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27 Things I Stopped Buying as a Minimalist

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

Things I Stopped Buying
Things I Stopped Buying

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