Zero Waste Family Makes No Household Garbage for 3 Years!
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- čas přidán 31. 05. 2024
- Katelin started living a zero waste lifestyle with her family and also started the PAREdown Home blog with a friend to document their efforts to create less household garbage.
After 3 years living this super low waste lifestyle, Katelin shared some of the changes she's made in her every day life to reduce her consumption of single use and disposable products.
She shops at a produce market that sells unpackages fruit and vegetables, she buys things like pasta and nuts, spices and oils at stores like the Karma Co-op in Toronto, and she makes things like toothpaste herself.
We hope you enjoy this video about the challenges and rewards of living a lifestyle that is in line with your values. Katelin has definitely inspired us to continue striving towards buying less plastic packaging, although we do find it challenging being on the road all the time.
Here's how to stay in touch with Katelin and PAREdown Home:
Blog: paredownhome.com/
Facebook: / paredown
Instagram: / paredown
The bulk store where Katelin is shopping during the video is the Karma Co-op in Toronto:
www.karmacoop.org/
Thanks for watching!
Mat & Danielle
PS thank you to all of our Patrons who support us so generously and a very special thank you to our backbone supporters: The Burgess Family.
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VIDEO 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 - Jak na to + styl
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a family of 4 went waste free and folks are still criticizing them?! that's wild. what a cool mom.
she's got 2 young kids. they likely need a car unless we spontaneously decide to ditch freeways and horse and buggy comes back in style.
BronzeBellaBria you know not everyone drives, right? I'm 25 and my parents NEVER got me a car, and I've never driven before. haven't you heard of public transportation?? biking??
ultimatekai Not realistic for everyone. It would take me all day to get to and from work, my car gets almost 40mpg and I want my next one to be a hybrid if not a full electric. I'm not willing to give up easy transportation but I am willing to drive to a store that will let me use less plastic in the long run and invest in products that reduce what I waste. I hope to move to an area that allows me to use my car less for things like running errands but baby steps. No one is perfect.
I didn't say that everyone drives. I said that they likely need a car. You're you (solo traveler, maybe). They're a family of 4 with young children + 1 dog.
Public transportation isn't always convenient, available or even an option where some people live. Not everyone lives near or adjacent to a bustling a metropolitan area. Not all areas have good/reputable/reliable public transportation *coughs*--Baltimore--*coughs**. Not everyone can rely on friends and family to help get kids to appointments or help with grocery shopping.
It might not be feasible for a family with young children to live without a car in their area. I grew up in a suburban/borderline rural area. It would take me 20 mins tops to bike to my dentist. But it would take me 6x as long to bike to my Dr.'s office and I need to take busy roads to get there. I'd be concerned if I saw people biking with young children on the highway because they didn't have a car, couldn't catch a ride, and had no public transportation in the area.
@ultimatekai I didn't say that everyone drives. I said that they likely need a car. You're you (solo traveler, maybe). They're a family of 4 with young children + 1 dog.
Public transportation isn't always convenient, available or even an option where some people live. Not everyone lives near or adjacent to a bustling a metropolitan area. Not all areas have good/reputable/reliable public transportation *coughs*--Baltimore--*coughs**. Not everyone can rely on friends and family to help get kids to appointments or help with grocery shopping.
It might not be feasible for a family with young children to live without a car in their area. I grew up in a suburban/borderline rural area. It would take me 20 mins tops to bike to my dentist. But it would take me 6x as long to bike to my Dr.'s office and I need to take busy roads to get there. I'd be concerned if I saw people biking with young children on the highway because they didn't have a car, couldn't catch a ride, and had no public transportation in the area.
ultimatekai Out where I live there is no public transport and biking to work would take over an hour one way.
"You have to start somewhere" - I love her attitude! It's such a liberating way of approaching it :)
Abigail Nottingham Amen! 💖💖💖 👌😊 You said exactly what I was thinking.
Totally agree! If we all started somewhere think what a huge difference that would make overall to a village, town, or city. You would think basic stuff like this would be a requirement for the school curriculum, but unfortunately capitalist thinking eliminates common sense. Sad really, but that's the big bad world now. I've been looking at our rubbish volume and how to reduce it drastically, I believe every little helps. Also it's much healthier too, bulk foods in a cloth bag is so much healthier than plastic or plastic coated packaging, let alone reduction in waste. Unfortunately typing my thoughts here is like preaching to the converted, I'm sure that most people that watch this channel already know this.
Pretentious
agree.i was working on other people house so far I just can do only reuse as much as I can the things made from plastic.i do marketing by bring my own used boxes
I can say from being zero waste for over 2 years and vegan for over 4 years that I've definitely been able to save a lot. the financial savings alone is a benefit to doing it.
creations landscape designs, so how are things in the Vega system?
Jason Bean what is the Vega system?
creations landscape designs, a star cluster near the other edge of the milky way galaxy, as I recall. it's a joke, sweetie.:) I know you mean you eschew animal products. I just find an odd term.
Jason Bean oh hah
Congrats! That sounds very gratifying :)
The source of the problem are companies making all of the unnecessary packaging to appeal to the materialistic society we live in.
Charlie yup. It's like, 'new Amazon locating in our city'. What's the take away to the city?:::: 'over 1,000 jobs' and everyone celebrates. Meanwhile....the trash and pollution and various items time in trucks and planes and death of earth and so much more related to a giant Amazon warehouse is not even considered. It's just 'oh jobs!' And on and on and waste and ill workers with children at home needing attention..and more.and earth slowly disintegrated.
Charlie You are so right.
Eric Mezenberg, I've actually started making my own chips, and stopped eating out
Charlie yes, Is like I like to shop at wegmans, so places like wegmans could have their own products on bulk instead of a new container everytime you shop
Yes, but it's also our responsibility to say no to their product if they use ridiculous packaging. Vote with your dollars.
Don't pay attention to the criticism, what you're doing is great. You do what works for you!
I totally appreciate the simplistic, yet joyous attitude this woman has about reduced waste. Some videos, and you know who I am talking about, look so elitist as if only the wealthy who drive hybrids and live in white walled beautiful homes can do zero waste. I have been Vegan 40 years and doing the bulk of my shopping at farmers markets for 32 years and yep, taking my own bags a lot of the time nearly that many years. It is not glamorous, but it does bring me great joy AND good health since thwre is so much garbage I do not buy/eat. It is my hope that everyone realizes that you start where you are and there is no one size fits all. Maybe your waste fits in a bucket rather than a mason jar initially. No sweat. Being conscious of our waste is a step in the right direction!
1 0 0 %
Great idea. Great dog. Great video.
Thanks Dave!!
I love this! We have also been reducing our waste for the last 2 years. I honestly wish I could go back in time and raise my 3 kids without all the plastic waste we produced before knowing any better. As it is, my 3 are teenaged and I find that although they understand WHY we as a society need to reduce waste, (and they do a really good job for the most part) they get nostalgic for the prepackaged "food" we used to buy. If I had raised them zero waste from the beginning, they wouldn't miss things that really weren't all that healthy to begin with.
That is so inspiring! I live in my car which I cleaned out yesterday and I was a palled at the amount of plastic I had, I was really ashamed! I realize I need to be way more aware of that sort of thing. I also love that she basically forced her husband into it LOL
Holli + Huckleberry , how is your trip going?
It's going well! Almost half way done 😭 can't even believe it
Holli + Huckleberry why do you live in a car?
Jasmine Mraz so I am able to travel and safe money :)
How do you have wifi?
Definitely will consider this now or in the future as I get older
Francisca Ilemabila Why not start now?
You can start making small changes now! Be mindful of the clothes you buy and try buying more of your clothes second hand. Stop using plasic straws, we don't really need straws but you can buy metal ones that you keep and reuse if you want! Also try to carry reusable cutlery with you to avoid needing plastic disposable cutlery when you're out. If you buy coffees/hot chocolates/tea often, invest in a Keep Cup that you reuse rather than using disposable ones from the cafe/shop. Carry a glass or metal drink bottle with you so that you can refill that and won't need to buy bottled water. Next time you replace your toothbrush, try to find a bamboo toothbrush which you can compost when you're finished with it (remove the bristles first). If you are a person who menstruates, look into purchasing a menstrual cup and/or reusable cloth pads and/or period underwear, rather than disposable pads and tampons as they produce a huge amount of waste throughout our lifetime.
They're just a few suggestions, and you don't need to do them all immediately! Just start to think twice when you go to use plastic and disposable items, and choose a low waste option if it's available :)
MaybeAshleigh To add to this list:
1. Use a reusable tote bag when you go to the store, instead of plastic bags.
2. Remember to turn off lights and water when you're not using them.
3. Try to get a steady sleep schedule if you don't have one. It's free, great for your health, and lessens the time you'll be awake with the lights, tv, and computer on wasting energy.
Wonderful video and fantastic story! Yes, you must "start somewhere;" do so unapologetically and keep taking action from there!
This is so beautiful❤️❤️❤️we could all do better if we were just more conscious of the waste we make!
I don't get why people criticize people like this family who are really trying to make this world a better place. THEY'RE ACTUALLY DOING THE NORMALLY ABSOLUTELY RIGHT THING US HUMANS SHOULD DO. Thank you for this!
This is very inspirational. I have been thinking about all the waste my family produces for some time now but outside of composting, I don't really know where to start. What I've been doing in the meantime is bringing in fewer things into my home, so that ultimately there is less trash. We also shop at the farmer's market so there's less packaging. That has helped a lot.
thanks for this beautiful and inspiring video! I really appreciate the way how she explains the idea of zero-waste and the great progress they have made from the beginning on, very impressive!
Your doing a great job raising those kids, Keep up the good work
Love the video! Very inspiring
I love this one. Thanking for creating and sharing content that gives me hope!
This is an amazing video. I currently live at home in between my spring and fall quarter from university, but I've become a lot more conscious about the amount of waste I produce both on-and-off campus. This video is inspiring and provides realistic advice, thank you for creating content like this! I strive to live minimally and with zero waste, and it makes me realize that these small changes allow for a drastic change!
One change, one day, one person at a time. Thank you for sharing.
Such an inspiration! I find challenges minimizing waste on my own, with children cannot even imagine. 👏
Wonderful people. We need more people like this in the world!
very strong personality. i love that! loved her input as well. it is very encouraging.
Truly inspiring. Every time a sanitation truck pulls up, I can't help but feeling guilty. I cut down plastic bottled water for my family of 5 with 3 kids in school taking 2-3 bottles a day, significantly reducing the amount of plastic waste. She is right - although I am still far from POA, I would like to contribute a bit. Many of us think that garbage disposal is not our problem but it is!
HECK YEAH. what an awesome family. Shes totally inspired me even more to continue on this zero waste journey.
This is amazing but so extreme. I watch these types of videos because my family and I are the total opposite and throw a lot away. We use plastic bags, food that is bought in containers that are thrown away, etc. I wish I didn’t have to send more to the landfill but I know I could never do this. Just find it so interesting to watch. Good for you all!
you are my hero! been living this way for years and i'm not as good as you, you have inspired me to do more, thank you.
That's Really How We All Should Be Living! Super Idea! Thanks & God Bless You & Yours!
I’ve been working on becoming zero waste for a couple of weeks now. It’s quite a challenge for me coz my husband is just not very adept to it. He still kept buying drinks outside which is frustrating. I’m just glad that I get to start on it.. been composting all the biodegradables, been enjoying making homemade stuff such as soaps, shampoo, toothpastes etc. also having a garden that I get some of my engridients for cooking at. I also make sure I bring my own drinks every time I go out to eat.
Put a reusable cup and straw in your husbands car for him!!!
@@wisheduknew294 I had to watch this video all over again and I'm even more of failure now as to zero waste living than 5 yrs ago. I need to back on track
wow I love everything about this video...your family is awesome...great goals...God bless!
I started my journey of Living Zero Waste this year and I truly have fallen in love with it. My husband and I have a lot to learn and there is always room for improvement but I don't think I could every go back. Love this video! Thank you both!
Thank you for sharing the story of a family living zero waste! It is that much trickier than an individual. My kids seem to attract clutter and as a result, garbage. Going to give this one another shot... I'm passionate about it, but disliked being so diligent ALL the time. Thanks for the renewed inspiration ☺
Indians use to do this their whole lives, no big deal. P.S. Keep up the good work.
johnny t I think this goes for major 3rd world countries. We use less
My grandma can have the dirtiest old tin can and still want to hoard it even when we give her our new and cleaned out talenti ice cream boxes for her bangles
Do you mean Indians or Native Americans?
Beautiful Family of 5, loved the concept!
Very inspiring! Thanks for being good role models!
This is inspiring! People still try and find things to criticise but at least they are trying and yes beginning somewhere like she said which is more than what the criticisers are probably doing! Great video!
Very Inspiring! Thank You For Sharing!
That's amazing what you are doing! People who criticize should look at themselves first - why do they care what you do? Keep it going, you guys rock! :)
Bravo, glad I came across this. I want to be more mindful of my waste. Time to make a little change here and there.
FANTASTICO!!! great job as educator/parent/citizen/human being!!!!
That's great Initiative 👍you are such a beautiful Soul.. keep doing..👍
Good for you, thank u so much for sharing,your ideas
An amazingly, incredibly wise woman right there! "The reality is, my children are very fortunate." Indeed, they really are!
Awesome Lady. Sensible & practical.
Even m slowly trying. I managed to reduce garbage drastically
Yes, your children are very fortunate!,❤️
Such a good idea to teach kids to respect the environment from an early age.
Love that you did this video!!!! Such great information.
Thanks so much Silvie :)
Huge respect for these people.
This was the one video that I found on Facebook that dramatically changed my life forever
Goood job! This is a huge step.... thanks for all the tips and motivation! :)
Love love love!!! So inspirational!!!
I couldn't see any fluff or "bits" in that jar from emptying the Hoover?
Oh I love this 💕💕🌱🌱. And so inspiring!
Wow,that is a great job on the zero waste path ! ! Trying for this myself.
She is definitely benefitting her children. From living this way from an early age, they hopefully won't need to feel like buying something might give them joy. They also will be trained to be less-impulsive, and better prepared. Thinking about all the financial freedom these children will have is truly inspirational.
You are magic!! Thankyou for this video!!!
I really like the video, thanks for sharing it.
So inspiring..thank you. I have been composting for a year now and just doing that has limited our trash intake and helps local gardens. (:
Another great video and interview! Thank you. Loved what she said about pursuing zero waste with first taking stock of what your waste is and paring down from there. I'm interesting in finding out how her husband adjusted to the lifestyle after deployment. Will check out her blog:)
Great job you guy's enjoyed the video as always
By just changing my diet I saw a significant reduction in waste. She is right about our waste being a result of our consumption (in the kitchen).
Just going to put it out there, if you’re working towards zero waste but for whatever reason you still use garbage bags, the company biobags makes compostable (yes, really) trash bags. Great transition product!
Absolutely amazing
Much respect for what you do for mther earth.
Love this, and thank you
Thank you, very interesting and inspiring. Just thought it was sad when people weee questioning the other areas of your life such as the car etc, silly people. Keep doing what your doing, im sure they wouldn't even know where to begin. I started to buy less food with packaging and turned veggie a while back, makes such a difference to my health and the waste i put out has halved. Good luck to you and your family in your journey x
My favourite statement in this video: "my children are not deprived at all, in fact they're very fortunate." As a zero waste mom myself for 3 years, I can relate completly.
Very inspiring
Realy impressed n will try to follow
bravo thats the way-be the changes-you have my deep respect
Amazing and inspirational.
Wow she brings up exactly the issue that I’ve found which is that I feel I’m depriving my children…… I was really strict about zero waste for a while and my kids (who are older than hers) kept asking why they can’t eat haribo and sweets and buy throwaway toys like their friends have. You do have to be really strong and explain your choices. It’s not easy in a world where we are encouraged to be so wasteful and trash the earth!
Thanks for making this video, I'm truly greatful :)
So inspiring!! I have been composting since 2014. Now I am shifting to zero waste lifestyle. Please keep guiding people like us.
Is there a video from you that shows how to make a cloth bag for grocery specially pulses?
Inspirational and Impressive!
Great content! Superb! God bless
Some great ideas! thanks
AmaZing!
We have been playing around with this concept since I have returned home from Antarctica. We hope to get to a zero waste and off the grid point in 5 years. Off the grid with food, power and water.
I am always so inspired by people who have done this, or are in the process of learning the lifestyle.
One Life, One Search,
Peace Out,
Shane.
How's the off-grid journey going?
very cool keep up the great work!
Wonderful!
What an amazing thing this family is doing! Huge props!
Although i found it a bit surprising that they aren't vegan. Caring enough for the environment and earth to commit to a zero waste lifestyle yet still contributing to so much harm to the earth at the same time.
Maybe they will come around...
Still very inspiring!
Cool thing to do.I've been working toward this already,but feel reinvigorated by this video ! !
That's great to hear! Best of luck with you zero waste journey!
Very Inspiring - keep the films coming.
Thanks for the positive feedback!
I wish we had a bulk grocery store near-by. As a family of 6 we have SO much waste! I have started with no paper towels and compost.
You're right, you have to start somewhere. We started with composting and it has been incredible. Our compost gives us healthier fruit trees in our backyard, all while lessening the amount of garbage we send to the landfill. It's a win win! We have also reduced the amount of stuff we bring into our home in the first place. This has made a big difference. Still trying to figure out the rest. Would love to cloth diaper for instance but I work outside the home and I just don't have the time to keep up with the washing. Great video though.
I love her video couldn't agree more.
So amazing!!!
Bravo to you guys 👍🏼❤️
Terrific!
At the heart of it , the issue is consumption. Nice to see a family that believes you have to start somewhere on your journey. I tried the lifestyle about a year ago and struggled because of the information available. Swap this for that etc mentality. That is how I determined that for me and my family the issue is still consumption.
Amazing! ❤️
This is a really good video!!!
Love zero waste living. Keep up the great work. 💖🌏🤗
This is AMAZING.
so inspiring ✨💛
fabulous video. I enjoyed the contest as well as the excellent videography
Thanks so much Seven!!
Zero waste family sweetie you are doing amazing
It's great that this family is doing this. I wish that CZcams would match up their ads a little better. The ad I saw when I clicked on this video was for a bulk plastic bag company called Plastic Bag Partners.
Love your videos! Keep up the great work! :)
Thanks Harley :) :)
more people should be like this , they barely have any trash after 1 year .my family makes much more trash in 1 day , so i just felt like i had to say that bye bye
Very good for next generation 👍👍👍
I love this idea,I kinda started by using a Fabric bag for shopping instead of a plastic bag🐾☘️