I grew up in the 50s 60s I used a razor like that.....my mother sew and made our pads. I remember when shampoo was invented at a time when we just used soap and rain water to wash our hair. Toilet paper was crumpled (to make it softer) newspaper....or a luxury when dad bought a wooden case of apples each one wrapped in tissue paper. We would flatten out each piece and with a big bag needle thread the corner on a piece of string and hang in the outdoors loo.
Your channel has become my absolute favorite, and I only discovered it yesterday! I love how you cover a mixture of topics that I find interesting, your aesthetic is beautiful, you are at the same stage in life as I am so I find you very relatable, and I also love seeing peeks of the English countryside!
So glad to hear about the solid bars that worked for you. I tried solid shampoo and conditioner a few years ago and was excited to make the switch, but the formula did not work for my hair. I'm going to give the ones you like a go! I made my own cotton rounds out of a pair of old pjs. It was a fun project. I didn't mind sewing the rounds together at night while I watched tv. I've had them a couple years and they're still going strong.
I'm working on switching, and one thing I'm trying is swapping one peice at a time, to see what really works for you. I'm having a hard time with solid shampoo and conditioner, especially since I have really thick and long hair, but trialing one thing at a time is helping!
Thanks Jessica, once again great video and information. I’m 60+ 😱 and have found myself going back to doing a lot of things the way I would have done when I was young. I take the bus if I go into town rather than the car, take my own shopping bags etc. We’ve always had a milkman, not only saves on plastic but also provides employment for someone, I realise it’s more expensive though and not everyone can afford it. And yes, toilet paper manufacturers make me mad too. Let’s face it they’re in the business of making paper !!!
Me too!! I’m trying so hard to go plastic free, it’s difficult, also when money is tight, as these things are always more expensive in the first place. However, I make my own face wipes out of reused fabric, beeswax covers etc, really enjoying the journey. So this is really welcome for me, thankyou Jessica xx
I'm so glad you advised people to gradually switch over to sustainable products. I have some plastic items and a few polyester items (clothing) that are serving me well, and since I've already paid for it why not continue to use it. However, when they are no longer useable then I will buy sustainable substitutes. I prefer bar soap too at least for bathing. I have just found a shampoo that I absolutely love, but unfortunately, it's in a plastic bottle, but at least it's recyclable. Hopefully one day I'll come across a shampoo bar that works for me. And I don't understand why many eco-friendly products have to cost so much more either. I feel that a lot of it is based on the fact that there are people who buy it regardless of the cost. So it does make it difficult for those with less income to afford well-made sustainably sourced products. Some of the switches I've made is buying clothing made with natural fibers (linen, cotton, silk...), using reusable produce and grocery bags, and trying to recycle as many things as I can. I've still got a ways to go but I am a much more conscientious shopper than I used to be.
Love this video 🥰 I have a mid-size insulated Klean Kanteen bottle, which works both as a smaller water bottle and for hot drinks. I love that you say about waiting until the things you have are worn out, a lot of people think you have to rush out and buy loads of new things, instead of using what you have (fancy matching jars, fancy travel cutlery, etc)
Thank you Amy. Will have to take a look at the Clean Kanteen. So important to resist the urge to go out and buy loads of stuff in favour of using what you already have.
Water bottles - I use a 24 Bottles one and they’re super lightweight! Another idea for those who want an electric toothbrush is the Georganics one - it’s meant to be recyclable. Thanks Jess! x
Love my menstrual cup. I'm not a pad girl (I run and play soccer and find it hard to comfortably wear a pad when I do), but I use o.b. tampons as a back up if I don't have my cup with me. There is no applicator, and only a little plastic sleeve around the tampon to keep it sanitary, which is something I can live with if I only use them in an emergency (ie once or twice a year). Also, safety razors are the way to go! I can shave once every 2 weeks and not feel hairy, whereas before, I would feel the need to shave at least once or twice a week! Not to mention, the blades can last much longer as long as you dry them after using them. I switched almost 2 years ago, and purchased one case of blades for maybe $10-15 (about 100 blades) and haven't gone through half yet. It's an investment upfront, but really does save money in the long run!
Your swaps are very similar to mine! Some I've used for a decade (menstrual cup, cloth pads, safety razor, drinking bottles and cotton shopping bags), some are newer swaps. I find with the safety razor that I have to be mindful of what razor blades I use - my husband's Feather blades are much too sharp for my skin, I much prefer razor blades from Merkur/Dovo (which I believe many men find too dull). Love your channel!
Great video, especially your reminder to gradually make switches instead of tossing out heaps of items that might still have uses. Organic cotton is certainly a better choice than traditional cotton in terms of avoiding pesticides and insecticides and other chemicals but it still takes huge amounts of water and energy to produce. Have you experimented much with other fabrics, for example hemp, when you began shifting to a lower waste lifestyle?
@@JessicaRoseWilliams It's actually extremely versatile and can be used in tons of things: pretty much all types of clothing, linens, towels, sheets, paper, rope, yarn... The list is quite lengthy once you start exploring it further and that's only touching on hemp fabric. Hemp seeds and hemp oil have lots of uses as well. I know you're quite capable of using Google but I could DM you a couple links with some interesting info if you wanted. :)
I'm watching this with a little delay and absolutely loving the end part, so funny! I've made all these swaps b.t.w., don't have anything to add (yet). Loved this video
I use those things too! Although I’m yet to find a solid shampoo and conditioner that doesn’t make my ridiculously sensitive skin sore. I’ve used washable sanitary products for nearly 18 years (since the birth of my first child) I used washable nappies & washable san pro just made so much more sense. Again my sensitive skin much prefers it and also my periods got lighter by using them. I’m not sure if that’s just coincidence or because there are no chemicals in the washable pads? I remember when I first started on our sustainable living life nearly 20 years ago now, (when I became responsible for my own home & family) talking to my Granny about these things. She commented, that we think we’ve invented sustainable living, when in fact we’re just remembering and going back to the old ways of doing things. Other plastic free things we do/use are plates over bowls or bowls over plates in the fridge instead of clingfilm. Washable/reusable sandwich wraps for pack lunches. Ours are really old and have a plastic coating, but when they finally reach the end of their lives, I will look at getting some beeswax wraps. Using natural products to clean the house:vinegar (in glass bottles) bi carb/soda crystals etc in cardboard boxes and essential oils, cotton cloths and wooden dish/loo/scrubbing brushes. We also refill our plastic washing up liquid bottle, I then squirt some into a reused glass vinegar bottle, and dilute it with water, so it lasts longer! I loved this video, especially the outtakes at the end! Much love, xx
that's amazing! I had no idea they even existed until recently. So funny you say that about your periods getting lighter, mine have done the same but I never married the two. Makes so much sense. Your Granny is so right! I'm onto beeswax wraps now for food. Is that what you're using? Thanks so much for sharing all of those with us xx
Haha I love the bloopers! Great video. I totally agree re the chillis bottle, I have the same one and I find it too big and heavy when full. My switches are going to cotton bags for my shopping - I too have a random collection, I use the cotton face pads too instead of single use, and am starting to use beeswax wraps for my packed lunches for work. Also discovering soaps instead of hand washes in bottles, I’ve finally found one that doesn’t dry my skin out. For your husbands thing about the shower gel vs soap, have you tried him with some of the lush jelly shower products? Might be a compromise. Can’t wait for the skin care routine video - the simpler the better! :)
Really helpful video, thank you! I started trying to use less plastics last year. My first plastic free swap, was the Hey Girls menstrual cup. I love mine and would never go back to tampons now. I've swapped to muslin face cloths, and bars of soap instead of shower gels. I didn't get on with shampoo bars, so instead I visit my local refill shop and get refills of shampoo, conditioner and handwash (along with some store cupboard basics like oats etc). I tried a bamboo toothbrush but didn't get on with it sadly. I purchased a bumper pack of plastic razor heads last year, before I got into plastic free, so my plan is to use these up, then move to the metal razor. I also struggle with the weight of my reusable metal water bottle, but I'll persevere with it. I do have a reusable coffee cup, but don't always remember to take it with me, whoops! I'm gradually building up a small stash of cotton and jute bags for grocery shopping. I'm by no means there yet, but I'm on my way to a much more plastic free lifestyle. I think if we all make a few simple, easy swaps, it would make a huge difference overall to the environment. Thank you for sharing this. 👍😍💕
@@JessicaRoseWilliams aw, thank you. That means a lot. Sometimes the whole environmental issues stuff can get overwhelming. You read one thing, then another, and it's so depressing! It feels like as one household you're hardly going to make a difference, but the alternative is to do nothing. I'm hoping that every little change I can make will make a positive difference 🤞🤞🤞
I discovered your channel when you uploaded your first video and loved every video since! Great work, this was very informative and I like that you shared your negative experiences, too
I’m switching today to 2 of your items. (TP and razor) Your outtakes at the end 😂!!! Lastly, why does it seem your candles are so close to your dried flowers 🔥. Keep up the great work! Oh and please do a video of your face wash routine! Thank you! Love love love your videos!!!!
Ha h Jules I think that every time I edit 😂 I promise they’re a lot further away than they look. Must be something to do with the camera lens. Thank you so much for the lovely words 💓 and requests! X
Just found your channel. Love it! 👏👏👏. Thank you for being honest and real. Another switch I’ve made is to have loose leaf tea. Never going back to tea bags!
Have been following you on Instagram for ages, and I absolutely love your videos! This one really shows how easy it is to switch over to some plastic-free alternatives. Love it! And the little clips at the end are great too hahaha.
Loved the video! I'm in camp Jason with the soap and wooden toothbrush swap. I've the same thing about germs on soap and the wooden toothbrushes hurt my gums and didn't clean as well (found during a hygienist appointment) as my electric brush. Oh well, we are all trying our best. Keep the videos coming! xx
Jessica Rose Williams got on Amazon, can’t remember the name, but it gave a number of size options. It wasn’t a well known branded name . Sorry not much help.
What a lovely video. Thank you so much. I have already been using most of these. Some, I just don't need (like the menstrual related ones), others aren't a sustainable option for me considering where I live. My favourite is the fountain pen; I have been using them for decades and have a collection. And I wanted to add, that an entry or mid-level fountain pen is actually not that expensive. There is quite a range of styles and nib options for a few quids. We are NOT going to mention any grail pens, though. 🙈 The inks, well, there is certainly an endless offer there. A warning though, both of these things are highly addictive. 😂
Great video and I love all the ideas ☺️ I really want to get some of the reusable face wipes ☺️ I’ve always thought though why who gives a crap toilet rolls have to be individually wrapped in paper? I’d prefer to order a box of them and have them loose? That seems like a waste to have paper covering each roll, I suppose it’s to keep them clean etc if they are stacked in a bathroom or something, but is there an option to order them unwrapped? Just a thought! Love your channel ☺️☺️☺️
There were some things I couldn’t stick with. For instance, it was near impossible to find a shampoo bar that works well for my scalp. The best I could find (I’ve tried them all) was one that was just...meh for my scalp. The main reason I had to stop was because I have SO much hair (long and very thick) that I’d go through one in less than 10 washes. It was just not affordable at all. My husband uses them though and I feel like they’re perfect for most men. Conditioner bars do not work for my hair either. They moisturize but do not detangle at all and with my hair, that’s a requirement. I will say though, an apple cider vinegar rinse does work wonders for smoothing and detangling my hair. Another one my husband and I had to abandon is the bamboo toothbrush. They just don’t clean as well as the electric ones (for us at least). I do use a cup though. I use the Saalt cup and LOVE it. I also love my hydro flask. My husband and I each have a 24 ounce one and a 40 ounce one. We have to buy plastic ones for our kids though because they are WAY too rough with theirs. When they’re a lot older we will switch to aluminum ones for them.
Have you tried a Lavinia sandstone nail file?? I am obsessed with mine! No need to buy and throw out nail files!! I got mine from peace with the wild and did my own you tube haul to include it 😊
Such a great video! Loved that you brought up switching as and when things run out/break. I'm a fan of quite a few of these switches and have been finding they work really well! However I tried the shampoo bar but with dandruff it's felt impossible to find one that will treat that, the only thing that ever seems to work is head & shoulders (here's hoping they one day bring out a plastic free option hahaha). Also just starting to try plastic free tooth pasta, mouth wash and floss.
Hi Jessica! I love your channel and Instagram ❤️ I'm on a journey to go plastic free / zero waste too..... Love who gives a crap toilet paper.. We stack ours up in the bathroom and it looks like an art installation...bought my husband a razor last year and he's only gone through 2 blades in all that time. Trial and error with tooth tabs, and are currently using charcoal toothpowder.. Its challenging not to get it over your face and sink.! Have enjoyed all of your videos, thanks for sharing with us all ❤️
Great video! As for fountain pens, I found mine very cheap - less than 10 CHF at the supermarket here in Switzerland because it's a 'student' pen. Maybe someday I'll get a nicer one, but it works for now. Yes, it is plastic, but you can simply refill it with ink cartridges so overall I think it's less plastic.
This is a great vid on switching out of plastic use. One thing I don’t have any use of or I’m scared of is the mentstrual cup. Also coz I’m on contraceptive injection, so I don’t need it. Instead of a razor, I do a DIY organic wax and I wash and reuse my wax cloths. I agree on the shampoo bars but I love them once you find one that suits your hair needs. Some shampoo bars also double as my bar soap. Would love to get reusable bags for veggies & fruits though. Thanks for sharing 💕
Love your videos and Instagram! This was such a useful video, I've been looking for safety razor recommendations and the period wear is the most helpful! It would be good to know how you get on with the period underwear. People definitely don't share about this stuff enough, so thank you! :)
Hi Jessica - noticed your complaints about the heavy water bottle :) I recently got the que bottle (quebottle.com) and they're these collapsible water bottles made from silicone so they're much much lighter. They're pretty flexible so they can be wobbly - which isn't great around the house - but for travel, I can't think of anything better. Thanks for videos like this - had not thought about the plastic packaging for toilet paper!
Love your post! I have switched almost the exact same things as you in the last 6 months and just has to recommend Ethique shampoo and conditioner. It’s a NZ brand (I’m in Australia but I assume you can get it in the UK) it’s honestly amazing, lasts ages as a bar and also I find I don’t need to wash my hair as often and I have long thick hair. Hope you get to try it out xx
I'm so glad I found your chanel! Loving it! Some ideas for video: Q and A Your career and work tips and advice How you plan daily/ weekly Keep up the great work.
Thanks for another great video Jessica. It looks like you have the 500ml Chilly's metal water bottle? I got the 260 ml as I thought the 500ml would be too big and heavy. It is about 20cm tall and fits into my Fossil Rachel satchel perfectly. I haven't tried the Lush bar shampoo you show here but i love the Lush Montalbano shampoo bar. Smells so fresh and clean and great for my somewhat greasy roots. It is expensive though I think unfortunately. I did try a cheaper shampoo bar soap and it was like I had smeared a shed load of hair wax all over my hair :-( gosh it took many applications of the Montalbano bar to get rid of it! As you say not everyone can afford decent alternatives to plastic packaging, which is wrong on so many levels.
I wanted to like Lush but their ingredients have changed so much that I don't believe they are the cleanest brand anymore. At least what's sold in the U.S. Much of it contains some nasty chemicals so it was sad when I realized that and am now back to the drawing board looking for other shampoo and conditioner bars that are made with clean ingredients and recyclable packaging.
I've also had great luck with using a metal safety razor, cotton produce and grocery bags as well as reusable menstrual cup. I'm so glad you brought up the fountain pen and also the reminder to use what you already have instead of replacing it all immediately. I'm currently going through my accumulated pen collection and am finally down to my last 4. I'm so excited to switch to a reusable pen.
I'm so glad you mentioned making these switches gradually. I was planning to switch to shampoo bars but then realised I've still got multiple bottles to use first. I also agree with the awkwardness of carrying a water bottle and cup everywhere. I now have two bottles - one at work and one at home as it just got annoying trying to fit it in my bag all the time. Have you made any changes with deodorant? I keep seeing deodorant balms advertised but have yet to try for myself. I have very sensitive skin so am really nervous to try anything new that will irritate. Unfortunately I can't use soap on my face for this reason.
Love these and mostly doing them. I use organic cotton tampons and simply don’t believe the £20,000 figure, that’s £33 a month for 50 years.... tried a cup and just didn’t get on with it. Considering pants but too close to the menopause to make the investment now
Loved this, all all of your videos, binge watching! Have you tried The Kind store, tash who runs it is inspirational, she totally convinced me to totally change to loads of household items. Please let me know what you think of her shop xxx
Oh my! I’ve never considered a metal razor. And less expensive than the disposable ones. Just shows how indoctrinated we’ve become with advertising and the “easy way”. Nothing wrong with how our grandparents did it! New subscriber!
Ohhh, this is a such a great video! Really liked it! As I spend many hours outside my house I always take with me a bamboo teaspoon for my coffee and a reusable cotton bag in case I want to go to the supermarket :) Cheers from Buenos Aires, Argentina 🤗 keep up with this great content, is so inspiring! x
Aloha mai e Jessica! If you'd like recommendations for water bottles, I absolutely LOVE this one in the white color! I have a tendency to drop mine and dent them, but this one seems indestructible! It's lightweight, easy to wash clean, and has a handle for carrying! www.miir.com/products/wide-mouth
Hello! Have you ever tried the pant menstruel (culotte menstruelle). They are very populare here. I haven't tested them yet (a little expensive). I didn't know that there is plastic in toilettes papers. It shocked me. I have to watch for a solution over here. Wish you a nice day!
Dear people- to all the one's using LUSH products! Firstly: I think it's AWESOME that you are trying to do better and being more conscious of our planet and health! 🌎🌈 BUT Lush products are NOT as good, environmentally friendly, ethically correct or healthy as you might think. They have NO biological or natural ingredients in it. Instead they're using petrol oil based ingredients. Furthermore they have no certificates that confirm their promises about natural, vegan ingredients, etc. etc. Many reports also say that they're not treating their employees well. ... Just so you know and are aware of it 🌎🙏🏼 P.s. love your channel, Jessica Rose ☀️
Oh no! I’d only heard good things. Do you have any alternatives to recommend? Will look deeper into lush. I’ve always admired them for their animal testing policies
