If I were to start my zero waste lifestyle again... ☀️ 8

In today's video I'm sharing a sit down chat where I talk about all the things I'd do if I wee to start my zero waste lifestyle all over again...

These are just a few of the ways I try to look at the big picture and reimagine how I may live sustainably. I also love to meal prep for the month, explore new recipes and creating more sustainable and zero waste content soon.

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[SustainablyVegan]

If you liked this video please give it a thumbs up as it really helps! And consider subscribing for more sustainable content <3
Books mentioned in the video:

Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg
Intersectional Environmentalist by Leah Thomas
Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez
The Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall
The Green New Deal by Noam Chomsky & Pollin
No Dig by Charles Dowding

[creationslandscapedesigns]

When I started my zero waste journey 10+ years ago, I thought it had to be all or nothing. I would get upset at myself if things did not go as planned. I learned over time that my journey will not be pristine. It will however by right for me and my lifestyle. I have also had lots of emotional growth thanks for zero waste and minimalism. Cheers.

[marycharlebois]

One thing I have learned from you throughout the years, Immy, is for each person to do what is applicable to them and to leave the rest. Whilst everybody in this community is most likely living a low-waste, planet-kind, conscious-living lifestyle, we are all very unique people who have different opportunities and resources available to us. I have learned from you that growth comes slowly, it is OK to fail, and that the most effective form of motivation is progress. After listening to the conversation in today’s video, I want to thank-you for all the inspiration and knowledge that you have imparted to me via your various platforms over the many years. What a fabulous inter-connected journey we are all on!! Thanks Immy… and dare I say… Happy Knitting to you today. (Did you ever envision, so many years ago, that you would be sharing your knitting journey with us here on your channel?) Ⓜary💕

[asperrett]

Permaculture has been hands down the most inspirational for me. It’s a way of growing food, herbs, flowers, etc but it’s really a lifestyle that is all about giving back and living in community with humans and nonhumans.

[shaunnarochelle]

when i started my journey i went all in on large gardening plans, diys, fermenting food, but so often i did it with this kind of frantic haste that so many of the diys i did, and gardens i built were not fruitful. there was resources wasted there too. like you said, id focus more on really researching and doing one or a few things right, a smaller vege garden, a couple of diys or food preserves that i actually use up, and that dont spoil, and scaling up.

[rachelmelissa]

Thank you for the wonderful book recommendations! I’ve been on the zero waste journey for 12 years now. Through all the ups & downs I keep coming back to the same basic principles that you also shared: 1) stop buying stuff, 2) read books, and 3) do your best!

[pamelawalton]

I found I self pressured myself in the early years focusing on the aesthetics and trying to shop without plastics when my local shops and supermarkets were not set up for me to do so, I used to feel so guilty when I'd see videos of people posting their zero waste for the month or several months in a small jar and how unobtainable that was me.I found that the refillable shops were so expensive and my budget wouldnt extend to it, so Ive learned to comprimise ive been on no spend low spend years with the aim to build savings and reduce my consumerism, eating more fresh veg and seasonally as helped my diet the benefits of slow simple living have completely changed my life definately calmer more resourceful with what I have and my money management is a 100 times better than it was I often felt alone as my friends and work colleagues just arent into it and when Id try to explain could see it wasnt appealing to them These days I just focus on getting the basics right and living a life where my home is sustainable as possible I cook from scratch, i make do mend and repair. My work is round the corner from my home If I need to replace then I do so now without regret its my way of life now

[marycharlebois]

My observation has been that change occurs when an individual dares to be different. When I started my low waste and plant-based lifestyle I really struggled with how different I was willing to be. I still struggle with this a tiny bit. Whilst I am not afraid to be my own person, I teeter-totter on the apex of being different enough to inspire change in others, and yet not be so different that I alienate others or come across as living an extreme lifestyle that is unattainable for others who may be interested in creating change for themselves. I think this is all a part of slow living… reflection, adaptation, knowledge, inspiration and relationships are foundations for creating individual and societal change. This is a great video, Immy. The conversation and the book recs really encourage thought and learning from each other. Thanks for this one today. Loving Vlogust!! Ⓜary💕

[danielleptc]

Thank you so much for this video! I'm slowly returning to a more sustainable lifestyle after a few years spent dealing with chronic pain, grief, etc. Now I'm ready to focus outwards again, but it's a bit intimidating how much the world had changed in the meantime... You're truly a gem!

[allyirvine]

It’s obvious you’re a good person with good values and instincts Immy.

[karend]

This was a great video. 🙂
I particularly liked the "sit down" vid, as I didn't have to look up from the task that I'm doing- separating native Aussie seeds, Waratahs. 😉

[michellegazarik]

Thank you Immy for sharing your personal journey again. I love your suggestion of "being open to new idea" and wholeheartedly agree that's what helps me every day be a better practitioner of sustainable living.

[mialuca]

really helpful video, great book suggestions and no empty ideas or points. I really get the feeling you thought about what you want to say and not what you could say just to make a long list. will save this and come back to it whenever I feel stuck :)

[silliepixie]

It is so true that everyone can't do everything. Thank you for this nuanced take!

[mariah]

I found you on YouTube recently and just wanted to say I really appreciate you and your videos. I've learned a lot watching them already.

[shaunnarochelle]

yes absolutely to your point about being open. this is something we can use to help make more sustainable choices but also to become less idealistic and narrow minded in our views on sustainability. to understand why someone with a chronic illness might choose to eat meat again. to understand that living offgrid on the land can be extremely difficult and complicated for many. to understand that not everyone wants to live in a van or a tiny home (and thats okay). to understand that not everyone has the same acess and priveledge. that peoples lives are multi faceted including financial, physical health, mental, family or geographical obstacles. these are things the younger me couldnt quite comprehend, even tohugh i tried. great video immy.

[angelapitts]

Another excellent video….this one in particular resonated with me because most every point you made is true of overall life in general….the world would be so much better if we all practiced the things you mentioned❤

[Ally-ugnq]

Lovely video 🎥
Please do another one of these for seasonal changes 😊

[emmafoley]

I've recently had great interactions with the native plant experts in my area. If I could start again, I would have started with a book like Braiding Sweetgrass, which brings humanity into the context of conservation in a beautiful way.

[natkame]

Thank you for the community you've built here alongside your journey ❤ Related question for all experienced folks out there: I bought quinoa seeds for home sprouting that are sitting in my cupboard. I attempted sprouting a decade ago in regular glass jars without a lid and it always molded with humidity. Is it worth it to buy a germination can/container? Is this an essential item that would save me wasteful attempts or do you have better recommendations?