why i QUIT zero waste | what i'm doing instead
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- čas přidán 16. 05. 2024
- if you care about climate change, striving to be plastic-free is maybe not the best use of your time, money, or efforts slurps tea there are so many myths to bust in the zero waste movement, so i picked my top three “favorites” to gently tear apart today lol AND which sustainable habits to double down on instead!
but do NOT let this discourage you from givin a darn! our actions matter, and luckily there are infinity research-backed positive eco habits we can refocus our energy to!! who’s ready to start romanticizing tried and true evidence-based earth wins?
◖ watch this next → • i tried to shop zero w...
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◖ TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - the sustainability movement has a misinformation problem
1:18 - how i learned the plastic-free movement is a sham
5:16 - myth #1
14:19 - myth #2
21:02 - myth #3
25:25 - let’s normalize changing our minds??
26:55 - research-backed positive eco habits
◖ SOURCES:
www2.mst.dk/Udgiv/publication...
assets.publishing.service.gov...
www.sciencedirect.com/science...
www.roadrunnerwm.com/blog/why...
www.packagingdigest.com/bever...
www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures...
www.bbc.com/future/article/20...
www.researchgate.net/publicat...
digital.detritusjournal.com/a...
www.niassembly.gov.uk/globalas...
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
climate.mit.edu/ask-mit/would...
news.umich.edu/is-reusable-al...
all music in this video was written + recorded by my band, the mites
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the missing clip at 5:53 is supposed to be a bamboo cutlery set FYI!! thanks as always for tolerating my subpar editing 😍 and let me know if you have any future topic suggestions 🧡
Plastic is literally everywhere. Microplastics are falling in rainfall and being found in the most remote areas. It has entered the food chain. Those are facts. Recycling turned out to be a con, since everthing just got shipped out to Asia. Tragically, the concept of saving the environment isn't even a real concept. The environment will always be here. The question is, what will that environment be like and are you going to enjoy living in it? If not, what are you personally doing that is contributing to the polution and waste. Getting involved in politics would be a good start. Stop sitting about letting people who don't care run your towns, states and country. Look at your own lifestyle and do your best within your means.
like i mention in the video multiple times, plastic pollution is a huge issue. but scientists have reason to think that simply forgoing plastic by replacing it with other materials may exacerbate the climate crisis. i completely agree that those of us who want a better future should make our voices heard, but i disagree that we can't save the environment. it's a living entity and our actions have threatened and even destroyed ecosystems all across the globe!
It’s funny that sustainability is mostly doing less. It’s about consuming less material goods, driving less, using up what you already have, and when absolutely necessary just buying tools and household items that will hold up to be reused for a long time. That’s why I think frugal minimalism goes hand in hand with sustainability. I’m a stay at home mom and food waste is something I work on avoiding on a daily basis by cooking our food, meal planning, having leftover days and using up all ingredients. (Currently making croutons and pita chips from the bread I had baked earlier).
100% nailed it! i find myself relating to the conversations in reddit forums about anti-consumerism and frugal minimalism wayyy more than i relate to the zero waste / plastic-free groups😅
Yes! I'm gonna use shein as an example to add to your point you already made if that's okay.
Shein is cheaply made mostly plastic based clothing using labor that's less than legal. Same with temu for their products.
And it's cheap, and trendy, so people will buy so much of those things. And they don't wear or use the things at all or more than once. It's different I'd someone buys one thing occasionally from them. But most times those items just end up in landfills. Thrift stores were filled to the brim with shein clothing at one point and the shein clothing didn't sell. So eventually it ends up in the trash.
Whereas you can get things from say a thrift store or brand new and make sure it's something that will hold up, and use it until it rips or breaks. And with clothing. You can repurpose it even though it ripped. Bedding stuffing for a pet, handmade pillows, rags for cleaning if the fabric is absorbent, if the pants just have holes in them, cut them shorter and turn them into shorts, or patches for holes.
Learning to sew and taking a few ripped clothing pieces and combining them into a new thing.
I think that'd be a big huge step, and it'd be a similar concept for just about anything.
I'm an artist as well so being able to take something I can't use anymore and turning it into something else can really reduce waste as well.
But eco friendly won't be effective if you're still buying too much, not using all of it in time, and it goes bad, or it breaks and you just toss it instead of reusing it for something else.
By the way I love the idea of making your own croutons and Peta chips from the bread you've made, very smart
Absolutely agree that "frugal minimalism goes hand in hand with sustainability." I use the term "ecofrugality" (and have built a whole blog around it) to refer to the combination of the two, because I think they are two sides of the same coin.
@@amylivingston4590 that's wonderful! i'd love to check it out 🧡
@@allisonfromearth By all means! It's here: ecofrugality.blogspot.com/
Reminds me of the 1950's - when we used to return our soda bottles, which went back to the manufacturer for refilling.
standard practice also with milk. i know some brands in uk started doing it again.
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Maybe the problem Lismore the consumerism... My mother has been mostly plastic free for over 30 years now, but first and foremost it is about buying less! And about recycling! My mother keeps plastic boxes that are not dangerous for health, she keeps jars, and dosent trow out all of her plastic to buy all brand new glass! Plastic free dosent mean have 0 plastic at home it is about making better choices with what we buy and already have! Obviously if you have to drive around town to get to a plastic free store, you better buy local, or go to a farmer's market... I believe that this is a very good movement if you use common sense!But clearly if it is to hide consumerism in pretty natural packages, then it won't help...
your mom is goals! i think the problem with the zero waste movement is that we rely too much on "common sense" [which isn't actually that common] and take our intuition as fact instead of looking to the science. i'm a *relatively* smart person but allowed myself to be swayed by greenwashing and cleanwashing propaganda. reducing consumption should be the main point, but i think that point gets drowned out when the message becomes "you need a reusable swap for that" or "plastic pollution is a bigger problem than emissions"
the lifestyle your mom has been living for decades should be the gold standard and is exactly the kind of thoughtful approach i hope to encourage!!
It was so refreshing to see someone acknowledge that some "eco-friendly" alternatives are just not accessible to some people. Thank you.
There are a lot of (legitimate, scientifically backed) health issues associated with plastic use. I liked the video, just think that’s an important thing to mention when discussing plastic use.
I agree with this. While plastic might be a more environmentally friendly option in some cases when it comes to climate change and emissions it is NOT more friendly when it comes to microplastics and the HUGE amount of studies that have been done on their effects on the health of people, animals, and their environments. The more studies that come out, the more we can see that plastic is really bad for us.
But again: it's really hard to make the change away from plastic when in some places, like where I live, there is almost no packaging that doesn't have plastic in it. I can only grow 5 months a year, our farmers market is open may to October and is really small with limited variety. So I do use plastic, but with limitations and making sure that I try to do as little packaging across the board as possible.
@@brickbardalso single use plastic products are a lot more harmful to the environment
I love that you take the stance of “does it make sense in your situation” and also “which one of these is actually more resource intensive or wasteful” because I don’t think many people think about that. I love that you also point out the re-usability of items you’re buying, like the organic cotton totes. This is definitely something that called me out and I now know that I need to do more research on this type of stuff. Thank you!
best comment award 🏆 this whole video is literally me calling myself out lol so don't even think about feeling bad! just trying my darnedest to not be so attached to preconceived notions so i can refocus on the things that move the needle in a positive direction 🧡
For the reusable bags vs plastic bags I would say that as long as you're taking good care of them and using them almost every trip to the store then it will be better than plastic. I usually use 2-3 bags for my weekly shopping, but the amount of food in those bags would equate to about 8-9 plastic bags, or 3-4 paper bags. So without having looked at the exact numbers, I think reusable bags beat out plastic, especially cause they're cute.
Oh also noticed, 2 of my 4 bags are polypropylene, which the first source only lists you needing to use it 11 times for it to be better than plastic bags definitely have done that.
i agree they beat out plastic bags, like i said, if you're able to use them as many times as required to meet the environmental payback period. but i've been in the ZW movement for over 5 years and brands have sent me at least 3 reusable bags that i never asked for or needed. i've also noticed many people buy extra bags just because they're cute, not because they need them!
I recycled my plastic bags and found/sewed old ones to make a bag that I wont use. Because Its ugly and I am how in love with it😂 My plastic thst I do have (most of my things) will last forever and is already 7+ years old
Thank you for the information about wax wraps and plastic bags. I have fibromyalgia and using plastic bags instead of doing extra dishes, etc. means that I have more energy for my family and friends. I was feeling guilty about using plastic bags. I don’t have to anymore.
This! All 3 adults in my house have ADHD, so we have trouble with home care. We buy a LOT of duplicates of things that are easily lost, or disposable things like baby wipes. Since the 2 kids are also neurodivergent with food texture/taste sensitivity, we buy a lot of food in disposable packaging because it means they eat something other than nuggies and fries. My motto is "anything is better than nothing, but nothing is worth making your life unlivable."
I have 3 cotton totes I have been using since 1976. I have others as well but it is always fun to use the oldest ones shopping, haha
Thanks for bringing light about this issue! Being zero waste shouldn't be merely an aesthetic to follow blindly. People should inform themselves about what makes sense to them in order to reduce their own CO2 emisions. You can be the most eco-friendly with your grocery purchase, but if you are going to travel by plane every month for pleasure, you defo got the idea wrong. There are online calculators that can help people be more aware as to in which areas they can do better to take care of the planet 😊 Nice video!
NAILED IT! thanks a million for this thoughtful comment 🧡
How much co2 does extra plane passenger add?
True, we also attach zero waste with an aesthetic too.
yes! and it's so hard to resist! i come from a background in design and the beauty of ZW is what first appealed to me tbh. while i don't feel it's necessary to completely detach yourself from aesthetics in order to live a more sustainable lifestyle [the secondhand economy exists, after all!] there's definitely this pressure to over-consume certain swaps and go out of your way to shop plastic-free! thanks for watching 🧡
Zero waste is unattainable but I am very grateful for all the lessons that I have learned along the way.e and my family might not be able to do most “zero waste ways” but it is always good to be reminded to be conscious of our spending and consumption.
well said, there are many habits and behaviors i'm bringing forward with me, but also a lot i'm trying to unlearn 🧡
It is so encouraging to see a young person, opening their eyes to the need to see a bigger picture. I’m 67 and I’ve been trying to tell people about this kind of long-term, reduce the number of unintended consequences, lifestyle.
I do want to mention that you said only about 40% of glass gets recycled as if that’s a really low amount (of course we should do better! And it is better to reuse glass than recycle) but only about 5-10% of plastic actually gets recycled in the US! Plastic has a way lower recycling rate than the 30-40% for glass. What you say about using more resources to make glass is true but that does not mean that choosing glass over plastic is worse option. From a purely environmental standpoint, decreasing emissions by choosing plastic seems to be the better option but it is corporations, not individual consumers that contribute the most to emissions and truly have the power to make a difference. From an ethical standpoint, I would prefer to use materials that have a higher chance of getting recycled so they are not put in the landfill and shipped to other countries to rot
All this to say there is rarely ever a “right” answer when it comes to low waste! First paper was the enemy, now plastic, but there are so many other factors like you mentioned! I think as long as more people start to learn about “zero” waste actions and focus on reduce first, then reuse, we can make a change for the better
@@cjr790 i totally see where you're coming from, but from the way i understand it [could be misinterpreting the data], the US sends 30% of our glass to be recycled, but of that 30% we send, only 40% is actually being recycled into new glass packaging -- the rest is incinerated, gets used as aggregate for constructing highways and things, or goes to the landfill. so it's like a fraction of a fraction. i totally agree that the plastic recycling rate is even more abysmal, but it's almost like comparing apples to oranges because the two types of materials have different carbon footprints. everyone talks about how wasteful single-use plastic is [and i agree], but the way we dispose of glass -- an even more resource-intensive material -- is worse in many ways! i'm really hoping for a better solution in the US, but until that happens, it seems plastic is oftentimes the more eco-friendly option for packaging 😩
You're a treasure. How do you not have more subscribers? I love your nuanced views and appreciate your research. Thank you so much for this thought provoking video!
way to make my absolute day!!! thanks so much for that, you've warmed my cold shriveled heart!
Thanks for this! I always felt really bad that I continued to use deodorant, skincare and toothpaste in disposable packaging. I tried so many things to cut them out, but the alternatives just weren’t good for my skin or my smell. It made me feel like I was a bad person for not succeeding on my zero waste journey. I think I really needed to hear this!
Totally agree! I’m allergic to coconut oil and it’s REALLY hard to find good soap that doesn’t have it. I did end up making the switch to bar soap from body wash and I found one that comes in paper packaging.
Yep. I have tried a gazillion "natural" deodorant. All failed in some way or another. I use regular deodorant from the grocery store and my armpits are happy and I don't smell. Life is good when you do what works for you😊
When I was in grad school in the early 80s, what you were talking about called Family Ecology. And one of our most eye-opening assignments was to give a rough estimate of the energy involved in everything we owned, from manufacture to maintenance. The most shocking thing for us was that our professor owned a Steinway piano, and she actually used more energy than the rest of the class combined. That really was my introduction to thinking long-term and total product. Congratulations on joining the non-fad based crowd.
Was having Steinway piano linked to the energy usage?
Consumerism in general, ordering non stop from Amazon and returning stuff ( something like 50% is sent back) , fast fashion and decor and car culture are bigger targets. It would be nice if sizes and shapes of glass products were more regulated ( simply shapes, no decor embedded, etc) so they were easier to reuse.
I agree with you about consumerism, but there's just no way people are returning half of the items they buy. In the spirit of this video, I looked it up and found this: "The rate of return on Amazon items ranges from 5-15%; however, returns for consumer electronics and clothing can be as high as 40%."
Clothes sizing should be standardised definitely
@@consultinghistorianI think the clothing should have more/ and measurements available so we can measure ourselves and buy what fits based on that. It would make things so much better
We use mason jars for everything and we've been reusing them for years. They are very versatile
I just watched your apartment tour and I FELL IN LOVE! Your channel is this little diamond in the rough and I’m so glad I found you keep it up!
I am working on my dissertation on implementing 0 waste in my campus. Your perspective is very insightful and I will definitely have a look to your resources before progressing in my work 😊
oh that is so fascinating, thanks for sharing that with me! we live right near the university of north carolina at chapel hill and i love the fact that they have compost collection bins set up here and there, and they use the compost to feed the community garden! it's so neat. i think they also have some kind of water catchment but haven't looked into it yet 😍
Thank you for taking a nuanced approach to this conversation and for modeling the ethos of "when we know better, we do better"! As you say, if we change our minds and practices when we're presented with new information, we're growing. It's so refreshing to see common-sense advice that people can tailor to their lives in whatever ways might fit their current situation (e.g., eating less meat is more accessible/approachable for most folks rather than going vegan). I just really appreciate your content. Thanks for sharing your research, your sources, and your perspectives.
Your section on glass containers and re-use/recycling reminded me- my area has removed curbside glass recycling, opting instead for large purple bins in public locations. Some of the glass is recycled, but they're also re-using it in some interesting ways apparently: 'The majority of the glass collected in these containers will be sent to a glass processing facility where it will be recycled into new glass containers. A portion of the glass will be crushed into sand and gravel for use in a variety of local construction projects, such as paving, pipe bedding and backfill.' The construction project use was new to me when I read it. Have you heard of anywhere else using their glass that way?
I've missed you on IG! So happy to see a new video here on CZcams!
This is truly, as you said, a worldview shattering video! Thank you for sharing and being bold enough to go against the crowd!
I have found using wax paper works for wrapping a sandwich or when I'm portioning things for the freezer and many can be put in your compost. Been using it for over 50 years.
I definitely fell into the trap of buying things to be "zero waste", but luckily I've kept and continued to use most of them, like the organic cotton rounds, my totes, reusable handkerchiefs, etc. As long as you intend to keep using those things for years on end instead of continuing to buy things, I think a few purchases are fine, but don't fall down the rabbit hole and go overboard or, like you pointed out, it's counterproductive! I'm definitely adhering to "what works for you" so I don't guilt myself as much as I used to.
hear, hear!!!
Instead of buying the face rounds or making them just use face cloths/ face towels. The little square towels in the same aisle as all the other bathroom towels, their purpose is for cleaning your face anyway and they are cheaper to buy as well and you don't need a lot of them and are reusable and easily washed
It’s so cool to see someone from my area on CZcams and caring about the environmental impacts! I’m actually from Durham and have been searching for so long to find likeminded people here in NC.
Love this video. Your editing is awesome!
whoa thank you! i'm honored you think so 😊
Your video is great, very informative! Thank you! I just have a concern about microplastic getting into our water source every wash of the plastic item that we're using. It can be the reason why people are trying to swap to materials other than plastic (although the energy consumed to make a plastic bag is much less)? So what would you do to avoid this? Or is it something that not quite concerning?
Even as a middle aged eastern european I really enjoy your videos, its a very refreshing take to hear these things from an american. I strongly believe the key to lessen our impact is overall lower consumption and less waste. It always baffles me when I read how much food people throw away in the first world. I was raised to always be mindful and plan, so our household go months without throwing away anything. Its not something we actively think about, we are simply mindful of how much and what we buy. I try to raise my kids to not be impulsive, especially when it comes to food.
All these cutesi videos on instagrams, trendy bloggers and rich people telling how you should upturn your life and change everything you do feels really dishonest to me.
This was incredibly enlightening! Thank you for doing the research and sharing with us!
thank YOU for finding value here 🥰
Couldn’t agree more! This video popped up after my Pilates video this morning and was quite the refreshing surprise 💚
ah!! music to my ears 🥰 thanks so much for taking the time to watch!
Reusable vs plastic bags is an issue that I’ve been contemplating for a while. While I know that reusable bags are far more energy intensive than single use plastic bags, seeing those darned tattered plastic bags hanging from trees everywhere I look has been enough to make the switch worthwhile for me. I do believe I see them less often now than before reusable bags became the norm.
reusable bags are the more eco-friendly option in general, we just have to be careful not to over-consume them because it defeats the purpose!
It’s also important to read the life cycle reports because there are a lot of cultural biases in the testing conditions. For example the Scandinavian one used average bag sizes found in stores and the organic cotton bag was smaller than the plastic or regular cotton ones so they doubled the number of organic cotton bags needed as compared to plastic or regular cotton for the same amount of groceries. They also used their standard bags which are thicker than ones found in the USA and so didnt add double bagging which is common in many CA/USA stores. They also assumed every plastic bag would be reused as a trash liner and then burnt for fuel vs just tossed (and lucky if in the garbage). Is it a bad study? No. But it’s important to read the actual studies vs just media reports on them.
One thing worth considering is that many reusable bags exist that are NOT organic cotton. A lot of reusable bags are just a sturdier grade of plastic. They're less resource-intensive to produce and don't take as many uses before you've got a net environmental benefit. And of course, as she mentioned in the video, a LOT of reusable totes already exist and you can very easily find one secondhand if you need it. We don't all need to keep buying new ones.
thank you SO much for all this critical information... we really have been moved to make a difference but consumerism has taken the reigns for many zero-waste/sustainability movements. It's time for each one of us to think critically and consume intentionally. also, NC represent!!!
i loved this video so much. As a sustainability content creator, who gets picked apart for every piece of plastic I use, I NEEDED this message!
whew you and me both! definitely developed a few complexes as a result 😅
Ever since I learned that the whole carbon footprint idea was developed by BP in order to shift the emphasis from themselves I have been sceptical about most green claims.
What is BP?
Please don’t confuse the issues with conflated ideas
I appreciate the (now) multiple O.C. references in your videos! Iconic show!
I love your content so much!!!❤
it loves you back 🧡
There are much things I have to think about it - thank´s!
I also think, not everytime it is the perfect way (for examples the bee-wax-wraps), but it is important to make a step out of your normal way to do things/ out of your comfort zone. without - nothing can change, nothing will change. It is not only the CO2, there are also important impacts for the people which produce our stuff and other points.
Right.
We are at the point we need to go to the manufacturing level and mandate use of green energies to RECYCLE, and we need to go back to glass being returned to factories, cleaned, and REUSED.
Corps only switched to plaatic bottles back in the day so the heads could get bigger checks.
I mainly focus on reusable's and cutting down waste wear I can.
Oh, also 4 net bags, 1 canvas and 5 insulated bags. Just the right amount for our family; we do 2 shopping trips a month.🥰
I hear you and grateful for your input to be mindful of what you follow . People rather be comforted with a lie than hurt by the truth. I agree with things you have mentioned. Which is a lot of the fear marketing , advertising meanwhile many products are not truthful on the ingredients. I also like how you are vulnerable to share your own thought process of how you were feeling while making certain changes and questioning your thoughts. I do that very often as I change certain habits when it comes to being more environmentally conscious but not following a “trend” blindly thinking it makes me “better or superior “
We are all people learning and it’s crucial to not just fact check but ask ourselves why are we doing certain things . Sometimes you realize the same way you follow an “influencer “ some do it for likes and visibility than being true to the choices on why they want to make certain changes. I seem to many DIY videos I wouldn’t follow , health tips etc . LOL , I watch and so blown how people would share some cringe / questionable guides .
We still all learn by doing and getting better , of course but it is good to learn from things with a at least a thorough tried and true method. I think that’s why it’s always good to speak to our grandma / grandpa’s and parents on how they did things back then.
Old fashioned ways are a set staple and I know it’s been an influence to many people to “DIY” or making things from scratch but there is a lot of odd suggestions put out there now .
Anyway it just goes to say, it’s good to see someone not fearing to speak on these things. It’s like me , I’m a plant based eater ( for many reasons , my choice ) but I don’t go parading or bashing people for how they eat or belittling anyone on what they consume .
Even being plant based I have seen how the “vegan trend” increasingly has grown over the years ( which is cool ) but I am not big on the mock meats or just thinking because it states “vegan “ it’s healthy . Something’s are just as bad as regular products .
This could be a while topic in itself but you get the point 😂. ,
To end with, I like your approach but you are also still conscious on what you can still do as an individual to make better choices to still reduce waste and be more mindful for the environment still . There’s so many ways we can do that even with things we may have instead of feeling like “let’s throw it away and buy more things to prove I’m environmentally conscious “ lol
Allison, I’m so happy to find you somewhere online!!!! I’ve missed you on IG, but am grateful to see you on YT and get this deep dive on why you quit zero waste! I feel less alone when you share your story, which is similar to mine in so many ways 💚 For me, zero waste was a good introduction to the overall sustainability movement, but I had to leave that black and white thinking behind if I really wanted to make a difference. Keep up the wonderful work you’re doing 🥹
23:41 ...I've never thought about preservatives that way. People around me hate "chemicals" and "unessecary ingredients" in food but it really makes sense to put them they. maybe not all of them, but I rather have preservatives in my plant milk than having them go bad after 3 days in the fridge.
absolutely! preservatives prevent food waste!
7:51 I would like to add that there are scientists advocating for less plastic or plastic recycling, but they are typically ocean/water scientists. This is because the areas in which plastic actually causes the most detriment is in the oceans and our own water and also the plants and creatures in the waters which we consume. But I think most of them are not advocating for plastic-free, and more often than not it’s usually about responsible waste and making sure we hold irresponsible companies responsible for their contributions to water and ocean pollution in general. Microplastics in the ocean is a HUGE longterm issue and has already manifested in drastic changes in oceanic ecosystems as well as toxicity in seafood and other water-consumption-related matters.
good point, i'm friends with an oceanographer and she used to advocate for a zero / less waste lifestyle but has since switched her approach to advocating for better waste management policy -- from my understanding it's because the ocean absorbs so much CO2, which is in many ways worse for oceanlife. plastic litter and microplastics are a huge deal but greenhouse gases are an existential threat, so i guess it's kinda short-sighted to advocate for lifestyle changes that could quite possibly raise people's carbon footprints 👣
So they have bulk markets there in San Antonio area? I can’t find any here in Houston and this is a large city.
Reduce, reuse, recycle...I think we need to go back to that. Consumerism in general is a big part of the problem. I feel if we reduce our consumption and need to manufacture period, it would go a long way.
Thanks for doing this much needed video!
thank you for watching!! 🧡
Yay, so glad you posted and that you're back in NC! There aren't very many sustainable channels in my area. I live in southern VA, about an hour from the Raleigh area.
This video definitely helped ease my guilt for buying sugar in a plastic bag (due to its cost effectiveness) and buying stuff like coffee creamer in a carton or plastic bottle. I'm fortunate to be in an area with good access to glass and metal recycling, but it doesn't erase the impact of making all that packaging in the first place. It's definitely something to be more mindful about.
don't get me started on the guilt!! it's debilitating. i'm trying to unlearn all that stuff myself and i'm glad to hear this video helped. the conditioning is so ingrained lol!
Up here in Canada, white sugar is packaged in paper while organic sugar is in plastic 😂. We reuse our sugar bags for uh produce bags in the fridge
@@AlphineWolf In my area of the US, it depends on the brand of sugar and the size of the package. There is a lot of sugar in paper bags here, but I buy the raw turbinado kind and a small paper box is more expensive than a large plastic bag. If I'm baking cookies for gifts or something like that, I'll buy the regular white sugar in a paper bag.
Re: plastic baggies versus resuables like stainless steel containers: a very good point about the environmental cost of creating the things and then moving them around, but as plastic baggies essentially have to go to landfill, where IIRC they not only take up space (not a whole lot of that in island countries like Taiwan) but break down and enter the food chain and create microplastic pollution...
Are they still the better option over a reusable container? Genuine question. There is so much research to wade through and there's so much differing opinions re: whether plastics are endocrine disrupters or not.
a stainless steel container that you use for years and years and take real good care of is the better option IMO!
I still think it's better to try minimizing plastic though because it forever stays in the environment. But, interesting take and very informative. Thanks for sharing.
I think when it comes to packaging, probably the most sustainable kind would be using pottery/clay and baskets.
There's quite a lot of places around the world where people use air drying earth clay to store food to keep fresh for weeks or months, you can even make a refrigerator out of it. And baskets can be a good lightweight packaging for things, reeds or barl can be used for nets or for carrying bags or storage boxes.
What's nice about these is the clay can be easily recycled once it's finished being used, pottery can be used for generations, and baskets can decompose when they're worn out.
The only caviat to this is that i don't think these forms of packaging would work when it comes to mass production, thses are resources that would best be grown and cultivated over generations and used within a local economy
Another thing to note is that buying in bulk in plastic can be equivalent to buying at a plastic free bulk store, better if the grocery store is closer as you say.
I got to my bulk store (largest chain in my country) early one morning and saw them refilling the organic rice from the same 10kg bag I can buy at the supermarket for much less. Before that moment I hadn't given pause to think much about how the products were transported and packed prior to turning up in the bulk bins. It was also a brand I didn't feel great about because they sell and heavily promote single serve microwave rice pouches. In the bulk store it didn't have a brand on it. I have a family so we eat a fair bit of rice. Stored correctly we have no trouble getting through the bulk rice bag from the grocery store.
Thank you so much for relying on science and evidence based information.
You raise some interesting points and I agree with you that being ‘eco’ is never simple. I do think that we can and should take the opportunity to reduce single plastic use where possible though. An example would be mushrooms where our local supermarkets sell in plastic containers wrapped in plastic film. The alternative is a cardboard container wrapped in plastic film or loose. Where I live the plastic containers go to land fill and cannot be recycled so the best option for me is always loose if I can, assuming they didn’t arrive at the supermarket wrapped in plastic first though! It’s a minefield to navigate and we need to be cautious or, as you say, we can make the impact worse not better with the best intentions.
the mushrooms are a great example, it goes very well with the example i give in the video about loose potatoes vs. potatoes in nets! not sure if you missed it but i said exactly that 🧡
I did see that. We don't get potatoes in nets in the UK, they are always in plastic bags or loose. The supermarkets have a lot of control over our farming here sadly. @@allisonfromearth
THANK YOU for bringing up the beeswax wraps!!
Thanks, Allison! I like that you are getting into the nuances of what is actually helpful. Have you done research on microplastics, and the effects of plastic degradation down the line? I know glass lasts a lot longer, but I also think studies show that the long-term degradation of plastic vs glass contributes many more toxins to the water and soil. Here's to growing pains!! 🙂
Hi Allison, Do you have a video here that shows the recipe for the label remover? TIA
not yet! it’s roughly equal parts baking soda and vegetable oil, super simple 🤗 i like to schmear it on and leave it overnight so the glue is really easy to get off with a bit of dish soap and water in the morning. for best results tear off as much of the label paper as you can before applying the goop!
Just bought my own shopping cart cuz i got tired of having to return it, hunt one down etc just to use one in store plus some stores lock the wheels if too far from the store. I dont have to grab plastic or paper bags now plus use my fabric bags that I have when my basket runs out of room and hang it on the cart. Only problem is the clax cart which i recommend is $250-$300
So informative!!! I definitely believed the plastic free hype!
Howdy Neighbor! It’s always crazy to see creators also in NC! Love the nuanced takes and actual facts for the video
WHY HELLO!! so stoked you enjoyed it and really appreciate you saying hey 🥰
Fantastic video, thank you!
Best advice is LESS consumption, less buying and use what you have! Don't through away, donate or recycle(where possible).
I’ve been binging your videos! Thank you for being a voice of reason and balance (not to mention scientific proof). I’ve been on the crunchy bandwagon before (DIY sunscreen ruined my vacation 🥲) but I’ve grown from that also. My city is completely unwalkable, so I go to the store that’s 3 minutes away from me, or errand-stack (stopping by Costco on my way home from work since I’m halfway there already instead of making a separate trip)
thank you SO much for finding value here, and for finding ways to do what you can! errand-stacking is amazing
Do your best, advocate for the rest💙
I use reusable so I’m not wasting money by rebuying disposable items. I still use ziplocks type bags and containers for certain items and to freeze foods. I use glass jars to store food for short and long term and for varies items around the house. A mixture of both is the best way to go.
I still find it odd that people dont comprehend life cycle analysis vs zero waste which focuses on what comes through your hands
I know this is random, but I recently cleaned up a bit, and I am a proud owner of 6 tote bags! Two from events I went to two years in a row, two because collage tours give them for free, one as a birthday bag of my choice of a skeleton and books, and a blank one I'm embroidering :)
I don't plan on getting more tote bags, and I love having them for my grocery runs. If I keep them for a long while, I have no complaints
I am just curious how you feel about the plastic being bpa free or the comments I have heard in my life about storing or microwaving food in plastic containers and how it affects us? I am knew to your channel and am glad I came across you! I have a kor of the same thoughts.Thanks for all the info!
admittedly i don't know a whole lot about BPA but i've heard from some of the science podcasts i listen to that following the public outcry against BPA, it was replaced with a different chemical (maybe a few different ones -- i don't remember) that has much less research behind it and could potentially be worse. it's referred to as a case of "regrettable substitution" which is apparently the same thing that happened after the public demanded parabens be removed from products. long story short, i'm not 100% sure, but i try not to microwave food in plastic just to be on the extremely safe side
This was so insightful thank you
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I thought it was a verbal typo and had to hear it again. Automagically? Never heard that before, and its now going to become a new part of my vocab.
Thank you for all your hard work.
ahaha it's one of my favorite expressions! i think i got it from an early 2000s tv commercial or something?! def didn't make it up though i wish i did 😂
16 totes! And I just brought another one ! New to sustainability so I am now going to use before buying on totes and everything else
It's so hard honestly. I don't even mind the fact that I've made mistakes with "sustainable" swaps, we all make mistakes, but what angers me is how _hard_ it is to find accurate information on which option is better. I feel like google results have gotten worse and worse in general, so you just get a bunch of blogs and random organisations promoting stuff that looks and feels eco-friendly... It's hard to know where to start to find real comparisons for the full life cycle of a product, and it _sucks_ that we have to do all this research on every type of product. For some things, I'll admit it's on me, sometimes I just want to buy something new instead of using less and buying used. But sometimes I do actually _need_ something to cover my food in the fridge for later, and every. single. option. makes me feel guilty.
That is such a good and informative video.. tks
This honestly made me feel better
Thank you for making this video. As an environmental engineer, one of the first lessons we learn in academia for environmental management is that it’s all about people management more so than the actual environment. In academia it’s understood that humans WILL invariably have impacts, and it’s impossible to prevent that, so the solution is how to manage it more effectively.
Terms like “zero waste” always made me want to do my head in because that’s impossible. I work a lot in storm water management. I’m more concerned about the transport and fate and human and ecological health impacts of oils, gasoline, and particulate matter and trash that moves through the storm water system (hence developing better rain management practices such as increased green space implementation and permeable surfacing) than if your vegetables come in a bit of plastic.
thank you for this!
@@allisonfromearth Of course. I too initially saw some utility (and frankly thought it was cool) that more people were at least becoming aware of environmental issues. But very quickly the veneer came off when a lot of these "eco activists" continued to peddle their content while making frankly bad decisions.
An immediate one that comes to mind is Levi Hildebrand. He bought a home that he ended up deciding to sublet anyway and not even live in (think of the land use footprint for something you're not even using ie; material use, construction waste, loss of green space, etc) and decided instead to drive across the entirety of North America in a Prius (yes, it's hybrid, but still burns gas). In those two decisions alone, from an environmental management perspective, he used up more resources than any amount of plastic bottles or bags he could waste in a life time.
I don't agree with you completly. The zero waste massage and main aim is to reduce not recycle. We should be more responsible for what we buy and be more conscious of what the durability of items and packagings that we bring to our homes. Plastc and waste in general of course are just a part of pollution and climate change but it's the easiest and closest thing we can to as individuals and citizens of this planet. The quantity of our trash that ends in poor countries is insane so we have the power and will to be better persons
absolutely. the problem arises when "zero waste-friendly materials" create more emissions [which also harm poor countries disproportionately] and are also ending up as trash because they're used in a single-use way. i have zero qualms with the spirit of zero waste -- i'm glad to have been a part of the movement because it taught me several invaluable lessons i'll have with me forever, but we can't deny there's a misinformation problem in the sustainability community. i know firsthand just how many catchy shortcuts eco influencers teach their followings and they're not always helping! reducing consumption? HECK YES. trading in plastic for glass or paper or single-use compostables? mayyy wanna look at the science first!
@@allisonfromearth reducing consumption is key! And I think it should be the leading part of the zero waste movement! Use up what you have first and then try more sustainable alternatives! Just swapping to sustainable items is just a consumerist habits and it’s not what the zero waste movement or the sustainable movement in general is about . We should put an end to single-use habits. That’s terrible
@@ilariacicconetti2365 if I may add too. Trend cycles also accompanied by consumerism is a big player too. People aim for aesthetic looking alternatives that fit a vibe they're going for. Especially if they're aiming to be like the influencers they watch and follow. Trends are very fast now and one type of aesthetic or packaging type may switch on a dime and then suddenly its not eco friendly anymore.
An example for the micro trends thing is Stanley cups. They're reusable stainless steel cups that are sturdy and will last you a long time if taken care of. However people have been consuming massive amounts of these cups. And what will happen when the trend dies is they'll end up in thrift stores, people won't entirely want them by then, and then they may end up in landfills next. They may even skip the donation step and end up in a landfill anyways, as thrift stores and the like won't have space for tons of things, they unfortunately toss what they can't sell or don't have space for (which is why chain thrift stores are just as wasteful sadly)
Overconsumption truly is one of the main issues. You can switch to eco-friendly products but many are misleading. While others are genuinely good but people still have the same habits as before when using those eco-friendly options. So it becomes less eco-friendly.
Overconsumption, and taking down fast fashion brands like shein and temu, reducing food waste, potentially adjusting what retail stores and the like do with unsold product that they damage and toss instead of donating or selling at half price, we could reduce a good chunk of trash intake.
The other step would be oil and gasoline. Many things do need those things but if we found a way to cut that down to necessity, it could help immensely.
At least these are my observational thoughts as many of the true wastefulness comes in big companies and brands. Luxury brands destroy and toss perfectly good things too I may add.
But this is what I've observed. I truly personally think while we do have responsibility on an individual level, what we do as individuals won't matter in comparison to the bigger sources of wastefulness and pollution in the world. Cars only make up a percentage similarly to individual scale issues. Agriculture is one of the bigger ones (this includes pesticide free products and products labeled as eco-friendly, it still came from an industrial style farm to get enough of that product on shelves for people to buy)
Overconsumption is a big one now alongside plastics. Something that could be done instead is reusing plastic containers and bags as much as possible until they quite literally break or rip. I wouldn't recommend this for plastic waterbottles like Dasani ones, but like, pet food bags reused for dealing with trash or pet waste is an example. It'd reduce the need for a huge thing of plastic bags. Or better yet just tossing your trash without a bag if possible or if allowed by the garbage company and recycling companies
@@ilariacicconetti2365 Now if only people paid attention to reduction and just replaced as needed.
Do we have any research or info about plastic being toxic? The zero waste info I have come across has included almost no discussion of climate change and has had a focus on plastics that end up hurting wildlife. I do value the info about glass, and it is great to know, but in addition to the harm to wildlife, mostly sea life from what I hear, I keep hearing about plastic being toxic. I have not been able to find a reliable source to confirm or debunk this but I will admit I am not as well educated on research methods as I could be. I just thought I would ask bc those two make up almost all of what I have read or listened to on the subject. I have not directly heard a ton of mention of climate change in relation to plastics in the specific zero waste articles and videos I have seen. Not that I have heard it at all, but it has not been the forefront of the messaging I have consumed. So my question stands, is plastic toxic to touch of be exposed to and how harmful is glass to wildlife in comparison to plastic. I feel it is likely safer to use glass in a lot of situations as I do not hear of it being as harmful and it is easier to reuse it and to keep it for a lifetime. I cannot make plastic c9ntinue to be used for the remainder of my life. I feel the argument of glass not really being recyclable also applies to plastic and I am aware of more cons to plastic over glass. So while I agree glass is not a solution, plastic not being as bad as we were told does not necessarily make it the wiser choice over plastic. I need more info and we all need a new opti9n that is better than both.
On Glas - in Europe we have around 80% of glass recycled. But of course the weight and breakage issues are still a thing. It is really a where you live and how things are getting transported, a very individual experience.
The DIY beauty-supply-flashbacks are so real ngl they where awful and made my skin break out like crazy
I read the Sunset article on Bea Johnson when it first came out, before the zero waste movement existed. It was fascinating to see such an alternative way of living, but I quickly realized I couldn't live that way. First of all, I can't use glass for everything, the weight of carrying multiple jars upstairs to my home, just isn't practical. Not to mention, anything in glass jars is more expensive than if its in plastic. I just don't buy very much of anything. It seems to be the easier way of following zero waste.
I bought that book and I'm ready to give it to a thrift store.
I feel that just being mindful about what you aquire and how you use it is a helpful thing to do. Also being poor helps. Too poor to buy new sometimes too poor to buy used so I usually only buy whay I absolutely need. I do have a compost pile and a garden I use it in and that helps some too. I see the money going away if I waste food so I try not to buy mote than what will go bad before I can use it. People think they eat more than they actually do. That's why their food goes bad in the fridge. Most plastic packaging gets reused as tiny garbage bags. The city I live in has cubing laws so the smaller bags are the poo bags when I walk my dog. I use repurpose and use again every item in my home to the fullest. Being Eco conscious is a mindset not a product you can buy.
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Good video, think before you buy!
I believe having a more minimalistic approach brings more sustainability than zero waste alone. The bigger problem is always with the extremists. To do better one step at a time is my goal.
I don't do a lot of diy's (#deodorantdebacle) but I have made a few beeswax wraps and they only need a quick wipe with a soapy cloth. I did pause and count my reusable tote bags. I have 12, half I've had and use since the 90's. I'm lucky to have a bulk store, farmer's market and other zero waste options close by and often shop with a friend, mostly for fun, but also to reduce gas emissions. As you pointed out each person's story is different, yet connected, there is a lot of room for collective improvement.
the way i understood #deodorantdebacle with my whole being 😂 thank you for this comment!
I really enjoyed watching this.. i had a massive wake up call after moving from England to Sicily 2 years ago. We live under this older Sicilian woman, who literally is probably the most sustainable woman on the planet.. she reuses EVERYTHING! One of the first things she said when we moved in was: please if you ever have any glass jars or plastic boxes you are going to throw away, please give them to me! She reuses EVERYTHING.. it isnt pretty.. it isnt cute.. ahaha but my goodness does she live sustinably.. we have all kinds of lemon and orange trees in the garden.. this woman.. my friends.. this woman makes orange/lemon cake, liqueur, salad, juice, she dries the skin and saves it for winter.. she doesnt have an "instagram plastic free kitchen" but my goodness i have learnt so much from her! I think everything in this video struck a chord with me.. because i think we have all felt crap because we dont have bamboo everything and a "mason jar" or rubbish 😂 but that isnt true sustainability.. thanks for the video and your humility to accept change and move forward- hats off to you! Xx love from Sicily, Jaz ❤
4 re-useable canvas, purchased bags
& 4-mesh bags for fruit/veggies
I think a big thing people need to remember is that individuals can only do so much. We need to also vote and interact with our representatives and governments over these issues.
Such an interesting and well-made video! The only thing I didn't understand is how washing the beeswax wraps would be less sustainable than cling film tough? If you're only using a very small amount of water and soap?
how sweet, thanks so much for that 🧡 the study i reference explains how it causes more emissions! but cutting back on both water and soap is helpful, which is why i recommend only using existing wax wraps on non-messy food items 😊
So, I thought that using a plastic "tupperware" style container would be a more sustainable option than either the beeswax or the plastic wrap, but it has to be washed also, so maybe not?
not a zero waster, but i have a couple totes that ive gotten as a gift throughout the year, i have an aldi next door that is my store of choice cause im poor and cant drive so they are really nice. Also lol, my dishwasher is completely broke so i have to wash all my dishes.I love beeswax wraps, don't have any, but i want one so bad for when i go camping. plastic wrap is so annoying and never sticks well. i got to use one when i was at a friend's place and it was amazing! would be perfect for wrapping my cheeses! love the video. just subbed!
a great example I had of this was with by old boss. We work in waste management, in landfills, reycling plants, analying how well municaple waste diversion was. One day I was complaining the "canned" peaches I usualy bought were changing from a plastic "jar" which is common accepted recycling where I live was transiting to "stand up pouches" which are NOT recycable. I was upset at how I was now making this extra landfill waste. my boss pointed out that the jar possibly had a larger CO2 inpact as shipping those bulky empty jars to the peach plant uses WAY more space then a roll of flat pouches. that possible over the whole life of those peaces the now non recycable peach container was reducing those peaches carbon emissions with more compact packaging. the inpact of our ourchases CO2 inpact are SO hard to know that we focus on what we see, the end user waste not the WHOLE complex system to get us that product.
such a good example, thank you!
Thank you for your video
I think it's quite interesting. How so many people flock towards the idea of sustainability when they never even viewed viewed the definition of the word sustainable. because everybody can't move to a walk 🚶♀️/ bike 🚲 city. You have to become as sustainable as you can right where you are. Starting somewhere imperfectly is better than waiting for perfection.
Yeah, you know, one of the things that I feel the most pleased about (tiny things sometimes you know?) was realizing that there was a brand of pasta sauce at the local grocers that comes in jars where the Lids are the Same (wide) size as the jars. This meant that it was super easy to use them to store leftovers in because a large spoon could go into them & they are also not a pita to wash. (fyi, I do plastic free partly because of familial cancer proclivity concerns more than eco friendliness, though I used to be a bit obsessy about That.)
2 years ago I contacted my favorite tea brand and asked them if they could remove the plastic bags that held the tea bags. They replied back, "The freshness that costumers admire would drop if they didn't have the plastic wrapping. So now I'm more aware that I shouldn't demonize plastic as much as I have been. I liked your driving discussion too, I recently learned my area has a refill-store that you bring your own containers to fill up on liquid shampoo, liquid cleaning supplies etc. but for me to access that store I have to drive about 4 miles away (my go-to store is just 1 mile away) and if I'm serious about going to that Re-fill location I should look into what other things I can do in that area to make it an ideal, many tasks at once sorta thing. Great video, thanks
this is such a perfect example! on the one hand it's true that plastic pollution is a big problem, but on the other hand plastic's done so much in the area of food preservation. a tricky beast indeed!
I didn't know there were places to refill on shampoos and conditioners. I might look into that if it's cheaper than buying new bottles of shampoo and conditioner when I run out. I haven't been able to find a reusable method for the old bottles yet but I may figure something out for them.
@@Its_Asteria I live in Canada so this may be different for you but... at my refill store the products are far more expensive to buy. Usually 3 to 4 times the price of a regular store brand. 750ml of dish soap is $15. If money was no object I would love to buy all of the products that they offer. But I really don't think it is very affordable for most people.
I live in Germany so we recycle alot and we even get money back for some plastic bottles. We now have to pay for plastic bags and straws have to be paper. Oh, those composte bags are not allowed in the green composte bin, because they do contain plastic. Tetra packs here are standard.
My grouse is MCDONALDS fast food eco friendly change to paper. They give us paper salad containers and wooden utencils. The worse part is the paper straws that soak through quickly and the paper carton lids on these hot or cold drinks. By the time you get out of the drive-thru, the lid is soaked. Forget driving any distance or curves. I have then try to avoid burns or soaking my car interiior with milk or coke, all while trying to drive. So as an alternative we have money back plastic cups from McDonalds which not all franchises seem to carry or limited quantity. You have to ask for them and pay 2 euros more for each cup (refundable)
Forget asking for example a large latte and extra espresso. They give you both separately although you ask for them in one container. So there you are trying to mix your order and then pray the trash is not full or people complaining behind you. Going into the restaurant, by the time you get to the paking lot the lid is soaked from the sloshing. Car cleaning nightmare especially in the Summer. 8-20 euros or higher every time, as you are not allowed to wash your cars at home in Germany. Not good for the water table.
I cannot tell you the number of people complaining about these lids and straws. Funnily if you just use a straw cleaner and put them in the dishwasher, the straws are reusable (at least for me). When going out now I have to carry cutlery and straws and remember to bring back the cups to get my refunds.
I don't understand anyone who is interested in sustainability going to Mc Donald's.Bad move.
@@morganniciomhair8284If this is regarding where I eat, well German McDonalds they do try to use local products and as nutrtious as possible. You actually get real mayo and cucumbers instead of pickles here and side salads. Even offering vegan as well. IMy complaint is the paper and wood packaging that affects the taste, transportation and repair costs. Bad move, well here is to me a grown woman and my hubby eating where we want and when, we want. So this is not a bad move for my /our lives or...the planet.
Been using my 2 large canvas totes since 2003, they’re going strong over 10000 uses. Avoid the free/cheap plastic ones that become trash. Canvas does last!
Can you do a video on "ecobricking"? I'm not interested in the (questionable) use of "ecobricks" for construction, but instead the idea that stuffing smaller plastics into one larger plastic container takes up less space in a landfill, etc. But I don't even know if that's accurate or helpful?
I never knew so much MATH went into Zero Waste! I just thought less the better, just like minimalism. I realize I am not a minimalist.
Obviously if we chuck out all our plastic and buy new glass stuff from a shop 15k from home then we are fooling ourselves. I think REUSE of what we have is the key. Seen too many rivers choked with plastic to wholly come on board - was born at a time when there was practically zero plastic involved in what I ate and also remember clean shorelines. Keep up the good work!
I think you should make a video consisting of just the end of this video with the research backed positive eco habits.
i already did!
If your glass jar is an actual mason jar, you can reuse those jars for canning, you would just have to use a new canning lid.
There is a company called Tattler that makes reusable canning lids. There's a bit of a learning curve, but well worth it. The gaskets are reusable for up to seven times. The other company is Harvest Guard, but there was an issue with the gasket material being non reusable. There were supply chain issues during the fancy flu a couple of years back, and the gasket material turned out to be single use. Also, a Food Saver with the canning jar attachments for the regular and wide mouth canning jars, and a Food Saver cannister for the smaller odd sized jars would eliminate a lot of the air problems. Rain Country even has a video on using a brake bleeder instead of a Food Saver machine. And a plate over a bowl would eliminate one of those goofy beeswax wrap things.