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I’m guilty of buying things I don’t need—we all do it. Overconsumption has become normalized, and cutting back isn’t easy. For me, it’s not necessarily about shopping less, but being more intentional about how I spend money. I’d rather invest in items that’ll last longer, and cut out single-use products that take up space in my apartment—and shortly after, end up in the trash.
In an effort to save money and be more eco-friendly, I stopped buying common household items—to my surprise, I don't miss them at all. It’s been a slow project over the course of years to replace my everyday items with more sustainable alternatives—think glass storage containers instead of cheap plastic, all-purpose cleaner refills over single-use bottles, and washable makeup clothes over wipes. Simple swaps, like using Swedish dish clothes instead of paper towels, has cut down on clutter in my home and save a shocking amount of money.
Buying reusable alternatives can cost a little more upfront, but these items quickly pay for themselves. Pro tip: TJ Maxx often sells items like reusable cotton rounds and glass food storage containers for very affordable prices.
❌ Single-use storage bags
From packing snacks for the office to storing leftovers in the fridge, I can quickly run through a box of plastic storage bags. I've found they're easy to ditch completely—instead, I stow away food into glass storage containers and on-the-go snacks into reusable storage bags. Everything goes in the dishwasher, and it's ready to be used again and again.
WHAT I PREFER: Stasher storage bags
❌ Plastic wrap
Honestly, I rarely used plastic wrap and I'd always forget to buy it when I ran out—so, I just took it off my shopping list. For leftovers, I started reaching for beeswax wrap to cover food or the top of a dish. Recently, I decided to invest in silicone lids, which fit on top of plates, bowls, and baking dishes. They’re also microwave- and dishwasher-safe.
WHAT I PREFER: Beeswax wrap and silicone lid covers
❌ Bottled cleaning products
I swear by Grove’s cleaning concentrates—they smell great and last a long time. It’s been years since I’ve bought cleaning products that come in plastic spray bottles. Instead, I have three glass bottles filled with my everyday essentials: multi-purpose, glass, tub and tile cleaner. They’re easy to clean between refills, and I find the glass bottles look much better, so I leave them out on the counter for everyday cleaning.
WHAT I PREFER: Cleaning concentrate and glass spray bottle
❌ Disposable lint rollers
My dog is allowed on the couch and my bed, but I can't stand seeing hair left behind, which is why I used to fly through lint rollers. I heard about the ChomChom lint roller on TikTok and I can't believe how well it works on chairs, couches, blankets, rugs, and more. As for clothing, I like the Steamery lint roller to tackle fuzz and pet hair.
WHAT I PREFER: Reusable lint roller
❌ Paper towels
Okay, fine—I still buy paper towels, but Swedish dish towels have cut back my waste significantly. I use Swedish towels to clean my counters, wipe inside the fridge, dry spills on the floor, and much more. One towel can last for at least a year. I just run it through the dishwasher every few days to keep it clean. Now, I reserve my paper towels for big messes, like wiping counters after prepping raw meat.
WHAT I PREFER: Swedish dish towels
❌ Plastic containers
Quality food storage containers are a must-have. Technically plastic containers are reusable—which is great, but glass containers tend to last longer. They're easier to clean (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).
WHAT I PREFER: Glass food storage containers
❌ Bottled laundry detergent
Living in a one-bedroom apartment means always hunting for a space-saving solution. I chose to swap large bottles of laundry detergent for a more lightweight and convenient alternative: laundry sheets. I love that sheets are easy to transport, since I—unfortunately—travel to the laundromat.
WHAT I PREFER: Detergent sheets
❌ Makeup wipes
On top of the negative environmental impact, I've found that most makeup wipes irritate my skin. I prefer a cleanser paired with The Original MakeUp Eraser to remove stubborn makeup. Reusable cotton rounds are a great option too, especially for applying toner.
WHAT I PREFER: The Original MakeUp Eraser
