38: Things I Don’t Buy Anymore — Eco-Frugal Shifts That Reduce Waste and Save Money

Buying less is one of the most powerful forms of climate action we have.

In this episode, I’m sharing some of the things I’ve stopped buying over the last ten years of sustainable living. This shift into eco-frugal living happened gradually, beginning with using up what I already had, doing periodic waste audits to see what we were consistently throwing way, and getting very clear on how and where to spend our money.

Because truly, the most sustainable thing you can buy is nothing.

Takeaways

• Climate action begins at the kitchen table
• Many “household essentials” are designed to be constant restock items
• Marketing — especially in personal care — encourages us to buy more than we need
• Reusables make the most sense for things you use all the time
• Saving money and reducing waste naturally go hand in hand
• Not buying creates mental, physical, and financial space

One Small Shift

Instead of focusing on what you might stop buying next, try making a short list of things you already don’t buy anymore — and notice what made that possible.

Resources

Household Waste Audit Workbook (free download)

A Beginner’s Guide to a Sustainable Kitchen (use code PODCAST20)

How to Quit Using Amazon (blog post and podcast episode)

10 Zero Waste Kitchen Swaps That Save You Money (blog post)

How to Pack a Zero Waste School Lunch (blog post)

3 Ways to Have a Zero Waste Period (blog post)

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Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio

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