Living Minimally + Things I No Longer Buy

At the start of the year I decided that my intention for the year was to live less wastefully. Doing that means much more than recycling plastic products and donating items you no longer use. It takes some thought and planning. I’ve spent the last few months working to reduce my consumption, investing in items that will prevent me from purchasing single use items, and overall trying to live a more minimal lifestyle. Below is a list of items I no longer purchase and a few suggestions for more sustainable options in their place.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links to products I use and love. If you buy something I have the opportunity to make a small commission which allows me to keep creating content.

01/

Hair Products
As a former hair stylist and hair product junkie, I would have thought I’d be the last person on earth using a shampoo and conditioner bar, but lo and behold here I am. And I honestly think it’s the best thing since sliced bread. Not only are my scalp and hair healthier since I started using By Humankind’s shampoo and conditioner bars, but I’m so pleased I’m not tossing a plastic bottle every time I run out of a hair product. Also, the shampoo and conditioner bars come with a gorgeous bacteria and mold resistant dish that looks so much better in your shower than a bottle.

Additionally, I’m no longer purchasing “extra” hair products like masks, hair spray, heat protectant, etc. I found that using these products was greatly weighing my hair down, causing me to wash it more often than necessary.

02/

Single Use Deodorant
Over the years I’ve gotten really sick of natural deodorants not doing what they claim to do. Time and time again I would turn back to harmful brands full of aluminum and parabens just to find comfort in knowing I wasn’t going to run anyone off with my body odor. Needless to say, I was thrilled to find a natural deodorant that not only aligns with my ethics, but also that actually works! By Humankind’s refillable deodorant takes the guilt out of tossing an empty deodorant stick every month, plus their brand ticks all my boxes when it comes to aesthetic packaging.

03/

Body Wash + Shave Cream
Dr. Bronner’s Castille Soap can be used for so many things, it’s incredible. When I discovered this product I was able to eliminate a giant handful of other products I was using at the time. I use it to wash my face, my body, shave my legs, wash my hands, clean my kitchen counters, etc. However, I did try it on my hair and that was a no go. It also comes in a gallon jug that you can use to fill other vessels and therefor waste less plastic.

04/

Mouthwash
When I say mouthwash I mean traditional mouthwash such as Listerine. I didn’t realize that the burning sensation Listerine gives you doesn't actually mean it’s cleaning your mouth. Often times traditional mouthwash dries your mouth out and exacerbates bad breath, which is the opposite of what you want it to do. By Humankind (yes, I love this brand) makes these amazing mouthwash tablets that you dissolve in water and swish around your mouth. It doesn’t burn, and instead leaves you with unique clean feeling in your mouth.

05/

Tampons + Pads
I started using a Cora Menstrual Cup after my first postpartum cycle and haven’t looked back. There was a slight learning curve the first day, but I quickly learned to use it efficiently and I love it. It’s a $29 investment that keeps me from wasting money on tampons, liners or any other period related items. Not only is it zero waste, but it’s much more hygienic than other period products on the market. Cora also makes period proof underwear that can be worn at night as a backup to truly have a zero waste period routine.

06/

Household Cleaners
In lieu of marketed household cleaning products, I’ve been going back to basics. Vinegar, baking soda, and Dr. Bronners all do a wonderful job of cleaning and they’re much cheaper than those other products. Plus I don’t have to be nervous using these ingredients around kids or pets.

07/

Dishwashing Detergent + Rinse Aids
Nancy Birtwhistle did a little experiment with some natural products in her dishwasher and she shared them on her instagram stories. I’ve been using what she thought was her best method and I have to agree. A tablespoon of baking soda in the detergent compartment and then fill the rinse aid compartment with white vinegar and voila! - clean, chemical free dishes. Make sure you don’t crowd your dishes too much because natural products aren’t as harsh as branded dishwashing products and they need a little more room to work.

08/

Swiffers Dusters + Swiffer Mops
Investing in a good vacuum and steam mop have been game changers in my home. I bought a Dyson v11 that is so compact I can vacuum almost anywhere, so I rarely have to do any manual dusting. Bye bye swiffer dusters.

My Shark Steam Mop has replaced any sort of mop product and it uses distilled water so I don’t even have to buy any harsh cleaning products for it. And I love adding essential oils on the mop pad to make the house smell clean and fresh.

09/

Dryer Sheets + Fabric Softener
Wool Balls with a few drops of essential oils will replace dryer sheets forever. They last a long time, plus they keep your clothes wrinkle free and separated in the dryer.

10/

Plastic Wrap + Plastic Baggies
Ditch the ziploc plastic bags and instead opt for Stasher Bags. Not only are they more pleasing to the eye, but they’re made from silicone that can placed in the freezer, dishwasher, microwave, and anywhere else up to 400 degrees. I love using them for snacks on the go in our diaper bag too.

Additionally, I store leftover food in Beeswax Wrap or anywhere else you would use plastic wrap. Beeswax wrap is more environmentally friendly than plastic wrap and behaves almost the same exact way.

11/

Paper Towels
Working in the kitchen creates a lot of mess and the first thing most people grab for is a paper towel. I was finding myself using several a day between wiping down the counters, cleaning up kids messes and just drying my hands. The waste was piling up. Now I’m using paperless towels. These cotton squares are kept on the counter where I can access them quickly and I simply pop them in the washer machine after each use.

12/

Costume Jewelry
Jewelry that you find for purchase at places like Target, Forever 21, Old Navy and other fast fashion retailers should actually be called disposable jewelry because you really only get to wear them a handful of times before they either turn your skin green or they start to turn another color themselves. Instead of wasting money on jewelry I will inevitably throw away or donate, I’ve been investing in higher quality staples I can keep for years to come. It’s more of an initial investment, but I know over the years I will have saved more money than I would buying cheap, fly by the night, trendy pieces.

Some of the brands I’ve been purchasing from include two local makers Emily Warden Designs, Leocadia K. and one U.S. made brand Ana Luisa.

13/

Fast Fashion
I’ve generally been avoiding stores like Old Navy, Forever 21, Target and other stores that sell inexpensive clothing produced so rapidly I can’t even keep up. Instead, I’m sourcing clothing made in the U.S., consignment stores, and local boutiques. Thrift stores are also an option, but you have to have a lot of time to peruse them and having a young child doesn’t lend me a lot of extra time.

14/

Uncomfortable Shoes
This goes almost hand in hand with fast fashion because most big box clothing companies also sell inexpensive, uncomfortable shoes. These are shoes that you usually only wear a few times because they either hurt your feet or only go with one or two outfits. They were trendy the week you bought them, now not so much. That’s more fast fashion for you.

Instead, I’ve been purchasing better made shoes that fit me really well and go well with my entire wardrobe. My Dr. Marten’s boots are a staple for the winter, I own a good pair of workout shoes, a pair of basic heels for any special occasion that pops up, a pair of Birkenstock sandals for summer, and a pair of slip on casual shoes to wear with jeans or a dress. That’s just a handful of well made shoes that will last me for years to come and coordinate well with my wardrobe and the seasons.

15/

Milk in a Carton
Between smoothies, cereal, coffee and the occasional glass with cookies, milk is quite the commodity in my home. I was definitely feeling the guilt every time I tossed an empty milk carton into the recycling bin, so I searched for some alternatives. One of my favorites has been Modest Mylk. It is basically a nut milk paste that comes in a jar. You blend it with water and it makes a delicious, homemade nut milk with very little effort. It’s delicious and there’s no carton to throw away.

16/

Coffee Pods + Starbucks
It goes without saying that visiting Starbucks regularly is wasteful. You leave with a disposable cup and at least 5 bucks less in your bank account each time. Using a coffee maker such as a Keurig with coffee pods is also incredibly wasteful.

Instead, opt for locally roasted coffee (support local!) and grab yourself a coffee grinder and French press. Make your own delicious coffee at home. It’s better, I promise.

x Megan