Do you shop at the supermarket, and if so, do you walk around the store on auto pilot? Do you put items into your trolley without even thinking about why you’re buying them? I know I used to.
In the past I’ve bought items because I’ve always bought them. It wasn’t until I started to really analyse my spending to get consumer debt free, that I realised how much stuff I was wasting money on, and how much of it I really didn’t need; stuff that was just cluttering up my trolley, and my cupboards.
We {I} often think of de-cluttering in terms of our living space, but why not apply the same principles to other areas, like your food shopping? Why not de-clutter your grocery shopping?
Here are just a few of the items I’ve removed from my shopping trolley:
- Paper towels
- Fabric conditioner
- Bleach
- Cream cleaners
- Ready meals
- Biscuits
- Pre packed vegetables
- Pre packed anything
- Sugar coated cereal
Why not do this today, think about what you buy and why you’re buying it. Do you really need it, or is there a better option?
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{photo credit: jon mcgovern}
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Funnily enough, I was only wondering this morning as I filled the washing machine, whether or not I really need fabric conditioner. Am going to try a few loads without, I think.
.-= Caroline´s last blog ..Birthday Giveaway =-.
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Very true. I’ve managed to eliminate far more than I expected. I’ve found a simplified diet (basically avoiding all the things you don’t need), really helps move towards a simplified shopping trip. It turns out easier to do, less stressful, and cheaper! Now that’s a win-win-win
Now you’ve got me thinking. I do put bleach down the sinks occasionally. A) that’s deadly to the environment. B) Do I really need to do it?
What do you use as an alternative to bleach?
Death to fabric conditioner!
.-= Tony´s last blog ..Negative Internal Dialogue Kills Dreams =-.
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@tony I use soda crystals instead; much less toxic and cheaper. I pour vinegar down most weeks and flush the cystals about once a month. I’m not too precious with it
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Nice new look on your page!
And I agree with you–so many strange things end up on the grocery list that you don’t really miss once they’re gone. We have paper towels for emergency only and use rags around the house.
.-= Simple in France´s last blog ..Where would you be without debt? =-.
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Move to Portugal Reply:
April 25th, 2010 at 6:26 am
thanks SIF and yes, strange things do end up on your grocery list; I try to make sure I never shop when I’m hungry, which can be very costly!
re rags; I buy/bought some microfibre cloths for washing up/cleaning and they are great; they seem to be lasting for ages.
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I agree with this and try to do it also! It’s a bit harder when I have my kids in tow, but I tend to eat “simple”, so buy “simple”. It’s the ‘junk’ that the kids like.. but I don’t buy much of it, or very often, but I would love to have a totally pared down shopping cart!
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Move to Portugal Reply:
April 25th, 2010 at 6:28 am
@carla I know, kids and shopping don’t mix; I’m quite lucky that mine are older now and never come with me, it’s cheaper!!
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I boycott supermarkets and buy online each week – it’s so great as we only eat organic and I don’t have to go and find it!
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I have similarly eliminated those same items from my shopping trolley.
Now my shopping costs about $150 per week, compared to $220 per week from a couple of years ago.
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