In a world where consumerism reigns supreme, it’s easy to fall into the trap of buying everything we need.
However, with a staggering 92 billion pounds of food wasted in America each year,1 it’s time to rethink our habits. By making things ourselves, we can save money, reduce waste, and unleash our creativity.
Here are 25 things you should stop buying and start making today.
1. Cleaning Products
Ditch the expensive, chemical-laden cleaners and whip up your own all-purpose cleaner using vinegar, water, and essential oils. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also reduce plastic waste and avoid harsh chemicals in your home.
2. Salad Dressing
Store-bought dressings often contain preservatives and added sugars. Creating your own allows you to control the ingredients and customize flavors. A simple vinaigrette takes just minutes to prepare and can elevate any salad.
3. Bread
Nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked bread. With just flour, yeast, salt, and water, you can make delicious loaves at a fraction of the cost of artisanal bakery bread. Plus, you’ll avoid unnecessary additives and preservatives.
4. Yogurt
Making yogurt at home is surprisingly easy and cost-effective. All you need is milk and a small amount of store-bought yogurt as a starter culture. The result is creamy, probiotic-rich yogurt without added sugars or artificial flavors.
5. Greeting Cards
Skip the overpriced cards at the store and unleash your creativity. Handmade cards add a personal touch to any occasion and can be crafted using materials you likely already have at home, like paper, markers, and glue.
6. Plant Fertilizer
Garden centers charge a premium for fertilizers, but you can make your own nutrient-rich compost at home. Collect kitchen scraps, yard waste, and fallen leaves to create a free, organic fertilizer for your plants.
7. Granola
Store-bought granola often contains excessive sugar and oils. By making your own, you can control the ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking. Oats, nuts, seeds, and a touch of honey or maple syrup are all you need.
8. Laundry Detergent
Commercial laundry detergents can be expensive and contain harsh chemicals. A homemade version using borax, washing soda, and grated bar soap is just as effective, gentler on clothes, and more budget-friendly.
9. Pasta Sauce
Jarred pasta sauces are often loaded with added sugars and preservatives. Making your own sauce with fresh tomatoes, herbs, and garlic not only tastes better but also allows you to control the sodium and sugar content.
10. Lip Balm
Craft your own lip balm using beeswax, coconut oil, and essential oils. This natural alternative to store-bought versions is free from artificial ingredients and can be customized to your preferred scent and flavor.
11. Nut Butter
Homemade nut butter is fresher, more flavorful, and often cheaper than store-bought varieties. Simply roast your favorite nuts and blend them until smooth, adding a pinch of salt if desired.
12. Vegetable Stock
Save money and reduce food waste by making your own vegetable stock. Collect vegetable scraps throughout the week, simmer them in water, and strain for a flavorful base for soups and sauces.
13. Face Masks
Skip the expensive spa treatments and create your own face masks using natural ingredients like honey, avocado, and oatmeal. These DIY masks are gentle on your skin and wallet.
14. Pickles
Homemade pickles are a great way to preserve vegetables and add flavor to meals. With just vinegar, water, salt, and spices, you can pickle cucumbers, onions, or any vegetable of your choice.
15. Cake Mix
Pre-made cake mixes often contain artificial flavors and preservatives. Making your own dry mix with flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt is simple and allows you to control the quality of ingredients.
16. Pet Treats
Spoil your furry friends with homemade treats. Using ingredients like peanut butter, pumpkin, and oats, you can create healthy snacks without the additives found in many commercial pet treats.
17. Spice Blends
Creating your own spice blends allows you to customize flavors and avoid the high prices of pre-mixed seasonings. Mix up your own taco seasoning, Italian herb blend, or curry powder.
18. Candles
Craft your own candles using soy wax, essential oils, and repurposed containers. This eco-friendly alternative to store-bought candles allows you to create unique scents without harmful chemicals.
19. Jam
Homemade jam is a delicious way to preserve seasonal fruits. With just fruit, sugar, and pectin, you can create flavorful spreads without the high fructose corn syrup found in many commercial jams.
20. Hummus
Making hummus at home is simple and cost-effective. Blend chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic for a healthy snack that’s free from preservatives and excess oils.
21. Salsa
Fresh, homemade salsa beats jarred versions in both flavor and nutrition. Chop tomatoes, onions, peppers, and cilantro, then add lime juice for a zesty dip or condiment.
22. Almond Milk
Plant-based milks can be pricey, but making your own almond milk is surprisingly easy. Blend soaked almonds with water and strain for a creamy, additive-free alternative to store-bought versions.
23. Croutons
Transform stale bread into crunchy croutons by tossing cubes with olive oil and herbs, then baking until crisp. This simple process reduces food waste and saves money on packaged croutons.
24. Vanilla Extract
High-quality vanilla extract can be expensive, but making your own is simple. Soak vanilla beans in vodka for a few months to create a rich, flavorful extract for baking.
25. Kombucha
Brewing your own kombucha allows you to customize flavors and save money on this popular probiotic drink. With tea, sugar, and a SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast), you can create endless flavor combinations.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.