Contrary to popular belief, being frugal isn’t about depriving yourself of good things or being cheap on every purchase. Frugality is about spending intentionally and finding creative ways to reduce waste and save money.
Although buying items like toothpaste, shampoo, paper towels, and dish soap may seem ordinary, you’ll be surprised to learn that most frugal people skip these things to cut costs and minimize wastage.
Read on as we explore more everyday necessities frugal people don’t buy.
Bottled Water
Frugal people avoid spending hundreds of dollars annually on bottled water. They invest in a water filtration system and quality reusable water bottles to save money and ensure sustainability.
Disposable Paper Towels
Frugal people are not wasteful and will find every opportunity to save a coin. They avoid buying disposable paper towels, which are expensive and wasteful. The frugal can invest in reusable and washable cloth towels or repurpose old cloths as rags for cleaning. Opting for reusable towels is more eco-friendly and saves money.
Dishwashing Soap
Store-bought dishwasher detergents are pricey and not worth it for frugal people. They make their dishwashing soap by mixing equal parts of baking soda and borax per dishwasher load. Alternatively, you can use a solution of vinegar, water, and castile soap to make dish soap.
Pre-packaged Snacks
Pre-packaged snacks are convenient but costly. Frugal households understand that constantly purchasing these snacks is unsustainable and instead opt to buy the ingredients in bulk and portion them at home for a fraction of the cost.
Bottled Salad Dressing
Frugal individuals avoid store-bought salad dressing and make their own using herbs, vinegar, and olive oil. Most commercial dressings contain preservatives, added sugar, and artificial flavorings, which are unhealthy and give the salad a bland taste. Homemade salad dressing is affordable, healthier, and fresh.
Pre-Packaged Salads and Pre-Cut Vegetables
Pre-packaged salads, pre-cut vegetables, and fruits can be more expensive than purchasing whole produce. They also have a shorter shelf life and are likely to be contaminated due to handling. Frugal individuals understand all these concerns and will instead buy whole produce and pack them at home to save costs.
Disposable Plastic Bags
Frugal people avoid over-reliance on single-use plastic bags for shopping. They will use mesh produce bags, cloth bags, and other reusable options to save money and promote sustainability.
Dryer Sheets
Frugal households avoid purchasing single-use dryer sheets and use homemade dryer sheets or wool dryer balls to reduce static cling and soften clothes. Wool dryer balls can be reused often, making them more sustainable than dryer sheets.
Trash Bags
Frugal individuals do not purchase single-use plastic trash bags as they consider them costly and wasteful. Instead, they use biodegradable trash liners or repurpose old grocery bags to save money and reduce waste.
Hand Soap
Paying for bottles of pump hand soap for your kitchen and bathroom can be expensive, especially if you have kids who love to use a lot of it. Frugal households often make their hand soap using essential oils, water, and castle soap. These homemade hand soaps are more foamy, affordable, and likely to stay longer than commercial hand soaps.
Store-Bought Candles
Store-bought candles are expensive, and most contain lead, paraffin, and phthalates, which are toxic when inhaled. Frugal individuals make their candles using soy wax or beeswax and essential oils.
Some add coconut oil to increase the volume and extend the burning time. Apart from being cheaper, homemade candles contain natural ingredients that reduce indoor air pollution.
Laundry Detergent
Frugal people don’t spend their money on sore-bought laundry detergent. They make their detergents using ingredients like grated bar soap, borax, washing soda, and optional scent boosters. These ingredients are eco-friendly and affordable compared to commercial laundry detergents.
Reduce Waste
These are a few everyday necessities frugal people never buy. Most opt for sustainable and more affordable options that prioritize value. With the above tips, you can save money and reduce wastage by cutting back on disposable items or embracing DIY solutions.
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