These 15 Everyday Items Are Just Not Worth Buying Anymore

Nothing lasts forever is a very good way to describe the following everyday items that we’ve said goodbye to over the years; or we are about to part ways with, in the near future. Why? The reasons may vary, from the adverse effects on the environment to the unjustified price, and even medical implications. Buying these items is just not justified anymore.

Read on to find out what items are no longer needed in our lives.

Single-use plastic water bottles

Over the years, attention has been drawn to the excessive use of plastic bottles and their significant impact on the environment. They are among the most dangerous items in terms of ocean and land pollution, releasing dangerous chemicals into the water and soil. “The brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease are riddled with plastic deposits. Anyone with brain fog or impaired thinking should take note,” explains The Healthy.

Apart from the health and environmental impact, it’s also not financially wise to buy single-use bottles all the time. Reusable ones are much more practical and economical.

Disposable coffee cups

Disposable coffee cups can be found everywhere. Unfortunately, they are not the healthiest recipients one could use. First of all, they are not biodegradable, which means they remain unaltered for quite a while. Secondly, when used for hot drinks, they can release chemicals, which turn them into real health hazards.

The solution to avoid pollution and health problems caused by such cups is to use reusable ones. As with reusable bottles, reusable cups are way more practical, and you can even receive discounts if you use your own cup at certain coffee shops.

Plastic shopping bags

Plastic bags have been on the ban list for quite some time, with people opting for reusable and eco-friendly options. The first move was made by the authorities, who issued laws against the use of plastic bags. The movement was continued by retail shops. To encourage their customers to bring their own bags, many shops are charging for the use of disposable bags.

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Plastic straws

We might not like the paper straws instead of the plastic ones, as they become quite inefficient and dissolve in our beverages. But it was a starting point. An important one given that plastic straws are a major contributor to marine life pollution. In the attempt to eliminate plastic straws from our lives, we can always replace them with reusable straws made of metal, glass or bamboo, which are more sustainable and eco-friendly.

Disposable batteries

You’ve probably realized by now that anything with the word disposable in it is not a good thing. This is also the case with disposable batteries. These highly used items contain non-renewable materials and toxic chemicals which can have damaging effects when leaking into the ground.

To protect the environment, it’s recommended that we use rechargeable batteries, which do not have negative effects on the environment, and are more cost-effective and eco-friendlier.

Pre-packaged produce

It might have seemed more convenient, but buying pre-packaged products was found to contribute to plastic waste and pollution. Not to mention that for such items you have to pay more than you would if you’d just cut the vegetables or the like, by yourself.

In addition, the products inside are not that fresh and might have even been “victims” of unsafe handling and bacteria contamination.

Disposable razors

Disposable razors might seem cheap in the beginning, but if you do the math, they are not so cost-efficient in the long run. Other than that, disposable razors can cause more cuts and even infections. Not to mention the piles of disposable razors found in landfills contribute to metal and plastic waste and pollution.

Paper towels

Deforestation is a real and dangerous thing for our society. Fortunately, people have taken it more seriously than past generations and have tried to reduce paper waste and eliminate the use of items that encourage such a thing.

Paper towels are among those everyday items that are not renewable or recyclable, which makes them dangerous to the environment. Instead of paper towels, people have started using reusable sponges and cloths, which prevent landfill accumulation and also save you more money.

Styrofoam containers

Styrofoam containers were a hit when they first appeared. Everyone liked the idea of food-to-go and many restaurants used such containers. Nowadays, they are slowly, but surely, starting to disappear, says Sea Going Green.

“Styrofoam and plastics take thousands of years to break down slowly; they contaminate our life-giving soils and water, along with the bodies of animals too,” the association explains. In addition, when they heat up, the Styrofoam releases several chemicals that contaminate the food, causing serious health problems.

Incandescent light bulbs

Incandescent light bulbs have been replaced by LED bulbs due to their energy-saving properties. Incandescent light bulbs require more attention, as they have to be replaced more often than LED bulbs, making them quite unpractical and uneconomic. Besides, they create more heat, which means they involve higher cooling costs. Burns are also an issue with such bulbs if you happen to touch them by accident, which is not the case with LED bulbs.

Disposable diapers

Anyone with a baby can tell you for a fact that diapers can be quite expensive. In addition to being on the expensive side, disposable diapers are also major contributors to landfill accumulation and their production requires extreme quantities of water.

The alternative, meaning cloth diapers, might not be the most practical out there, but it is far more convenient and money-efficient. If cloth diapers do not sound ok with you, at least opt for diapers that do not contain plastic and are eco-friendly.

Plastic cutlery

Plastic cutlery seems way more convenient than washing dishes every night, but in the long run, it will do more harm than good. To the environment and your health as well. That’s because these items are not recyclable after being contaminated with food.

A far better alternative is using metal or bamboo cutlery, which is more durable and economical. Yes, you will have to wash them, but if this means helping the environment, then it’s probably worth it, isn’t it?

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Conventional cleaning products

Fortunately, we have become more and more aware of the damage that chemicals can have on our health. People have been trying to find safer and healthier alternatives such as plant-based products, to conventional cleaning products which are full of harmful and toxic substances.

Disposable makeup wipes

Disposable makeup wipes are pretty convenient when going on a trip. But are they really worth it with all the chemicals they contain? And to be honest, they do not wipe your face completely, meaning you still need to apply another cleansing product.

The idea is that disposable makeup wipes are not biodegradable, they are thrown in landfills, thus contributing to waste accumulation. Washcloths and facial cleansers are way more economical and kinder to your skin and to the environment.

Plastic toothbrushes

Plastic anything should be out. Traditional toothbrushes are made of plastic, which means they are on the “naughty list” for their role in plastic waste and ocean and land pollution. Given their mix of materials, it is complicated to recycle them, which means they should be replaced by other more sustainable and economical toothbrushes, like bamboo ones.