40 things I won't buy in 2024, the Year of Mindful Consumption
In a world inundated with the constant allure of new products and the perpetual cycle of consumerism, it takes a deliberate and conscious effort to step back and reevaluate our needs. As we embark on the journey that is 2024, I find myself at a unique crossroads — a juncture where necessity meets mindfulness, and the pursuit of simplicity intertwines with environmental consciousness.
This year, my focus is not on the endless pursuit of the latest trends or the constant desire for more. Instead, it is a deliberate pause, a conscious decision to appreciate what I already have and to tread lightly on the planet. In this article, I delve into a detailed and introspective exploration of the myriad items I have chosen not to buy in 2024. From everyday essentials to occasional indulgences, each decision is rooted in a commitment to sustainable living, personal well-being, and a genuine appreciation for the possessions that already grace my home.
Join me on this journey of intentional living, where the mantra is not deprivation but mindful abundance. As we explore the items that won't find their way into my life this year, let's collectively consider the impact of our choices on the environment, our health, and our overall sense of contentment. It's a year of saying no to excess, no to unnecessary clutter, and a resounding yes to the beauty of simplicity. Welcome to a year of conscious consumption in 2024.
Plastic containers
My main goal this year is to have no plastic containers in my cupboards. It has to be glass or ceramic. The reason for this is not just the intention to live with zero waste but also the fact that we are trying to get healthy and avoid phthalates in our food.
Clothes and Shoes
This is the year that I do not need any new shoes or clothes. I have all the basics and things I wanted—no more. I won’t even go thrifting. Because over the years, I carefully planned and took notice of the things I actually like and need, I got to this point where I do not need or want anything more than I have in my closet. As a society, we have to get picky and introspective to know what is good quality and what we really like in terms of clothing and footwear.
Disposable Water Bottles
I don’t remember the last time when I bought plastic water bottles from the store. Instead, I use a can with a filter (not Brita) that filters the waster. And no, it is not a charcoal filter; I am not a big fan of that either.
Spraying Cans for Oil
What a waste of money and resources to buy spay oils. I am doing just fine using oils in a glass bottle and my silicone brush when I need to cover a surface in oil. I also think it is more expensive. Save your money.
Reusable Silicone bags
I will not buy any reusable silicone bags because I already have 30 of them that I use to freeze and store multiple things in the fridge and freezer. If you want to learn more about how you can use silicone bags, check out my article “25 Ways to Use Reusable Silicone Bags”
Sustainable period products
I have already built a stock of two period period cups, one small and one medium, and ten pairs of period underwater. I gotta confess that from time to time I use sustainable tampons when I feel really uncomfortable and cramping too much. Even the tampons were bought in bulk, so I won’t need to buy any more this year.
Floss
I won’t buy floss anymore because my dentist always gives me floss every 6 months. It is in a plastic container, but hey, free is free. I won’t need to buy floss if I keep seeing my dentist. This is not 100% zero waste, but honestly, I haven't really found floss that is sustainable and did a good job anyway. So… free floss it is.
Toothbrushes
I also won’t buy any toothbrushes in 2024 because I have a 7-year-old electric toothbrush, and I received the heads as a gift on Christmas. Also my dentist also offers me a toothbrush every 6 months after my cleaning.
Hair Styling Products
I have good hair and I already bought all the styling products I need. I have a burst (10 years old), a straightener and a blow brush. I don’t own any hair spray, oild, mouse, or dry shampoo. I have been lucky to have great hair that doesn’t need volume enhancers.
Paper Towels
We replaced paper towels with tea towels and rags. I got our tea towels from Amazon a very long time ago. They are made of cotton and white, so we can bleach them easily or use OxiClean. It is easier than you think to maintain white towels and more affordable.
Trendy Decor
Last year, I fell into the trap of buying trendy decor, so this year, I am going to be more aware of this trap. I avoided watching home reno shows and social media for home decor, and I removed any email subscriptions that would sell me home decor.
Fast Food
We are already not buying fast food much. Our only guilty pleasure is the Stratford Pizza Corner that we usually buy when we have no energy to cook, once or twice a month. Buy more than that; we will not order takeout from any app or restaurant. Instead, we subscribed to HelloFresh, and we get to cook quick, low-carb, delicious dishes that are most of the time better than fast food.
Cheap Furniture
Great furniture is great to find. Sustainable furniture is even harder. This year, I prefer to save money for a sturdy, sustainable piece of furniture, thrift a solid wood piece, or simply build it if it is easy enough for us to build. If you are interested in a list of sustainable furniture brands in Canada, check out my blog post “ The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Furniture in Canada”
Beauty products
I will not buy any beauty products because I already have what I need. What I will do is finish what I have and only replace it with what I need. So my staple products will be replace but no need products just for the sake of trying something exciting.
Gym membership
This is one of those things that I just don;t need anymore. We are fortunate to have a room where we can work out from the comfort of our own home. Also, my husband is a firefighter and the gym at the fire department is free for firefighters and their families. Lucky us.
Throw Pillows
I have 8 throw pillows in the whole house, two in each room. That’s it. we don;t need any more. We have throw pillows with cases that are washable and easy to maintain.
Paintings
I found out that I could make my own paintings. I can even make my own frames. We don’t need to buy a store-bought, generic painting. We also have artists in our family, and I would much rather pay them to create something for us than buy another HomeSense painting.
Nail Polish
I have had one nail polish in my bathroom drawer for 5 years. I don’t even know if it is still good. I find that nail polish is such a waste of money and most of them toxic for our bodies. Ocassionally, I get my nails done for my office Christmas party, but I don’t generally do my nails at home. So freeing.
Reusable bags
I don’t need reusable bags because I have at least 20 around the house. Now, all I have to do is put them to work to make them worth the energy and materials put into these reusable bags.
Pencils and pens
I am aiming to get to a point in my life when I only have 5 pens and pencils around the house. I have no idea how I ended u with 100+ pens and pencils in this house. I will keep the ones I like and will put the rest on the yard sale.
Toxic cleaning products
I recently downloaded an app that tells me how toxic a product is. This year, I am putting a lot of effort into avoiding any products that can disrupt endocrine systems and are toxic to our bodies. I have been pretty good so far avoiding them, but this year I will be extra careful.
Bed sheets
Because when we buy bed sheets, we focus on quality, we end up with long-lasting bed sheets that last for years and years to come. Thr truth is that we just don’t need any this year because we already have what we need. I got our sheets from HomeSense, and I know that they might not be 100% sustainable, but they are cotton and budget-friendly. One tip for lasting sheets is to but white sheets that you can clean easily with OxiClean or other oxygenated cleaning solutions.
Ruggs
Rugs can be a source of dust and allergens, and maintaining them can be a challenge. Instead of buying new rugs, you can focus on keeping your current ones clean through regular vacuuming and professional cleaning services if needed. I also recommend using washable rugs to help you save some money cleaning them. I tried the Ruggable rugs but there are definitely other newer and more sustainable companies our there and in Canada. Here is a review of the Ruggable rugs.
Fabric softener
Fabric softeners often contain chemicals that can be harsh on both fabrics and the environment. You can opt for alternatives like vinegar or wool dryer balls to soften your laundry naturally. These options are not only eco-friendly but also cost-effective.
Planners
With the rise of digital calendars and productivity apps, physical planners might seem unnecessary. You can utilize digital tools to organize your schedule, set reminders, and even track your goals. This eliminates the need for paper planners, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Scent boosters
Many commercial scent boosters contain synthetic fragrances that can be irritating to some individuals and may contribute to indoor air pollution. Natural alternatives like essential oils or simply allowing fresh air into your living space can provide a pleasant and healthier environment.
Blankets
Like bed sheets, high-quality blankets can last for a long time. Instead of buying new blankets, consider repurposing old ones or giving them a thorough cleaning to maintain their quality. You can also explore DIY projects to give your existing blankets a fresh look. We don’t need any new blankets this year.
Plants
While indoor plants are great for air purification and aesthetics, it's essential to be mindful of overbuying. Rather than purchasing more plants, focus on caring for the ones you have. Consider propagating or exchanging plants with friends to expand your collection without spending money. I used to have multiple types of plants, but it was taking me too long to water them, change their soil every year and remember how to care for them. This year, I am selling most of my plants, and I am keeping just my pothos and rubber tree plants because they are the easiest to care for and go perfectly with the aesthetic of my home.
Streaming Services
Evaluate your current streaming subscriptions and consider consolidating or canceling services you rarely use. This not only saves money but also reduces the energy and resources associated with multiple streaming accounts. We cancelled Netflix last year because we had too many streaming services, and Netflix changed their payment format, making it not worth it for us.
New tech
Unless your current devices are obsolete or malfunctioning, refrain from buying the latest tech gadgets. Extending the lifespan of your electronics is a sustainable practice, as manufacturing and disposing of electronic devices contribute significantly to environmental impact.
Aluminum Foil
Aluminum foil is often single-use and can be wasteful. Consider alternatives like reusable silicone baking mats or parchment paper, which can be more environmentally friendly options for your cooking and baking needs.
Makeup wipes
Single-use makeup wipes contribute to environmental pollution. Instead, switch to reusable makeup remover pads or microfiber cloths that can be washed and reused, reducing both your environmental footprint and long-term costs.
Razors
Invest in a durable and reusable razor with replaceable blades instead of disposable ones. This reduces plastic waste and saves money in the long run. It doesn’t have to be a Leaf razor or an expensive razor. I bought my reusable razor from Amazon 5 years ago and it is still working and looking great.
Pans and pots
Quality cookware can last for years, so there's no need to constantly buy new pans and pots. Consider refurbishing or re-seasoning your existing cookware to keep it in top condition. We are using stainless steal pan and pots and cast iron pans. Not only is it more sustainable, but it is healthier as well.
Single-purpose kitchen tools
Avoid purchasing kitchen tools that serve only one specific purpose. Versatile utensils can streamline your kitchen and save both money and storage space.
Nail files
Invest in a high-quality, durable nail file that can be cleaned and reused instead of disposable ones. This minimizes waste and ensures a long-lasting tool for your nail care routine.
Thrift finds
While thrifting is a sustainable choice, being selective about your purchases is key. Avoid buying items you don't genuinely need to prevent clutter and promote a more mindful approach to thrift shopping.
Electric car
If your current vehicle meets your needs and is in good condition, postponing the purchase of an electric car can be a sustainable decision. Opting for public transportation, carpooling, or using alternative transportation methods can also contribute to reducing your carbon footprint. Also, electric cars and batteries need more time to determine safety measures and approaches. Also, the infrastructure for electric cars is not there yet, depending on where you live.
Dog toys
While it's fun to pamper your pets, assess their existing accessories before buying new ones. Upcycling or repairing old dog toys and beds can be a creative and sustainable way to provide comfort and entertainment for your furry friends. We prefer to treat them with bones and other organic chewing toys.
Jewellery
Until last year, I was not wearing jewelry at all, but then my mother-in-law was decluttering her jewlerry box, and there were a few pieces there that I liked, so I started wearing jewelry again. However, I will accept a hand down or a gift but I won’t spend money on jewelry this year.
I hope this list gives you an idea of what you can avoid buying in 2024 and inspires you to reduce your consumption and live a more sustainable and intentional lifestyle.
Here is a list of the products I have bought on Amazon to support my low-waste, intentional lifestyle:
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