As an environmentalist, I am always striving towards reducing my waste more and more. A huge way that I do this is by doing “audits” in every room and area of my life. I take the time to make notes of what I’m throwing in the trash the most or what I feel guilty spending money on.
This has led me to a list of 10 items I have decided I won’t be buying in 2023. My goal is to save money as well as reduce my waste and consumption. Too often we get caught up in impulse buys and “oh, this is on sale!” buys. We spend money on things we don’t even really want or need.
So without further ado. Here is my list!
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Things I won’t be buying in 2023
1. Batteries
I have officially made the switch to rechargeable batteries so that means no more disposables! There are so many things that require batteries but they’re so hard to dispose of due to the chemicals they contain. It’s a bit of an investment but so worth it to never have to buy batteries again!
2. Holiday Decor
This is a tough one because I LOVE decorating and I love holiday decor. I also don’t think there’s anything wrong with buying new holiday decor as it’s really hard and pricey to find it ethically and sustainably made. As long as you’re going to reuse it!
That being said, my husband and I moved into our house in mid-2021. When Christmas rolled around we didn’t have a lot of money to spend on decor after a wedding and house purchase. So this last year I bought a lot of decor! I thrifted and bought new ones. But now, I think I’m satisfied to reuse what I have for years to come. But I know it will be hard come October/November when the cute new decor comes out. (What can I say, old habits die hard!)
3. Pads/Tampons
I’ve finally nailed down my sustainable period routine! I use period underwear from Period Co. and a diva cup when needed! No more need to supplement with disposables!
4. Special Occasion Outfits
There are bound to be weddings, showers and holiday parties in the next year but I’m vowing to myself not to buy any special occasion outfits! If I’m desperate, I’m going to try to rent something!
5. New Phone Cases
I love my Pela cases and can’t sing their praises enough! They’re plastic-free, made from plants and 100% biodegradable! It’s safe to say they’re the only cases I will ever buy in the future. But, now I have 4 of them. And I don’t need any more. So even when they launch new cute cases, I will not be buying any.
6. A New Phone
Speaking of which, I won’t be investing in a new phone! At the beginning of this year, my phone completely stopped working and I had no choice but to get a new phone. I’ve never been one to partake in expensive trends like new tech but I do get caught up sometimes wishing I had what others did. So I’m checking myself and not even gonna let myself think about it!
7. Makeup*
*Until I finish what I have. I’m a huge lover of makeup and clean beauty but I won’t let myself purchase new products until I finish the one that I currently have!
8. Skincare*
*See above 😉
9. Fast Fashion
As an advocate for slow, ethical fashion, I acknowledge that it’s not accessible for everyone including myself all the time! I don’t think there’s anything wrong with buying fast fashion occasionally as long as we’re not overconsuming. I do my best not to buy fast fashion often but will be the first to admit that I do it a few times a year. This year I’m challenging myself not to buy a single piece of fast fashion.
10. New Books
I really love books and I love reading. And as an environmentalist, I don’t agree with not buying the things you love because it’s wasteful. (In SOME cases, like books.) However, I do still have books from 5 years ago that I’ve started and never finished. As someone who loves reading but doesn’t get to read very often, I’m not going to be buying any new books this year because I know it will take me that long to finish these ones.
Related reading:
The Zero Waste Swaps that changed my life
How to get started with slow fashion
And there you have it! 10 things I won’t be buying in 2023 to live a more sustainable and minimal life!
Thank you so much for reading. Please don’t forget to share this post and follow me on Instagram for daily low waste living inspiration.
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