8 Things I've Completely Stopped Buying — Here's What I Use Instead

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It's a fact that we often purchase things we don't really need. We're living in a time of excessive consumption, and it can be challenging to reduce our spending. However, making small changes to your daily routine can make a significant impact on both the environment and your finances.

I've started replacing regular household items with more environmentally friendly options - such as using reusable snack bags instead of disposable plastic, Swedish dishcloths instead of paper towels, and refillable all-purpose cleaner containers instead of plastic bottles.

❌ Single-use storage bags

I've found that plastic bags can quickly pile up from storing leftovers in the fridge to packing school lunches. To get rid of them completely, I've switched to using glass storage containers for leftovers and reusable storage bags for on-the-go snacks. After each use, everything is washed in the dishwasher and is ready to be used again and again.

Bottled cleaning products

But I usually stock up on concentrated solutions that take up minimal storage space.

WHAT I PREFER

❌ Plastic wrap

To be honest, I hardly ever used plastic wrap, and I'd often forget to buy it when I ran out, so I just removed it from my shopping list. When it comes to leftovers, I usually opt for reusable storage containers or beeswax wrap, which can cover food or the top of a dish. I've also experimented with silicone lids, which are great because they're safe for use in the microwave and dishwasher.

❌ Disposable lint rollers

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❌ Paper towels

Alright, I still buy paper towels, but Swedish dish towels have reduced my waste substantially. I use these towels to clean my countertops, wipe down the inside of the fridge, dry spills on the floor, and many other tasks. One of these towels can last for at least a year. I just run it through the dishwasher every few days to keep it clean. Now, I save paper towels for big messes, such as wiping down countertops after handling raw meat.

❌ Plastic containers

Plastic containers are a must-have. Technically, they can be reused, which is a plus, but glass containers tend to have a longer lifespan. They're also easier to clean, as they don't absorb stains and odors like plastic can, and they're more versatile - most glass containers can be used in the microwave, oven, and freezer.

❌ Bottled laundry detergent

I opted to replace big bottles of laundry detergent with a more compact and convenient option: laundry sheets. I really like that sheets are simple to take with me (I use the laundromat).

❌ Makeup wipes

They're a great option as well, particularly for applying toner.

In our testing, we found that the Coop Home Goods Memory Foam Pillow was the best overall pillow, providing excellent support and breathability. The Snuggle-Pedic Kool-Flow Pillow was a close second,