Hii! Just something I wanted to let people know. As a person of color , sadly saying no to receipts is something I and many others can’t do. People assume we’ve stolen and without proof of receipt horrible situations can happen. Especially since I don’t use plastic bags at stores, it’s very easy for people to assume I’m stealing, having receipts has saved me from aggressive workers who interrogate me about the items i’ve bought.

Hey Shelbizzlee, I just wanted to to comment on the sustainable gum option, as I am dental student. Gum can play an important role in controlling and help treating certain conditions such as low saliva flow that can be caused by medications (most medications have this side effect), autoimmune conditions such as sjogrens, certain diseases, and radiation therapy. Saliva acts as a chemical buffer to raise the pH in the mouth, thus decreasing the amount of acid that would cause cavities/breakdown of enamel. Gum stimulates saliva flow and especially helps people with low saliva flow produce more saliva. But, the part that I would like to emphasize it that the gum should always be sugar free (xylitol, not cane sugar). xylitol does not have the ability to cause cavities and prevents an acidic/eroding environment. Every time I have seen the brands simply gum or glee gum in store, they always contain cane sugar. I just looked up that these brands do have sugar free versions, but are not as widely distributed. In conclusion when buying zero waste gum please buy the sugar free version, as you would be destroying your enamel/tooth surface by basically bathing your teeth in sugar.

@MadyRose999

2 жыл бұрын

Xylitol is a great option for gum, but if you buy foods/gum/mints with xylitol, please keep them safely away from pets!! It is highly toxic to dogs and even a small amount can kill them.

@darnielladd6131

2 жыл бұрын

This is my issue. I have chronic dry mouth and will never give up my xylitol gum for plastic-free gum. It would be nice to find some sustainable xylitol gum.

@geenskeen

2 жыл бұрын

What about people who cant have fake sugar (eg ibs sufferers who are reactive to the fodmap sugar alcohols)

@drifloons

2 жыл бұрын

yeah i made the mistake of buying simply gum without realising it has actual sugar and i refuse to chew it. ugh.

@wannabemelanie

2 жыл бұрын

My mom is a dentist and yes gum can be very helpful for all these issues but there are so many other solutions to these oral conditions that does not include gum which is only a temporary solution which I think is shelbys point

YES PLEASE recycling basics!! I would love a video on that, learned about it in middle school/elementary school and then never again lol!

@ourtubesocks

2 жыл бұрын

The trouble is recycling does depend on your city/county and it’s different throughout the US.

@wtfmyfriends

2 жыл бұрын

She could do snapshots across the US like throw a dart and look at the recycling rules in that city. Worldwide would be interesting as well!

Fun Fact the gum wall in Seattle was completely scraped down a few years ago bc it was LITERALLY degrading the building. Within months it was back up and looks the same.🙄

@threefreaksonaleash6619

2 жыл бұрын

And gum is horribly toxic to wild and domestic animals!

@jessicasantos6690

2 жыл бұрын

Ew. That's disgusting. Glad they got rid of it though

@Bronxchick92

2 жыл бұрын

@@jessicasantos6690 she did say it was back up within months which is disgusting. Should have left it after it was scrapped

@jessicasantos6690

2 жыл бұрын

@@Bronxchick92 oh you're right. I misunderstood that part. How disgusting.

@rachelkim4457

2 жыл бұрын

As a Seattleite…. I always get so paranoid that the gum will touch my hair so I walk with a good healthy distance from that wall whenever I visit

PREACH about those receipts! Also when you work in retail and have to handle receipts all day nobody tells you that they could have BPA on them. That seems like a work hazard that should be addressed.

I'd really like to know how "overstock" stores stack up. Places like Ross, TJ Maxx/Marshall's, ocean state job lot, Burlington coat factory etc.

@dl476

2 жыл бұрын

I requested this before. Would love to see it! Hopefully we can get a video on this in the future 🌏

@vickihodges7177

2 жыл бұрын

My local TJMaxx throws the returns out 😔. I was HORRIFIED to learn that from an employee.

@samslaughter90

2 жыл бұрын

Sometimes I wonder how much of the stuff these type of overstock stores is actually overstock. Maybe the stores started out that way, but now a lot of name brands have multiple lines of different quality that they ship to different stores. I've read that most of the specialty and gourmet-like food items in these stores are made especially for these stores. I suspect other items are too bc I've tried looking up certain brands I didn't recognize of candles, towels, etc from these stores and can find little to no information on them. These stores are manufacturing a lot of these items and tricking their customers into thinking they're getting a deal and relying on the "limited time, get it while it's hot" concept to entice sales.

@TheCamillion

2 жыл бұрын

I worked at HomeGoods, which is part of the TJX umbrella, for a while. I can at least say that we did not throw away returns! Unless it was broken, all of our returns went back on the floor. I once tried to ask one of my managers about the "overstock" aspect, and I just got a vague affirmative... the stock is so consistent and on-trend, though, I've always been skeptical...

@ber1779

2 жыл бұрын

@@samslaughter90 This is true, there was a news report on this. They pass lower quality lines as “discounted” name brands, and profit off the get it before it’s gone tactic

I worked retail while I was in college and I HATED being opening cashier because we had to destroy most returns. Online returns were terrible because the items are not part of the store inventory so we couldn't circle anything back to the store. Eventually I would fill testers with the fragrance returns. I hated working retail because some companies just do not care about anything but profit. Love this series !!!!!!

@veesancez

2 жыл бұрын

Same when i worked at Walmart. I was lucky one of the stores I worked at let us take the returned merchandise that was trashed

@SaveMoneySavethePlanet

2 жыл бұрын

Same reason I hate working in manufacturing. We have to throw away a lot of products when they have an aesthetic defect which makes them look weird. They still do their job great, but they look weird so customers won’t want them.

@eileennguyen842

2 жыл бұрын

This i find so weird. When I worked retail (the limited, albeit in the late 2000s) we put anything returned in the steamer to clean/dewrinkle it, and then it went back on the floor. It only got shipped back to corporate if we couldn't sell something after like...a month on clearance.

I NEVER want a physical receipt, because there’s literally NO use for them anymore… but after hearing this?!? Absolutely not! 🙅‍♀️

@marchkasey8729

2 жыл бұрын

Taxes, reimbursements, business expenses. I totally agree just saying sometimes it isn't entirely possible not to get them 😕

@karolynanderson2033

2 жыл бұрын

@@marchkasey8729 but even those things can be digital receipts...

Not sure if this is a UK-based thing, but it irritates me so much when the cashier asks if I want a receipt, I say no, and then I watch them print one anyway and put it straight in the bin?!

@ritasmith6781

2 жыл бұрын

I know for me (in the US), that happens but the jobs I work at where this is the case, we as the cashier don't have an option not to print a recent. It just happens automatically when the transaction is finished (though I wish this was not the case!)

@Margatatials

2 жыл бұрын

Australian here. I used to work at a shop that had a cash register that would print receipts automatically.

I love when my items are shipped wrapped in the paper with the holes or the corrugated cardboard because I use those materials to make shreddable foraging toys for my parrots that can be composted once the birds have destroyed them--very enriching for my birds :)

@imsmolandangery4274

2 жыл бұрын

Emiology (pet youtuber) does the same for her rats

@mackenziemarien1252

2 жыл бұрын

@@imsmolandangery4274 love Emiology!

You should meet an Indian mom.. they find use/repair even the worn out items after years and years .. sometimes they use things for not just all of their lives but pass it on.. basic household items.. Their agenda is to increase the longevity of each item be it a t-shirt or a tiffin box or even a safety pin! Honestly, the most sustainable human ever created!

I was raised in a you bought it you own it household. Unless there is some serious issue with the item which was not disclosed at the time of purchase... You own that item and you better have damn well wanted it because it's yours now.

Something that really bothers me is when restaurants that I eat at do their to go orders with commercially compostable packaging in a state (New Mexico) that DOESN'T have commercial composting.

@SaveMoneySavethePlanet

2 жыл бұрын

How many states actually DO have commercial composting? As far as I knew it was virtually inaccessible to us normal citizens.

@allisonsanteford829

2 жыл бұрын

I’ve noticed this at places here in Washington or commercially biodegradable. I don’t know if we have facilities here to drop stuff off like that but in all honesty most people wouldn’t go out of their way to drop it off at a special facility even if there was one in every town! It’s unrealistic to expect consumers to figure out how to compost something that needs a special facility.

@jaszlyyy

2 жыл бұрын

@@SaveMoneySavethePlanet California does. While I’ve only named one state, it’s a huge one taking up most of the west coast and a huge portion of the population which is worth something.

@nicolebennett1734

2 жыл бұрын

We pay for it from a private company but it doesn't service the whole state and I'm sure many people don't know about it or want to/can pay for it.

@winterzealot

Жыл бұрын

If you live in Albuquerque, I can vouch for Little Green Bucket. They give you a bucket, you fill it with compostables (including the commercial stuff), and you drop it off with them anytime. You trade it out with a clean bucket while they clean out your old one. :) It's about $12/month, but if you can afford it, I think it's a great option.

In the Netherlands we have this supermarket chain called "Albert Heijn" and they have these "bonus cards" that can give you discounts etc. But if you download the app and match your account to the card, when you scan the card at take-out, you can see your receit with all items on it online in the app. I don't know why not more stores have this option.

@Marie-Ray

2 жыл бұрын

How does it Work with Returns?can you Just Show the cashier the receipt on the App?

This is why I love going to the local spots for shopping, coffee, and such because they have my info and always get e-recipts!

You know what's frustrating? Having a cashier ask you "do you want a receipt?" And replying "oh, no thank you!😃" And then watching as they nod and push a button, printing your receipt, wadding it up and tossing it in a bin under the register. 😧 Also. Where I lived a few years ago our recycling took corrugated cardboard. They specifically asked for it. So maybe that's just based on your recycling facility?

@hanqa.a_832

2 жыл бұрын

Our machines print them out automatically, so I'm guessing that's the case

@kgcat

2 жыл бұрын

Especially since most larger businesses can afford to update their cash registers, and just don't.

@gretafrancis2005

2 жыл бұрын

Ik a lot of places when they still print the receipt it’s because the system automatically prints it and there’s no option not to print it. That’s at least how it works at my job which is really sad because almost nobody gets receipts

@acar3883

2 жыл бұрын

It defaults to print because if cashiers accidentally hit “no receipt” the customers would complain about it

@levieve7779

2 жыл бұрын

Our paper recycling only takes corrugated cardboard.

In some countries in Europe, BPA has been banned from receipts and all food containers for years ! In some shops, they ask if the customer wants the receipt by mail, or no receipt at all. I think we also have a pretty good access to information on all things sustainability, because i knew about every topic on this video, but the more these subjects are talked about, the better 👍

@sarahmacrae8277

2 жыл бұрын

I don't get email receipts as I don't give my email out to random they sell them on and you are bombarded with adverts in uk Paper receipts are just paper

I did know that most receipts have plastic, I didn't know it was BPA though! That's crazy.

When I worked at target, we put the majority of our returns back on the shelves and would only discard them if there was something that made the product unsafe or unusable (soiled underwear, for example). All of our returned food went to a local food bank too.

As a fellow gardener, I would love an episode on what aspects of gardening are and aren’t sustainable! Tks and love your content ! 🌱🌾

For the next part could you talk about discount stores? Like marshalls or tj maxx bc I can't tell if they would be sustainable or not

@nataliawineland34

2 жыл бұрын

@Iyanna Moultrie I'm wondering more like do they give items a second chance? Almost like a thrift store but not quite the same

@nataliawineland34

2 жыл бұрын

@Iyanna Moultrie but thank you!

By the way "biodegradable" plastic needs to be sent to a specific facility for that plastic to be broken down. You cannot compost it in your home ever because it doesn't break down like food does. I wish you went more in depth about each topic as I feel there is still confusion about what to do and not do

@jaszlyyy

2 жыл бұрын

If you have city compost you can. But yes not in your garden. Biodegradable / compostable not the same word

@ivetastripeikaite307

2 жыл бұрын

@@jaszlyyy It is the same with compostable plastic, it is too processed for it to break down in your home compost bin. It has to go to a specific facility and there are very few of those worldwide.

@LABlownAway

2 жыл бұрын

Oh my gosh are you Lithuanian!?

@ivetastripeikaite307

2 жыл бұрын

@@LABlownAway Yes hello!

@LABlownAway

2 жыл бұрын

@@ivetastripeikaite307 that's awesome! I could tell by your last name! Haha

Thing that I thought was sustainable but is not necessarily: living on an acreage or rural area. While it is possible to live sustainably in this setting, in many cases areas like Manhattan and Tokyo have lower average ghg emissions per capita because people walk, take public transit, and live in small spaces. While large areas of land can be managed sustainably and act as carbon sinks, often that’s not what happens

@Megan-nt7dm

2 жыл бұрын

Yes! My neighbor (like a mile away, but you know... rural) thinks she is a sustainability/enviromental icon... like you drive an suv and fertilize the hell out of your two acres of grass...

@SaveMoneySavethePlanet

2 жыл бұрын

Yea, that was a surprise for me as well! Still, we need to overhaul many of our cities in order to take full advantage of these possibilities!

@susannap8935

2 жыл бұрын

And cities are more likely to have robust, easy-to-use recycling programs. People put out SO MUCH garbage around here, at least in part because recycling is limited and inconvenient to access.

I feel dumb for not realizing it sooner, but since old clothing can be used as cleaning rags, and as mentioned about the thrift stores, then wouldn't it be super good to get unsellable clothing from them to clean with? Because then stores selling strips of cloth for rags wouldn't also use up resources on making those?

@BronsteinEmily

2 жыл бұрын

Yes. Think of all the clothes that are landfilled that could be used as rags making millions of paper towels unnecessary. They are going to be landfilled anyway so why not use them as disposable rags instead of cutting down trees to make disposable rags?

@ruen_me1361

2 жыл бұрын

The thrift store in my area has a machine one to turn these types of clothes into stuffing and they donate clothes with minor cosmetic defects they can’t to southern countries. I’m aware of this bc of volunteering there and having seen it. I really like them because they work to find somewhere other than a dumpster for everything they get.

Having to deal with spelling out your email address to people (as well as being auto signed up to the stores promo emails) are 2 reasons people don't do email recoepta

@zakosist

2 жыл бұрын

How about instead of spelling it out every time, you could just have it written down on a paper, or your phone for that sake, which you use every time?

@princesschelsea1558

2 жыл бұрын

@@zakosist I actually really like that idea! You could also make a simplified email specifically for receipts and promos to keep them from taking up space in your usual inbox. Just make sure to constantly go through it, of course 😊

Shelbie: do not touch receipts Me: * sobs in retail worker*

Would love a video on recycling and the variations depending on the area! Like how San Diego has a massive compost program and anyone in the area can get it for free for their garden, vs the areas like Washington that don’t hardly have a glass recycling program unless you’re in a major city

@sarahrosen4985

2 жыл бұрын

And I heard from the German KZreadr in Cincinnati that Ohio doesn't have recycling at all. WTF!?

I used to be a janitor at my local mall. Many stores, when they get new stock, do actually destroy the old items and throw them away. Bras for example, have one cup cut in half. Bags and bags of nylon polyester spandex bras. It makes me so angry because plenty of people could use them. 😡

I quickly looked up recycling paper in my town and I’m lucky, I can put in corrugated carton paper and they don’t mention tissue paper, but they say gift wrap is ok and tissue paper is often used as gift wrap. So it really helps to look up the local recycling dos and donts.

Related to returns particularly for consumable products (e.g., skincare, hair care), what is your opinion about travel/sample size products to test out an item? I would think that the smaller quantity and packaging would be more sustainable than buying and returning a full sized item should it not work out because it's easier to use up a product you don't like when you have less of it. But I wonder if you have a different take on that as an expert.

@sushicatwarrior7302

2 жыл бұрын

I've been thinking about this too! I like getting samples to see if the full-size product is worth splurging on

@mathildelonborg

2 жыл бұрын

I wish everyone did this! I have tried so many hair products that just didn’t work for my hair and felt I had to use them up. Everyone should have trial sizes in my opinion because I think there are so many products out there wasting away under the bathroom sink because they don’t work for people and then gets thrown away three years later.

Knew about tissue paper not being recyclable, if I'm gifted a gift-bag with the papers... when my guests leave, I fold the papers into a small square and place them in an oversized giftbag. Save it for when other celebration/ gifting day occurs. I have so many white, colored and various design-printed tissue papers at this point that I don't need to buy any. The gum fact was new to me but luckily I never took to liking the stuff.

I knew about gum, but didn’t know about the gum wall 🤢! How gross! Glad to hear from @Living Well Minimalist that they scrapped it off. Amen about the mixed plastics! Ugh how frustrating!! And YES YES YES please do a video at a recycling plant. I’ve been wanting to see that, and have even considered contacting a recycling facility myself, to tour it.

I would love to see a video on outlet stores/malls and how they operate. We have the San Marcos outlet mall between SA and Austin. I've shopped at their West Elm, Pottery Barn, Soma, Restoration Hardware outlet stores to name a few. Would be interesting to know how their resale works and if it helps sustainability.

@rebeccanater

2 жыл бұрын

Most factory/outlet stores are just a lower end line made especially for outlet malls. There are a few that are actually old product from the regular retailer: Off fifth (saks), nordstrom rack (there are a few lines made specifically for the rack, but most of the clothes are out of season), dilards clearance centers are all good options, but jcrew, banana republic, talbots, are just as wasteful (if not more wasteful bc they produce cheaper clothes with higher poly content).

Here's something for you to look into that just blew my mind. Pregnancy tests that are marketed as green because they are "biodegradable" or "compostable", yet are still composed partly of plastic or have plastic packaging. As another option, the flushable pregnancy tests like Lia.

@theyoftheravens

2 жыл бұрын

When got a bunch of tests (tokophobia paranoia, not for the wanting of kids) it was a lot easier to just buy one big bag of test strips over the physical drugstore where there was unnecessary plastic containers over the same exact type of strip, the awkwardness of buying them, and honestly a lot cheaper too. The big bag also lasted until I was able to get snipped, too. Which I guess I incidentally reduced my carbon footprint that way, too! 😅😂

Something I would love to hear you talk about - My significant other wish-cycles like no tomorrow and it drives me insane! I am constantly having to monitor our recycling because he throws SO MANY THINGS in there that are not recyclable. He doesn't understand that while yes, plastic may be recyclable, but that does not mean every plastic item can be put in our roadside recycling (prime example, thin plastic bags that I wish he would stop bringing home all together, but that's a whole other argument!). Any tips for me to maintain my sanity?!?!

@ab7567

2 жыл бұрын

Your local recycling/trash provider should have a list of items they accept, or a local landfill if applicable, they often even have printable sheets with graphics! If not, the two of you should sit down and look for resources in your community and make a sign to hang where your bins are. Have your partner do this with you, so they see the primary info themself and participate in making the sign, and present it as an opportunity for both of you to make sure you’re following local regulations. Hopefully doing this together will lead to a positive change, as opposed to seeming like nagging if you do it and say they have to follow your instructions. It sounds like your partner has good intentions but could benefit from some clarification, which tells me you’ll be able to solve the issue easily!

@ab7567

2 жыл бұрын

Also my name is Emily too lol

@emilyf1013

2 жыл бұрын

@@ab7567 suggestions if it seems he doesn't care? I know that sounds terrible but I feel like that really might be the fight I'm up against

@ullaandraste9082

2 жыл бұрын

@@emilyf1013 Throw him in the trash pehaps?

@ber1779

2 жыл бұрын

Maybe take him to the county recycling center, do a tour, and have the workers explain to him what they have to do to get his wishcycling out.

Recycling varies so much, even between municipalities where you live. I don’t think it is worthwhile to do a video on it other than to say to check your municipality. For example where I live diapers go into green bin for some reason, but two towns over it goes out once weekly with a special tag. Super crazy how much it varies!

My parents recently moved to a new building which has better accessibility than anything else they could find. . The rest of the road is still being built. I’ve been horrified by the wastefulness of the building industry. Everything goes in a skip. So much could be reused.

I am sooo glad you mentioned returns because this really something people think is okay to buy without thinking about it because you can just return it. I recently asked my aunt about what to gift to my cousin because I wanted to buy her something she would use so she told me to buy her this very nice flat iron in Amazon so I did that and then a week later she sends me the picture of some boots that were cheaper than the flat iron and I told her that I had already bought the flat iron so she insisted on returning it, she said it was so easy to return it on Amazon so she was annoyed that I told her no. Of course it never crossed her mind the impact that this return was going to have while right away I was thinking of the resources it was going to take for it to make it back to a warehouse, and the resources that would have been wasted if that product was not resold

I knew that receipts had BPA plastic in them. I knew that it was something to be concerned about when trying to get pregnant because of the hormone disruption. I somehow did not think that it would be an issue once I was pregnant, so thanks for reminding me that I should be avoiding them!

We knew about the receipts. I've really appreciated the places that ask if you want your receipt BEFORE printing them, so you can opt out or have it emailed to you. We only get receipts now when there's a possibility we might need to return something.

I knew about reciepts and gum, but I had not heard about the health effects of receipts. I knew about returns from you, but I think less people know about that one than the first two, I know my grandparents thought that stuff actually gets resold. BTW I was wondering if you've seen that they've discovered mushrooms that can break down plastic? I would love to hear your opinion on that. There's also this mushroom documentary on Netflix that's really good called Fantastic Fungi, they seem very important for helping the earth. & I'd definitely like to hear more about recycling, I've seen ppl saying 'we're doomed, ever since China stopped taking our recyclables' I want to be able to talk about it in a way that doesn't make people want to give up lol

@BouncyBrown

2 жыл бұрын

I think the concern with plastics breaking down is microplastics. They don't degrade into bio material.

I didn't neccesarily think of house plant potting mix as sustainable, but learning about peat which it often contains, my thughts now are that it should probably stay in the ground - not in my pots.

Packaging tissue and corrugated paper make good enrichment toys for small animals if you know anyone with hamsters or mice etc

the chewing gum one was wild to me bc i thought that was common knowledge everywhere lol. in my country we are literally taught that in schools in like first grade

@ThatRandomBlondeGirl

2 жыл бұрын

Nope I only learned that last year at the age of 27! Seems mental they are allowed to include plastic in it!

Thanks for the information Shelbi! I absolutely did not know any of the things you mentioned in this video (receipts weren’t just paper, tissue paper not recyclable, etc.) I am somewhat new to sustainability and I’m still learning so I would love to see how a recycling center does it’s thing! Thanks again for another great video!

The returns thing! I recently ordered some clothes on sale for my kids but my phone had saved my old address and I didn’t check it properly so it went there. When I called to change my address they said yes but this shirt is out of stock now. I asked if I could just have the original package and was told that wouldn’t be possible. Who knows what happened to the original clothes I was gonna go and put a note in our old house to please accept the delivery but they’d already refused it 💔

A couple local shops in my town have that system where they just email your receipt to the email address attached to your card. I wish more places used a system like this.

Oh no, I knew receipts weren't recyclable, but I didn't know about tissue paper. Maybe I'll have to take another tour of my local waste management site, lol. At least we have composting - even if it comes with having the gum wall, lol.

I did know that about the BPA in receipts. It's one of the things I'll go out of my way to pick up off the street since it really should go in the trash rather than leech BPA out into the ground. :(

Oh, just thought of this one. What is and isn't sustainable to put down the drain/garbage disposal. Off topic, but I'd love to get more tips on how to pick sustainable/green/healthy cleaning products for those of us who don't have time/energy to DIY cleaning products, but want to make good choices. Maybe another ranking video specifically on "green" cleaning product brands...?

@Emily-hd9sm

2 жыл бұрын

I think Shelbi has done a collab with blueland, which sells sustainable cleaning products!

Yesss another segment of our favourite series!! 🙌🏽💗

A tour of a recycling plant would be so informative! I’ve thought about visiting my own recycling plant to learn why some things aren’t recyclable in my area

In defense of physical receipts: I'm trying to be more conscientious of my spending, and having physical receipts helps me be more aware of where my money goes. Also a new recycling video would be great!

@misskreher

2 жыл бұрын

I'm trying to track my spending and what I do is keep a note on my phone and every time I purchase something I immediately write the price down!

@misskreher

2 жыл бұрын

@Iyanna Moultrie yup! And once a week I put all of my purchases into a spreadsheet to track them exactly. I also look at my bank history to see if I missed anything

Is there any way that you could make a video about more sustainable things people living in 4th world countries can do? In places like Haiti there’s so many things that are unsustainable, and I would just like some help figuring out what I could do better.

I also usually don’t get receipts, as it’s such a waste of paper. But I had no idea about the coating on them was so unsustainable. Thanks for the info!

Loved this! Please do more series like these🌈 Love the jumper and headband, were they charity shop finds?

Every retailer I’ve worked at if we got returns we were required to destroy and trash them. (They knew if we didn’t and we’d get fired if we tried to just keep something) it’s not even usually the retailer it’s usually the brands rules given to the retailer.

I did NOT know about tissue paper! I always struggle with paper wishcycling and never know what is or isn’t recyclable

Shelbi, you're doing a great job as always! P.S. I love the sweater + headband combo, you look gorgeous!

I didn't know about the receipts! Thank you ❤

I had no idea there was plastic in gum! A few years ago I started buying scotch mints at the bulk store and keep them in my purse in one of those little fabric zipper bags. A nice breath freshening alternative to gum☺️

Thank you for sharing the grey areas Shelbie, it makes sustainability more accessible and really gets you thinking about parts of your life that you can do better in and how to do it. I’d also really love to see another recycling video!

wait, why is tissue paper and corrugated paper not recyclable?

@alosplanetas

2 жыл бұрын

I was wondering why too

@ourtubesocks

2 жыл бұрын

For my city, it’s because tissue paper/paper towel/toilet paper fiber is too short so it can’t be broken down for another product. But corrugated cardboard is recyclable here, so I’m not sure about that one.

I think mixed plastics could be a good option for things that have to be thrown away anyway (assuming there is a good reason they have to mix in the first place).

I have bought the returns from liquidating merchandise companies. Sometimes the stuff is so confusing for me. I am from a South asian country so when I see electric beard comb, it just baffles me so much. Got 3 of those in a targets return box

I don't shop at Schnucks often, but it's great because you can use e-coupons and in your settings on the schnucks rewards app you can choose to not have printed receipts. So when I go to checkout, no receipt prints!

Thank you for the video! It would be great to discuss the nuances about how reef safe sunscreens aren’t reef safe and the new information we have about them.

One of the drugstores here prints four-foot long thermal BPA- laden receipts (because they include coupons). I am not exaggerating the length. I am 5 feet 4 and, when I held up the receipt in front of me, I could see it wasn't too much shorter than I am! This is an absolute ridiculous waste because the coupons are already added to my rewards card.

I think returning items is also based on how much disposable income you have. For example, I purchased a laptop a few years ago after doing months of research, but after using it for a few days, it just didn't work for me. I returned it instead of selling it myself because I could not sell it for retail price (since I had used it) and needed the money to buy a different laptop. I also backpack and hike, and while I do not like the name brands and prices at REI, it makes sense financially to purchase from them because I can take the gear item on a trip, and if it doesn't work out, return it within a year. I do know that REI makes an effort to sell used items online and through their garages sales, so I feel okay returning things (though I still do tones of research and hope the first thing I buy works out). Just can't validate buying a piece of gear for hundreds of dollars and it not working out, and having to sell it for less, lose money, and try to buy another item. I also have bought their used gear, and most of the time the items are brand new, likely returns.

Mind-blown 🤯about the BPA in the plastic/paper receipts! I knew that many are still that combination but I never thought they would have an impact on people especially by just touching them🤯

I would love to see a video of what happens to materials at a recycling facility! I am so curious about this - even though it would be a little different than what happens to my recycling as I live in the UK - but I would still love to get an idea of the process

This was so informative!! Thank you so much. I didn’t know the environmental impact of any of these- I was especially surprised by receipts and returns. I thought most stores if not all would relist merchandise- especially because they seem to go through so much work sometimes to make sure it’s exactly like when you bought it haha! I would love for you to mention what to do if someone buys you something, but you’ll never use it? I returned some clothes after Christmas and got some clothes I liked at that same store instead that I use as much as possible. Would’ve preferred thrifted clothes, but you know, a gift is a gift haha.

Would love to see an in-depth video on recycling! Really like the "tour through a recycling plant" idea as well

Could you talk about medical waste? As someone with a lot of conditions, I go through so much plastic taking care of medications and medical devices! I always feel so guilty but there’s not much I can do if I want to stay alive and healthy.

@theyoftheravens

2 жыл бұрын

You can only do what you can do. If these things are helping to keep you alive and healthy, then they're doing a good job, and that's something thaf NOBODY should shame you for. And sometimes we just don't have the spoons for higher effort things that may be less wasteful, and that's okay. 💛

i've always been suspicious of email receipts because of spam and chosen the "paper" option. but now, i think i can put more effort into training my spam filter... and hopefully shop at places that respect my inbox

Hey Shelbizlee, Firstly, I have taken environmental toxicology courses that have taught me the dangers of various consumerist products for human health, but I had no idea receipts were this dangerous. With that, I wanted to ask you: If I went shopping at a store where they do not provide the option for electronic receipts, what is the best way to go about disposing of these unwanted receipts. Do I deny taking it and trust the store workers throw the receipts out instead of contaminating the recycling or should I take the receipt and dispose of it properly myself? Also, ever since I met you and Madison on Immy's channel I have been watching you non-stop! Thank you so much for your high-quality sustainable knowledge as it continues to help me on my sustainable journey.

I think most people would do well to remember that sustainability doesn't necessarily look pretty or instagrammable. Some of the most sustainable people I've ever known were my great aunts and uncles who grew up during the Great depression. They found a use for absolutely everything that came into their home. And they were hell-bent on fixing something or using what they had before they were going to go buy something new. If they could repair it they were going to didn't matter what it looked like. Again it wasn't pretty but that's the only group of people I've ever known to create so little ways without consciously thinking about not creating waste

I work at Ulta, and seeing so many returns can be heart breaking. I bought a foundation I really liked, but it was too dark. Instead of exchanging it, I bought a white foundation. It’s a great tool for the winter when I’m paler.

I hate when you say you don't need a receipt to the cashier... and the machine prints one out anyways and they just throw it in the trashcan. ugh. One of the things that took me quite a while to get into my head is that "organic" does not mean "sustainable". Often they even come wrapped in plastic while conventional options aren't!

@gretafrancis2005

2 жыл бұрын

A lot of businesses have it so that they’re system automatically prints a receipt and there’s no option for it to not print

I love your headband it looks so cute on you!!

Have you ever done a video on sustainable makeup? Your makeup looks so pretty I’m this video and I would love to see your routine as a sustainable queen! 💜

@eduardacruz7756

2 жыл бұрын

Hello! She does, actually. There are two: one with Hyram and a make-up routine video. They were posted about a year ago very close to one another! I hope it helped ☺️

@kaid2025

2 жыл бұрын

She also has an entire blog post about it with multiple brands.

@shellz_2135

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you both for the help! I’m a new subscriber and didn’t know! 😊💜

I agree that all of the mixed plastics is so confusing! Very “green washing” as I feel like these companies like to make you think it’s a better option. Thanks for the clarification! So appreciate your videos! I’ve learned so much.

Having arthritis in my fingers, I find the silicone bags hard to seal closed. I usually give up and just roll the top over so I just don't purchase them any longer.

Tea bags!? I drink a lot of tea and now I'm preparing to switch over to loose leaf tea because apparently tea bags aren't actually made from paper?? So, NOT compostable, though the tea leaves are... :(

We have to talk about how fun she is! I just came across this channel, and I swear, I don't know any other person with such a fun personality 💜! Her laugh is contagious and she sure has alot of positive vibes! Definitely subscribing 💜

I had no idea mixed plastics were bad. I thought it was a step in the right direction but your explanation makes so much sense.

Ive always wanted to tour a recycling plant (a niche desire) but you should vlog it!

I work retail and the amount of trash is fucking ridiculous. Not just returns, as soon as a holiday is over, we zero out and throw away all holiday leftovers. So much trash that way, but also just from when we open products off the truck. Its really disgusting and I hate working here, but a job is job rn

@zakosist

2 жыл бұрын

Why not save it from one year to another? Not blaming you personally of course.

@myhauntingromance

2 жыл бұрын

@@zakosist Because the company is basically fastfashion for home decor//off label seller so we get leftovers from major brands

Yes Shelbi! PLEASE make more informational and practical videos on recycling! I'm in LA and it's so terrible and confusing for recycling here.

I genuienly dislike online shopping, unfortunately I can't just get somethings reasonably without. Most recently I was looking for swimware and I didn't want a lingeree style and the atheltic options were only for small chested girls. Like at a store I would've been able to tell without trying on, if it's something I would like. To this day I still do not understand the appeal of online shopping for clothes. Especially since being an adult my wardrobe is fully assembled and I only persuit specific items. I cycle through so many piece at the store until I find something I am happy with.

I´d love to see how to be more sustainable when it comes to plants. How to choose better option even though I want to grow more exotic plants indoors (plant´s origin, soil, etc.)

I would love to learn about the recycling process, the sorting and everything. It would be really helpful.

Getting receipts emailed to you opens your inbox to spam. I do not want businesses emailing me PERIOD. HELL TO THE NO!!!!

Personally, I rarely use the silicone bags because I like glass jars to project my chips and fruits from being smashed but my husband works in construction and he loves the silicone bags because they’re small and once he’s done he can easily carry them around then once he’s home plop them in the dishwasher. I love that I found something sustainable and useful to pack his lunches in. Glass jars don’t work for everyone.

Hi Shelbi! Could you please make a daily vlog where you go about your day and we can see what everyday household items, chores, activities you do that are eco-minimalistic sustainable so that we can incorporate them into our daily routine too? Thanks!

Recycling in general is just confusing to me. So, yes please, a recycling video would be so appreciated, as would be a recycling facility tour as well!

I didn’t like the wax wraps and LOVE my stashed bags! Use them daily to bring food along with me in my bag!

Definitely check out your municipalities recycling guidelines. My area recycles soft plastics and tissue paper

I’d love to see a video on the basics of recycling. I’m having trouble finding out information for my city. They only provide vague descriptions.

@blonde11584

2 жыл бұрын

Same with where I live. They will say things like cardboard, paper ect is recyclable. Breaking it down to know what plastic numbers they take and specific types of material is complicated.🤔

Recycling video please!!!!! Also cute outfit. Keep up the amazing work