What I Stopped Buying | Realistic Minimalism + Low Waste

Рет қаралды 23,393

Күн бұрын

Trying to keep this realistic here and I haven't had to bend over backwards or shell out a ton of money to transition my lifestyle into one of lower waste and less plastic consumption. Constantly throwing things away and being wasteful can cause a ton of anxiety and guilt in your daily life, so hopefully this video helps anyone who may be experiencing that or simply looking for better solutions in their daily routine.
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Items Mentioned
x By Humankind Shampoo Bar - by-humankind.ayph.net/KDkbA
x By Humankind Conditioner - by-humankind.ayph.net/x7AMd
x Dr. Bronners Soap - amzn.to/3esknQS
x By Humankind Deodorant - by-humankind.ayph.net/r7jM5
x Cora Menstrual Cup - amzn.to/2XwuVrw
- The Video about the Cup -
x Necklace I'm wearing - leocadiak.com/necklaces/golde...
x Gold hoops I'm wearing - www.analuisa.com/collections/...
x Shark Steam Mop - amzn.to/2yEco4f
x Dyson Cordless Vacuum - amzn.to/2M1kxCM
x Thieves Cleaner - amzn.to/2ZP9uEG
x Paperless Towels - bit.ly/3p06Yob
- or these - bit.ly/2Z3VYvj
x Stasher Bags - amzn.to/2M3qbUX
x Beeswax Paper - amzn.to/2zs09bt
x Dryer Balls - amzn.to/3gw6DX8
x Mesh Produce Bags - amzn.to/2M7UdGY
x Modest Mylk - amzn.to/2TL18KD
x Soda Stream for Carbonated Water - amzn.to/2XzaM49
x Better than a Hydroflask - amzn.to/2Xz0bpL
x Bodum Coffee Grinder - amzn.to/3c9SEDh
x Bodum French Press - amzn.to/2X8agew
Shop my amazon favorites - www.amazon.com/shop/meganbell
Full Disclosure, some links may contain affiliate links in which I make a small commission. This helps to support this channel
#minimalism #lowwaste #zerowaste

Пікірлер: 107

@jenjencolorado 4 жыл бұрын

Skoy scrub pads are great! They come in plastic free packaging and you throw them in the dishwasher to clean. Mine last about 6 months, so a 2 pack lasts a year.

@mornat4638 4 жыл бұрын

Great video with great ideas and suggestions. I took a few notes, thank you👍

@yvonnesmall1318 4 жыл бұрын

Congratulations to you Megan. The simple life is the good life!

@marthacassie1881 4 жыл бұрын

Megan, I thoroughly enjoyed this video. I recently purchased a product from Grove Collaborative that I love for washing dishes that I don't put in my dishwasher. It has a spring loaded small round ceramic dish with a round brush with bamboo handle that sits on top. You place some water and dish soap in the base and with just one push of the brush down, it's ready to wash some dishes. Saves on soap too! It's called Bubble Up. I LOVE it!

@MeganBell 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Martha! I’ll check it out!

@misterscruffle 4 жыл бұрын

I really enjoy your positive energy and good vibe videos

@sharonbales5868 4 жыл бұрын

Use scrubby yarn to make knitted cleaning pads. They work great!

@blossomsandbundles 4 жыл бұрын

Girl, get an electric razor. It solves a ton of issues. I do like to still use a traditional one for my under arms but I use one that uses recycled plastic and it takes me over a year to use a pack of heads. Also my aunt made me some scrubbers out of old loofahs that are crocheted in a circle. Etsy might have some of those. Also the actual loofahs from the plant work decently for scrubbing pots. I cut them up into smaller pieces for doing dishes. For tougher scrubbies add salt and or baking soda to the pan and scrub. Oh also those scrapers that you get with a pampered chef pan work good too. Thanks for entertaining me while I wait my tern at the vet!

@blossomsandbundles 4 жыл бұрын

Or I guess my dogs turn... Not mine. 🤦🏼‍♀️

@MeganBell 4 жыл бұрын

Always love your feedback, Rachel! I guess I'd need to get an electric razor I can use in the shower. And I think my husband has one.. hmmm! lol

@blossomsandbundles 4 жыл бұрын

@@MeganBell all the ones I've seen are water safe. After 5 years mine was wearing out so I just got a new one that has a face scrubbing brush attachment lol! I think mine is nicer than my husband's haha!

@xochilguevara3429 3 жыл бұрын

Ooh! There’s all kinds of great ideas in here; thanx!

@hannamathilde6668 4 жыл бұрын

FOr razor I recommend the Leaf razor. So good and it moves a lot easier than the old fashioned ones. Haven't had any cuts and so easy to use. love it!

@norellweiner3341 4 жыл бұрын

I use old face cloths in place of paper towels and for cleaning, solid dish soap for hand washing and Flour sack towels for drying. I hang dry all our laundry in our apartment.

@ellef4812 4 жыл бұрын

I've now watched 2 of ur videos and I LOVE how u r to the point and not soooo talkative!!! I have just subscribed bc of ur content and bc u r to the point! 💖

@MeganBell 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!! I definitely consider that when filming and creating these videos.

@carolmiller6713 4 жыл бұрын

I keep a separate container under my kitchen sink for paper/cardboard trash. I dump it in our fire pit in the backyard and burn it. It is amazing how much less trash goes into the bag! I only discovered dryer balls about a year ago. I love them! I do the same thing that you do, adding essential oils to them. For dusting, I bought a fringey-looking cloth on a plastic handle. It works great and I can just pull off the cloth part and pop it in the wash every once in a while. Dr. Bronner's is wonderful stuff. I love the way the peppermint smells. Thanks for sharing all of your tips! ❤️

@michw24 3 жыл бұрын

Leaf razor and my go to for any products is checking Package Free Shop (I believe they’re having a Black Friday discount weekend now)

@MelDidItHerself 4 жыл бұрын

Check out Ten and Co if you haven’t already - super cute reusable dish towels and cloths and they also do the beeswax wraps :) for dish scrubbing, have you looked into the bamboo scrubbers? Great idea for a video, I love finding new easy ways I can incorporate more sustainable things into our everyday lives!

@roxannelabossiere7189 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for all your idea. I will certainly try some of your suggestion. For the razor, I use a metal razor because in Canada drugs store can recycle the blades. Also, you can use an electric razor/ electric epilator. For our pan, we used a scrapper frome amazon: Lodge SCRAPERPK 2 Count Red & Black Scraper Pan. It is very useful for when you burned something in your pan :) and for the gentle job, we used some bamboo scrub brush because they're biodegradable. You can found theme on amazon too. Continue your videos they are really interesting :)

@malvinam.6674 2 жыл бұрын

Love Stasare bags ! and I got a BKR bottle so I have a cute set for snacks ! :) Love your video !

@victoriapantoja4079 4 жыл бұрын

Magic shaving powder for replacing razors. As for sponges, I LOVE the scrub daddy "Scour Daddy" armortec mesh pads they last long removes the best like dry pasta sauce and over cooked eggs, and the best part is the sponges never smell like your ordinary wet sponges.

@MeganBell 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing!! good to know 💛

@PattymacMakes 4 жыл бұрын

Great advice!!

@denisobek6784 4 жыл бұрын

You may be interested in Norwex products, I have quite a few and love them all. They make a good kitchen scrubbie that is washable and use two of their cloths for washing windows and mirrors, no cleaner necessary. I second the metal razor with replacement heads. I've had mine for literally 20 years.

@MeganBell 4 жыл бұрын

Great to know! I keep hearing about norwex but haven’t checked it out yet

@VeganMangoQueen 4 жыл бұрын

Why did I never think to put essential oils on my dryer balls!?! Ty. I love using soap nuts to do laundry, make dish soap, shampoo, they are awesome

@Kmishelle 4 жыл бұрын

Tfs! This was very helpful. I've recently started using a menstrual cup and there is definitely a learning curve😂 For hair removal, I use sugar wax. Lasts a lot longer than shaving, its all natural, and leaves the skin super smooth 😊

@MeganBell 4 жыл бұрын

kayla where are you buying your sugar wax? I've had it done, but I'd love to purchase it and do it myself! I love that it removes dead skin as well as hair.

@Kmishelle 4 жыл бұрын

@@MeganBell I've tried Parissa's sugar wax but it doesn't remove all the hair. Now I get my sugar wax from etsy. It's a shop called Blue Milk & Honey. Her wax is great. 10/10 recommend!

@erinstrickler1763 4 жыл бұрын

For my razor I bought a straight razor from ouishave! The handle is steel and heavy and then you just buy the single blades when you need new ones. For pots and pans I use a steel ball thingy I got from a Norwex consultant. I know you don’t really enjoy MLM companies but I really think you’d enjoy some Norwex products as a one and done purchase

@ParkerMiddleton 4 жыл бұрын

RT!! The razor from OuiShave is awesome! And a Female owned, Black Owned business!

@vallove4life 4 жыл бұрын

I am definitely trying the dishwashing detergent thing....I do clean pretty good anyway so I think it will be a game changer for me! I will try not using so much paper towels. That’s another good one. I don’t buy hair products....I have fine hair and a LOT of it...I just air dry it and done.

@MeganBell 3 жыл бұрын

Yes!! I'm glad this was helpful. Thank you for the feedback.

@barbb8117 4 жыл бұрын

Great job! I thoroughly enjoyed this and got motivated! Thank you for sharing!

@MeganBell 4 жыл бұрын

That's awesome, thank you for saying so. 💛

@sosimplejen 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing! You're motivating me to think twice and to try living a more green life.

@inelsir.9529 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video 😊 I learned a lot. Try Sugar Waxing instead of shaving. Super cheap, made from kitchen items (water sugar & lemons), lasts longer than shaving too.

@MeganBell 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing!!

@WhiteBrightLightning 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for making this video - definitely going to try the dishwasher advice. That's genius. Yes to the above, sugar waxing is something I'm transitioning to. If your skin isn't very sensitive, double edged refillable razors are a great way to go. Cheap and you can recycle steel blades in a lot of ways if you google that. I tried and tried and tried for most of my life to make the whole shaving game work, but alas I have the most incredibly sensitive skin you can imagine. SO! If you are blessed to have blond hair or hair that doesnt grow back quickly or sparse hair or even if you do have a lot of thick, dark hair that grows back quickly (me), I cannot recommend electric razors enough. Yes, you still discard the razor heads but they use airflow, not metal shearing, to trim hairs so NO RAZOR BURN. Hell, I dry shave so NO SHAVING CREAM and you don't waste water with that method. I cannot recommend the phillips norelco enough. I've been using it for 4 years now and I have never replaced the handle, only the heads. The heads are like $10 each but last a long time. In the 4 years I've maybe used 30 heads..... so..... you may just need to assess what your needs are and what makes sense for you. Best of luck.

@norellweiner3341 4 жыл бұрын

Leaf razor, all metal and much easier than the old style safety razors. Check out well earth goods for pot scrubbers and dish scrubbers too.

@christengardner4780 3 жыл бұрын

I like that you helped with hair I tend to go through conditioner more because my hair is kinky

@MeganBell 3 жыл бұрын

I totally understand. I was a hair stylist for many years and the curlier, more textured the hair is, the more conditioner you go through that is for sure!

@XxSarahNicolexX 3 жыл бұрын

I use By Humankind too! Their deodorant is very very good!

@helenhart4368 3 жыл бұрын

For pet messes, I just scoop it up with some flexible plastic cutting boards, flush the bulk of the mess down the toilet, and mop or wipe the residue off the floor with a cleaning solution and a rag.

@daniellemcvey1055 2 жыл бұрын

I use a Double edge safety razor! All you do is replace the single blade every few weeks, lasts way longer than your typical razor. And less waste.

@pandorahalfdanarson5171 4 жыл бұрын

The way to make razors last long is to rinse them well and let them dry thoroughly. If you do this you will only need two razors (assuming you shave every day). As far as a scrub, I use regular stainless steel scouring pads. They are very inexpensive and last indefinitely: www.amazon.com/Scotch-Brite-214C-Stainless-Scrubbing-Scouring/dp/B002CQTXBC

@MamsirMamsir 2 жыл бұрын

Wooden natural bristle brushes and a dish soap block do a better job than bottled dish soap at our house or scrubbies/sponges. Natural loofah sponges are great for scouring or exfoliating in the shower. (Compost when done! My shower one has lasted over a year!) Leaf razors rule. Flexible heads, beautiful, plastic free.

@UnderCoverNinjaLover 3 жыл бұрын

I recommend a safety razor! It's a low waste option because the entire razor is metal and you can buy packs of blades. Package Free has one! Also, there is yarn at most craft stores called "Scrubby Yarn", you can crochet or knit little scrub pads - I've done this and they last for such a long time because you can wash them!

@MeganBell 3 жыл бұрын

I recently got a leaf razor and am loving it! Thanks for the tip on scrubby yarn!

@Chaoticallynikki 4 жыл бұрын

What vinegar do you use? And all you use in vinegar and baking soda?

@kathyorourke9273 4 жыл бұрын

Kitchen kaboodle sells scrub pads that I just throw in the washer. They last for years.

@MeganBell 4 жыл бұрын

ooo looking them up now. I was hoping for something that lasts months, but if you're saying YEARS, I'm on it!

@jcrefasi1 4 жыл бұрын

@@MeganBell RedHeart yarn makes a polyester yarn called Scrubby. I didnt like the round pattern they suggested. Too dense to rinse well and took longer to dry. I crocheted a small rectangle with a larger hook than suggested and it has lasted well over 2 years and I often bleached it. I stopped using bleach and just soak it in vinegar to freshen it up an it still looks and works great.

@carolmiller6713 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for this bit of info! I am definitely going to buy some!

@fransuastoro6119 3 жыл бұрын

A safety razor is an awsome idea 🥰. It takes a bit use to but it is worth it.

@MeganBell 3 жыл бұрын

I finally got one! Loving it.

@mrs.z1172 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for the deodorant recommendation, I tried natural brands in the past and didn’t works for me ( I sweat a lot ) let me give this a try ☀️😍💓💞🙌❤️💜⭐️💙

@MeganBell 4 жыл бұрын

Yes! My husband and I both wear it and never have an issue or have to reapply. Plus its reasonably priced!

@mrs.z1172 4 жыл бұрын

Megan Bell Thank you so much for doing this video we don’t use a lot of stuff you mentioned and it feel so good 🙌💓😍

@erinstrickler1763 4 жыл бұрын

And for my third comment lol... have you found anything for garbage bags? Aside from recycling as much as I can I feel like we go through a ton of plastic garbage bags and I kind of hate it.

@norcaldata 3 жыл бұрын

If you like to knit, try pink knits on here, she has a tutorial where she knits scrubbies out of tutu material from Joannes Fabrics she even knits it with cotton yarn to make sink rags. Get your crafty on! You can also find video tutorials to make reusable wax like Nads, to waxing legs and underarms. Great video, the only thing I have a dilemma with is the waxed sheets, that use bees wax. Some I use already and some I never knew: thanks!,

@MeganBell 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome tip, thank you!

@jodihadam6098 3 жыл бұрын

If you get an IUD it could reduce period blood. Especially if you bleed out too much

@miss_m_yt 2 жыл бұрын

Try a leaf razor or any other safety razor. Levi hildebrand has a great video on using one and his experiences.

@vanessadenise8983 3 жыл бұрын

A safety razor might be right up your alley! It’s an investment upfront but it definitely saves you money in the long run. As far as scrubbers, check out earthhero.com! They’ve got tons of options and you might find a more sustainable option. Personally, I use a bamboo scraper to scrape food off my plates before loading them in the dishwasher. It works great without scratching surfaces and I don’t have to use water to rinse the dishes before loading them up! Hopes this helps, I love talking sustainability

@user-dt8dq5li6o 4 жыл бұрын

Could you tell me what color you got your sofa in. I saw it in another video and I need this in my life

@MeganBell 4 жыл бұрын

It’s the eco weave fabric in oyster

@Chaoticallynikki 4 жыл бұрын

I got the leaf razor it has the movable head and I love it 🥰 learning curve and some missing skin before I learned how to use it. But it’s like a traditional razor 🤣 Still better than plastic

@ghostwriter62 3 жыл бұрын

I just bought the Leaf razor. Waiting for it to arrive. Any tips on using it as I’m nervous about it. Thanks ;)

@orangeslicemoon 2 жыл бұрын

How do your paperless paper towels handle lint after being washed? What I struggle with is washing/rinsing something in the middle of cooking, and then finding residual lint & pet hair on my hands, coming off of the otherwise-clean kitchen towels. A big reason why I’m having a hard time parting with paper towels:(

@MeganBell 2 жыл бұрын

It may be the type you’re using. Are you using cotton paperless towels? Also do you dry your clothes and linens with wool balls? I ask because that hasn’t been an issue with us and we definitely have a dog and pet hair but with the wool balls and 100% cotton we don’t have any issues.

@orangeslicemoon 2 жыл бұрын

@@MeganBell thank you! We have a variety of textures & materials in our stack of kitchen towels but I know most are 100% cotton. I keep hearing wonderful things ab wool dryer balls but haven’t found a vegan alternative yet so maybe I’ll investigate that! Do you use a particular brand/texture of paperless towels you recommend?

@Qiq-og6ms 2 жыл бұрын

I heard leaf razor is a good brand. Tho I haven’t tried it myself

@MeganBell 2 жыл бұрын

Love it!

@rafikimonkeylionking 3 жыл бұрын

Great video. FYI Soda Stream has some really abusive production practices. If you can find an alternative company through which to source your homemade soda, please do! I'm Australian and use a local company here called Soda King, however, I'm sure there'd be US made alternative too. If you already have a Soda Stream, you may find other company's refills fit your machine and it's an easy swap. Also, because Soda Stream is such a big brand, competitors often have to offer their products more cheaply to compete with it :)

@MeganBell 3 жыл бұрын

Great to know! Thank you.

@aliciagroombridge3514 3 жыл бұрын

Silicone scrub cloths are good and last.

@MeganBell 3 жыл бұрын

Great to know, thank you!

@SM-yd8hq 3 жыл бұрын

If you are in AU and would like a refillable natural deodorant, try asuvi.com.au and shopnaturally.com.au have shampoo and conditioner bars and many other sustainable products

@christengardner4780 3 жыл бұрын

Have you ever tried a safety razor I’m super scared

@MeganBell 3 жыл бұрын

I've been using a razor from Leaf Shave for a few months now and I love it! I was nervous the first time but now I'm hooked and feel very comfortable.

@dianajennings4570 3 жыл бұрын

If not for the environment to save money.

@MeganBell 3 жыл бұрын

Exactly.

@paopaoarra 4 жыл бұрын

Leaf Razor

@user-hm9rz3dr1f 7 ай бұрын

Как я попал сюда?😟

@tiffanycarroll3951 4 жыл бұрын

I love four things from Norwex that I don’t think can be duped.... the kitchen sponges, the cleaning paste, the dusting mit, and the glass cloth (windows and glass has never been so clean with nothing but water!) For dish soap and pot scrub brush I love Theearthlingco.com

@MeganBell 4 жыл бұрын

Good to know! Thank you for sharing!

@GloballyAware2 3 жыл бұрын

@@MeganBell Norwex is also an mlm/pyramid structured company- just FYI!

@DLFfitness1 3 жыл бұрын

Used clothing is probably best for the environment.

@chloedavis438 4 жыл бұрын

epilator,

@basil33 3 жыл бұрын

Native deodorant has a plastic free option now

@MeganBell 3 жыл бұрын

I heard that! But I will still continue to support By Humankind and their efforts to eliminate plastic waste

@kiminthekitchen 3 жыл бұрын

Razor: I use a men's safety razor Sponges: you can use a natural loofa or coconut scrubber

@MeganBell 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome, thank you for those suggestions!

@Turtle_Man-bt9nk 3 жыл бұрын

Haha I just use a straight razor

@MeritaKing1 3 жыл бұрын

Hang laundry outside and save electricity.

@drc4168 Жыл бұрын

In the words of Chris Rock "us Americans want credit for things we're SUPPOSED to do" ....!!!

@jeannemarie2294 4 жыл бұрын

Okay.....let me just say, you don’t have ‘time’ to make almond milk? Are you kidding? 🤦🏻‍♀️You do so much more than most ! So, in the future please say you are using your time for other things! Like painting kitchen cabinets or canning chairs OR RAISING YOUR BABY!!! Just saying! And by the way, good video! 🤗

@MeganBell 4 жыл бұрын

Haha Jeanne I was cracking up reading your comment!! Thank you, and you’re so right. I just want to do it all and I can’t! Lol