10 Items I No Longer Buy
Photo credit: Take Heart Photography
I am a few years into my own minimalism and low waste journey (key word is journey— as no one is perfect and it is a long road where you consistently evolve, learn, and also have setbacks).
I thought I’d share some items that I no longer purchase. Looking at this list makes me realize not only how much more we used to buy (and thus waste), but also how much money we have saved along the way. Here are a few:
1. Disposable napkins and paper towels —hello reusable cloth towels. I use these in blue and also in white.
2. Granola bars- I purchase bulk bin snacks like granola, raisins, plantain chips, nuts etc. (Plus homemade cookies and muffins).
3. Foaming liquid hand soap –I make my own with a large bottle of Doctor Bronner’s Castile soap (Dr. Bronners: water) (1: 3)
4. Cleaning sprays- Again I make my own. I use citrus infused vinegar (just soak citrus peels in vinegar in your fridge and then mix that liquid with water 1:1). I also make a granite spray with rubbing alcohol, water, a squirt of dish soap, and 5 drops of lemongrass essential oil. Rubbing alcohol: water (1:5)
Photo credit: Take Heart Photography
5. Shampoo and conditioner in plastic bottles- My kids and I use Plaine Products in reusable aluminum bottles. The shampoo and conditioner are great and all natural. The green purpose sells them. (Use the code MINIMALMOM1019 for 10% off.)
6. Impulse plastic kid toys- when I want to get my kids anything new I look at local thrift shops or online second hand markets first (exception: a few art supplies... some of which are second hand). I signed my kid’s school up to participate in the Crayola Colorcycle program to recycle our markers.
7. Garbage bags- I use the large bags our cereal comes in for our garbage and save any other plastic bags that make their way into our home for this use.
8. Floor cleaner- I use vinegar, water, and occasionally a squirt of dish soap (that I purchase in the largest plastic bottle possible as there is no bulk dish soap options near us yet).
9. Make up in plastic- I used to spend so much money on make up! Now I just remember the quote “Use it up, wear it out, make do, or live without!” Most days I use a palette from Elate Beauty. (Exception my tinted sunblock recommended by my dermatologist that comes in plastic)
10. Kids books off of Amazon- I live for the library! Plus my kids get bored of books SO fast... so it works out.
Bonus item: A Costco membership. Currently we are no longer members. If you would have told me this 3 years ago I would have NEVER believed you. I find most everything I need at Winco (they sell bulk foods), Whole Foods, and online these days. What are a few items you no longer buy?
