Four Items I Am Not Bying This Spring

As the flowers bloom and the days grow longer, spring ushers in a sense of renewal and the urge to refresh our lives and homes. Everyday we are bombarded with advertisements relevant to “renewal”. Although I don’t identify as a minimalist, I do think that sometimes go over the top with spring purchases that I don’t need. And, while I enjoy a nice meal out in the Greek sun, I have decided that there will be some budget cuts in Spring 2024 in terms of consumer goods. So, here are five categories of products I am cutting down on:

Spontaneous fast-fashion purchases. In the last year, managed to lose quite a lot of weight. However, this was a problem in terms of clothing, especially when I had to attend conferences or religious events. I just looked like a caricature in my oversized suits. As a result, fast fashion came to the rescue; I made sure I bought the highest quality I could, while taking advantage of offers. I have been also smart enough to choose timeless designs, which means that shopping sprees to the fast-fashion stores are expected to be kept to a minimum until I have saved money for finer items.

New makeup. I love makeup. But I have plenty of it. Marketers often say that we should throw away all our makeup items in spring and buy new ones, for fear of germs and in hope that we spend a month’s wage on new items. So, I guess that germs won’t grow in our new makeup during the remaining 9 months, yes? When a makeup article of mine goes bad, I know: it’s in the smell and texture. Here in Greece ladies often place their makeup items in the fridge to protect them from going bad, and actually this practice has been proven effective. What about trying that?

Cookware that I don’t need. Let’s be honest, it’s hard to keep your kitchen clear of unnecessary cookware. We always want the latest gadget, that cute mold, this sweet tea set etc. And don’t let me start with the air-fyer craze… Although we do need tools to do our work in the kitchen, each of us has different needs and each kitchen has different capacity… So, this spring I am resisting the lucrative offers on the leaflets unless I have something that needs replacement.

Expensive tickets. Having finished my third Master’s, this spring I plan to take a fun break. But I don’t have to make harsh financial sacrifices to take the rest I need; there are too many experiences I can enjoy for free or at a low cost. For example, I can go out for coffee, attend an outdoor festival, visit a free or low-cost museum or gallery, take a free guided city tour, spend a day on the beach, join an event hosted by a women’s network, and so much more.

By being more mindful about my purchases, I’m aiming to not only save money but also to live a more intentional and sustainable life. It’s about making room for what truly matters and letting go of the rest. What are you not buying this Spring? Share your thoughts and join the conversation about conscious consumerism. Happy Spring!