I have heard the increased trend of people throwing out their current tools (plastic reusable food containers, plastic dish brushes etc) to replace with something compostable or biodegradable. I want to encourage people to use their items to their regular shelf life - rather than purging to replace with new products. You already own something that works, that was made perhaps with plastic, but use it fully. Then when the time is appropriate to replace, buy a better alternative then.

"We don't need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly." - Anne-Marie Bonneau

Ok the straws are actually genius. They don't require you to grow anything, they just simply reuse stuff. That's awesome.

Mikes face after “maybe we should all stop sucking and start sipping” solid gold! 🤔🤭🤣😜🙌🏻

"Maybe we should stop sucking and start sipping" -Benjamin Ebbers (2019)

"bioplastic" "compostable" "biodegradable" should be taken with a grain of salt (or a metric ton of salt)... it makes you think you can throw it in your compost heap in your backyard. you can't. it takes an industrial facility to degrade PLA properly because the criteria required to process them doesn't occur naturally. sure they're made of renewable materials but if you don't send them to the proper facility to degrade then they'll still end up in a landfill or worse, clogging up some animal's digestive tract. people have to be smarter than the marketing ploys yes, it's made of plants. yes, it's compostable. but in a facility that requires fossil fuel to run. yes, it's biodegradable. after 500 years if not done under proper conditions.

The replacement for cling film was used before cling film existed.

Mike's passion about this - especially at the end- is so brilliant to see, and as a youtuber it is so important to spread this information and awareness

Just an idea: If you want to cover salad bowl and put in the refrigerator --> Just put a plate on it. No need for either products.

Mikes lil speech at the end reminded me that he’s a proper legend, thanks for spreading the awareness lads

Love Mike’s little speech at the end. Exactly what we should all be talking about! Well said Mike!!!

That “oh Ben” eye roll at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="403">6:43</a> LOL

Mike's faces after the Bennuendos made me spit out the water I was drinking

As thing are being used until they die in our house, I’m slowly replacing those things with eco friendly and sustainable alternatives.

So happy to hear Ben mention the need for straws with certain disabilities. ❤️

I'd love to see another video of this. The scrubber sounds awesome, especially as someone who is rough on scrubbers. Also compostable gloves!? amazing!

wow mike talking a lot of sense at the end there, get him in front of more people plz

When I was young (I'm nearly 70 now) people didn't use a lot of plastic. Milk and other fluids came in glass bottles, canned foods (vegetables, fruit, jams, sauces, etc.) came in glass jars, groceries were packed into paper bags, garbage was put into said paper bags and into a metal garbage can, houses didn't have a lot of carpet, no one had a cell phone or computer, very few people had more than one television or radio in the house, no one walked around with a water bottle in hand, most people bathed once a week and showers in homes weren't common (we actually shared bath water)... and the sun wasn't something to fear. As the decades go by, the use of electronics increases and along with it, the use of plastics. I don't think that anyone is willing to give up everything that they now have... not only ordinary people, but businesses, industries, and the leaders of the world. Our lives have been extended because of the innovations that have happened over the last century in every aspect of living. Some things could revert and we wouldn't mind, but not everything because that would be more harmful than keeping it. I'm thinking of things in places like medicine and science that now make life better for many, many people. If, instead of tossing televisions, computers, cell phones, etc. into the dump/garbage, people actually made an effort to use them as long as possible before they gave up (and handed them in to a proper recycling place after), that would save a LOT. We have 'rescued' many computers, televisions, and printers from our local dump and they seldom have anything 'wrong' with them... other than that they aren't the latest and greatest. As consumers, humans have allowed the electronics industry to shorten the life of products and make them disposable... so we toss out the microwave, coffee maker, etc. and replace it because it's made to break shortly after the 1 year warranty expires. Perhaps this is where we should be protesting.

I love the beeswax wraps! I use them around lunch things (sandwiches, chopped apples etc), I think it actually keeps some things fresher. They are expensive, but you can DIY them if you’re that way inclined.

At the start of each video I still hear "We assaulted a group of mates from London..."

I love how passionate Mike is about this topic.

A lot of disabled people need a bendy straw. Something like 80% of ocean plastics are from fishing gear. Environmental efforts need to focus on industrial polluters, but don't because they have lobbyists.

Love what Mike said at the end! It's so true though, its the small every day items we need to change x

I've been nearly plastic free for about a year now (as in don't buy new plastic or items wrapped in plastic, but still use containers that we already had and haven't found a way around electronics or sunscreen weirdly) and it seemed really daunting and even impossible the first month, but once you have an idea of how it works it is super easy and doesn't impact my quality of life at all - we can all do this!

"I didn't realise I had such a big middle finger" "it's cause it's the one you exercise most" 😂

My biggest concern is actually styrofoam cups and takeout boxes you can recycle most plastic but you can't recycle styrofoam

I think Mike made a really important point at the end of that. It really is up to us as consumers to rally behind each other to do better for the environment. Yes, one person doesn't make a difference, but if others continue to make changes, we really can really make a difference. Love you guys!

I've replaced cling film for covering bowls with silicone stretch lids, or I transfer into tupperware or pyrex, for stuff that will be reheated which have lids already. For everything else I use aluminium foil, which gets recycled.

"up the [unnecessary whistle]" That's another mark in the Benuendo tally lol

Benuendo: “Maybe we should all just stop sucking, and start sipping” Mike: 👀 *Looks to camera* *Looks heavenward for strength* *Closes eyes as he realizes there’s nothing to say to make it less awkward*

Absolutely love that you guys are having this conversation. In my household, it's ziplock bags, seal-able compostable plastic bags would be amazing.

I am so proud of you for the team you are ! I ve been a subscriber for about 4 years and are so happy in the direction you are going. Bringing awareness in this subject is important and more important bring it with joy. Being green and finding sustainable options should be fun and you are bringing that to the table! Thankyou! :D

should point out vegware needs an industrial compost machine otherwise it does not break down, you can't put it into your garden compost.

The amount of times Mike had to give the camera 'the look' after Ben's comments. Sorry Ben you appear innocent but I do think you are a dirty boy.

I really loved this video! Sometimes the biggest factor I have with jumping in with these is I am not sure how well they work. Getting reviews of the items or just bringing awareness to great items is so important.

WOO!!! yes! I do care! I am a marine biologist so this has been on my radar for years and I am so glad that influencers are starting to talk about it and get their followers to think about it themselves. im especially glad you also talked about prices, there are some products that are great, but the prices havnt been attainable for the masses, and the more we talk about this, the sooner someone will make a product with a realistic price-point. consumers lead the way for the next step that producers go towards. if its important to us, it will be important to the producers. thanks guys!

PLEASE KEEP DOING THESE VIDEOS. Everything from products to cleaning supplies, to understanding what is in boxes and jars in supermarkets, We need to be more educated consumers. Stopping our usage of single use anything just takes one swap at a time. An easy one. Cloth napkins that you wash instead of paper napkins.

I'd love a Fad Diet episode of pass it on - the boys either have to make something Keto, or Paleo, or something along those lines.

Love that you guys have highlighted this! Love how Mike framed the discussion! It’s great! Thank you guys for doing this!

Absolutely one of my favorite episodes!!! Thank you for helping raise awareness of this.

I appreciate the brief comment regarding the need of straws for those with medical and other needs. However wish people would get more on board with the fact that for a lot of people (like me) plastic straws are the ONLY option. The other alternatives are amazing I loved the brush and gloves.

You know the best straw replacement? Not using a straw unless you REALLY have to.

I've been waiting for you folks to do this video for awhile now and I couldn't be happier! You addressed this in a wonderfully balanced, direct way.

Thank you for this and for your continued attention to a growing conversation. I think it's so important for all of us to be more aware and to be doing what we can, and for people with a platform and an audience to bring attention to this issue is huge. Also can I give Mike some fangirl brownie points for that soap box bit near then end? You're officially my favorite now Mike. (Sorry Ben).

Genuinely happy to see the effort and time they took to actually talk and search for different products and review them with such realness They are using the platform they have to start a conversation which is just awesome.

I've been in love with Mike since the early Sorted days, and he just gets more and more beautiful???

Wow, this might be my favorite video from you guys yet. Not only was it hilarious (literally too many good bits to go back and transcribe for a comment) but I learned a ton and it got me thinking, which is incredible. I love how Mike said at the end that you guys should be talking about these things, because he's so right, but you do it in such an entertaining way and one that gives people options. I like what Ben said about the items we use on a much more daily basis not even being considered. I just go out and buy a new pack of sponges every time I run out, and I've never though to research a better option to help due my part. Thank you guys for this video; it was super inspiring to me and really got me thinking about what I can change in my personal life.

I chose gloves because there’s already a solution to cling film in the form of reusable containers

The wax-sandwich wrapper is apparently something you can easily make yourself and is a great replacement for plastic lunch bags! A friend of mine made her own with beeswax!

You said group of mates now instead of group of foodies. *fan is happy now*

Love the video fellas, really good to see people with the platform having an open discussion about the good and the bad (cost, functionality, convenience etc)

I've pretty well always thoroughly enjoyed your videos but I think this one might be my favourite! Thank you so much for posting, educating and buying these products so that your community can see that these products exist!

Our school has been using Vegware for about a year now for cups, cutlery and sandwich boxes. They’re awesome and that have so many products

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="800">13:20</a> that was a great speech from Mike! 💞

thank you for this video guys! really enjoyed it and it’s nice to see that you guys are using your platform to talk about the issues we have to address today ❤️

I really can not tell you how much I personally appreciate videos like these. Please please keep up this amazing work! You really are making the world better!

"Stop sucking and start sipping" lmao Mike's face was priceless!!

We've had coconut brushes since before I was born over here in Malaysia. We use them for lots of things from dishes to scrubbing floors.

Love this video! 🙌🏼 id love to see you use some of these products in your videos to continue to raise awareness and get people talking about these products! Well done guys 🙌🏼

Mike's passion for this has made him even more attractive and I didn't think that was possible

Really enjoyed this concept, I'd definitely like to see more videos under this sort of theme

I’ve been using beeswax wraps for a few months now and I never felt like they were less practical than cling film. I got a pack of 3 for 9€, which is a fair price i think!

Thank you guys for making this. I feel like the speech at the end and the argument about transporting something from so far verses not bothering to try to innovate was something great to touch on and I loved Ben's bit about pointing out that straws got/get talked about while other things have been and are being ignored. Personally Of the items shown the gloves and cutlery most excited me as that is something restaurants and corporations can switch to which makes a much bigger difference then what most people can just do at home. The numb of gloves I see just on employees from one trip to the supermarket between those doing the premade foods, deli, bakery, and occasionally register workers is more than I've used in... probably my whole life if we exclude taking care of my mom when she had cancer? The cut

I love this video and I love ending of the video! Thank you for making this, for the inspirational bit at the end, and thank you for also acknowledging that some individuals do need straws :)

Those coconut fibre brushes with steel wires windings are actually really common here in SEA. I never realised they are not obtainable worldwide

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="775">12:55</a> That was rather beautifully eloquent. 👍 Mike!

Love that you guys covered this topic. Something important to note is that a lot of biodegradable plastics can’t be composted in your backyard compost pile, they need specific heat and moisture conditions that are provided in industrial composting facilities. So if you use them, you have to then make sure that they go to the right place, otherwise they still take a very long time to break down

Pushing the conversation forward is exactly what you guys do! Great job!

the coconut brush actually cost less then a pound in asia

I like Mike's statement 10/10. It's something that we can work on and test things, and if some don't work - we will find another that will

Love this. Would totally watch more of these. would love to see themed plastic free episodes (Valentines plastic free, desserts plastic free etc.)

I love love love this!! I’ve been trying to phase out plastics from my kitchen the last few months and find that even though they might be expensive initially it’ll save money in the long run! In terms of cling film I just tend to put things in Tupperware or if something is in a bowl stick a wee plate on top to keep it fresh in the fridge. I’ve not bought cling film in about a year. Other swaps can be using reusable washable kitchen sponges, washable cloths, wooden utensils, glass storage jars. I would love to see another one of these!!

Japan has a lot to catch up on in regards to this..... ....its shocking the amount of unnecessary plastic is used on a daily basis here

SPEECH! Go on Mikey. Making a stand, and speaking sense. Well said Sir.

I enjoy that the conversation of non plastic cleaning supplies is happening. We got the ball rolling with alternative straws, and it's really neat seeing you guys use the platform for expansion on that same idea.

I've started using a cloth to wash my dishes - crocheted cotton to the size I like to use, dishwashing liquid (I've recently come across bars of dishwashing soap) on the cloth to scrub the dishes, then rinse in hot water. I use the scrubbing brush for rinsing cold, soaked things so I don't have to put my hand in it lol. Gets cutlery way cleaner using a cloth!!

About the straws, they are definitely necessary for elderly people or people with disabilities!

I thought Mike’s little speech towards the end of the video was really well said. Great video!

Everything Mike said at the end is love ❤️ Please continue talking about this stuff and spreading awareness coz it truly matters. Love and luck always

yes mike!! please can you do a video about how the sorted kitchen will limit and change the single use plastics, maybe about food waste etc and composting? would love to see that, been watching since the beginning and for you to grow and change along with the rest of the world be amazing ❤️

Jamie is very salty lately, someone should feed him a potato to soak it up 😂

That coconut brush though, we’ve been using that for cleaning pots and pans for centuries in the Philippines.

I really appreciate the way mike summoned this conversation up! It is so easy to get overwhelmed and feel like things are hopeless. I think more of us need mike’s mindset.

"I always wondered what you could do with avocado stones" ... grow avocados.

What Mike is saying at the end, dude, marry me

I love Mike's speech 💛 this video was very informative! Awesome! Please keep doing stuff like this! I'd love to see you use these products in your videos

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="402">6:42</a> that reaction is everything 😂 Reminded me a bit of Bob Newhart

J actually makes a valid point with the avocado stones and Ben's counter to it is wrong. Apple seeds are not replanted when reproducing the same type of apple, the take cuttings of living trees of that apple type because it will not grow the same apple otherwise. To put that into perspective every Pink Lady apple tree is a clone of the original and the same is true for the other types, they are a clone of the first tree to grow that fruit.

I really liked this video. I especially liked that it didn't just pander to the environmental argument. I've always said exactly what Jamie did, if an alternative product doesn't function properly it's not actually an alternative. I do think we can replace most single use plastic but things like paper straws are not the answer. Everyone I know now uses three or four of them for a single drink from McDonald. There are alternatives that are biodegradable and actually work but they shouldn’t cost the earth (pun intended).

liked video for Mike's outro speech. proper legend. love you guys! so much respect for you all xx

I love this!! I use just beeswax wraps now, for bin bags etc I use cornstarch ones (the trick with bag products is trying to get ones that aren't just plastic with ingredients that make them break down into microplastics quicker, still not good!) I've almost run out of all my plastic bottles in the bathroom too, and transitioned to bars or products in glass jars (local companies who will take them back and refill them too). There are so many alternatives to plastic these days, or areas where you just don't need that product at all, and there are people creating new alternatives all the time, so just because you don't like paper straws, for examples, doesn't mean there isn't a plastic-free option for you. While the bigger companies may be causing the most waste, even personally eliminating your plastic use is still a good thing and makes a difference, and the more people who do it and show demand for those products, the bigger change we can drive from the producers. I'd love to see another episode like this at some point, perhaps comparing the alternatives, like all the non-plastic straws, all the food wrap options (the silicon wraps and bowl covers etc), seeing the difference and what is available if the common one doesn't quite fit your needs would be fantastic.

4p per glove?! Definitely worth it. I hope businesses, hospitals, and restaurants start adopting these as soon as possible.

Before jumping on to the bioplastic bandwagon, be sure to look into just how long, and under what conditions the various products will biodegrade most efficiently. If they photodegrade, mixing them into a compost heap won't help all that much. Additionally, be sure that you check about the permeability, if it needs to act as proper PPE.

That was great point there Mike 👍 loving the video, loving the vibes, especially liked the music :) thanks for making this video!

It's extremely important and we're trying to change our use of plastic slowly. I think the cling film replacement is really important. I've also gotten rid of all my plastic tubs and replaced everything with jars from products we buy in jars, and from canned goods (in jars) we get as presents. It's a process. Loved the options you presented here.

i like the idea, people are just uneducated on things. Over 40% of the plastic in the ocean is from fishing operations, but we don't hear about that.

"We know that plastic straws are the enemy" *NOOOOOOOOO!* Plastic straws are FAR from being in the top 50 of the "problems for the environment" category. This whole straw thing was a viral media story that is *entirely* based on a 9-year-old kid's school project. Seriously, that's the source. Trying to help is good! It's awesome even! But fighting a non-problem while there are real problems is not helping.

Thank you for covering this topic, I agree that we need to start creating demand for these kind of products. The more demand, the more innovations and better alternatives there will be to the single use plastics. If everyone replaced their brushes with plastic free ones, that's one big step in the right direction!

Gosh, I really love what Mike is saying, that people power will create change and that we have to talk about it. I absolutely love my beeswax wraps and use them all the time. In Australia, we also have the option to recycle soft plastic, like cling wraps or anything you can crumple in your hand, at some supermarkets. It’s brilliant!

Hey! Amazing video this is, love that you are addressing the sustainability problem! And as Mike says, we ARE the ones that can make the change!!! One little remark though, the "compostable" products actually take much longer than your average spring onion greens, so they are becoming a problem in the compostsble waste industry. So, until that logistic issue is solved, I'd say use other alternatives or do not throw them away together with the compostsble waste!