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

No Comments