50 Things We Can Live Without (For the Planet)

It’s World Environment Day, the perfect reminder that while the Earth gives us so much — towering trees that house songbirds, oceans that shape our weather, rainforests that fuel biodiversity, and medicinal plants that heal — it’s up to us to give something back.

We can’t rely on recycling alone (especially when less than 9% of plastic is actually recycled in the U.S.). But here’s the good news: living more sustainably doesn’t mean giving up joy or comfort — it’s about being mindful of daily choices and letting go of what no longer serves us, or the planet.

Here’s the beautiful truth: living with less doesn’t just help the planet — it feels really good, too. Simplifying and minimizing your life can lighten your environmental footprint and your mental load, creating more space for what truly matters. And remember, when you let go of the things you don’t use or need, you’re not just reducing waste — you’re giving someone else the chance to put those items to good use.

✨ Not sure where to donate? Check out your local thrift store, a Buy Nothing Group (search Facebook for one near you), shelters, or mutual aid networks. Passing things forward keeps them in use and out of the landfill — and strengthens community connections along the way.

Recently, a friend challenged me to create a list of 50 things we can live without to reduce our environmental impact.

And honestly? Once I started, it opened my eyes to how much we hold onto out of habit, not necessity.

 I initially thought it would be tough to think of 50 — but, wow, the list keeps growing!

Here’s what made the list — and I’d love to know what you’d add!

50 Things We Can Live Without

💧 Plastic & Disposable Swaps

• Plastic single-use water bottles → Invest in a reusable bottle + water filter.

• Plastic produce bags → Use cute, reusable mesh or cloth produce bags.

• Plastic shopping bags → Keep reusable totes in your car or bag.

• Straws → Sip straight from the glass or switch to reusable metal or silicone.

• Plasticware at parties → Choose bamboo or compostable cutlery (and compost it in the appropriate place).

• Keurig cups → Switch to a French press, pour-over, or refillable pod.

• Plastic toothbrushes → bamboo toothbrushes

• Disposable razors → safety razor or reusable razor

✨ Home + Lifestyle Shifts

• Swiffer pads → Attach old rags to your Swiffer and wash for reuse.

• Paper towels + napkins → Switch to cloth alternatives.

• Liquid body soap → Buy package-free bar soap.

• Dryer sheets → Use reusable lavender sachets.

• Plastic hangers → Choose wood, metal, or recycled options.

• Paper receipts → Opt for digital receipts.

• Styrofoam → Look for plant-based, dissolvable packaging.

• Plastic holiday decorations → natural or handmade decor

• Excess chargers & cords → donate or recycle

• Excess streaming services → simplify subscriptions

• Excess emails → unsubscribe to reduce data storage footprint

🌿 Personal Care & Clothing

• Qtips → Use a gentle ear-cleaning solution (alcohol + vinegar) as needed.

• Disposable floss picks → Try biodegradable floss in paper containers.

• Commercial moisturizer + toner → Make your own with natural ingredients.

• Plastic-packaged shampoo + conditioner → Switch to bars or refill stations.

• Synthetic exfoliants → Use natural scrubs like oats, coffee, or sugar.

• Excess shoes, clothes, accessories → declutter & donate

• Fast fashion buys → shop secondhand

• Clothes needing dry cleaning → machine-washable choices

• Wool, down, leather → cruelty-free alternatives

• Toxic nail polish & remover → low-tox or water-based options

🍽️ Food & Kitchen Habits

• Individually packaged snacks + foods → Buy in bulk and store in jars. Or make your own!

• Meat + dairy → Explore plant-based swaps to lower your carbon footprint.

• Extra packaging in online orders → Request minimal packaging at checkout.

• Food coloring → natural dyes (beet, turmeric, spinach)

• Paper napkins → reusable cloths

• Plastic wrap + sandwich bags → naturally-made wraps or silicone bags

• Paper coffee cups + lids → travel mug

• Synthetic sponges → natural loofah or compostable sponge

🧼 Cleaning & Household

• Chemical cleaning supplies → Make DIY cleaners with vinegar + baking soda.

• Mail-order catalogs → Unsubscribe and browse online.

• Plastic poop bags → Use biodegradable pet waste bags (or big leaves that you find on the ground! I've done this in a pinch.🤣)

• Artificial plants → Decorate with real plants that clean your air. We have a couple of snake plants that are perfect for keeping the air clean, plus they're low maintenance!

🎁 Gifting & Seasonal Items

• Business cards → digital contacts

• Greeting cards → call or meet up

• Souvenirs & knick-knacks → focus on photos + memories

• Wrapping paper → fabric, newspaper, jars

• Excess gifts → give experiences or donations

• Sawn-down Christmas trees → potted or rental tree

🚗 Big-Ticket Environmental Swaps

• Big SUVs → Walk, bike, carpool, or go electric when possible.

• Sawn-down Christmas trees → Try a potted or rental tree.

• High thermostat settings → Use natural light, dress for the season.

• New tech upgrades "just because" → extend lifespan, repair when possible

Conclusion: Progress, Not Perfection

The beauty of this list? It’s not about doing everything at once — it’s about starting where you are and recognizing that small shifts matter. Living with less isn’t about deprivation; it’s about creating space for what truly matters: connection, purpose, health, and a thriving planet.

✨ Tip: Whenever possible, when you let go of items, donate or gift them through:

• Buy Nothing Groups (Facebook + app)

• Freecycle

• Local thrift stores or charity shops

• Community centers, schools, or shelters

🌿 What would you add to this list? Drop a comment, share your own swaps, or challenge a friend to join you. Together, our choices ripple outward — and that’s the kind of collective action the Earth needs right now.