100 Things I, as a Minimalist, no longer buy (including alternatives)

Minimalism is more than just a trend! For me as a mom of 2 it´s a lifestyle and something I love to give my children on their way. It’s my deliberate choice to focus on what truly matters and let go of unnecessary clutter (and unneccessary spendings). For me and my family, this lifestyle has brought greater clarity, less stress, and financial freedom. Of course, everyone has their own sense of what’s too much or too little. The following list is not a universal rule, but rather reflects the things we personally no longer feel are necessary.

Here are 100 things that we as minimalists no longer purchase and that you can easily replace or simply eliminate from your life (and save a loooot of money on the way!):

1. Greeting cards: Make your own or embellish old ones. Handmade cards are more personal and creative.
2. Makeup remover pads: Use a microfiber cloth instead. Reusable cloths are gentle on the skin and eco-friendly.
3. Coffee capsules: Use a French press or drip coffee. These produce less waste and are more cost-effective.
4. Disposable bottles: Use a reusable water bottle. Preferrably made out of stainless steel to avoid toxines, especially for kids. It’s durable and significantly reduces plastic waste.
5. Paper towels: Switch to cloth towels. They’re wash-able and more sustainable.
6. Napkins: Use cloth napkins. They’re more elegant and can be washed and reused.
7. Plastic bags: Use cloth tote bags. They’re sturdy and reusable.
8. Disposable razor blades: Switch to a safety razor. More durable and generates less waste.
9. Disposable cutler: Use reusable camping cutlery. Great for on-the-go and reduces trash.
10. Specialty cleaning products: Use vinegar and baking soda. Natural, versatile, and inexpensive.
11. Cookbooks: Rrely on online recipes. They’re always up to date and offer vast variety.
12. Magazines: Read online articles and blogs. Often free and more accessible. Or get a membership at an online service like Readly.
13. DVDs: Use streaming services. More convenient and space-saving than physical media.
14. CDs: Switch to music streaming services. Access a wide music selection without physical storage.
15. Seasonal decorations: Use natural materials from the forest or fields and DIY decor. More creative and sustainable than store-bought and waaaay cheaper.
16. Fast fashion: Opt for timeless, high-quality clothing. More durable and better for the environment.
17. Fashion accessories: Own a few versatile pieces. Reduces excess and encourages mindful consumption.
18. Costume jewelry: Choose timeless, high-quality jewelry. More sustainable and sophisticated.
19. Paper calendars: Use digital calendars. More flexible and eco-friendly.
20. Single-purpose kitchen gadgets: Use multi-cookers or multipurpose devices. Saves space and money.
21. Tea bags: Use loose-leaf tea. Reduces packaging, lasts longer and often tastes better.
22. Teapot warmers: Use a thermal carafe. Keeps tea hot longer without extra accessories.
23. Disposable straws: Use stainless steel or bamboo straws. Reusable and eco-friendly. Or none at all. To be honest I never understood why anybody would want to use straws at all.
24. Plastic toothbrushes: Use bamboo toothbrushes. Biodegradable and more sustainable. Or an elecric toothbrush where you only switch the brush and not the whole piece itself.
25. Toothpaste tubes: Use toothpaste in glass containers or tabs. Reduces plastic waste.
26. Shampoo bottles: Switch to solid shampoo and soap bars. Less packaging, often longer-lasting.
27. Shower gel: Use bar soap. More eco-friendly and gentle on the skin. The last soap bar I bought was a huge one from a Christmas Sale in January and cost me 2$. To this day (September) I used it daily and it´s still not empty!
28. Conditioner: Use apple cider vinegar or solid conditioner. Natural and package-free and way cheaper.
29. Disposable cotton pads: Use reusable cotton pads or a microfibre towel. Washable and more durable. I got mine from amazon for 14,99$ and they lasted me already 5 years. I don´t want to know what I would have spent for the same time span on cotton pads.
30. Disposable diapers: Use cloth diapers. It´s a little bit of a hustle to get used to them but they are cost-effective and better for the planet (especially if you let them air dry). Bonus: Kids tend to get potty trained way earlier when they wear cloth diapers.
31. Wet wipes: Use washable cloths. I got a pack of 20 for 5$ from IKEA and used them for both my kids for years. Way better deal and less fragrances and chemicals for your baby.
32. Disposable facial razors: Use an electric razor or epilator or a razor where you only have to exchange the blades and not the razor itself.
33. Perfumes: Instead, use solid perfumes or fragrance oils. Compact and often longer-lasting.
34. Makeup samples: hoose multifunctional beauty products. Less packaging and more versatile.
35. Disposable kitchen sponges: Use reusable dishcloths or metal sponges.
36. Plastic wrap: Just use a kitchen towel and put it on top of the bowl or refillable containers. Use beeswax wraps. Reusable and eco-friendly.
37. Aluminum foil: Use silicone baking mats or glass containers. Reusable and safer.
38. Paper baking molds: Switch to silicone molds. Reusable and durable.
39. Plastic food containers: Rather use glass containers. More durable and safer for food. I actually used all my plastic containers as long as they were ok and replaced them piece by piece.
40. Disposable coffee filters: Use a permanent filter. More economical and eco-friendly.
41. Paper bread bags – use cloth bread bags. Reusable and keeps bread fresher longer.
42. Disposable cleaning wipes – use microfiber cloths. Washable and more efficient.
43. Paper tissues – use cloth handkerchiefs. Reusable and kinder to skin.
44. Disposable tablecloths – use washable fabric tablecloths. Reusable and long-lasting.
45. Single-use soda makers – use soda makers with reusable bottles. More cost-effective and eco-friendly.
46. Disposable batteries – use rechargeable batteries. Cheaper and more durable.
47. E-reader covers – use a creative DIY cover or book stand. More personal and imaginative.
48. Plastic chairs – choose wooden or metal chairs. More durable and aesthetic.
49. Cheap toys: Opt for high-quality, durable toys. Safer and more sustainable.
50. Plastic cooking spoons – use wooden or silicone spoons. Eco-friendlier and longer-lasting.

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1. Plastic cutting boards – use wood or bamboo boards. More hygienic and durable.
2. Disposable ice molds – use reusable silicone ice molds. Sustainable and versatile.
3. Crayons – choose wax crayons or watercolor pencils. More creative and durable.
4. Plastic binders – use metal or wooden clips. More sustainable and sturdy.
5. Plastic packaging – buy in bulk or with reusable packaging. Eco-friendlier and often cheaper.
6. Plastic flowers – use real plants. More natural and visually pleasing.
7. Disposable placemats – use reusable placemats. Long-lasting and eco-friendly.
8. Plastic cups – use glass or stainless steel cups. More sustainable and durable.
9. Cheap dishware – choose high-quality, long-lasting dishes. More flattering and long-lived.
10. Disposable lunch boxes – use bento boxes or glass containers. Versatile and sustainable.
11. Disposable rain ponchos – use reusable raincoats. Eco-friendlier and more durable.
12. Disposable camera filters – use reusable filters. Cheaper and more sustainable.
13. Cheap sunglasses – invest in high-quality UV-protective shades. Safer and longer-lasting.
14. Disposable card holders – choose leather or fabric holders. More sustainable and durable.
15. Plastic laundry baskets – use wicker or fabric baskets. More eco-friendly and stylish.
16. Disposable gloves – use reusable gloves. More durable and cost-effective.
17. Disposable kitchen aprons – use cloth aprons. Reusable and more stylish.
18. Plastic storage boxes – use wooden or metal storage. Environmentally friendly and long-lived.
19. Disposable sponges – use natural sponges or loofahs. Eco-friendlier and often more effective.
20. Plastic face masks – use cloth masks. Washable and eco-friendly.
21. Disposable face wipes – use washable cleansing pads. More sustainable and gentle.
22. Cheap candles – use high-quality, eco-friendly candles. Longer burning and safer.
23. Disposable gift bags – use cloth bags or reusable gift boxes. Stylish and eco-friendly.
24. Paper packaging – use fabric wrapping or furoshiki. More sustainable and beautiful.
25. Disposable hair dyes – use natural dyes or henna. Gentle on hair and earth.
26. Plastic hairbrushes – use wood or bamboo brushes. Eco-friendly and longer-lasting.
27. Disposable hair clips – use metal or wooden clips. More sustainable and durable.
28. Plastic measuring spoons – use stainless steel or wood. Longer-lasting and eco-friendly.
29. Disposable tealight holders – use reusable candle holders. Longer-lasting and safer.
30. Plastic clothespins – use wooden pins. Eco-friendlier and sturdier.
31. Disposable oven mitts – use fabric mitts. Reusable and more stylish.
32. Plastic hangers – choose wood or metal hangers. More sustainable and longer-lived.
33. Disposable detergent pods – use refillable detergent bottles. Cheaper and eco-friendly.
34. Cheap picture frames – use high-quality, durable frames. More aesthetic and robust.
35. Plastic vacuum cleaner bags – use bagless vacuums. Cost-effective and more eco-friendly.
36. Disposable plastic lids – use fabric covers or reusable silicone lids. Practical and sustainable.
37. Disposable muffin liners – use silicone liners. Reusable and long-lasting.
38. Plastic watering cans – use metal or ceramic cans. More aesthetic and durable.
39. Disposable utensil cases – use wooden utensil boxes. Eco-friendlier and sturdier.
40. Plastic clothing racks – use wooden or metal racks. Longer-lived and more attractive.
41. Disposable sandwich bags – use reusable silicone bags. Eco-friendlier and practical.
42. Plastic organizers – use wooden or fabric organizers. Sustainable and stylish.
43. Disposable gift wrap – use newspaper or fabric. Creative and eco-friendlier.
44. Plastic storage jars – use glass or stainless steel jars. More durable and safer for food.
45. Disposable bread bags – use cloth bags or bread boxes. Keeps bread fresher and eco-friendly.
46. Plastic bowls – use ceramic or glass bowls. More aesthetic and longer-lasting.
47. Disposable baking paper – use silicone baking mats. Reusable and more sustainable.
48. Plastic cooking utensils – use wooden or silicone utensils. Eco-friendly and more durable.
49. Disposable ribbon – use fabric ribbons or natural fibers. Eco-friendlier and more creative.
50. Disposable shower caps – use cloth shower caps. Reusable and more eco-friendly.

Everyone has their own sense of what’s too much or too little: minimalism means different things to different people. What works for me and my family may not work for you. It’s important to discover what excess looks like in your own life and decide what you want to reduce. Let this list inspire you and show you that there are many small changes you can make to live more sustainably and mindfully.

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