Sustainable living consists of making deliberate choices that serve both the individual and the planet as a whole. One of the best principles to adopt is choosing quality over quantity with the best items or groceries that can be found or purchased.
1. Long Lasting Products, Better for You
Choosing high quality, durable products means they last longer and you don’t need to replace them as often. Cheap, low quality products wear out fast and create more waste. This is especially important for things like clothing, home goods and kitchenware.
For example, I always choose 100% cotton towels and bedding. Cotton is not only more comfortable—soft, breathable and gentle on the skin—but also lasts longer. Unlike synthetic materials, cotton doesn’t need to be replaced every few years, so I don’t have to replace my towels or sheets as often and save money in the long run.
The same applies to 100% cotton underwear. It’s better for your body, allows your skin to breathe and doesn’t trap moisture which can cause irritation. Plus quality cotton underwear will outlast the cheap ones from fast fashion stores which wear out fast.
In my bathroom, I’ve also switched to wooden utensils like soap holders, toothbrushes and even hairbrushes. Wooden toothbrushes are biodegradable unlike plastic ones and feel more natural to use. For hair care, I choose wooden combs or boar bristle brushes which are gentler on my hair and scalp. These natural brushes help distribute the scalp’s natural oils, promoting healthier hair without the static and damage that comes from plastic brushes.
In the kitchen I use stainless steel or inox pans. Non-stick pans peel and release toxic chemicals into your food and eventually need to be replaced. Stainless steel is durable, safe and will last a lifetime if taken care of. Non-stick coatings may seem convenient but can be harmful as they degrade.
I also choose wooden utensils for cooking. Plastic utensils release microplastics into your food when exposed to heat but wooden ones are safer and when maintained properly will last much longer. They’re a natural and sustainable choice that fits a healthier lifestyle.
For food storage I use glass tupperware. Unlike plastic containers, glass doesn’t leach chemicals into your food and is much more durable so you need to replace less often. Glass is also heat resistant making it a safer and more eco friendly option for daily use.
2. A Smart Way to Avoid Overconsumption
Overconsumption is a big problem in modern society. By choosing fewer, better made items you reduce the temptation to buy in excess. Whether it’s durable cotton clothes, stainless steel cookware or glass containers, investing in high quality items means fewer replacements in the long run which naturally curbs overconsumption.
But let me be clear—I’m not a minimalist. I’m just a girl who likes to buy stuff! The key for me is quality over quantity. I want my body to feel as natural as possible without being surrounded by synthetic, fake products with microplastics. Whether it’s my clothes, kitchenware or bathroom tools, it’s about being mindful of what I bring into my life and still enjoy the things I love.
3. How to Avoid Overconsumption
- Buy only what you need: Make a list before shopping and prevent all forms of impulse buying.
- Invest in multi-purpose items: Rather than buying different products, ensure you buy items that have more than one use.
- Deliberate on how you spend money: Reasons considering the pollution caused by the products should be made before each purchase.
- Declutter regularly: This is a useful process that shows you what you really use and need, hence avoids unnecessary spending.
In conclusion, using well made, eco-friendly materials such as natural 100% cotton fabrics, metal cookware, wooden utensils for bathroom and kitchen, as well as avoid plastic containers, results in an improved lifestyle. Such brans help in improving your health and reducing waste and conserving the earth-in other words these prove that there are no insignificant decisions.