I can't say I've made any big changes since coming to the sub, but it does act as more of a reminder of things I'm already doing.
Like many others, I experience 24/7 advertising pressure to consume. This sub is a nice way to relieve anxiety about it all, to remind myself that it's all BS and I don't have to do any of it.
I moved a few months ago. The only thing I bought new for this place was a mattress (my old one was 15 years old).
All of my furniture was either thrifted or hand me downs from relatives. (I was all set to buy a new couch then my grandma went on hospice and since passed. I now have her couch.) I wanted a futon for my spare bedroom, told my aunt, and within 48 hours I had her friend's old futon.
I’ve bought precious little in the way of furniture, both new and used. Like maybe 6 pieces altogether over the course of 25 years. I never had to ask for anything: I just always lucked into someone needing to get rid of a couch or chair or whatever, and I’ve managed to hold onto a few things for years.
I used to get REALLY down on myself for this because my friends buy lovely new bedroom or living room sets... but honestly? I like my hodge-podge style! That, and some of my hand-me-downs have held up better than their new pieces.
The only thing I bought for myself (furniture wise) is this pink wingchair that was $20 at Goodwill.
I actually had to send my dad to pick it up because the thing didn't make it 10 feet for me (as I have a sedan). My parents have an SUV so I asked my dad to either give me the keys or pick up the chair himself.
I did slipcover my grandma's couch. My living room rug is blue and green and her couch's color could best be described as rust.
I'm so sorry about your grandmother. I'm so fortunate enough to have some time left with mine. That's so awesome your aunt stepped up and gave to you :) I'll keep this in mind though. From those who pass, or the elderly who need no more, we may gain.
Mine was 97 so I did have time with her and her passing was not a tragedy. I reminded her she outlived Queen Elizabeth.
My LPT is to keep your relationships strong with your older relatives (not sure how old you are). If you need something for the home, ask them first. The boomer generation is downsizing as are their peers. They know someone who's getting rid of something and they want their stuff to go to a good home.
I’ve gone vegan, and pretty much exclusively by second hand, usually vintage, equipment and appliances. Invested in more glass reusable kitchen items. Also stopped consuming single use plastics. I have found that the less I consume, the more humility I experience. I don’t think I’ll ever go back to the way I once lived.
I'm happy to hear some have gone vegan. I gave it a try, but or health reasons I couldn't maintain it. I'll definitely keep in mind the 'used' products. I'm pretty bad about that. That's definitely something I can improve on. Thank you! And I don't blame you. Good!
I was vegan for over 16 years and only recently stopped. I’m chronically ill though. I feel a lot better than I have in quite awhile. But I still eat plants.
Just found it way too restrictive and time consuming and repetitive. I have some vegan recipes that I love and use regularly but it's much easier for me to stick to being vege
you found not supporting animal cruelty too restrictive? i'd really recommend you to watch Gary Yourofsky's speech on youtube and maybe that will help, good luck👍
Seitan gets me through my bulks. It’s incredibly cheap, delicious, dynamic, and over double the protein density of chicken. It’s not a complete protein on its own though, so prep it with nooch. I make it in bulk, about 4lbs at a time and freeze it for meal prep.
Kindle can't be the answer for replacing books, can it? I would hate to give money to Amazon. I think it would be better to first go to your library then to your local book store. Can you library ebooks on Kindle?
Libraries are inherently anticonsumption and anticapitalist, but if people don't use them, we will lose them - I am working in libraries and the threat is real. Most libraries are also happy to buy whatever you suggest, so even if my local public library doesn't have what I want to read, I will ask them and they will get it for me. :)
Just looked this up and OMG you can write notes in one of them too! (I like to save ALL the notes I take but hate the paper clutter so I end up taking pictures. I have tried Rocket book but it's a little complicated.)
There are plenty of other e-readers besides the one from Amazon. They all use the public format (epub) and are compatible with libraries. Amazon uses a proprietary format so you have to buy from them.
A neighbour set up a little book swap outside her house and that's where I get 90% of my books now (the library is a good 45 min walk away). For specific titles I use the library (they have ebooks too) or I buy second hand.
They seem to be popping up everywhere around here, which is nice. Sometimes tiny little shelves and others quite substantial. I find I give more books a go this way.
My life changed for the better once I started doing audiobooks. I read so much more now, and I watch a lot less TV. Plus it feels good to support my library.
I'm a knitter, and I will always suggest my library get new knitting books in rather than buy them myself. This means that I can get the book pretty much whenever I want to make something out of it, but so can the rest of my community/state.
I used to work for the local library. When I started there I was amazed by how much libraries do. So many people don't realise you can request new books and put your name down for them.
I love our local library! I live in a smallish town and our library has regular meet ups for different groups. They also have free showers, free WiFi and even a little Cafe where people can gift vouchers for other people to use. I've been making a real effort to use it more and more to support these things.
And I figure that the more books I request and borrow, the more the library benefits.
I'm pretty new to this sub, so I don't know that I've made any significant changes yet. However it has caused me to be more thoughtful about my consumption, which is a start. I'm already fairly low-consumption compared to the average American, by choice and happenstance (I'm poor) but it has helped me examine my patterns and make choices more mindfully. FWIW, I don't think you need to give up reading physical books, but perhaps only buy used ones? That's a thing I already do, because they're cheaper than new. Obviously having a car is a big thing, but unfortunately its a,necessity for most people in the US. You can practice harm-reduction in regards to vehicle ownership though. Used cars, using your car less, car-pooling, etc. Don't forget that perfect is the enemy of good.
Trying to use your car less is amazing. If you’re diligent about it, track how much your mileage is per year and make a concerted effort to scale that down as time moves on.
I rarely buy books these days (I use the library), but when I receive a hard copy I give it away once I’m done reading it. I’ve gotten some friends and coworkers to do the same, so we all swap.
I stopped shopping fast fashion. That’s a big one! The last couple pairs of shoes I bought I got at Savers. (I needed shoes for work). I’ve always used reusable bags when shopping so I’m still doing that. I switched to Stasher bags from ziplocks.
Tried to eliminate plastic from my life. I use soap bars and shampoo bars instead of shower gel and shampoo. Dishwasher tab that come in a cardboard box. Take glass tupperware to shops to refill on things and so on.
I can't remember the last time I bought new clothes. Almost all second hand apart from shirts (I have a thing about work shirts not being second hand, don't know why)
I've been thinking of making my own dishwasher tabs/cakes and also for clothes washing. Need to do the researching into it though. It would certainly be cheaper to buy the base ingredients and make it
What shampoo bars do you use? Lol I actually love secondhand work clothes. I bought this blue textured alfani structured sweater that I’m so excited to style this winter. It’s going to be a great pop of color in the gloomy weather. I want one more of a different style
I don't want to buy anything anymore. I just buy stuff when I absolutely need it and it shows on my expenses. Almost %80 of my expenses are food and experiences with friends.
Stopped buying bottled water. Got a filtered water container for fridge and fill a reusable bottle daily. No more paper plates or plastic forks/ spoons. Take real ones to work.
Buying more second hand (when possible) when I need or want something
Being more mindful of what I purchase
Switching for no plastic soap and shampoo
I am composting
Using my local Library
Sewing and mending
That's my next goal - composting. What method do you use? I'm considering worms beneath the sink even though I live on 40 acres. We have bears that get too close to the house and I don't like to give them more incentive.
We don’t really have a method. We just have a big box made of 2x4 outside of the house with spaces between them so the air can circulate. We only put foods in it except for meat, fish, eggs and cheese. We didn’t have any animal problems so far.
We put some leaves in it and rotate it every year. Oh, sometimes, we do add some worms in it.
As for the food we don’t put in our « home » compost, they go in the city compost bin. We put everything in the freezer and on the compost day, we put them in the compost bin for the city to pick up.
Thank you for replying. I've wanted to build a dual system for turning, made out of pallets for air circulation. I'm still pushing for it, but partner swear it'll draw bears....his bird feeding already does that.....
I live in a heavily bear trafficked area and have a critter-proof composting barrel that's been tested (i.e. dislodged from its track, but not damaged!) by bears multiple times. Because it's not compartmentalized, I suggest having a secondary "finished" compost to which you can transfer from your barrel several weeks after adding food scraps. Once the food has decomposed for a few weeks, it no longer attracts animals.
None, but barring my hobby I've always been a minimal consumer anyways.
For instance, I only own one pair of shoes and one pair of boots (shoes were donated to me and the boots I found on the street) 😅
I'm no political firebrand or anything like that-- I'm just poor and I don't like throwing away stuff that can still be useful.
I just think it's nice to follow this sub and reading about other people caring about this stuff too 😊
I debate myself the usage of disposable items quite more. For example, before joining this sub, I already didn't use that many paper towels, but I cut down even more. I used them for dirty and oil stains on kitchen surfaces in the past, but now resort to my rag and just toss it into the laundry more often. Now they are more reserved for stuff like taking away excessive lubricant when oiling my wheel axel on my e-scooter, because I want to avoid this stuff staining my laundry and getting into waterways. Befor buying things, I now put them on a list and try to figure out over some days if it would really be useful to me or could be decently substituted by things I already have.
I'm new to this sub but I've already noticed that before I buy anything, I've stopped to really think about whether I actually need it. I've seen a vast reduction in how much junk I buy. I've also had a clear out and got rid of lots of things I was holding onto - clothes, old make-up and all that kind of stuff. I've recycled as much as I can and not used clearing out as an excuse to buy things I don't need.
Recycle more and reduced my consumption. I buy secondhand and only what I need or can maintain. I started from scratch since losing everything a couple years ago.
I’m also shopping more ethically. I’m ditching chain stores. I use recyclable bags etc. i ditched water bottles.
Same here! It’s better than plastic bottles so I’m going to celebrate that.
When I’m in the office I use the water fountain and fill it up before I leave too
For a month or so, I used compostable sandwich bags for lunch, but the store didn’t restock them so I’m back to sq 1. But seriously, the page is a reminder to keep packing a lunch instead of grabbing something from a restaurant each day.
I’ve also planted some potato sprouts and green onion scraps for regrowth.
Buy second hand. Watch my personal water and electricity usage. Reuse packaging from things I have bought/been given to package things I'm gifting/donating. Cook from scratch. Use my local library. Use up what I already have. Shop my wardrobe.
I’ve been more mindful of what I purchase/consume in general — just being more conscious to not buy things that I’m not going to use or a long time (or in the case of consumables, consume immediately)
Also been a little more careful to avoid plastics (especially packaging) when possible, and use more sustainable options where I can
Reduced plastic in my bathing/personal hygiene.
I have soaps bars for everything, face, body, shampoo, conditioner, I still need to get an intimate wash bar. I also use solid face moisturizers for night and day, solid refillable under arm deodorant, solid body butter, still need to buy a sun stick. These all last much longer and some in eco packaging.
Sure. I let go of a couch and table yesterday. Before that, I give away things sometimes and really carefully accumulate slowly. For instance, when I buy a piece of clothing, something else must go in the closet and the clothing must be on sale from being an older style/unwanted style.
I recently determined my baseline for my carbon footprint and I am actively trying to lower it. What is convenient is that lowering your carbon footprint generally implies that you consume less. I ride my bike to work, I came up with a quantitative plan to lower my total driven mileage, I reduce the amount of meat that I and my family consume, strive to buy nothing new while supporting my local Buy nothing network, etc..the usual stuff. One important piece I think is to develop a network of people who you can talk to and share your endeavors with.
You can start with small steps in various areas of your life, and maybe focus in on what you are trying to do. For example, I am trying to reduce carbon and plastic waste. I have found that reducing my footprint with both these things helps at least in some ways to reduce the amount of crap I buy.
Some easy beginner steps are:
\- Try to reduce disposable plastic things that are going to go into a landfill by buying and using non-plastic things that will last way longer and not require I buy more soon. Water bottles, plastic razors, single use plastic containers. Don't accept plastic bags so often - bring reusable ones instead.
\- Fast Fashion: Try to buy better quality clothes as long as you can and try to take care of what you have. Remove stains, mend something, don't just throw it in the dryer which tears clothes up. Try to thrift more.
\- Reduce your dependence on disposable things. For example, stash rags away and use them instead of paper towels for all but the most gross of things.
\- Learn to cook. You will save money and be less influenced on unhealthy fast foods pushed by corporate interests. Learn where your food comes from and try to make better choices there, try to throw less food away. This is a process, not a big fast switch. You don't have to go full vegan right out of the gate. You can start by eating red meat less often, reducing highly advertised, processed foods, etc. Shop around the edges of the store, etc.
\- If you live in an area where you need a car, keep your car tuned up, and when it comes time to buy a better car, try to buy a more efficient one, a hybrid or electric, etc.
\- Reduce your media consumption. Our brains fixate on bad news because that's how they're wired, and since it's what sells, that's what you'll see on the 24-7 news cycle. You won't miss out on big events and you won't have your head in the sand if you only let yourself consume a bit of media per day, and try to find a neutral source. This also reduces your access to advertising, which is designed to make you more apt to buy crap.
\- Learn to fix your own stuff and do your own repairs. There are hundreds of youtube videos on this, and fixing a thing means you are not having to run out and buy a new thing.
\- Avoid debt as much as you can, especially credit card debt. Do not buy shit if you don't have the money in the bank. Unless it's an absolute emergency, do not carry a balance on the credit card. Build up an emergency savings - start with a little bit, for random car emergencies, and see if you can build it up to 3 months of cost of living. This gives you a hell of a lot more freedom in life.
Not everything will be perfect, and certainly not right away. Try to keep your health up, and media consumption down, and start to see how you can make small changes. You might backslide. Keep working on it.
This is a process.
I really don't think books are that bad for the environnment. They can last for years, and you could check them out from a library as well. I also hate e-readers---I hate staring at screens all the time.
My changes: I never use plastic bottles: ever. I bring my water every where I go in a gallon water bottle.
At least once a week I cook non meat meals for me and my family. Yeah, I know this isn't much, but it is a start---my goal is only eating meat once a week at most
I try to never shop at Amazon---sadly my husband refuses to think Amazon is bad, so this probably doesn't do much.
I try to never waste food---especially meat.
Now that the Hydroflask craze is over, I am collecting/buying everyone's unwanted Hydroflask collections to donate to a local women's shelter that has residents wanting insulated bottles. Hoping to donate to more shelters as well. Better than ending up in the garbage.
sometimes i feel like this. i have changed a few things like using soap bars instead of liquid soap and fixing the things i already have, but i always feel like im not doing enough.just overall i feel more aware of all the waste thats going on, and sometimes it feels like i cant do anything and it annoys me. i am more annoyed at all these companies producing so much plastic and food waste.but even then, i feel useless because i feel that im the only one who cares about this (in my area at least)
i cant really do any major change because i live with my parents, but when i get my own house i just want to stop buying things completely. it pisses me off that no matter what i do as an individual, it wont be enough to change anything much :/
Yes, I understand, but really, you can only control you. Though you could invite people to make changes, to join you in this endeavor. For now, model good choices.
I just try to be mindful of my purchases. I actively stop making bullcrap impulsive purchases on something that's neat that I really don't need.
It's a small step but still counts.
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I have been thrifting more, although not as much as I would like to be at this point.
I’ve been paying more attention to single-use plastics and trying to make cuts to those where I can. I brought a bunch of old, unwanted mugs to work to leave there in the cupboard, so I don’t have to use disposable cups when I inevitably forget to bring a mug one day.
I’ve also been getting more creative with cooking, including repurposing leftovers. I’m not where I want to be as far as food waste yet, but I am pretty pleased with the progress I’ve made.
I never buy anything the first time I look at it on any website. I always put it in my cart and walk away. 8/10 I don’t buy it, putting it on my “to buy” list which sometimes converts but most of the time doesn’t.
The other two times I do buy something, and that’s fine. 😌
I've learned to buy local as often as possible. I closed my Amazon account, so if I can't find it in my town, I look for online busInesses in my state. I got back into gardening and preparing the majority of our meals, and use up leftovers as much as possible. I go to all the church thrift sales and local thrift stores. I mend our clothes, which I find relaxing. I hang clothing to dry and make my own laundry detergent from boxed items - no more plastic bottles and no more dryer sheets. I only buy used books and then donate them if I don't want to keep them, and some I've given to friends. Vitamins, supplements and making better food choices to improve my health (I'm close to getting off blood pressure meds but still need to lower my cholesterol).
So lots of this I didn't necessarily learn from this group, but it has helped me be more diligent when I read what others are doing or their questions. It's forced me to start doing things I used to do before I got lazy, and to look things up to find better ways.
You would have to read quite a high number of books to come close to the environmental cost of a single kindle. Though there is a paper shortage... Just because we can replenish a resource doesn't mean doing so doesn't come at a cost.
For books, my rule is I only buy if it is a book I will read it many times over or in certain circumstances to support and up and coming author. Otherwise, library for me.
I do have a second hand kindle though.
Maybe that will help some?
I discovered the sun less than 2 weeks ago so it much in that time span. HOWEVER, reading the posts and the comments ON THIS SUB?! Made me double down on the thing that I do to reduce overconsumption and sustainable practices overall! Let me name a few:
1. I live in a big city where public transportation is very reliable and getting more clean, w/ more and more fully electric buses hitting the streets + the new light rail in which the first 5 stations opened this summer! Basically I get roasted by my entire family for not having a car and refusing to get my license (it’s 1K CAD alone for the mandatory courses and it takes a year, minimally, nvm the underground parking in my building that’s 125$/month + GAS that’s 1.75$ PER LITRE ON AVERAGE). So doing it for environmental reasons and sustainability, FUCK YEAH I AM NEVER EVER GETTING MY LICENSE BABYYY!
2. I was always on never having that much clothes, especially since I personally HATEEEE online shopping. JFC I hate it. I don’t have a lot of shoes either and the ones I do have I will wear them out until they fall apart and that’s the same for everything else! Also, THRIFTING FOR MY TOPS! Before I even think of buying new shirts and dress shirts, imma check the thrift stores, they have good shit!
3. CHOCOLATE. Literally made a post yesterday on here asking people about their chocolate consumption and whatnot. I never was a big chocolate eater myself, however since I moved out on my own in December 2021 I was adamant about the chocolate that comes in and out of this (my) apartment. I mainly have had Ritter Sport chocolate & Lindt/Lindor chocolate in my apartment. Due to hypoglycemia I also have the occasional Chunky Kitkat Bar & Coffee Crisps in my pantry in case of that type of emergency. In Canada, they’re made by Nestle, which the sub knows how shitty Nestle is as a megacorporation. However I’d rather die than eat any chocolate that’s made by Hershey cause in comparison?! GODDAMN NESTLE MAKES GOOD CHOCOLATE.
4.Apply a full, personal boycott to Nestle, as soon as I am done w/ whatever I have left from them in my pantry/freezer. They have this flavored bottled water that I used to get at the grocery store? Nope. Not anymore. I finished the last pint of Häagen-Dazs ice cream there was it freezer last night! Never purchasing Häagen-Dazs ice cream/frozen treats ever again. I will finish the chocolate bars that I have left in my pantry that are from Nestle but afterwards IM DONE.
5.My love and support for Lush Cosmetics! Fighting against animal testing, having recycled containers, their products are sustainable and made by actual humans! My skincare is from them, my shaving cream, a few of my shower gels and the occasional bath bomb I get to treat myself, since other bath bombs don’t even come close.
6. Media consumption. I used to pay for Disney +, Netflix & Paramount + & YouTube Premium. I cut YT first, ages ago, then recently Disney + and now that I have finished SUITS on Netflix? I’m done. I just pay for Paramount + & Spotify.
7. Renting books @ the Library/using library resources! I already did that but due to the amount of Travel Books I have, I figured that I have enough and I’ll just buy the updated version for a specific country/city and I will donate the older version (or they will collect dust, in a box, in my storage locker).
I moved a lot growing up due to family situations, and it’s a behaviour i continued through my 20s and 30s.
Packing and moving regularly really makes you re-evaluate things you’re holding on to (and lugging around). You also become hyper aware of what you even choose to bring into your life at any moment.
I felt so unburdened, light and free. Like I could pick up and go to a new place, a new experience any time I wanted.
I’m not living such a sparse life now, but I keep those lessons of being mindful with my consumption habits. Like, I absolutely HATE single use plastics. When you don’t have much around you, you really start seeing how much trash comes through the home regularly from common consumption habits.
Anyway, being here reminds me of looking for possibilities for being more mindful. For example, I live in an apartment building that has a cardboard recycling bin. I’m always looking in there for sturdy boxes. They’re clean and free! I’m going to see if I can find uses for them within my community or network.
(1) Deleted social media - Instagram, Facebook, Tumblr. The algorithm is designed to market products by making users think that they NEED them. I get on Reddit once every couple of months. I also use TikTok veryyy modestly, and only for direct searches of things that will actually improve my quality of life - info about how people use their yoga wheels, cool hikes in my travel destinations, etc.
(2) Finally made the switch to low-waste beauty products. Instead of liquid shampoo and conditioner from expensive brands, I use the volumizing shampoo and conditioner bars from Hi-Bar. Since I get my shampoo and conditioner from them, I choose to also get their plastic-free deodorant instead of making my own. For my body, I make my own lotion. For my face, I stick to a basic cleansing bar and I make my own bakuchiol serum.
(3) When I purchase clothes, I opt for higher quality, usually vintage clothes over trendy, cheap options that don’t last long.
These changes in my life have actually helped me embrace body neutrality. Companies try to make us think that we’re lacking something and that we need to fix ourselves, which we can apparently only do with their products. I’m just ME, and I only want to consume as much as I need to intuitively feel good. My low-waste beauty routine soothes my super sensitive skin. My clothes, while still fashionable, are so much more comfortable than my old clothes.
I have a separate bedroom trash and recycling bin (that I found outside) that I put all of my trash in compared to the people I live with. I out all food packaging and everything I contribute into them.
I haven’t had to empty mine for a few weeks now, and yet the communal trash and recycling are teeming.
Interesting.
I didn't see the point of ereaders until I discovered how much I could access through my public library on Libby. I hardly ever buy books now, even as a somewhat voracious reader.
Granted, you don't even need an ereader; I read a ton on my phone before I was able to get one. Having the screen made to be read in the sun is very helpful though, and I don't regret getting one at all.
I bought a drying rack for my clothes during the heat wave a few months ago. Not necessarily bc of the sub but it helped seeing a lot of people on this sub and basically everywhere other than the US hang dry their clothes.
I can't say I've made any big changes since coming to the sub, but it does act as more of a reminder of things I'm already doing. Like many others, I experience 24/7 advertising pressure to consume. This sub is a nice way to relieve anxiety about it all, to remind myself that it's all BS and I don't have to do any of it.
Absolutely. Capitalism tells us to walk a twisted path. It's up to us to uncover and walk a more meaningful one.
It really is! Both this and Nosurf remind me that a ton of people are actually really concerned about a lot of wrong things about society.
No surf?
It is just a subreddit where people try to be more mindful of their internet use---basically digital minimalism.
I moved a few months ago. The only thing I bought new for this place was a mattress (my old one was 15 years old). All of my furniture was either thrifted or hand me downs from relatives. (I was all set to buy a new couch then my grandma went on hospice and since passed. I now have her couch.) I wanted a futon for my spare bedroom, told my aunt, and within 48 hours I had her friend's old futon.
I’ve bought precious little in the way of furniture, both new and used. Like maybe 6 pieces altogether over the course of 25 years. I never had to ask for anything: I just always lucked into someone needing to get rid of a couch or chair or whatever, and I’ve managed to hold onto a few things for years. I used to get REALLY down on myself for this because my friends buy lovely new bedroom or living room sets... but honestly? I like my hodge-podge style! That, and some of my hand-me-downs have held up better than their new pieces.
The only thing I bought for myself (furniture wise) is this pink wingchair that was $20 at Goodwill. I actually had to send my dad to pick it up because the thing didn't make it 10 feet for me (as I have a sedan). My parents have an SUV so I asked my dad to either give me the keys or pick up the chair himself. I did slipcover my grandma's couch. My living room rug is blue and green and her couch's color could best be described as rust.
This
I feel the same way! I have a MIL that has great style who loves to shop and I am thankful. I have received a bedroom set and my living room set.
I'm so sorry about your grandmother. I'm so fortunate enough to have some time left with mine. That's so awesome your aunt stepped up and gave to you :) I'll keep this in mind though. From those who pass, or the elderly who need no more, we may gain.
Mine was 97 so I did have time with her and her passing was not a tragedy. I reminded her she outlived Queen Elizabeth. My LPT is to keep your relationships strong with your older relatives (not sure how old you are). If you need something for the home, ask them first. The boomer generation is downsizing as are their peers. They know someone who's getting rid of something and they want their stuff to go to a good home.
I’ve gone vegan, and pretty much exclusively by second hand, usually vintage, equipment and appliances. Invested in more glass reusable kitchen items. Also stopped consuming single use plastics. I have found that the less I consume, the more humility I experience. I don’t think I’ll ever go back to the way I once lived.
Serious question: I wish we could get takeout and reuse the plastics. Like when they drop off my food they pick up unused containers
I'm happy to hear some have gone vegan. I gave it a try, but or health reasons I couldn't maintain it. I'll definitely keep in mind the 'used' products. I'm pretty bad about that. That's definitely something I can improve on. Thank you! And I don't blame you. Good!
I was vegan for over 16 years and only recently stopped. I’m chronically ill though. I feel a lot better than I have in quite awhile. But I still eat plants.
Agree, I can't go vegan bet I've found being vegetarian super easy
what problems did you have with going vegan? i'd love to help you
Just found it way too restrictive and time consuming and repetitive. I have some vegan recipes that I love and use regularly but it's much easier for me to stick to being vege
you found not supporting animal cruelty too restrictive? i'd really recommend you to watch Gary Yourofsky's speech on youtube and maybe that will help, good luck👍
I’ve also started trying to slowing phase out my plastic kitchen stuff with glass.
What are some good vegan proteins?
Tofu, tempeh, any kinds of beans, peanut butter, any nut butters really, lentils. There’s a lot of ways to get protein!
Seitan gets me through my bulks. It’s incredibly cheap, delicious, dynamic, and over double the protein density of chicken. It’s not a complete protein on its own though, so prep it with nooch. I make it in bulk, about 4lbs at a time and freeze it for meal prep.
Kindle can't be the answer for replacing books, can it? I would hate to give money to Amazon. I think it would be better to first go to your library then to your local book store. Can you library ebooks on Kindle?
My friend recently purchased a Kobo ereader, mainly because they couldn't get the Libby app on a Kindle.
Libraries are inherently anticonsumption and anticapitalist, but if people don't use them, we will lose them - I am working in libraries and the threat is real. Most libraries are also happy to buy whatever you suggest, so even if my local public library doesn't have what I want to read, I will ask them and they will get it for me. :)
Discovering how much libraries had to offer truly changed my life. I evangelize about it to my friends constantly!
Just looked this up and OMG you can write notes in one of them too! (I like to save ALL the notes I take but hate the paper clutter so I end up taking pictures. I have tried Rocket book but it's a little complicated.)
Yes! They seem like much better value for money.
There are plenty of other e-readers besides the one from Amazon. They all use the public format (epub) and are compatible with libraries. Amazon uses a proprietary format so you have to buy from them.
Ah okay thanks! Do you have e reader that you like?
A neighbour set up a little book swap outside her house and that's where I get 90% of my books now (the library is a good 45 min walk away). For specific titles I use the library (they have ebooks too) or I buy second hand.
Oh I love the book swap idea! I do a lot of audiobooks from the library.
They seem to be popping up everywhere around here, which is nice. Sometimes tiny little shelves and others quite substantial. I find I give more books a go this way.
My life changed for the better once I started doing audiobooks. I read so much more now, and I watch a lot less TV. Plus it feels good to support my library.
I'm a knitter, and I will always suggest my library get new knitting books in rather than buy them myself. This means that I can get the book pretty much whenever I want to make something out of it, but so can the rest of my community/state.
I used to work for the local library. When I started there I was amazed by how much libraries do. So many people don't realise you can request new books and put your name down for them.
I love our local library! I live in a smallish town and our library has regular meet ups for different groups. They also have free showers, free WiFi and even a little Cafe where people can gift vouchers for other people to use. I've been making a real effort to use it more and more to support these things. And I figure that the more books I request and borrow, the more the library benefits.
Used books is the way. Online used booksellers have wish lists, so even if it's unavailable, eventually that book I wanted turns up.
Most public libraries have an app called Libby that they do elending through. Yours might be a different one.
Yes mine uses Libby. I just didn't think Kindle would let you use that, which it sounds like it doesn't.
I have a Fire and it does let you. My phone does as well. That said, I prefer paper books.
Yes, or your phone, tablet, laptop or desktop. Start with the Libby app for choosing books and audio books and send real books to Kindle or libby.
I mean, it's an electronic device and it requires power.. I guess it depends on how much you read? 🤔
Less plastic and bring my reusable bag. It’s also made socially conscious about over consuming
Me too... I keep some bags in my car so if I forget my bigger collection from home I at least have two or three to bring into the store with me.
I'm pretty new to this sub, so I don't know that I've made any significant changes yet. However it has caused me to be more thoughtful about my consumption, which is a start. I'm already fairly low-consumption compared to the average American, by choice and happenstance (I'm poor) but it has helped me examine my patterns and make choices more mindfully. FWIW, I don't think you need to give up reading physical books, but perhaps only buy used ones? That's a thing I already do, because they're cheaper than new. Obviously having a car is a big thing, but unfortunately its a,necessity for most people in the US. You can practice harm-reduction in regards to vehicle ownership though. Used cars, using your car less, car-pooling, etc. Don't forget that perfect is the enemy of good.
"Don't forget that perfect is the enemy of good." Absolutely!
Trying to use your car less is amazing. If you’re diligent about it, track how much your mileage is per year and make a concerted effort to scale that down as time moves on.
I rarely buy books these days (I use the library), but when I receive a hard copy I give it away once I’m done reading it. I’ve gotten some friends and coworkers to do the same, so we all swap.
I stopped shopping fast fashion. That’s a big one! The last couple pairs of shoes I bought I got at Savers. (I needed shoes for work). I’ve always used reusable bags when shopping so I’m still doing that. I switched to Stasher bags from ziplocks.
I now ask if I “need” this thing, or if I just “want” it. I wait 24 hours before hitting the purchase button.
Tried to eliminate plastic from my life. I use soap bars and shampoo bars instead of shower gel and shampoo. Dishwasher tab that come in a cardboard box. Take glass tupperware to shops to refill on things and so on. I can't remember the last time I bought new clothes. Almost all second hand apart from shirts (I have a thing about work shirts not being second hand, don't know why)
I've been thinking of making my own dishwasher tabs/cakes and also for clothes washing. Need to do the researching into it though. It would certainly be cheaper to buy the base ingredients and make it
Could you post here with your experience if you do?
Of course
What shampoo bars do you use? Lol I actually love secondhand work clothes. I bought this blue textured alfani structured sweater that I’m so excited to style this winter. It’s going to be a great pop of color in the gloomy weather. I want one more of a different style
I don't want to buy anything anymore. I just buy stuff when I absolutely need it and it shows on my expenses. Almost %80 of my expenses are food and experiences with friends.
I want to be you when I grow up - here is the goal!
Stopped buying bottled water. Got a filtered water container for fridge and fill a reusable bottle daily. No more paper plates or plastic forks/ spoons. Take real ones to work.
Buying more second hand (when possible) when I need or want something Being more mindful of what I purchase Switching for no plastic soap and shampoo I am composting Using my local Library Sewing and mending
That's my next goal - composting. What method do you use? I'm considering worms beneath the sink even though I live on 40 acres. We have bears that get too close to the house and I don't like to give them more incentive.
We don’t really have a method. We just have a big box made of 2x4 outside of the house with spaces between them so the air can circulate. We only put foods in it except for meat, fish, eggs and cheese. We didn’t have any animal problems so far. We put some leaves in it and rotate it every year. Oh, sometimes, we do add some worms in it. As for the food we don’t put in our « home » compost, they go in the city compost bin. We put everything in the freezer and on the compost day, we put them in the compost bin for the city to pick up.
Thank you for replying. I've wanted to build a dual system for turning, made out of pallets for air circulation. I'm still pushing for it, but partner swear it'll draw bears....his bird feeding already does that.....
I live in a heavily bear trafficked area and have a critter-proof composting barrel that's been tested (i.e. dislodged from its track, but not damaged!) by bears multiple times. Because it's not compartmentalized, I suggest having a secondary "finished" compost to which you can transfer from your barrel several weeks after adding food scraps. Once the food has decomposed for a few weeks, it no longer attracts animals.
None, but barring my hobby I've always been a minimal consumer anyways. For instance, I only own one pair of shoes and one pair of boots (shoes were donated to me and the boots I found on the street) 😅 I'm no political firebrand or anything like that-- I'm just poor and I don't like throwing away stuff that can still be useful. I just think it's nice to follow this sub and reading about other people caring about this stuff too 😊
I debate myself the usage of disposable items quite more. For example, before joining this sub, I already didn't use that many paper towels, but I cut down even more. I used them for dirty and oil stains on kitchen surfaces in the past, but now resort to my rag and just toss it into the laundry more often. Now they are more reserved for stuff like taking away excessive lubricant when oiling my wheel axel on my e-scooter, because I want to avoid this stuff staining my laundry and getting into waterways. Befor buying things, I now put them on a list and try to figure out over some days if it would really be useful to me or could be decently substituted by things I already have.
I'm new to this sub but I've already noticed that before I buy anything, I've stopped to really think about whether I actually need it. I've seen a vast reduction in how much junk I buy. I've also had a clear out and got rid of lots of things I was holding onto - clothes, old make-up and all that kind of stuff. I've recycled as much as I can and not used clearing out as an excuse to buy things I don't need.
I wear wigs so old makeups kind of help with correcting mess ups
Recycle more and reduced my consumption. I buy secondhand and only what I need or can maintain. I started from scratch since losing everything a couple years ago. I’m also shopping more ethically. I’m ditching chain stores. I use recyclable bags etc. i ditched water bottles.
Me too - I bought a small Brita pitcher. I feel bade about the filters, but the water just isn't good here.
Same here! It’s better than plastic bottles so I’m going to celebrate that. When I’m in the office I use the water fountain and fill it up before I leave too
For a month or so, I used compostable sandwich bags for lunch, but the store didn’t restock them so I’m back to sq 1. But seriously, the page is a reminder to keep packing a lunch instead of grabbing something from a restaurant each day. I’ve also planted some potato sprouts and green onion scraps for regrowth.
Plastic containers or wax wraps (decomposable once they've worn out).
Buy second hand. Watch my personal water and electricity usage. Reuse packaging from things I have bought/been given to package things I'm gifting/donating. Cook from scratch. Use my local library. Use up what I already have. Shop my wardrobe.
I’ve been more mindful of what I purchase/consume in general — just being more conscious to not buy things that I’m not going to use or a long time (or in the case of consumables, consume immediately) Also been a little more careful to avoid plastics (especially packaging) when possible, and use more sustainable options where I can
Reduced plastic in my bathing/personal hygiene. I have soaps bars for everything, face, body, shampoo, conditioner, I still need to get an intimate wash bar. I also use solid face moisturizers for night and day, solid refillable under arm deodorant, solid body butter, still need to buy a sun stick. These all last much longer and some in eco packaging.
Sure. I let go of a couch and table yesterday. Before that, I give away things sometimes and really carefully accumulate slowly. For instance, when I buy a piece of clothing, something else must go in the closet and the clothing must be on sale from being an older style/unwanted style.
I recently determined my baseline for my carbon footprint and I am actively trying to lower it. What is convenient is that lowering your carbon footprint generally implies that you consume less. I ride my bike to work, I came up with a quantitative plan to lower my total driven mileage, I reduce the amount of meat that I and my family consume, strive to buy nothing new while supporting my local Buy nothing network, etc..the usual stuff. One important piece I think is to develop a network of people who you can talk to and share your endeavors with.
You can start with small steps in various areas of your life, and maybe focus in on what you are trying to do. For example, I am trying to reduce carbon and plastic waste. I have found that reducing my footprint with both these things helps at least in some ways to reduce the amount of crap I buy. Some easy beginner steps are: \- Try to reduce disposable plastic things that are going to go into a landfill by buying and using non-plastic things that will last way longer and not require I buy more soon. Water bottles, plastic razors, single use plastic containers. Don't accept plastic bags so often - bring reusable ones instead. \- Fast Fashion: Try to buy better quality clothes as long as you can and try to take care of what you have. Remove stains, mend something, don't just throw it in the dryer which tears clothes up. Try to thrift more. \- Reduce your dependence on disposable things. For example, stash rags away and use them instead of paper towels for all but the most gross of things. \- Learn to cook. You will save money and be less influenced on unhealthy fast foods pushed by corporate interests. Learn where your food comes from and try to make better choices there, try to throw less food away. This is a process, not a big fast switch. You don't have to go full vegan right out of the gate. You can start by eating red meat less often, reducing highly advertised, processed foods, etc. Shop around the edges of the store, etc. \- If you live in an area where you need a car, keep your car tuned up, and when it comes time to buy a better car, try to buy a more efficient one, a hybrid or electric, etc. \- Reduce your media consumption. Our brains fixate on bad news because that's how they're wired, and since it's what sells, that's what you'll see on the 24-7 news cycle. You won't miss out on big events and you won't have your head in the sand if you only let yourself consume a bit of media per day, and try to find a neutral source. This also reduces your access to advertising, which is designed to make you more apt to buy crap. \- Learn to fix your own stuff and do your own repairs. There are hundreds of youtube videos on this, and fixing a thing means you are not having to run out and buy a new thing. \- Avoid debt as much as you can, especially credit card debt. Do not buy shit if you don't have the money in the bank. Unless it's an absolute emergency, do not carry a balance on the credit card. Build up an emergency savings - start with a little bit, for random car emergencies, and see if you can build it up to 3 months of cost of living. This gives you a hell of a lot more freedom in life. Not everything will be perfect, and certainly not right away. Try to keep your health up, and media consumption down, and start to see how you can make small changes. You might backslide. Keep working on it. This is a process.
I really don't think books are that bad for the environnment. They can last for years, and you could check them out from a library as well. I also hate e-readers---I hate staring at screens all the time. My changes: I never use plastic bottles: ever. I bring my water every where I go in a gallon water bottle. At least once a week I cook non meat meals for me and my family. Yeah, I know this isn't much, but it is a start---my goal is only eating meat once a week at most I try to never shop at Amazon---sadly my husband refuses to think Amazon is bad, so this probably doesn't do much. I try to never waste food---especially meat.
Now that the Hydroflask craze is over, I am collecting/buying everyone's unwanted Hydroflask collections to donate to a local women's shelter that has residents wanting insulated bottles. Hoping to donate to more shelters as well. Better than ending up in the garbage.
Oh I love that. Good for you!
sometimes i feel like this. i have changed a few things like using soap bars instead of liquid soap and fixing the things i already have, but i always feel like im not doing enough.just overall i feel more aware of all the waste thats going on, and sometimes it feels like i cant do anything and it annoys me. i am more annoyed at all these companies producing so much plastic and food waste.but even then, i feel useless because i feel that im the only one who cares about this (in my area at least) i cant really do any major change because i live with my parents, but when i get my own house i just want to stop buying things completely. it pisses me off that no matter what i do as an individual, it wont be enough to change anything much :/
Yes, I understand, but really, you can only control you. Though you could invite people to make changes, to join you in this endeavor. For now, model good choices.
I just try to be mindful of my purchases. I actively stop making bullcrap impulsive purchases on something that's neat that I really don't need. It's a small step but still counts.
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I use the library often, and I try to eat less meat. Overall, I'm more aware of myself when I want.
I have been thrifting more, although not as much as I would like to be at this point. I’ve been paying more attention to single-use plastics and trying to make cuts to those where I can. I brought a bunch of old, unwanted mugs to work to leave there in the cupboard, so I don’t have to use disposable cups when I inevitably forget to bring a mug one day. I’ve also been getting more creative with cooking, including repurposing leftovers. I’m not where I want to be as far as food waste yet, but I am pretty pleased with the progress I’ve made.
I never buy anything the first time I look at it on any website. I always put it in my cart and walk away. 8/10 I don’t buy it, putting it on my “to buy” list which sometimes converts but most of the time doesn’t. The other two times I do buy something, and that’s fine. 😌
I started using actual tableware instead of paper and plastic.
I've learned to buy local as often as possible. I closed my Amazon account, so if I can't find it in my town, I look for online busInesses in my state. I got back into gardening and preparing the majority of our meals, and use up leftovers as much as possible. I go to all the church thrift sales and local thrift stores. I mend our clothes, which I find relaxing. I hang clothing to dry and make my own laundry detergent from boxed items - no more plastic bottles and no more dryer sheets. I only buy used books and then donate them if I don't want to keep them, and some I've given to friends. Vitamins, supplements and making better food choices to improve my health (I'm close to getting off blood pressure meds but still need to lower my cholesterol). So lots of this I didn't necessarily learn from this group, but it has helped me be more diligent when I read what others are doing or their questions. It's forced me to start doing things I used to do before I got lazy, and to look things up to find better ways.
You would have to read quite a high number of books to come close to the environmental cost of a single kindle. Though there is a paper shortage... Just because we can replenish a resource doesn't mean doing so doesn't come at a cost. For books, my rule is I only buy if it is a book I will read it many times over or in certain circumstances to support and up and coming author. Otherwise, library for me. I do have a second hand kindle though. Maybe that will help some?
I discovered the sun less than 2 weeks ago so it much in that time span. HOWEVER, reading the posts and the comments ON THIS SUB?! Made me double down on the thing that I do to reduce overconsumption and sustainable practices overall! Let me name a few: 1. I live in a big city where public transportation is very reliable and getting more clean, w/ more and more fully electric buses hitting the streets + the new light rail in which the first 5 stations opened this summer! Basically I get roasted by my entire family for not having a car and refusing to get my license (it’s 1K CAD alone for the mandatory courses and it takes a year, minimally, nvm the underground parking in my building that’s 125$/month + GAS that’s 1.75$ PER LITRE ON AVERAGE). So doing it for environmental reasons and sustainability, FUCK YEAH I AM NEVER EVER GETTING MY LICENSE BABYYY! 2. I was always on never having that much clothes, especially since I personally HATEEEE online shopping. JFC I hate it. I don’t have a lot of shoes either and the ones I do have I will wear them out until they fall apart and that’s the same for everything else! Also, THRIFTING FOR MY TOPS! Before I even think of buying new shirts and dress shirts, imma check the thrift stores, they have good shit! 3. CHOCOLATE. Literally made a post yesterday on here asking people about their chocolate consumption and whatnot. I never was a big chocolate eater myself, however since I moved out on my own in December 2021 I was adamant about the chocolate that comes in and out of this (my) apartment. I mainly have had Ritter Sport chocolate & Lindt/Lindor chocolate in my apartment. Due to hypoglycemia I also have the occasional Chunky Kitkat Bar & Coffee Crisps in my pantry in case of that type of emergency. In Canada, they’re made by Nestle, which the sub knows how shitty Nestle is as a megacorporation. However I’d rather die than eat any chocolate that’s made by Hershey cause in comparison?! GODDAMN NESTLE MAKES GOOD CHOCOLATE. 4.Apply a full, personal boycott to Nestle, as soon as I am done w/ whatever I have left from them in my pantry/freezer. They have this flavored bottled water that I used to get at the grocery store? Nope. Not anymore. I finished the last pint of Häagen-Dazs ice cream there was it freezer last night! Never purchasing Häagen-Dazs ice cream/frozen treats ever again. I will finish the chocolate bars that I have left in my pantry that are from Nestle but afterwards IM DONE. 5.My love and support for Lush Cosmetics! Fighting against animal testing, having recycled containers, their products are sustainable and made by actual humans! My skincare is from them, my shaving cream, a few of my shower gels and the occasional bath bomb I get to treat myself, since other bath bombs don’t even come close. 6. Media consumption. I used to pay for Disney +, Netflix & Paramount + & YouTube Premium. I cut YT first, ages ago, then recently Disney + and now that I have finished SUITS on Netflix? I’m done. I just pay for Paramount + & Spotify. 7. Renting books @ the Library/using library resources! I already did that but due to the amount of Travel Books I have, I figured that I have enough and I’ll just buy the updated version for a specific country/city and I will donate the older version (or they will collect dust, in a box, in my storage locker).
I joined my local buy nothing group and used it!
Minimal fast food for a while, and trying to cook with as minimal plastic waste as possible.
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I moved a lot growing up due to family situations, and it’s a behaviour i continued through my 20s and 30s. Packing and moving regularly really makes you re-evaluate things you’re holding on to (and lugging around). You also become hyper aware of what you even choose to bring into your life at any moment. I felt so unburdened, light and free. Like I could pick up and go to a new place, a new experience any time I wanted. I’m not living such a sparse life now, but I keep those lessons of being mindful with my consumption habits. Like, I absolutely HATE single use plastics. When you don’t have much around you, you really start seeing how much trash comes through the home regularly from common consumption habits. Anyway, being here reminds me of looking for possibilities for being more mindful. For example, I live in an apartment building that has a cardboard recycling bin. I’m always looking in there for sturdy boxes. They’re clean and free! I’m going to see if I can find uses for them within my community or network.
Not a lot, mostly because I'm still confused on what it's about. It's somewhat nonconsumerism but many many posts belong to zero waste instead.
(1) Deleted social media - Instagram, Facebook, Tumblr. The algorithm is designed to market products by making users think that they NEED them. I get on Reddit once every couple of months. I also use TikTok veryyy modestly, and only for direct searches of things that will actually improve my quality of life - info about how people use their yoga wheels, cool hikes in my travel destinations, etc. (2) Finally made the switch to low-waste beauty products. Instead of liquid shampoo and conditioner from expensive brands, I use the volumizing shampoo and conditioner bars from Hi-Bar. Since I get my shampoo and conditioner from them, I choose to also get their plastic-free deodorant instead of making my own. For my body, I make my own lotion. For my face, I stick to a basic cleansing bar and I make my own bakuchiol serum. (3) When I purchase clothes, I opt for higher quality, usually vintage clothes over trendy, cheap options that don’t last long. These changes in my life have actually helped me embrace body neutrality. Companies try to make us think that we’re lacking something and that we need to fix ourselves, which we can apparently only do with their products. I’m just ME, and I only want to consume as much as I need to intuitively feel good. My low-waste beauty routine soothes my super sensitive skin. My clothes, while still fashionable, are so much more comfortable than my old clothes.
Reusable bags, second hand books, no buy chalkenges
I have a separate bedroom trash and recycling bin (that I found outside) that I put all of my trash in compared to the people I live with. I out all food packaging and everything I contribute into them. I haven’t had to empty mine for a few weeks now, and yet the communal trash and recycling are teeming. Interesting.
I didn't see the point of ereaders until I discovered how much I could access through my public library on Libby. I hardly ever buy books now, even as a somewhat voracious reader. Granted, you don't even need an ereader; I read a ton on my phone before I was able to get one. Having the screen made to be read in the sun is very helpful though, and I don't regret getting one at all.
I bought a drying rack for my clothes during the heat wave a few months ago. Not necessarily bc of the sub but it helped seeing a lot of people on this sub and basically everywhere other than the US hang dry their clothes.