Yahoo Lifestyle 8 Household Items I Never Buy Anymore — Here's What I Use Instead
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Reality is, we all buy things we don't need. We live in an age of overconsumption, and it's hard to cut back. But, small changes can make a big difference in your daily routine — not only for the environment, but for your spending.
In effort to save money and waste less, I decided to stop buying these common household essentials. I've found myself replacing everyday items with more eco-friendly alternatives — think reusable snack bags over single-use plastic, Swedish dish clothes over paper towels and all-purpose cleaner refills over plastic bottles.
❌ Single-use storage bags
From storing leftovers in the fridge to packing school lunch, a box of plastic bags goes quickly. I've found they're easy to ditch completely — instead, I pack up leftovers 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
❌ Bottled cleaning products
A few years ago, I stopped buying cleaners that come in plastic spray bottles. Reusable glass bottles, a more sustainable option, are easy to clean between refills. Not to mention, they look much better — I prefer to leave a multi-purpose cleaner out on the counter. It's easy to make your own cleaners, but I tend to stock up on concentrated solutions that take up minimal storage space.
WHAT I PREFER: Cleaning concentrate and glass spray bottle
❌ 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 always reach for reusable storage containers or beeswax wrap, which can cover food or the top of a dish. I've also tried silicone lids, which are great because they're microwave- and dishwasher-safe.
WHAT I PREFER: Beeswax wrap and silicone lid covers
❌ 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.
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
Good 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
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 (I use 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
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