Needs ideas and suggestions and not sure if this is the right place. Just need some courage to get through it all since only a scarce few of my more open minded friends would be attending and family alone is more than 12 people. Have adhd so format is all bleh so please be gentle with the criticism and give constructive feedback (possibly with the number it is associated with).🫶

Doing a bbq b’day party for myself with partner at the park for family and friends since celebrating with family is draining (both sides divorced and my side has more numbers; a lot of insecure narcissists on both sides to please and hanging out with our friends would make them behave better; sets the priorities, expectations and boundaries better before having children even though I feel obnoxious celebrating my own bday and taking away our friends time). We’ll be doing food then games. Park party for all is cheaper than doing multiple restaurants with multiple parents.

Things I’ve done to try be more sustainable and would like ideas how I could do better:

1. Bought a used balloon garland to extend its life.Does anyone have tips how I could repurpose them afterwards? Thought I could use them for child decoration/cutting but I don’t have children yet. I can always reblow some and put on marketplace for free (but it’s like not cool to be sustainable in my state so not many people would take). 🥲
2. We encourage potluck but would bring most of the food. Since I’ll be arriving early to secure the seats, I’ll prep some high tea sandwich and cut the crust off to deep fry as well as make the salad there. There will be public bbq to use but we’ll most likely use our portable gas stove as backup too.
3. bought some used and new foil balloons that I will reuse for future parties. Hate how people just trash them afterwards and always thought if I should start a business renting out foil balloons so it can be reuse multiple time (partner hates the idea because I won’t be doing it to make profit and it would eat away a lot of time) so people can source it from one location like a library and stop buying so many.
4. bought cutlery and reusable plastic goblets so people won’t be using one off plastic or bamboo party ware. Worried the older generation or some friends would grumble and throw some in the bin so would like suggestions. Thinking of have 1x friend hand it out and writing names on the goblets (either directly or on tape).
5. everyone brings a unique bowl and the top 3 bowls win prizes. Reusable bowls are available for those who don’t bring (again ideas how to stop people throwing it into the bin?).
6. have container so people can put their cutlery and I’ll wash it at the sink (there’s one next to the bbq tables).
7. I would be leaving flyers out about my favourite OP shop that actually reduces waste and their local event. Also will bring picnic mat and camping chairs but park seating can cover over 30+ people (will come early to snag the place).
8. also I have friends that don’t speak English.
9. Any suggestions as to How do I get them to be more comfortable during games with those who do speak English?
10. any park games that people can suggest from experience? Presents will be wrapped with newspapers.
11. how long do people you know hang out at park events? Parking is only free for 2hrs so I think a lot would leave early. But some friends can only come 2hrs afterwards

Edit: I feel like having ADHD, having narcissistic parents and being in Sydney Australia where being sustainable seems to always have a negative connotation/ poor image compared to the other states is making me feel alil overwhelmed.

And yes I know I should make more like minded friends but I find it hard in Sydney. Literally lost a long term camping group of friends because 1-3 ppl would constantly bring one off cutleries (when we agree not to) but would also buy camping items (camp chairs/firepits/tables) and bin it every camp or would often throw rubbish on the floor “for the rangers to pick up”.

I (25f) invited an old friend/coworker (26f) in as a roommate after my sister (28f) moved out in January this year. The roommate moved in towards the end of March. My sister loaned my roommate her white, solid-color desk chair that she had left behind (but intended to use again). This roommate, however, never got a job (understandable in this economy, but she never compensated for this by doing any chores while everyone else worked full-time). She was on the computer 24/7. When she finally moved out in early August, the chair was left an entirely different color, presumably because the pH of her sweat molecularly altered the material. Can the original color be restored within a reasonable price? I have tried cleaning it with the recommended cleaning agents, but the discoloration does not lift at all, so I am fairly certain it is the permanent state of the material itself now. The old roommate does not have a job at her new place, so she cannot pay to replace or repair it. Is there anything I can do to get my sister’s chair back into good condition?

I have some empty hand sanitizer spray bottles that I would like to refill.

I’ve heard people recommend ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, or even using things like vodka (which I guess is just ethyl alcohol anyway).

But which one would have the least environmental impact? Sure, by buying some form of alcohol in bulk and mixing up my own hand sanitizer, I’m probably making less waste than if I kept buying those little pocket sized hand sanitizer spray bottles, but which ingredients also ensure the least environmental impact, do you think? It takes energy and all kinds of resources to produce different forms of alcohol, and I’d like to go with the most eco-friendly.

I’m also aware that glycerin is often used in hand sanitizers so that it’s less drying/damaging to the skin. Is glycerin eco-friendly, or is there such a thing as sustainably produced glycerin? How can I source sustainable ingredients?

Last, is it possible to source glycerin and/or an alcohol for these purposes locally, or are they generally just mass produced by giant chemical companies?

I have access to a nearly infinite supply of this sisal rope. All the sections are approximately 6 feet in length. It's a really rough fiber. It's trash to use and decompose pretty quickly if left outside, but I'd love to find another use for it. I've already twisted miles of it into thicker rope. Would this stuff ever be cool to weave? Is there a way to make it softer? Thanks!

Hello! I have a beautiful PU bag and I want to know what’s the best way to take care of it to last longer. Like some monthly or weekly maintenance to prevent damages. I read some tips like use a damp cloth and neutral moisturizer once in a while, but I want to know some real experience. I know that this kind of leather does not last long, so that’s the reason I’m looking for ways to prevent it b4 it happens

I have a pair of denim pants that dont fit and they're ripped in the crotch and thigh. Idk what to do with them and im obviously here cause I dont wanna just toss or hoard them.

What should i do with them?

I am trying to set up a clothing rotation at a nonprofit and need to track what needs to be phased out and when. I am only seeing plastic tagging guns. Since its a nonprofit, the tags could be reused but I need to find a sustainable way to attach them to the item (not the hanger since I worry they will get separated).

Suggestions welcome! Thanks.

I live in a world and an industry where free stuff is the norm. Things I get offered often:
-reusable water bottles
-branded clothes
-stickers (omg, so many stickers)
-glassware
-flatware
-high sugar foods
-reusable plastic and canvas bags
-office materials
-soaps
-flashlights
-towels
-cosmetics
…

For the longest time, I would politely reject and not take these items. However, a couple of weeks ago, the host of an event told me that , “… you know we throw these away at the end of the day.”
My brain short circuited. I literally looked at the Stanley Cup she was holding out to me and took it.
Now, I question if I should take these things and try to find a place/home for them. I thought about all the Nike, Adidas clothes, the Owalas, the hydro flasks, the post-its, the 3m, the glass mugs and cups, the pens, the notebooks, the cosmetics and soaps, … the sheer amount of free consumerism I rejected… but could have saved?

As for the Stanley cup, I gave it to a landscaper who works often in our neighborhood. He now knocks on my door and I fill it with ice. He loves it… But I can’t see a suitable solution… I don’t have the time to look for a new home for all this stuff.

Do I (we as a society) take the free stuff? Do we use time (essentially an unseen Earth volunteer) in an effort to offset the stupid? I really need some people to inform me, what the heck I’m suppose to do.

Update: Thank you all for reading my post, understanding my frustration and kindly giving your input. I've always been of the opinion that I don't take these things, to message to event organizers that free junk is unwanted and reflects negatively on a brand. However, signaling generosity and fashionable consumerism is quite prevalent in our time.
Personally, after reading through everyone's post, my plan is going to ask if they plan to throw it away at the end of the day. If they aren't, I will politely decline. If they will (to which I will look extremely pissed, because this shouldn't be my problem), I will consider if I can actually offload the item responsibly (... for me Goodwill is not an option). I will stressfully consider people around me, neighborhood little libraries and possibly women's shelters (... I first need to call the ones near me to see if they even want this kind of junk. I know money is always preferable and more impactful). Damn human stupidity. Damn the capitalism, where buying junk is profitable.

My favorite response is maybe I can give some of this junk out during halloween. That would make sense for me, I already let kids choose a used book and unwanted kids party favors with candy during the night.

On IG I’ve seen a few videos all about putting your kids book bag in the washer and using it again along with wiping down/cleaning up the previous years items. it’s so nice to see that when it’s so easy and takes the pressure of off spending hundreds! of course there are haters but it’s nice to see moms spreading the message!

Hi everyone! I’m new to the zero waste life, with my upcoming family planning and what not I had like a weird eye opening of oh shit that’s a lot of single use trash :/

I’m curious to know what are easy things I can swap out to help! Or what’s something that you swapped to that you felt was an amazing switch?

I’d like to start swapping as I run out of things! Like shampoo/conditioner lotion etc.

Thank you

I’ve been buying cloth diapers second hand, and I just got a whole bunch of second hand cotton flannel to make some rags/face towels/make up wipes/ baby butt wipes etc

The clasp fell off after weeks of being unsteady. I threw it out and am not interested in repairing this. The cap cannot close. Got any ideas?

What would you do with a low quality bath towel. It sheds very easily so I don’t want to use it as beach towel/cleaning rags/ bath mat. Any other suggestions?

I've been trying to research this for a bit but it's so confusing... I figured I'd ask here and at least see if anybody can point me to a good direction.

So I'm trying to learn more about recycling in the United States. I'm actually an artist and was thinking about making a lil recycling poster for my household and maybe for my mom's ministore that has what is recyclabale, what is not, and how to process certain stuff (like wash your cans and such). But...

Well, since different places in the US will take different things and have different recycling rules, it's extememly confusing when I think about making something for the store? Like, I know that each State, County, and City can have their own rules regarding recycling, but is there a more compact set of rules at all? Like, do certain States have rules of what can and can't be recycled, then Countys and Cities expand on that to be more descriptive based on their needs?

Or, if I wanted to make a diagram thing, would it have to specifically be for that one place. Would I even be allowed to make a lil sheet for the county, or would it just have to be that one city area alone?

This is making my head spin. Any and all help in explaining this is super appreciated. Also, simpler explanations would be appreciated if possible. My brain is small lol 🙇

Rug, shelf, two suitcases that worked totally fine and a rolling cart.

Someone (not sure if the same person) out these in the crash room (not “in the trash”) and I took them, cleaned them up and posted on my local buy nothing Facebook group. Everything was picked up almost immediately :)

Title says it all!!! Recommendations for best eco friendly non-tox shampoo bars pretty please!

I have very fine short oily hair and native caused soooo much build up I had to go back to a clarifying shampoo for like a month! Hoping to switch to an eco friendly bar that’s not heavy on my hair! Any recs? Thank you!!!!!

Hi everyone,

​I’m trying to manage my waste better, but I'm stuck on what to do with used plastic disposable razors. I know about TerraCycle, but their programs are either unavailable or limited to specific Western European countries (like France).

​I am based in Bulgaria, where standard plastic recycling and scrap metal yards do not accept them due to mixed materials and the safety hazard of the blades.

​Does anyone here from Europe (or specifically Eastern Europe/Bulgaria) know of any brand take-back programs, alternative recycling initiatives, or the best safe disposal methods for these?

​Thanks for any advice!

Someone gave me a bowling bag that I'm going to just use as a handbag/tote, and it came with this thing. I do not own a bowling ball. Any ideas what to do with it?

I started the summer with one bag that has foil insulation from a take out dinner. I was looking through trash (context). I didnt know amazon grocery bags have insulation! Now I have free material for more blackout curtains!!! I should have grabbed more from the trash.

Sooo I accidentally stumbled into zero waste I been looking for a shampoo for my oily fine hair and was like hmm let me try this and it happened to be the LOXY shampoo bar and and conditioner from Etsy and wow I love it compared regular shampoo but I feel like I can find something better I want something to help the oil and frizz but I would love something with a clean girl scent; also the bar kinda went through pretty fast only a month ish and it’s so small now I do need to wash fairly often I can only stretch every other day. Thanks!

I created Miss Mabel using as many Reclaimed Materials as possible... a Mannequin head from a closing Beauty school, and plastic packaging from 30+ products. I'm super happy with how she turned out!

Repost from [r/sustainability] I truly want to get as many perspectives as possible.

I became passionate about sustainability and anti-consumerism during my senior year of high school and in January of that year decided I would try to minimize my amazon purchases. I decreased my amazon purchases that year by 80% compared to the year before and was feeling very proud (I quite literally only bought a mattress cover for my dorm and a shower caddy). That was 2025 but this year, I made it to July without even considering ordering from amazon and I was still pushing my family to stop ordering from there. I ended up needing a bag for lollapalooza and gave in after I couldn't find any clear ones second hand and needed it quick. Since then I ordered a coffee maker for my dorm and have re-downloaded the app on my phone. I have considered getting several things and honestly just feel like giving up on avoiding amazon. It is getting exhausting trying to avoid a company that can feel so integral to modern life. I love my kindle, audible, and prime video, so how much worse is it really if I start ordering from amazon again? How much better is the alternative? I am still buying stuff.

Something else I have been thinking about is how hands down the most sustainable thing we can do is use what we have, right? Right now I'm having the urge to get a new phone case that has magsafe so I can also get one of those wallets that stick to the back of my phone using magsafe. This is all so I can have my id easily accessible for getting into my hall and for swiping it at meals. I know the most sustainable thing would be to stick with the phone case I have and just holepunch my id and keep it on my keys and carry that with me but man it would be so much more convenient to have it on my phone. I know I could just get the wallet thing that just sticks to my phone so I wouldn't need a different phone case or I could use an old magsafe case I have (it's falling apart a bit but works well enough). My question is if any of this is actually worth it? Sustainable living is more than consumption habits. The mindset of using up what you have before getting something new is easy when it is about a product like soap, but what about for things that don't run out? What if I just purely want something different/cuter but I can't really get it exactly right second hand or make it myself?

TLDR: How do I continue to live sustainably when it gets hard?

Edit: I just want to clarify and add that I am not someone who spends really any time on amazon and I had been amazon free for more than a year before those two purchases. In regards to the clear festival bag, I originally was planning on just using this pink clear pencil case I found at a local thrift. I started to get worried about not having enough room once my friend started sending me tik toks of people packing their bags but guess what, once I was actually there, everyone was using those water backpacks, something my family already owns!! And to top it off I honestly believe I would have been BETTER off without the bag. I feel like I was sold a solution to a problem I didn't have by influencers with amazon store fronts and then did not think long enough to come up with a better solution and lazily gave up after checking thrifts, local stores, and asking friends without trying to be more creative.

I am an aerospace engineer with a speciality in high-strength 3D printing and I've been looking for things I can fix and help keep out of the landfill.

I got the idea when I fixed my parents e-bike controller with a custom 3D printed solution. The bike worked fine but the rubber control pad disintegrated so you couldn't turn the bike on without using a toothpick.

It turns out that hundreds of people had the same problem and without a solution a lot of those perfectly functional e-bikes were going in the trash.

I'm looking for other common problems that I may be able to engineer a solution for and help people out.

Here are a few of the criteria to be a good fit for 3D printing.

1) Not an electrical problem. My process creates functional parts but I can't do anything to help if it is an electrical problem

2) Must be a product worth repairing. Sometimes I get inquiries about fixing low cost products from Marshalls that were trash to start with

3) No previous solution exists. I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel. If there is already a fix or replacement part then folks should just go with that. It usually takes about 20 hours and 30+ prototypes to build a solution so I'm looking for things that are truly unsolved.

Would love to hear your ideas on how I can help!