1. Lint dryer sheets
Since Iām trying to make our household as natural as possible, I stopped buying the dryer sheets because they are, in fact, filled with loads of chemicals. They are considered one of the most toxic things you can keep in your house. Just take a look at the ingredients and tell me what in the world is: dipalmitoylethyl hydroxyethylmonium methosulfate??
My replacement: dryer balls.
These amazing dryer balls that are made out of 100% pure wool and nothing else! I dab a few drops of my favorite essential oil (lavender, peppermint, lemon or eucalyptus) on the balls to make it smell good and off they go into the dryer. All clothes come out very soft and smooth.
2. Windex
I stopped buying Windex, solely for the fact that itās also filled with chemicals and toxins. Each spray inhaled in our lungs can cause headaches and a host of other health issues.
My replacement:
Fill a spray jar (I love the glass jars) with half vinegar and half water. It works wonders on my windows, itās streak-free and Iām saving money!
3. Gum
Oh I used to buy those chewy rubber things and pop one in every single day! I realized through my research that thereās stomach acid that is released when chewing gum causes you to become hungry! Who wants that??
Letās take a deeper look on why we might be having bad breath. The only reason why we have bad breath is not because we havenāt brushed our teeth since morning, but because our body is filled with mucus, acid, and bacteria from all the processed foods. Not only will your breath smell, but youāll have nasty body odor as well (not matter how much deodorant you put on, or cologne/perfume).
I noticed that when I started to eat more fruits and veggies and a lot less processed foods, even when I ran out the door and forgot to put deodorant on, I didnāt smell one bit.
Donāt get me wrong, I still put deodorant on every day, donāt you worry š
4.Full price for clothing
I never ever buy full price for my clothes. There are way too many coupons online for me to use and not using them would be a shame!
5. Coffee
I used to have coffee almost every single day, and my choice was always Starbucks. I would order via the app, pickup at the store and run to workā¦until I found out that coffee is acidic to our bodies. My body is a temple, and I donāt want to put anything that destroys my body.
It definitely took some time to get used to, but with lots of will power and dedication I managed to get rid of my coffee habit for good.
6. Dry cleaning
Yes, I would dry clean my work clothes quite often. Since I noticed that washing my ādry clean onlyā clothes on delicate did an amazing job, I stopped going to the dry cleaners. I only dry clean my clothes now when Iām off to an interview. Savings in my bank account is a plus!
Being a minimalist doesn’t mean you can’t have good quality clothes.
7. Albums and photo prints
I was actually really excited to scan all my old photos (1,000+) and make digital albums to save them for when itās cold and rainy and I want to snuggle up with some tea and reminisce. I donated my albums (if they were in good shape) and tossed the old and rusty ones.
Not only did this project save me lots of space, but it also brings me one step closer to having a paperless house.
8. Hair products
Since Iām trying to be eco-friendly and keep mostly all natural ingredients in my house and on my body, I stopped buying hair spray, moose, gels, dry shampoos, heat protecting hair products, etc. I now briefly blow dry my hair at the roots and let it air dry the rest of the way. I donāt use any hair products at all.
I feel buying less products is contributing to keeping a less carbon footprint on the planet and staying fresh and natural doesnāt mean you need to cover up with bunch of hair products.
9. Items in bulk
Did you know that buying in bulk at Costco will not save you much money (if any at all) when compared to shopping say at Target, or Amazon? Do the research and youāll be amazed.
Plus, who needs to store 1,800 qtips to last them till their next Costco trip???
10. Books
Hey did you know that your local library carries the next book on your list? If they donāt carry it, request that they buy it for the library, and it will be yours on the next rental. Itās free and doesnāt clutter your house with dusty bookshelves and untouched books.
