14 things I don't buy as an eco-minimalist

Minimalism and sustainable living go hand in hand - some have coined the term ‘eco-minimalism’ as a way to describe a blend of both lifestyles. While minimalism helps us simplify our lives, sustainable living helps us further question the impact of our consumption on the planet and the people affected.

I’ve found the benefit of living more simply and sustainably in the past few years, and as a result, have turned from purchasing products I realized I personally didn’t need, or because I was able to find a more eco-friendly alternative. This post outlines 14 things I no longer buy as an eco-minimalist, which you can find with the video above and the summary below.

14 things I don’t buy

Below are some products I no longer buy as a result of my intention to live more simply and sustainably. I’ve done my best to curate a list to also help you decrease your plastic consumption - you’ll find that some items are single-use or disposable, and I’ve been able to transition to longer-lasting alternatives if needed. You can refer to the shop page for the items I’ve intentionally purchased which are featured in this post, and more.

Room Fresheners

Disposable plastic glade plugins, sprays, and perfumes are often not recyclable and get used up quite quickly

Opt for natural candles or essential oil reed diffusers for a more sustainable alternative, or nothing at all

Hairspray and conditioner

Everyone's hair has different needs, but we are often persuaded to use a plethora of products when we might not need that many - I soon realized that I didn’t usually use hairspray or conditioner

My current hair routine has been narrowed down to a simple shampoo bar to keep things low waste

Plastic hair tools

Plastic hairbrushes and other heat tools are tough to recycle and are bound to break due to planned obsolescence

Try to find hair tools with repairability or warranties if needed, and opt for a compostable, wooden brush or comb that is better quality

Nail polish

Nail polish and nail polish remover damaged my nails, making me question the ingredients of nail polish and its effects on my body

Nail polish can take up quite a bit of time and money, but if you enjoy using it as a form of relaxation or art, consider looking for eco-friendly nail polish brands that avoid the use of toxic chemicals

Plastic razors

Shaving products for women are expensive and often disposable after just a single use

The safety razor is a much more affordable and sustainable alternative that is completely recyclable - a small pack of safety razor blades costs only a few dollars, and can be recycled with companies such as Albatross

Ziploc bags and plastic wrap

Single-use plastic bags and plastic wrap are common kitchen tools

Use a bowl with a plate covering it or repurpose some glass jar - when it’s time to invest in something new, consider plastic-free reusable containers, food wax wraps, and silicone stasher bags

Non-platinum silicone goods

Silicone products are making their way into mainstream stores but not all silicone is created equal - it's essential to purchase platinum-grade silicone, which does not include any plastic additives

If you’d like to purchase platinum-grade silicone, find products that have an end of life solution if possible, such as Simple Ecology’s takeback program

Plastic cooking tools

Using plastics when preparing hot foods isn’t recommended - toxins can leach from using Teflon pans, nonstick baking sheets, and plastic spatulas

Many kitchen appliances are also made of plastic but don't often have an end-of-life solution

Find a dependable cast-iron skillet or non-coated stainless steel plans

Synthetic fabrics

Quite a bit of fast fashion clothing is made from synthetic fibers such as polyester and acrylic, known to shed plastic microfibers in our environment which are very difficult to capture

Use the clothing you already have and use a microfiber bag for your synthetics, but if needed, invest in pieces made from all-natural fibers

Avoid products even if they're made with 100% recycled plastic - I only try to opt for synthetic fibers if needed for activewear or performance purposes

Spiral-bound and laminated notebooks

While there are many fun notebook and planner designs available, many are not recyclable if spiral bound or laminated with plastic, glitter, etc.

Purchase notebooks as needed and be sure to finish them to reduce waste - I love these recycled paper notebooks from Etsy

Pens

Nice pens are always fun to try and test out but are usually made of plastic and disposable at end of life - how many pens do you truly need?

Keep it simple and sustainable with a fountain pen and converter, which you can refill with a glass jar of water-based ink.

Plastic storage bins

Many organizational storage containers are made of plastic or acrylic

Try repurposing shoeboxes and product boxes to help keep spaces organized, or if buying new opt for natural materials, such as cotton, wood, or paper

Exercise accessories

Online workout classes may require additional exercise accessories, such as gliders, exercise bands, and ankle weights - there aren’t many sustainable options available yet

Use what you have, buy secondhand, or consider items you already have at home, such as a towel or sock for gliders or a ball instead of a pilates ring

Plastic dog toys

Many plastic pet toys are usually just tossed one after another after being destroyed, and it can be concerning to have your pet ingest plastic pieces

Invested in toys with natural materials, or we love recyclable toys from the brand West Paw that haven’t broken yet compared to other toys we’ve tried