15 Things I No Longer Buy
Minimalism has become quite popular lately, for good reason too. It can help reduce decision fatigue, make us more aware of the environment, promote mindfulness, and help us save money. These are all very desirable outcomes in society today. An increasingly global economy and readily available access to social media increases our options and calls our limited attention to many different topics. Consumerism and lack of environmental policy is causing destruction to our natural resources. The pressure to spend money and omni-present advertising is coaxing money out of our bank accounts. Minimalism could be the answer to some of these issues.
These are big issues that seem insurmountable, but I have found some solace in focusing in on actionable steps. I want to help the environment, but I am mostly motivated by saving money. Here are 15 things I no longer buy and 15 things I should consider no longer buying- if I can muster up the willpower :)
15 Things I No Longer Buy
Books
I use the local library, the libraries in the previous towns I used to live in, my university’s online library, and my friend’s personal libraries. I try to exhaust all my resources before I will buy a book. If I do decide to buy a book, I buy the Kindle version.
Paper-towels/tissues/napkins
I try not to use paper products like these, when I could just as easily use a piece of cloth. I sacrifice a little convenience, but end up saving money and maybe the environment?
Pads/tampons
This was a game-changer. I now use the Diva Cup and reusable cloth pads. Yes, sometimes it is a little more messy, but it just feels so good to never need to buy tampons or pads again!
Bottled water
I use a reusable water bottle and can easily fill it with tap water or filtered water. Bottled water is no better for you than some filtered water.
Decorations
Seasonal decorations rob precious storage space, cost money that you do not need to spend, and can end up looking tacky very quickly. You can find other ways to infuse holiday spirit in your life by window-shopping at a Christmas market, spending time with loved ones, or making a holiday dish with your family.
Gifts
I tend not to buy gifts anymore and opt for handmade items or handmade cards. This adds a personal touch and makes it so your friends and family do not end up with stuff they do not need. I will buy a specific useful gift for someone occasionally or donate money.
Makeup
I stopped wearing makeup. I just realised I am either biking, climbing, skiing, or working a night shift. None of these occasions call for makeup. Sometimes I wish I had an occasion that would call for makeup though...
Haircuts/manicures/waxing
I started cutting my own hair, doing my own manicures, and doing my own waxing. The results are not quite as great, but I enjoy saving the money.
Dog grooming
As with above, I do my dog’s grooming. I have a couple special brushes for his type of fur, pet-friendly shampoo, a good ‘ol hose, nail clippers, and a doggy toothbrush. I could have a human and doggy spa day with him!
Dog bones
My dog and I find animal bones while hiking through the mountains. Sometimes they are a little dirty, but they will do.
Subscriptions
I stopped my Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Spotify subscriptions. I watch Youtube with ads, go to the library, or steal my parent’s Netflix log-in information. For music, I use the free versions of Youtube and Spotify.
Expensive phone plans
I started using Tello, which is a VoIP phone provider. My phone bill is $10/month. I am quite satisfied with this plan, as someone who is not very phone savvy. The call quality lacks sometimes and I opted for the plan with 1 GB of data. I do get unlimited calls and texts, though.
Laundry sheets
I have not ever used them or bought them before…maybe I do not know what I am missing!
Specialised cleaning products
I stopped buying different products for every surface and room of the house. Now I use baking soda, white vinegar, and organic soap.
Furniture
I am lucky to have lived in currently live in a pre-furnished place. I tend to move a good amount, so I seek out places like these on Craigslist and Furnished Finder. To fill in, my friends sometimes give me furniture, I find furniture on the side of the road, or I scroll through the Craigslist free section.
15 Things I Wish I No Longer Bought
Alcohol
I love IPAs, stouts, sparkling wine, and cider. It gets expensive quick. I am trying to decrease the amount I spend by buying it less frequently and getting the cheap wine at Trader Joe’s or Grocery Outlet.
Keurig pods
Ahhh…so bad for the environment. I need to ditch the Keurig and make some french press coffee.
Processed food
Yes, I love eating ice cream and chips from time to time. I could slowly start cutting this out of my diet.
Meat
Meat is expensive. It also takes a lot of resources (water, animal feed) to get that perfect steak to the grocery store and in your belly. I try to swap meat for tofu and beans or buy higher quality, local meat.
Candles
Candles are in every room of my house. Some candles may be bad for air quality indoors, since the fragrances being burned can release harmful compounds. It might be a better move to use essential oils.
Plastic bags
This does not necessarily count as something that I buy, but I do end up acquiring when I go to the store. I am notorious for forgetting reusable bags. I need to keep some stashed in my car and near the doorway at my house.
Beverages in general
La Croix, juice, coffee, tea, and soda are all delicious, but it best for my health and my wallet to just drink water.
New clothes
I prefer to buy my clothes used, but sometimes I get new clothes as well. I am working on only getting used clothes or not buying clothes at all.
Gasoline
I am starting to walk to work and bike around town to run errands instead of using my car. I would like to significantly reduce the amount of gas I use.
Outdoor gear
Can I ever have enough?! Spending on outdoor gear is my guilty pleasure. It is hard to determine a want versus a need in this category. I need it all- don’t I?! To curb some of my climbing, skiing, mountain biking spending, I make a wish list of items and then let that wish list sit for 3-6 months. If I still really want that item after that time frame, I can buy it.
Fee-laden index funds
Looking over my investments, I realised some fees are quite high on my index funds. These fees can take hundreds of thousands of dollars of wealth from you overtime. I tried to pick new index funds that have an expense ratio of less than 0.04%.
Coffee to-go
When I was in Italy, I never saw anyone with a to-go coffee. Italians order a small coffee and enjoy it at the cafe. I would like to savour my coffee in this way too.
Burritos
I do not eat out too much, but when I do I get a burrito or tacos from the local food truck. I could easily make my own burritos or tacos at home to save a little money.
Too many personal hygiene products
I have day-time face lotion, night-time face lotions, a couple different hair products, and a couple different deodorants. I could stream-line this system and just use one lotion, one hair product, and one deodorant.
Rent
This one may seem kind of silly and unattainable, but I would love to do van-life or SUV-life one day. I do not think living in a car would suit my dog very well, though, so I will still be paying rent to live in a house/apartment.
Let me know what you gave up or would like to give up in the comments below. Best of luck with your minimalist journey.
