5 Important Things I Don’t Buy Any More Thanks to the Zero Waste Lifestyle (Saves Money Too!)

I really love flipping though blog posts or seeing videos about “Things I don’t buy anymore” because it really shows how personalized the zero waste movement and minimalism can be. 

Living a more eco conscious lifestyle can look different depending on your age, budget, location, lifestyle etc. For example, it is easy to assume that everyone that is eco conscious lives in an isolated cabin in the woods but that’s just not true-there are ways to make sustainable living work in cities too! 

This post will detail some of the things I have chosen to not buy new anymore and I hope it gives you some ideas you can adopt to fit your lifestyle as well!

This post is all about things I don’t buy any more thanks to the zero waste lifestyle.

Simple Tips For Going Zero Waste and Buying Less To Help The Planet

Being completely zero waste is not possible. Same with lifestyles like minimalism. They are incredible movements but be sure not to take it so literally. 

Instead of never buying anything ever again just be mindful of ways you can reduce waste and make better choices as you shop ethically and mindfully. 

Things I don’t buy anymore (And You Can Skip These Too!)

1. Brand new items (car, clothes, appliances etc.) 

It is pretty wild how much money you can save just by using things you have until they completely wear out.

It can be tempting to always get the newest version of things but it is much better for the environment if we just use what we have. The less amount of products we buy the less amount of strain we will put on the environment (emissions released when transporting goods, toxic runoff from factories that harms surrounding natural spaces and people etc.)

Here are some things you can try to buy second hand: 

• Cars
• Appliances
• Tech 
• Clothes 
• Home decor 

2. Multiple cleaning products since a few items can clean your whole house

Not going to lie, the cleaning videos on social media are sooo satisfying to watch. Seeing all the dirt and grime be removed to uncover a flawless bathroom is so nice. But I am always surprised at all of the gazillions of cleaning products that are used to get the job done (and lots of disposable cleaning tools too!). 

To clean our home we really don’t need a different cleaning product for each step.

Honestly, most of your home can be cleaned with soap, water and some elbow grease. Of course, there are exceptions but consider checking out the post below to learn how to get your home squeaky clean with fewer products. 

{RECOMMENDED POST: 5 Genius Hacks for Zero Waste Cleaning (My Favorite Products and Routine!)}

3. New books-prioritize secondhand or digital

I love a new book just as much as the next book lover but in order to support the health of the enviornment I try my best to opt for second hand books when possible. 

Here are some great places you can look for books rather than buying new. 

• Library
• Ebooks
• Audiobooks
• Borrowed books 
• Local bookstores that sell used books 

4. Food I won’t eat

Food waste is a MAJOR issue in the U.S. Not just on the individual level though, schools, restaurants, hotels and other companies waste a ton of food as well. 

Food waste is frustrating because it takes so many resources just to produce food. Think of all the water, land, hard work and emissions from transporting the food that it takes to produce food for millions of people. All of those resources are used and then the product is just trashed! It is kind of a twisted scenario. 

Anyways, being mindful of food waste in our own home not only honors all of the resources that were used to produce it (and the hard working people that grew it!) but it also can save you money.

Check out the post below to find all the steps you can take to reduce food waste in your home! 

{RECOMMENDED POST: 5 Food Storage Tips To Reduce Food Waste in Your Home}

5. Gifts that people won’t use and will end up in the landfill. Instead, opting for intentional gifting 

This one can be a bit tricky because, well, gift giving is tricky. Even for your closet friends or even family it can be challenging to find a gift that someone will enjoy and truly cherish. But I think it is worth the effort!

The alternative is buying someone a gift that they will use only a few times and then chuck in the landfill. Multiple that times millions and ya we have a big problem on our hands. 

I am all for practical gifts. A gift card to the grocery store? Yes please! But that is definitely not appropriate for everyone and every occasion.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself when buying gifts to ensure you are finding a intentional and eco friendly gift for your loved ones. 

• How many uses will they get out of this gift? 
• Do they have clothing similar to this piece? Will it fit their style?
• Is it appropriate in this occasion to get them a gift card so they can purchase exactly what they want? 
• Could I make a homemade gift? Baked goods are always a crowd pleaser! 

{RECOMMENDED POST: Your Go-to Guide For The Best Low Waste Holiday Gifts (Inspired By The 5 Love Languages!)​​}

Thanks for browsing through this list of things I don’t use anymore. Are there any items you could add to this list? Let us know in the comments below! 

Be sure to sign up for the newsletter if you would like sustainability and wellness tips sent directly to your inbox! 

Stay well, 

Maggie 

This post was all about the things I don’t buy anymore thanks to the zero waste movement. 

Other posts you may like: 

9 Powerful Zero Waste Cleaning Products We Are Obsessed With

8 Zero Waste Kits That Are Perfect For Beginners and Zero Waste Gifts

Top 5 Zero Waste Online Stores So You Can Make Eco Friendly Choices From The Comfort Of Your Home!

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