We all want to help the planet, but sometimes it feels overwhelming. Well, you don’t need to overhaul your entire life to make an impact.
Small changes in what you buy – or stop buying – can drastically reduce waste, lower your carbon footprint, and protect ecosystems.
Below, we break down 10 things you should stop buying today (plus simple, affordable swaps).
1. Single-Use Plastic Water Bottles
Did you know that:
- Over 1 million plastic bottles are sold every minute worldwide, and most end up in landfills or oceans.
- They take 450+ years to decompose, breaking into microplastics that poison marine life (and eventually, us).
- Bottled water is often just tap water but 2,000x more expensive.
– Eco-Friendly Alternatives:
- Stainless steel or glass bottles (e.g., Hydro Flask, Klean Kanteen).
- Water filters (e.g., Brita, Berkey) if tap water quality is a concern.
- Refill stations (apps like Refill help find free water spots).
Pro Tip: Keep a reusable bottle in your car, bag, and desk so you’re never tempted to buy plastic.
2. Fast Fashion Clothing
The fashion industry produces 10% of global carbon emissions, which is more than flights and shipping combined.
- 85% of discarded clothes end up in landfills, where synthetic fabrics (like polyester) take centuries to break down.
Fast fashion relies on exploitative labor and toxic dyes that pollute waterways.
– Eco-Friendly Alternatives:
- Shop secondhand (ThredUp, Poshmark, local thrift stores).
- Support sustainable brands (Patagonia, Reformation, Pact).
- Learning basic repairs by extending a garment’s life by 9 months reduces its footprint by 30%.
Pro Tip: Try a capsule wardrobe – fewer pieces, more versatility.
3. Disposable Coffee Cups
Most “paper” cups have a plastic lining, making them non-recyclable.
- Over 50 billion disposable cups are thrown away yearly, and if stacked, they’d circle the Earth 136 times.
- Even compostable cups often end up in landfills (most facilities can’t process them).
– Eco-Friendly Alternatives:
- Bring a reusable cup (many cafes offer discounts for this!).
- Use a thermos or travel mug (Yeti, KeepCup).
- If you forget yours? Dine in with a ceramic mug.
Pro Tip: Stash a collapsible cup in your bag for emergencies.
4. Plastic Straws & Cutlery
Plastic straws are a top 10 ocean pollutant, as they kill lots of marine life, including seabirds and turtles.
The U.S. alone uses 500 million straws daily, which is the most amount used for just minutes.
Even “biodegradable” plastics often require industrial composting.
– Eco-Friendly Alternatives:
- Sip directly from the cup (do you really need a straw?).
- Use metal, bamboo, or silicone straws.
- Carry portable utensils (or grab a spare set from home).
Pro Tip: Keep a reusable kit (straw + utensils) in your car or bag.
5. Over-Packaged Groceries
About 40% of plastic waste comes from packaging – think clamshells, shrink wrap, and foam trays.
Also, many “recyclable” packages aren’t recycled due to contamination or lack of facilities.
And pre-cut veggies/fruits often come in non-recyclable plastic.
– Eco-Friendly Alternatives:
- Shop bulk bins (bring your own jars/bags).
- Choose loose produce (skip the plastic bags, use mesh ones instead).
- Support brands with minimal/compostable packaging (e.g., Who Gives A Crap for TP).
Pro Tip: Plan meals to reduce impulse buys (and unnecessary packaging).
6. Synthetic Cleaning Products
Here’s why you should stop buying them:
- Toxic chemicals (like phosphates) pollute waterways and harm aquatic life.
- Most come in single-use plastic bottles, even “eco” brands often greenwash.
- Indoor air pollution from sprays can be worse than outdoor air.
– Eco-Friendly Alternatives:
- DIY cleaners (vinegar, baking soda, castile soap).
- Refill stores (where you bring your own bottles).
- Concentrated tablets (Blueland, Dropps) that dissolve in water.
Pro Tip: Use old T-shirts as rags instead of paper towels.
7. Beef & Industrial Meat
Why should you stop buying industrial meat:
- Beef production causes 14.5% of global greenhouse gases (more than all cars combined).
- 1,800 gallons of water are needed to produce 1 pound of beef.
- Factory farms drive deforestation (e.g., Amazon clearing for cattle).
– Eco-Friendly Alternatives:
- Eat more plants (beans, lentils, tofu have a fraction of the footprint).
- Choose regenerative/pasture-raised meat (if you eat it).
- Try “Meatless Mondays”, small cuts make a big difference.
Pro Tip: Swap beef for mushrooms or lentils in burgers/chili.
8. Keurig Coffee Pods
K-Cups are non-recyclable (even “recyclable” ones often aren’t processed). Over 60 billion pods are dumped yearly, which is enough to circle the Earth 12x.
Also, they’re 3-4x more expensive per cup than ground coffee.
– Eco-Friendly Alternatives:
- French press or pour-over (zero waste, richer flavor).
- Compostable pods (if you must use a Keurig).
- Reusable K-Cup filters (fill with your own coffee).
Pro Tip: Batch-brew coffee to save time and energy.
9. Disposable Razors
Over 2 billion razors are tossed yearly. Most are mixed materials, so they can’t be recycled.
- Razors with plastic handles take 400+ years to decompose.
- Cartridge razors are a rip-off (companies make money on refills).
– Eco-Friendly Alternatives:
- Safety razors (one metal handle + cheap, recyclable blades).
- Subscription services (like Leaf Razor) with recyclable parts.
- Electric razors (long-term, less waste).
Pro Tip: Shave less often, your skin will thank you too.
10. Palm Oil Products
Here’s why we all should stop buying them:
- Palm oil drives deforestation, killing orangutans, tigers, and other wildlife.
- Found in 50% of packaged goods (snacks, soap, makeup) and is often labeled vaguely.
- “Sustainable” palm oil certifications are often misleading.
–Eco-Friendly Alternatives:
- Check labels (avoid “vegetable oil” or “palm kernel oil”).
- Make your own snacks (granola bars, cookies).
- Choose brands using coconut or sunflower oil (Dr. Bronner’s, Alter Eco).
Pro Tip: Use the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo app to scan palm-oil-free products.
How to Make the Switch Easier
- Start small: Pick 1-2 items to cut first.
- Shop your home: Use what you have before buying new.
- Progress > perfection: Even reducing (not eliminating) helps.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be perfect, just mindful.
Every time you skip plastic, choose secondhand, or opt for a sustainable swap, you’re voting for a healthier planet.
The key is cutting out the worst offenders, products that harm the environment in big ways but are easy to replace.
Collective action starts with individual decisions.