You’re familiar with the situation, aren’t you? There you are, in the supermarket, hypnotized by an item you’re certain you need. But hang on, do we need it? Or are we just conditioned to buy it? Let’s take a deeper look and identify 18 things you can stop purchasing to save a few bucks (and give Mother Earth a break). Here’s what you can cut from your shopping list and what you can replace them with instead!
Plastic Cutlery: The Bendy BBQ Buzzkill
Those convenient plastic forks and spoons seem ideal for backyard barbecues. They save dishwashing but can’t stand up to a juicy burger without snapping. Plus, they’re disposable, bad for our environment. Consider investing in reusable bamboo cutlery. It’s sturdy, earthy and adds a unique touch to your parties!
Trash Bags: The “Pay to Throw Away” Paradox
Oh, trash bags! The very items we buy only fill up and then toss away. They’re just silently sitting in your shopping cart, adding to your bill, and let’s not forget their long afterlife in a landfill! Switch to biodegradable options or reuse paper bags from your groceries. They’re equally effective, and you’ll contribute less to the plastic mountains we’re building!
Air Fresheners: The Deceptive Breath
Those air fresheners promise you a garden of Eden in every spray, but ever checked their ingredient list? It’s a cocktail of chemicals that you’re better off without. Replace them with indoor plants, which naturally purify the air and add a fresh, vibrant touch to your space. Plus, you get to watch them grow, and that’s way better than watching an aerosol can empty, right?
Fabric Softeners: The Unwanted Spotters
Fabric softeners seem necessary to your laundry routine, promising soft, fresh-smelling clothes. But let’s face it, they often leave behind stains and sometimes even make fabrics less absorbent. Stick to a good detergent, and if you really want that extra softness, try adding a cup of white vinegar to your wash cycle.
Disposable Razors: The Scratchy Scapegoats
Disposable razors may seem cheap and convenient, but they’re often not great for your skin and fill up your bathroom trash quickly. Instead, invest in a good quality reusable razor. Sure, it might cost a bit more upfront, but it’ll last longer, be kinder to your skin, and reduce your plastic waste significantly. Plus, they often give a closer shave. Win-win, right?
Paper Plates: The One-Time Tossers
We get it; washing dishes isn’t fun. Paper plates seem like the perfect solution, but the cost (both to your pocket and the environment) adds up over time. Let’s just stick to regular plates; if you can’t face the washing up, there’s always the dishwasher.
The Febreeze Fantasy: The Vanishing Act
Spritz, sniff, and the smell is gone – or is it? Febreeze might seem like a quick solution to freshen up your space, but it’s more of a temporary mask than a real remedy. Consider using a scented candle or essential oil diffuser. They’re natural, last longer, and make your home smell like a dream.
Paper Towels: The Rapid Raiders
Paper towels are quite literally money thrown in the trash. One spill and boom! They’re gone. They’re not only wasteful but also quite expensive in the long run. Replace them with reusable, washable kitchen rags or old t-shirts. They’re just as efficient, and they can be used over and over again. Your wallet and the trees will be grateful!
Bottled Water: The Needless Plastic Ocean
Those rows of bottled water may seem essential, but really, they’re just plastic waiting to pollute our environment. Plus, most of us have perfectly good tap water that we can drink. Invest in a good-quality reusable water bottle. They come in all sorts of cool designs, keep your water cold (or hot), and are super handy to carry around.
Shoe Polish: The Temporary Shiner
Shoe polish might make your shoes look nice for a moment, but it often doesn’t clean them. Instead, use a damp cloth to clean your shoes, and if you’re looking for that polished shine, a bit of olive oil works wonders. It’s all-natural, cheaper, and you probably already have it in your kitchen.
Paper Napkins: The Forgotten Wipers
Like their cousin, the paper towel, paper napkins are another waste of trees. One meal, and they’re tossed. Try using cloth napkins instead. They’re easy to clean, reusable, and make you feel like you’re dining in an upscale restaurant daily. Classy, isn’t it?
Zip Lock Bags: The Short-Term Saviors
Ziplock bags might seem handy, but their single-use nature and the waste they generate make them less appealing. Opt for reusable containers for storing food. They’re more durable, stack neatly in your fridge or pantry, and can be used repeatedly. Now, that’s convenient!
Shaving Cream: The Foam Farewell
While shaving cream can make your razor glide smoothly, it’s not the only option. Try using soap or conditioner instead. You’ll get the same slick surface for shaving minus the extra cost. Plus, your bathroom will have one less can cluttering it up.
Plastic Wrap: The Clingy Clinger
The clinginess of plastic wrap might seem helpful for a while, but is it worth considering its impact on our environment? Enter beeswax wraps. They’re reusable, eco-friendly, and come in an array of cool designs. Plus, they’re super easy to use. Say goodbye to wrestling with the cling film roll!
Canned Air: The Expensive Exhaler
Canned air might seem like a useful tool for dusting off your computer keyboard, but it’s quite expensive for what it is, and let’s not forget about the waste it generates. Use a small, reusable brush or even a makeup brush instead. It’s just as effective, doesn’t run out, and has zero guilt attached!
Cleaning Products: The Chemical Cocktail
Do you really need a different cleaning product for every room and surface in your home? A good multi-purpose cleaner will do the job just fine most of the time. You’ll save money, reduce clutter under your sink, and minimize exposure to harmful chemicals.
Seeds: The Garden Gamble
Starting a garden from seeds seems like a fun, cheap project, but it requires patience and doesn’t always yield the expected results. Consider buying young plants or seedlings instead. They’re a bit more expensive but easier to care for and provide instant greenery. Watch your garden flourish without waiting for weeks!
New Books: The Space Hoggers
We understand nothing can match the joy of cracking open a new book. But do you need to purchase every single one? Try borrowing from your local library or invest in an e-reader. They’re lighter on your wallet, and you won’t need to find space for yet another bookshelf!
10 Unexpected Desires of Men That Will Surely Raise Women’s Eyebrows
Certain things can make eyebrows rise and curiosity pique. When it comes to men’s desires, there are often hidden gems that may surprise and intrigue women. These desires can range from the unconventional to the unexpected, shedding light on the diverse range of interests that captivate the male psyche.
10 Unexpected Desires of Men That Will Surely Raise Women’s Eyebrows
Twisted Icons: 17 Historical Figures Idolized by Society but Truly Horrible People.
Throughout history, individuals have attained fame, adoration, and idolization for their achievements or perceived virtues. However, the truth behind their public image often reveals a much darker and more disturbing reality.
Twisted Icons: 17 Historical Figures Idolized by Society but Truly Horrible People.
The 19 Most Overpaid Professions That Offer Little to Society’s Advancement
In a world where societal progress is paramount, it’s disheartening to discover that certain professions command exorbitant paychecks while contributing little to the advancement of society. As we delve into the complex tapestry of occupations, we spotlight the 19 most overpaid jobs that raise eyebrows and ignite discussions about fairness, value, and the true impact on our collective progress.
The 19 Most Overpaid Professions That Offer Little to Society’s Advancement
Boomers’ Unyielding Attachment to the 60s: 10 Things They Absolutely Refuse to Let Go
Memories of the “good old days” keep us trapped in the past. Baby boomers love to retell tales of how it was “in my day.” At the same time, millennials will tell them to get with the times. Being stuck in a time warp from which they don’t want to snap out of, here are things that baby boomers still think are fantastic.
Boomers’ Unyielding Attachment to the 60s: 10 Things They Absolutely Refuse to Let Go
Men Share the 12 Most Unattractive Hobbies Women Enjoy That Make Them Run for the Hills: Fact or Fiction?
Are there hobbies that send men running for the hills? Is it the avid knitting or the extreme couponing that leaves them perplexed? Or could it be the unusual fascination with insect taxidermy that sends shivers down their spines? While we all have our unique interests and pastimes, there seems to be a list of hobbies that some men find a little… bewildering.