9 Things I Stopped Buying in 2023

Here are some things I've stopped buying and you might want to consider too!

Twitter: @shelbychurch
Snapchat: shelbychurch

[CHSwildcats]

I really appreciate you acknowledging that you can easily afford these things but don't want to mindlessly consume and add to waste. Such an important message that anyone can get on board with!

[katherinelangford]

We've stopped christmas gift giving for the last 6 or so years. We realized we are blessed and no one really needs or wants anytbing.

Done the same with friends. Now with friends we plan experiences. So we go camping, or to dinner, or hiking, a show, or something along those lines. It's nice.

Takes pressure to think up a gift off, doesnt have to cost a lot, if anything, spending the day hanging out costs nothing, but we're making memories and bonding more.

[Madison-snih]

The consumerism most influencers push is something that has bothered me for years. You’re one of the few influencers left I enjoy watching and I’m glad you made a video on this!

[whimsical_flower]

Love this. The biggest game changer for me was when I stopped purchasing disposable products (paper towels, makeup wipes, disposable razors, floss picks, etc.) I also got rid of my Amazon Prime membership. I still shop on Amazon, but having to spend a certain amount to get free shipping has drastically curbed my spending.

[Christine.Baraka]

I this Shelby! One thing I started doing recently is selling things on Facebook marketplace instead of giving to goodwill. Many of us are so afraid of scams or strangers that we just avoid this, and I used to be like that. But I've now successfully sold many things I had cluttering my house, and it's SO satisfying to see something you didn't want go to someone that will use it!! Yay for a less consumerist future🙏🏼

[Penguinandpear]

Loved this video. The comment about useful souvenirs was such a good message to spread. I’ve spent the last two years decluttering and it’s so transformative. If I buy stuff now I try to always buy quality (if it’s within my means) because it lasts longer so works out cheaper in the long run, doesn’t need replacing as much and better for sustainability.

[jackiepauley]

I buy postcards in every place I travel and keep them in a cookie tin from Paris. I love adding to my collection, takes up very little space, and only costs about $2 each. I've been doing this since I was a kid and someday maybe I'll find a way to display them in a cute way

[thinkpinkld]

Great video! I’m with you on the seasonal decor. I only decorate for Christmas and I only thrift decorations. More unique that way!

[ellie-jane]

I LOVE this. I’ve recently been itching to get rid of stuff. I used to feel this constant urge to buy things whenever I’d be out and about and I realized it was because I was trying to fill a void of happiness. We don’t realize how emotional decisions are the driving factor for our purchases, whether it’s food or clothes or whatever. Find happiness internally vs externally and you’ll just find yourself having more money. It’s insane

[cgIN]

fyi the renting does not stop consumption - the rental company will just throw it out once the trend is over and people no longer rent the item. the key is to stop following the trends entirely and choose quality pieces that will last you a long time and look good on you

[Jess_Smith]

A piece of art made by a local artist is a great souvenir! If it’s something you truly like and will hang on your wall, it’s fantastic! It’s unique, it’s local, it supports the local economy and has a history to it!

[funcandarmer]

EVs are only a good deal in California. In other states like the New England states where gas is half the price, but electricity is more expensive. Depending on the situation maybe a hybrid would be more worth it to save on gas.

[doggingoddin]

Thank you for using your platform to talk about sustainability! Great video, always look forward to when you post!

[AparnaJain]

Your videos are always so fun to watch, every single one of them is done so well! It doesn't matter what the topic is, I always watch every new video you put out! I stopped buying souvenirs (I had a giant collection of fridge magnets- I hated it when I had to move) tons of makeup, clothes, shoes, home decor, a new iPhone every year, and some foods that I now grow in my garden, kitchen items that may not fit in the drawers, I stopped going to stores so I wont buy the next shiny/trendy object in the isles

[katerinaschenke]

I love getting flowers or plants for holiday decor. Pumpkins for halloween, tulips for easter. Pointsettia for xmas.

[DemisDays]

I love this! I recently also went on spending detox because I found myself impulsively buying random stuff on Amazon. I went 1 month with buying nothing except food and gas and told myself if I really need it, I can buy it later. The mindset I try to have is that I’ve gone so long without needing this new purchase, and I already have everything I need to function and be happy.

Clutter also drives me crazy and I will hoard stuff if I’m not careful, because WHAT IF I NEED THIS LATER but truth is I never will 😅.

[BrittanyNew]

PAPER TOWELS! I just buy the Ikea tea towels and use them at every meal. When people come over and ask if I have paper towels that's the only time I remember that I used to use them haha. I also never buy single use water bottles anymore. Between a refillable water bottle and a 8L bottled water jug, cant think of any reason to need the small ones anymore. Getting ready to buy some period panties so I can cut out pads and tampons. Free bleeding seems more comfortable too.

[aliciamitrowitz]

I love my Stasher bags. I have had mine for a few years now and love them for freezing bananas in for smoothies or bringing a snack on the go. I'm not totally plastic free and occasionally use ziplock bags but it's a lot less than before. I'm slowly building up my collection of Stasher bags. They are an investment but I've saved on buying plastic bags and not wasting feels good. Also agree on the seasonal decor. I love decorating for Christmas but all the other holidays/seasons, I have no room to store items. After moving multiple times I feel like I really have learned to declutter and not buy items I don't need.

[akshaysvig]

Great video! I stopped buying coffee every morning. Instead I got myself a nice coffee maker & just buy ground coffee to make at home. It’s cheaper, faster & tastes better since I can make it just the way I like!

[MeghDonovan]

Loved this! The perspective on souvenirs was especially good - it's so tempting to buy cheap stuff while traveling but then wind up with clutter at home. I've really tried to only shop local on recent trips and it's both less overwhelming and much more special.