+50 SUSTAINABLE TIPS FOR BEGINNERS //teens & people living with parents/roommates

Summary

In this video, Kitty Mary shares 50 practical and accessible tips for those new to sustainability and zero waste living. The tips cater to various living situations, including those living with roommates, parents, or alone. The advice covers areas such as repurposing clothing, reducing food waste, using natural beauty products, and supporting eco-friendly brands. Emphasizing small, manageable changes, Kitty encourages viewers to adopt sustainable habits in daily life, from reducing plastic usage to advocating for sustainable gifts. She reminds viewers not to aim for perfection, but to embrace the journey toward a greener lifestyle.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start small with sustainable habits even if you're new to sustainability and zero waste.
• 🌱 Regrow your own vegetables or herbs, even in small spaces like windowsills, to reduce food waste.
• 👚 Reuse and repurpose old clothes, such as turning them into napkins or makeup remover wipes.
• 🚶‍♀️ Opt for walking, biking, or public transportation over driving whenever possible to reduce your carbon footprint.
• 🍴 Plan meals and prep to minimize food waste and save money.
• 🛍️ Use reusable items like water bottles, canvas bags, and cutlery to avoid single-use plastics.
• 💡 Choose natural or sustainable products like olive oil for body exfoliation and hair care instead of buying new products.
• 🎁 Request experience-based gifts or sustainable items for holidays instead of unsustainable or fast fashion presents.
• 🌍 Participate in local sustainability efforts, like picking up trash in your community or supporting eco-friendly businesses.
• 🧘‍♀️ Understand that sustainability is a journey, and it's okay not to be perfect—do the best you can with the resources available.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the video?

The primary focus of the video is to provide practical tips for people who are new to zero waste and sustainability, especially those living with roommates, parents, or by themselves, to start living more sustainably.

Why does the creator mention living with roommates or parents?

The creator mentions living with roommates or parents because many people in such situations may feel limited in their ability to implement sustainable practices. The tips are specifically designed for those who are new to sustainability and do not have full control over their household.

How does the video suggest reducing clothing waste?

The video suggests reusing old clothes by cutting them into napkins or makeup remover wipes, learning how to mend or sew to fix broken clothes, and re-wearing outfits instead of buying new clothes for every event.

What are some ways to start growing your own food at home?

The video recommends growing vegetables in your window, starting a garden if you have space, or growing herbs, flowers, legumes, and other plants indoors. Additionally, you can regrow vegetables from kitchen scraps, like stems or seeds from produce.

What are some low-effort ways to be more sustainable according to the video?

Some low-effort tips include washing clothes less frequently, letting fresh air into your home to reduce the need for air fresheners, and using a reusable water bottle instead of buying plastic bottles.

How can you reduce food waste in your household?

The video suggests meal planning or prepping to reduce food waste, wrapping dinner leftovers as lunch, participating in grocery shopping to select less packaged options, and proposing a veggie night once or twice a week.

What are some eco-friendly alternatives to disposable products?

The video recommends using canvas bags for shopping, bringing your own cutlery set for picnics, and avoiding small promotional freebies like flyers or pens that often end up as waste. Additionally, you can use non-paraffin wax candles, refillable pens, and choose sustainable period products.

Why is it important to focus on reusables, and how does it help financially?

Focusing on reusables is important because it reduces waste and saves money in the long term. For example, using reusable water bottles or canvas bags eliminates the need to keep buying disposable alternatives, leading to both environmental and financial benefits.

How can you involve your family or roommates in sustainability efforts?

You can involve your family or roommates by proposing sustainable alternatives, such as using eco-friendly products, participating in activities like secondhand shopping, or even watching documentaries on sustainability to create shared knowledge.

What is the creator's advice about striving for a zero-waste lifestyle?

The creator advises against trying to be perfectly zero waste, as it is impossible in a society not designed for it. They emphasize doing the best you can and not beating yourself up when perfection isn't achievable, which is a more realistic and sustainable approach.