My original post 29 things I stopped buying, maybe one of my most popular posts ever. It brings hundreds if not thousands of page views to my blog every single day.
It’s been almost 2 years since I wrote that post and I’m happy to report that there are more things I’ve stopped buying in an effort to live a more minimal and sustainable life!
So without further ado, here are 13 more things I quit buying:
1. Disposable period products
Early on in my sustainable living journey, I switched to natural and non-toxic organic pads because, at the time, I couldn’t afford to invest in reusable pads, and menstrual cups just weren’t for me.
Now, I exclusively use Thinx reusable period underwear and it has not only saved me money from not having to go out and buy products every month, but it’s helped drastically reduce the amount of waste I produce. And if you use my link you can get $10 off to try them yourself!
2. Shampoo and conditioner bottles
I’ve been using shampoo and conditioner bottle exclusively for about a year now and I don’t think I could ever see myself going back to bottled shampoo and conditioner. There’s literally no plastic involved and they last so much longer.
I’ve had the same shampoo and conditioner bars from Hibar for 4 months now and I’ve barely made a dent in them. With bottles, I’d be purchasing them at least once or twice a month.
3. Dryer sheets
In my first “things I stopped buying” post, I mentioned I stopped buy artificial fragrances. That has also extended into dryer sheets. I haven’t used anything artificially scented in so long that even the faintest scents give me a headache.
That and dryer sheets are incredible wasteful and only single-use. I’ve found that I don’t need them at all, honestly. Though I have made my own using a cut-up towel, some vinegar, and some essential oils, and I do use them from time to time.
4. Laundry detergent
Laundry detergent is also enough to not only give me a headache but make me itchy as well. Plus it almost always comes in plastic. I’ve been making my own for a while now and it works really well. You can find the recipe here.
5. Cleaning products
I find that cleaning products are a waste of money and packaging when I can make my own using bulk ingredients I already have in my home. For about 2 years now I haven’t bought any store made cleaning products and have made all of them myself. See my master list of cleaning recipes here.
6. Fast food
I have way too many food sensitivities to count. It’s almost impossible for me to eat out anyway. But if I do eat out I never opt for fast food or a drive-thru. They always put straws, condiment packages, napkins, and plastic cutlery in the bags. Not to mention the waste the food is wrapped in. It’s just unnecessary waste in my opinion.
7. Avocado’s
Avocado’s do not grow where I live. They’re not local or in-season food which is what I try to eat the majority of the time. It takes a lot of carbon emissions to sho them from halfway around the world. Plus avocado’s are expensive. I do like them, and very occasionally I’ll pick one up. But what used to be a staple in my diet is no more.
8. Banana bunches
I found out recently that a lot of people, when buying bananas will grab a bunch and tear off one or two bananas that they don’t want. Those single bananas often don’t get sold and end up going in the trash. I try to make an effort to only buy the single or pairs of bananas instead of the bunches if there are any.
Food waste is a huge problem and contributor to climate change. You can read more about that here.
9. Perfect produce
The same is true with produce. Fruits and veggies that may be a little bruised, discolored, or misshaped are often overlooked and end up in our landfills. I try to only buy perfect that is imperfect but still good enough to eat.
10. Fast fashion
I talked about no longer buying clothing in my original post. The majority of my closet is thrifted, as I’ve entirely ditched fast fashion. I take an entirely different approach to fashion now. I’m still thrifting, investing in ethical fashion, and overall consuming fashion at a much slower rate.
11. Special occasion outfits
Along with consuming clothing at a slower rate, I also no longer buy clothes or outfits for a specific occasion. Whatever I purchase I make sure I can style in multiple ways and wear for multiple occasions.
12. Multiples
I no longer purchase multiples of anything. (For the most part.) I don’t need two foundations, two mascaras, two pairs of black shoes, etc. I use what I have until it’s empty or broken before replacing it. It’s made it so much easier to find what I need and feel more organized.
13. Fast makeup
Makeup production can be compared to the likes of fast fashion. It’s made with toxic ingredients that are harmful to both us and the planet, produced unethically, and heavily trend-driven. I don’t purchase trendy makeup or the next new product, or pallets with colors I won’t use.
I try to stick with a minimal, capsule makeup collection.
14. Hair products
When it comes to my hair I use shampoo and conditioner bars, a DIY sea spray, and some argan oil that I also use for my body. I don’t need excess products that come in harmful packaging.
15. Eco-friendly products I don’t need
it’s very easy to get sucked into the “Oh! This is a cool sustainably made, eco-friendly product! I have to buy it!” mentality. And I’ve talked multiple times that that was me for the first few months after switching to a more low waste lifestyle.
Even when purchasing something eco-friendly, if you don’t need it, it’s a waste. That’s resourced being spent for something that you probably won’t end up using. All of my purchases in the last two years have been strictly on a “need” basis. It works well for me, frees up my mind and makes me genuinely happier.
Related reading:
I tried zero waste beauty products so you don’t have to
5 Ways minimalism benefits the planet
How to know if minimalism is right for you
This post isn’t to shame anybody who still buys any of the things on this list. This is a personal list of more things I quit buying that you guys honestly love reading! If you are looking to minimize your clutter, save money, and be a little less wasteful then hopefully this list can give you some inspiration.
As always, please don’t forget to share this post and follow me on Instagram for daily low waste living inspiration!
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