I try to buy good quality things that will last longer (a lifetime whenever possible) even if they cost more. Having a policy of buying higher quality/cost things helps me think twice about whether I really need it or not, and I tend to cherish them more. Whenever it turns out to have been a bad decision, the sting is greater, but don’t beat yourself up about it, just let it be a learning lesson fir next time! It’s like a built-in penalty to teach you to be less impulsive. If you buy something for $10 and just have to throw it away, you don’t think twice, but if it cost $60, then that bad call will come to mind the next time you go to buy something.

Another strategy I use to reduce the risk of buying something unnecessary is that I’ll research, pick out what I want, save it to a shopping list, then tell myself I can buy it in three month if I still want it; in the meantime I’m forced to do without and either borrow from someone, find another way to do what I need, or just get over the perceived need if the thing (especially if its a fleeting hobby item).

On the topic of disposable items, I try to be as non disposable as possible because I get satisfaction from producing as little waste as possible. When I see that there’s a certain disposable item I use a lot, I’ll try to find a nondisposable alternative (paper towels is my most recent change to little washable cotton towel).

There as some things though where, for me personally, the burden of using a nondisposable option creates a burden greater than the dissatisfaction of using disposable. A big one for me is baby diapers; I feel some guilt, but I just can’t see myself using reusable ones.

Remember to be kind to yourself. I’ll bet your more intentional and deserning with your consumption than the average person; so if using disposable razors really works for you in your situation, that’s okay! Nobody’s perfect and the only bar you have to measure up to is the one you set for yourself 😃