I wrote my first post on my approach to minimalism last year “29 things I stopped buying.” And you guys LOVED that post. So I’m following up and thinking I might turn my journey to a more minimal life into a series here.
No matter what stage you’re in on your minimalist journey I think we can all agree on one thing: There are still things we like to purchase!
Things we need or some times just things we want. Because it’s ok to treat yourself.
Since attempting a more minimal approach to my life, I’ve had to decide what I don’t need to purchase anymore and some things that I still do need to (and want to) purchase.
I’ll be the first to say that I’m not a minimalist. Yet, anyway. I might not ever be one or be a perfect one. But that’s ok. I want to live more minimal in any way I can. I like simplicity.
The main reasons I strive for a more minimal life is for the planet, to save money and to just feel a little freer.
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Here are the 15 things I still buy:
1. Shampoo and conditioner
I know the “no-poo” method is big right now. I tried it. It didn’t work for me. While I am trying to be more minimal in an attempt to help the planet, save money and just live more freely, I still like my “little luxuries” and that’s what shampoo and conditioner are to me. My hair doesn’t like “no-poo”
Granted I will use shampoo and conditioner bars or brands like Love Beauty and planet that have recycled bottles.
(This is the shampoo bar and conditioner bar I have been LOVING. They’re both palm oil-free and contain only natural ingredients. Seriously, this is the softest my hair has ever felt!)
2. Deodorant
Another thing I could make myself. And I have. But I don’t always have the time or the energy if I’m honest. I just prefer already made deodorant.
(This cream deodorant from meow meow tweet is my current favorite. I’m absolutely obsessed and love all the natural ingredients. It also comes in a glass jar that can be reused. My other favorite tried and true deodorant is from Native. If you’re looking for a natural deodorant, this is the one to try!)
3. Nail polish
I would rather paint my own nails than get them done. It’s cheaper, I can change them more often and by purchasing toxin-free nail polish I can avoid those harsh chemicals as well.
(Pacifica is my favorite nail polish brand. They’re “7-free” which means they don’t contain the 7 most toxic ingredients that most nail polishes do.)
4. Skincare
Another “little luxury” perhaps. I know coconut oil is good for everything from removing makeup to be used as a moisturizer but I like to opt for other options.
My skin is sensitive and finicky and proper skin care is not something I’m willing to skimp on.
Related:
My cruelty-free skincare routine
5. Q-tips
Perhaps something I could live without but what can I say? I really like the feeling of cleanliness. So I purchase compostable q-tips and I compost them.
6. Eating out
While this isn’t something that I “own” it’s still something I like to spend money on from time to time. I just love going out with friends or family and enjoying a meal that someone else has made.
After all, I cook all my own meals from scratch most of the time. It’s a nice treat every now and then.
7. Nut milk
I could make my own. But I just don’t want to most of the time. I’m ok with spending money on nut milk rather than all the ingredients to make my own. Plus it also saves me time, which in my opinion is more valuable than money.
8. Clothes
This was also on my things I stopped buying list so allow me to explain. I don’t buy nearly as many clothes as I used to when I was addicted to fast fashion.
90% of the clothes I own and buy are thrifted. The other 10% is from wonderful ethical brands. I’m very conscious of the clothes I buy and the number of clothes I buy. But that being said, I also don’t want to be naked and therefore it’s still something that I purchase.
9. Home decor
Probably what makes me the most not-a-minimalist. But I like my home decor and I like switching it up with the seasons as well.
Now I don’t go crazy or over the top to the point where it looks cluttered, but I like simple, seasonal pieces. All of my decor is either made or thrifted and it’s one of my greatest joys.
10. DVDs
Not many people know this about me but I am a total nerd. A film snob if you will. And so I really like to own physical copies of my favorite films and TV shows.
I’ve never bought a movie digitally and I honestly don’t plan on it.
11. CD’s
Similar to DVDs I like physical copies of things. I just do. It’s just how I’ve been. A movement was started a few years back called “music has value” all about combating the digital age and putting value into hard copies. Which I totally agree with. Gimme all the vinyl, CDs, and DVDs.
12. Books
Hey, I told you I like physical things and books are no different. There’s just something about actually holding a book, not a screen. Feeling the paper and the smell that books have. I just love it.
13. Flowers
Another “little luxury”. But I like real, live flowers. These can change with the seasons too. And since I can’t keep houseplants alive, I like the shorter lives of flowers. While they last, they definitely brighten up a room and bring me so much joy.
14. Photo/photo albums
By now you can guess that I’m not that huge fan of all things digital. As if I haven’t said it enough yet, I like being able to hold things in my hands.
I love Polaroids and hanging pictures on my wall or my fridge. Scrapbooks and photo albums too. Being able to sit with family and flip through old memories is something I will always cherish.
15. Coffee mugs
Ok, I might not have a valid excuse for this one. But I drink absolutely everything from coffee mugs. I don’t believe in cups that don’t have handles, they seem odd to me.
Perhaps mugs are just something that I collect. I will give myself some credit though because I don’t purchase nearly as much mugs as I use to but they’re still something I like to buy when I come across a unique one.
Other posts you might like:
How to reconnect with yourself
How to practice mindfulness everyday
15 things to start making instead of buying
And there’s my list of the 15 things I still buy! I know I have things to work on but for now, I’m happy with my journey. What I buy and don’t buy suits me just well.
Is there anything on this list that you still buy? Or things that you would never buy? let me know down below!
As always, don’t forget to share this post and follow me on Instagram for daily low waste and ethical fashion inspiration!
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