolis and Minnesota☺
@@liznotslow
I'm sorry to hear that... I guessing you wish things were different and that they did more...
Lana Hudson Not in England, just where you live. I live in the NW of England and we do not have bins for food waste.
I've been trying to live low waste for a year. This video has a really different perspective besides the usual tips about how to reduce waste!!! Love it
I LOVE the idea of connecting with the company. Important to continue and follow up with that company also to ensure their first reply wasnt just a blow off
This topic has been on my mind for days now. I take my dog out for a long walk every day and have become aware that I can’t go 5 feet without picking up a handful of garbage. This video was the answer I needed to find a starting point. Thank you.
I wished governments took action to ban plastic production but it just wont happen until we realize its the end.
Asya Nigdelioglu I live in Europe and luckily in 2021 there’ll be a new law for one use plastic (e.g. plastic straws, plast forks,..) being banned ;))) I think that‘s great
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR ATTITUDE!! i was recently told by my doctors that i have 'plastic poisoning' from all the micro and nano plastics i have inadvertently ingested in my lifetime. i am having terrible health problems now, at almost 70. i started this journey back to better health by trying to eliminate plastic from my life. OMG, so depressing!! i ended up in the rabbit hole of one warning after another on the internet! and i look around, and feel the barbie song coming on as i am SURROUNDED by plastic! (I'm a barbie girl, in a barbie world, made of PLASTIC, it's FANTASTIC). i researched the safest things to use, and just ended up being warned against using anything, because it all has plastic, right down to my daily tea bags!! there's no escaping it. i was giving up, seriously, and came across this video. thank you again for your ideas, and your gentle, positive ways to JUST START, and work toward a good ending!! i take your suggestions to heart, so much so, i wish you would post them somewhere that i could print/post/hand out this wonderful information!! last note: the barter/trade items here in the US is under attack by the government, as are yard sale/garage sale and 'marketplace' sales to others. they want to ban these things, because the public generally does NOT pay taxes to the gov in these transactions. blame the gov for MOST of these garbage and plastic health issues!! big business, big pharma, and the government. good luck fighting those guys!
Love how you flipped the script on this subject and always find the positive in environmental movements.
Not only difficult to continue. Here in UK zero waste is a niche or fashion instead of everyday need. Buying from zero waste is very expensive. It’s nuts!!!
My husband and I moved from Upstate NY to a small town in Virginia to help my mother. I was very pleased to find out that they had a recycling program even, though she hadn't been using it. However due to the fact that Waste Management, who is definitely out for the almighty dollar, raised the rate that they charge the town so much that in order to avoid raising taxes they have cut out the recycling program! Undaunted, I've got my husband on the bandwagon and he has been taking recyclables straight to the center in a nearby town. We're doing everything we can to promote zero waste and I'm so happy that you provided these for tips. Thank you! 💜
Thank you for being so kind and understanding and for not attacking people for what they do! It’s the best way to communicate (almost) anything efficiently!
This is a great video and really necessary. Corporations have done a great job of making the average person feel it's on us to reduce waste, when they are the largest contributors. Also, myself going zero-waste is not as effective as encouraging others. Just like voting, my vote is important, but talking with others, and changing the system is even more important!
I was at the MicMac Mall in Halifax, NS and they employed a person in the food court to sort the trays...she said that now 95% of the waste is actually being recycled right...when the general public was doing it...most of it wasn't being recycled because it wasn't sorted properly.
I’m so glad I stumbled across your video. I fell down a zero waste rabbit hole and then saw all the plastic in my house. I felt awful. I do have the reusable cup, tea mug and grocery bags but some of the videos (not yours) made me feel like I could never do this. My city doesn’t have recycling much less a composting center. Your video made me feel much better about my situation. Keep up the good work! Love you channel!
I think that leaving excessive packaging in the store and talk about it on social media is a good way start a conversation about minimizing plastic waste.
Very refreshing. Here in Wales, UK we have a composting system in the city of Cardiff but I haven't used my green bin for almost a year. I compost everything that can and for the cooked food that we keep to a minimum, is collected in the food waste collection. We generally have only about a 1L tub of food waste a week...working on reducing that.
I often pick up trash when I walk on the beach here in Dorset. And I do try to get things that are not wrapped in plastic and use reuseable containers.
Minneapolis, MN has municipal composting! I love how you focus on local actions to have a bigger impact. Wonderful video
This is the kind of content I love! Good on you guys for contacting the source and making your voice heard. I'm not 100% zero waste, but I'm made some drastic transitions in the last year and a half that I know are sending fewer things to the landfill and lessening my footprint. That includes using Ecosia ;) Please keep these videos coming!
Great video! There is a big increase of plastic that is slowly destroying our planet but not enough of us are properly informed/ aware of the circumstances of this. So good to see some awareness of it and ways to almost solve the problem:)🌻
Zero waste is noble but not for the faint of heart. I think more people can achieve a lower waste lifestyle. And more people being involved is the key.
I am on a tight budget & trying to go low waste, I felt bad for buying cheap produce in plastic but I've got to feed my family& pay bills! But now after watching I know I can make a difference by messaging the company I get my cheap produce to not plastic it. Thanks for the tips!
I REALLY like your attitude! Not condescending, just all about being helpful. Thank you.
Great video! I couldn’t agree more. We all need to be participate more actively in demanding the chance we need from both public and private sectors.
instead of writing emails to the companys you could also use the replace plastik app where you scan the products code and they send an automatic email to the brands which safes you a lot of time
In Germany, we have an app called “replace plastic”, in which you can scan the barcode of articles that are using plastic packages and you whisk they wouldn’t. This “vote” is directly sent to the manufacturer and even though you never know whether it changes anything, it’s a good start to make the companies aware that people dislike all the plastic packaging!
This lady seems so kind and thoughtful.. I love her
Regarding your apples, I suspect that packaging is (of course!) a marketing ploy! I may only want 3 apples, but the bag contains 6! And since this is a global problem I'm wondering how long it will be before we start to jetison our garbage out into space! Not saying that's RIGHT, but I can see it happening. You're so right that manufacturers have a responsibility, we can't take all the blame. 🙂
I LOVE that the company you bought the packaged organic apples from quickly responded to you with a plan in place to replace their plastic packaging! I was literally applauding my laptop during that segment of this video! Lol. Bravo guys!
Thanks Gen! I'm sure that our email alone won't change how they do things but maybe if they get several of them they will find an alternative. Thanks for watching :) :)
What's the name of the company? I'd be happy to email them on the same regard as well! I just did my grocery shopping yesterday and brought my own reusable bags, but I ended up buying packaged spinach because there wasn't any unpackaged in the organic variety (at the Loblaws I was at in Toronto). So this is definitely something I'm interested in influencing positive change in as well. :)
I could listen to her voice all day, it’s so soothing
Tip 1: go to the source (2:01)
Tip 2: improve waste management (4:05)
Tip 3: pick up rubbish (5:50)
Tip 4: reduce the waste that you produce (6:48)
Really useful video, thank you!
Love this approach! Baby steps and don't get discourage! Thank you for posting it.
We have to pay to recycle in Florida. It is crazy! Other states I have lived in, recycling was encouraged. 😏
What part of Florida are you in? I love in Florida too and dont have to pay to recycle its curbside recycling.
Some communities provide practically zero recycling or composting. Luckily we have a recycle yard here that pays for some items, but even then most recycled items still end up in the landfill, even after being sold to the recycler. The systems sadly are not in place to actually recycle much, largely because the market to buy recyclables items are not there. Gotta keep pushing for that!
Thank you for adding that zero waste isn’t always attainable for everyone, especially for me with chronic pain so I go through plastic medicine bottles, knee braces, etc. However, I have made changes like using homemade toothpaste, package free lotion/shampoo/conditioner, using reusable produce and grocery bags, and even reusing coconut oil jars as storage and as cups! It’s been fun slowly eliminating plastic from my home 😊
I’ll definitely look into emailing companies and talking to stores about their unnecessary packaging!
Great video ❤️
I live in Palermo, Sicily (in thye middle of the Mediterranean sea) and the company the manage the waste in the city called RAP has an app for smartphones in which you can report a mulfunction of the waste management system and as soon as they can (2-3 days max) the problem is solved.
Thanks for the video, keep up the good work.
good energy and hugs from Sicily
True zero waste is impossible, however we can all be low waste.
I live in the UK and recently found a new local Zero Waste supermarket opened literally a 2 minute walk away! So happy!!
I am a senior citizen. Once a month I walk around the block (4 blocks) and pick up the trash. I always come back with a large bag full!
There is a convenient store/gas station around the corner ....people just shop and drop as they go. I always feel like ...a job well done when I lift the bag into the dumpster when I am through! I cleaned up my little part of the world. Makes me wonder what the world would be like if everyone cleaned up 4 blocks of their neighborhood.
I feel so guilty for producing so much waste... I'm trying to reduce it every day....
That's what counts! Keep it up
Such a simple and inviting video!well put together! Amazing job😊
Any little change makes an impact. Just working on being aware of companies and their carbon footprint and being aware of your own is so important! Also I love ecosia! I've had it for probably a year now!
Simple (cheap) ways to reduce waste:
1. reusable water bottle & the Starbucks reusable cups for cold and hot drinks (they're only $3)
2. Reusable bags (only $1-$4)
3. Reusable straws and utensils for on the go
4. save jars that food comes in and use them for storing leftovers, as cups or "bowls," decorations, or pencil cups
5. Try and have a meal without meat or dairy
6. Shop second hand either at thrift stores or online resale places
7. Carpool, walk, or ride a bike when you can
I have been really enjoying your approach to Exploring Alternatives. Too often the ways in which we “should” be helping the planet, our communities, our home, and our bodies is indeed intimidating. Thank you for making your observations and tips reasonable, judgement-free, and accessible. Keep posting, and I’ll keep growing!
I like to call restaurants and ask if I can bring my own container. I've had good results so far. Some places, mainly vegan or other environmentally friendly restaurants, offer a discount.
this was an amazing video, thank you so much for being a non-aggressive advocate for this movement!
Thank you for this. I live in Vermont where we have GreenUp Day. Granted it is only one day of the year. Entire neighborhoods get out in early May to clean up our roadsides. Personally, I need to be sure that I have all of my reusable bags with me when shopping. Being mindful is important. Thanks again.
Terrific video! Here in Seattle we have "Buy Nothing" groups on Facebook for each neighborhood. Folks post things they want to give away. Or they post "In Search Of" photos for things they need. I really enjoy participating in this! Another thing to be aware of is that you can buy reusable straws to carry around so you don't have to use single-use plastic straws that clutter up landfills.
Nice to see you back and making more interesting video content!
one indian company is already selling bags which look and works exactly like plastic bag but it decomposes just within few days and that bag is made up of old wastage clothes and papers. They mention on every bag that ' I am not a plastic Bag'.
Lovely!
This is exactly what I talk about in my podcast, Spend It Like You Mean It, and I’m glad that you are addressing it with your much larger fanbase! This is great!
Brilliant video. The topics/campaigns/ideas explored in your video are far more appropriate than the "extreme minimalism" that it taking hold on social media, which as you have clearly recognised, is unsustainable. It also removes the hypocrisy of the "extreme minimalism" movement (e.g. telling people to get Himalayan rock salt lamps without investigating all the toxic chemicals used to mine Himalayan salt).
funny- the ad before the video was for plastic trash bags... thinking it will probably not generate a lot of purchases from those who watch this video 😋.
It depends on your country and what you watch, it's very random and different for each user, and is never directed towards the theme of the videos.
That's pretty funny! Thanks for watching!
Mine was a VA home loan.
I found your video very interesting and its giving me a little hope for the future since im quite anxious nowadays and asking myself about a lot of stuff (should i have kids? Whats the point in saving money if the world is collapsing ?...etc) Thank you for participating on this global awareness :) (sorry for my english !)
I've been using Ecosia since July 2019 and love this searching engine and what they do for nature.
"Try to make do with what you already have instead of buying the newest gadget or accessory". I'm so glad you said that! We, as a society, have become so spoiled by electronics that people stand in line for days to buy the newest gadgets that tech companies like Apple, etc. introduces to the market. Technology companies need to do their part as well by reducing the amount of electronic waste going to landfills.
I appreciate any tips and ideas to reduce.
A lady in my community created an initiative called Random Acts of Green where she started by going around the city and doing interviews and was interviewed on environmental issues to bring awareness to the members of our community. She had also created and launched her own app RandomActsofGreen which allows users to log all of their green acts and earn points which can be redeemed for discounts on different zero waste and low waste items to help further reduce our waste impact.
Kathleen Barker Thanks,just joined.
Yes you are right! Along with our own zero waste effort it’s important to see the bigger impact. Like contacting grocery stores and produce companies. I feel frustrated too when I can’t buy cucumbers etc without plastic film attimes. I like bulk section a lot. Great video! 🙂
I was delighted to see that you also keep packaging of items, receipts (sometimes they print them automatically so I rather take it), containers and jars; I've been doing that for a while now too and thinking of making artworks with the stuff that is not necessarily reusable!
I’m on my way to go shopping this morning and this was a nice inspiring reminder not to grab some of the things I often do out of convenience. Thank you!
Heyo, I already use Ecosia and have for a while now 👍🏻
*I wish videos like this would end up on the RUclips trending list instead of what is actually on there.*
This is a great video - my kids and I are always picking up rubbish whilst we are out, but we’ll make a video about it to spread the message even more. Thanks for the inspiration! Also it really makes a difference to contact the manufacturer directly - my husband works in confectionery and they are working on changing their packaging based on feedback from customers.
Let`s all refuse packaging instead of recycling, or send the plastic applebags back to the corporations!
Then there's South Carolina where you have to pay $30 a month just to get a recycling bin that is picked up on a weekly basis.
That's not as uncommon as you think
Thank you for this video! Really appreciate your points.
And It's awesome to see someone promoting Ecosia!
Thank you I appreciate your content and concern. Well done and I hope others hear your message!
I bought:
1 ) re-usable veg / fruit bags. 1 set contains 5 sizes.
they are indestructible !
2) HANDKERCHIEFS.
Virgin undyed cotton.
So soft. Set of 5 for $20 (ish) Wash by hand or in laundry bag.
All above MADE IN USA, bought via AMAZON
- BAMBOO BEDDING
I would have to have 100 + cloth handkerchiefs ever 3 or 4 days because of allergies....would be so unsanitary, ugh!
Why would you pay that much for handkerchiefs? And why would you wash them by hand? I got mine for 2 Euros on eBay. Yes, they were packaged in plastic, because those were old handkerchiefs from the 1980s or so. Someone must have gotten them as a present and never used them. And I assume that this person has passed away now and someone sold their belongings. ... I wash them with my normal laundry.
that's great; I also bought re-usable organic cotton mesh bag for my fruit and veggies. :) Just one thing re bamboo bedding: the process of turning bamboo into a fibre is, sadly, highly destructive to the environment. I too thought bamboo was eco friendly as it is marketed as such and it is in the form of wood (bamboo spoons, plates, chopping boards, etc). However, turning it into a fiber to make bedsheets is highly toxic and not eco friendly at all. :(
@@capicuaaa Thanks for shedding light on that....I knit and crochet and thought of trying bamboo yarn...not now.
Great video thank you.
Was looking at Bunz, poor (none)
clear explaining , only a lot of login screens. You got 5 star butnch not. As far as I. Discovered also not in Europe.
Such a lovely young lady I totally agree with you where I live a lot of people don't care about their neighbourhood but our stores do a lot to lessen the use of plastic which helps keep up the good work x Debbie and family in England
THIS VIDEO IS SO GOOD. I'm so happy you made this, truly.
I would say that I am two thirds of the way to zero waste. Yeah its hard to go that last third. I buy the bagged apples which are small, flavourful and slightly bruised rather than the monster tasteless un-bagged franken-apples.
companies choose not to use biodegradable hemp plastics for who knows what reason.
cost cost cost. it all comes down to the money.
recycling costs money + energy. reuse is much better.
not buying/producing it in the first place, is even BETTER still.
zero waste is not realistic.....but lower and lower waste is. and should be the real goal.
be aware of green washing.
Money?
Devoy Williams It’s cheaper for them to produce plastic, companies are most interested in money then our environment sadly
Corruption and ignorance.
@@bluenation3838yoohoo actually reducing waste to the maximum IS what zero waste is about.
The problem is that we call it 'zero' waste so it's confusing for many people. But we know that eliminating waste completely is not possible given how we live.
Hi thank you for your tips yes we are trying our best to help our environment.
Fantastic!. Presenting a variety of options in a non-judgemental way is terrific! Thank you!
Yay! I'm glad you made a video about it. Everyone should try a zero waste lifestyle whenever it's possible for them.
This Xmas I will be making beeswax wraps for all my friends and family🇨🇦
What a great idea!!!!
Awesome! How did it go?
Great video! Thank you for sharing a fresh perspective on this dilemma!
Videos like these are so needed
Thank you for all of the great ideas!