These were the first things I stopped buying as a beginner minimalist and low waster!

In today’s post, I wanted to share with you the first things I stopped buying after taking a step towards minimalism and low waste.

You are probably familiar with minimalism and zero-waste lifestyle trends that are all over social media and the web. 

These terms probably give you images of a year’s worth of trash in a mason jar, people selling all of their belongings, and living in an empty apartment.

That’s what I thought too.

I assumed these lifestyle choices were a ridiculous, trendy, attention-seeking scam on Instagram and YouTube. However, I was still curious about all the hype and decided to research further.

Although I did find people who I believe are touting these terms for internet fame, I did find a couple of YouTubers who were sincere about their lifestyle. These true minimalists helped to open my eyes to what these lifestyle choices really mean. 

A minimalist lifestyle is about getting rid of all the stuff that clutters our life and as Marie Konda put it…doesn’t bring us joy.

It’s about living a simpler and intentional life.

Zero or low waste is about protecting the planet and making the world a healthier place for us now and for humans in the future. 

Embracing Minimalism…

Surprisingly, I really connected with the overall purpose and concept of minimalism.

I started embracing the idea of owning less, decluttering my space, and my mind.

Additionally, I realized that taking on some of the zero waste principles could significantly reduce my current spending and help towards achieving financial goals. 

I am only a year into my journey, but I have gotten rid of so much stuff I have no use for, started making more conscious spending and purchasing habits, and overall feel much happier with my home environment and my life.

In the next few paragraphs, I created a list of everything I have stopped buying and the items I still own, but would not buy again. 

Some of these items are a bit of a no brainer, but I found keeping a list helps when you run out of one-time use items so you can find a long term alternative.

Things I Stopped Buying:

• Paper Products (plates, napkins, paper towels, dryer sheets & plastic utensils) 
• Multiple and Excessive Amounts of Makeup, Beauty & Skincare Products
• Subscription Boxes (Excluding the Misfit Market box)
• Fast Fashion 
• Processed Foods (Salad Dressing, Pasta Sauce, Pizza Sauce, etc.)
• Plastic Razors
• Jewelry 
• Plastic Lint Rollers
• Most One Use Items
• Limiting Brand New Purchases and Shopping Second Hand First
• Uncomfortable Shoes & Clothing
• Special Occasion Clothing
• Specialty Kitchen Gadgets (Toaster Oven, Air Fryer, Instant Pot, Keurig )
• Plastic Water Bottles
• Buying Things Because They are on Sale
• Paid Apps
• Fast Food
• Most Items Made from Plastic
• Multiples and Duplicates of the Same Things
• Shaving Cream
• Nail Polish
• Face Wipes
• Cooking Spray
• Swiffer Dusters and Mops
• Plastic Food Storage Containers
• Holiday Decorations

Things I Still Have, But Will Not Buy Again:

• Candles
• Nonstick Pans
• Plastic Kitchen Items & Cookware
• Most OTC Medicines
• Perfume
• Wrapping Paper/Gift Bags/Etc
• Microwave
• Coffee Maker

So there you have it! All the things I stopped buying within my first year of transitioning to a minimalist and low waste lifestyle. 

Is there anything that didn’t make the list that you don’t buy as a minimalist or zero waster? Let me know in the comments below.

Until next time,

Rachel