There are so many things we’d love to leave behind in 2021 — COVID being at the top of the list. But while we can’t control the pandemic, we do have some agency over what we purchase and what we keep. As we head into the new year, we’re looking at ways to lighten the burden of stuff and reduce clutter in our lives, while being kinder to the planet and our health. Here are 21 things you should throw out or stop buying in 2022.
![Disposable tampons and pads A young Caucasian woman with short blonde hair wearing a white tank top dangling a tampon by its string out in front of her.](https://www.slice.ca/wp-content/themes/slice/assets/default_images_placeholder.png)
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Disposable tampons and pads
Thankfully, we now have more environmentally friendly (and comfortable) period product options than bulky pads and tampons that can take hundreds of years to break down in the garbage. Once you’ve used up your supply of disposable period products invest in a reusable menstrual cup or leak-proof undies for convenience, comfort and care for the earth. Try the Canadian brand Knix.
![Digital hodgepodge Close up of an iPhone sitting on a reflective black table and a hand with sparkly burgundy nails tapping the screen.](https://www.slice.ca/wp-content/themes/slice/assets/default_images_placeholder.png)
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Digital hodgepodge
Go through apps and subscriptions on your smart phone and tablet and delete what you’re not using. Unsubscribe from apps you forgot you’re paying for — you’ll save money and digital storage space.
See also: This is how to recover from holiday spending.
![Takeout beverages A barista wearing an apron, pouring milk into an espresso coffee in a disposable cup.](https://www.slice.ca/wp-content/themes/slice/assets/default_images_placeholder.png)
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Takeout beverages
As shocking as it is, your Starbucks take-away coffee cups can’t be recycled. The polyethylene lining would need to be removed before the paper cup can be recycled and this process is near impossible. Invest in a reusable coffee cup and keep it handy. If you forget and simply must buy a take-away beverage, minimize your waste by skipping the lid.
![Scented hand sanitizer A young Asian woman wearing a black tee shirt, denim shorts and an N95 face mask in a drug store shopping for hand sanitizer and reading the label of a bottle she is holding.](https://www.slice.ca/wp-content/themes/slice/assets/default_images_placeholder.png)
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Scented hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is something we don’t leave home without these days. It has one purpose only and that’s to kill bacteria, viruses and other nasty germs. It doesn’t need to smell like perfume or flowers or fresh-baked cookies. Scents are offensive to many people, especially in places of work, and synthetic fragrances are toxic too. So ditch the fragrant hand sanitizer and stick to unscented.
You may also like: The best foods to help cure a hangover.
![Vitamin supplements A birds-eye view of a white and grey marble table with a variety of vitamins and supplements scattered around, with some small bowls, plates and cork pads holding capsules in each corner of the image.](https://www.slice.ca/wp-content/themes/slice/assets/default_images_placeholder.png)
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Vitamin supplements
Many Canadians rely on vitamin supplements hoping for better health, but John Hopkins researchers reviewed recent evidence on supplements and found that conditions such as heart disease, cognitive decline and cancer were not reduced with the use of vitamins and supplements. With the exception of folic acid supplementation for women of child-bearing age, or physician-recommended supplementation, the researchers suggest redirecting your money to a healthy diet and exercise.
![Fast Fashion Image of a woman from waist down, lying on her back pulling on a pair of jeans.](https://www.slice.ca/wp-content/themes/slice/assets/default_images_placeholder.png)
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Fast Fashion
This is a hard one for so many of us. Picking up a cheap pair of jeans can be irresistible but the impact of fast fashion on the environment is detrimental. Fast fashion results in eight per cent of the world’s carbon emissions, represents up to 20 per cent of pesticide use and is responsible for one-fifth of industrial water pollution. With North Americans sending 10 million tonnes of clothing to landfill every year, we really need to be mindful about how we spend our money.
See also: Is your thrifting habit problematic?
![Paper towels Birds-eye view of a woman using both hands to unroll paper towel on a light blue background.](https://www.slice.ca/wp-content/themes/slice/assets/default_images_placeholder.png)
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Paper towels
Save the trees and stop buying paper towel! Swedish sponge cloths are an eco-friendly alternative to paper towels. One of these nifty little things can be washed 200 times and will replace around 17 paper towel rolls. Best of all, they are biodegradable meaning you can chuck them in the compost when their time is up.
![Ill-Fitting, ineffective face masks Close up of a Caucasian looking hand holding a stack of cloth face masks in different colours in front of a grey background.](https://www.slice.ca/wp-content/themes/slice/assets/default_images_placeholder.png)
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Ill-Fitting, ineffective face masks
By now, face masks have become an unfortunate staple in our everyday lives. We know what’s safest and what fits our face the best – so get rid of superfluous masks. Keep your favourite, snug-fitting, triple-layer masks and get rid of the rest.
You may also like: 10 things restaurant workers want you to remember during the pandemic.
![Plastic straws A hand wearing a blue latex glove holding up a bent yellow plastic straw with an out of focus beach in the background.](https://www.slice.ca/wp-content/themes/slice/assets/default_images_placeholder.png)
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Plastic straws
This doesn’t need a long-winded explanation — just think of choking turtles and that should be enough to remember to say no to plastic straws next time you buy a drink when you’re out. Reusable stainless steel straws are a great alternative to have on hand.
![Imported produce Fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, carrots, onions and cucumbers on tiered-tables at a local produce market.](https://www.slice.ca/wp-content/themes/slice/assets/default_images_placeholder.png)
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Imported produce
There are so many reasons to reduce the amount of imported produce you buy. The carbon footprint of transporting fruits and vegetables across the globe is huge and because produce is harvested early in order to avoid over-ripening on the journey, it tends to be lower in nutrients than produce grown locally. Check labels when you’re at the grocery store and buy local as often as possible.
![‘Just in case’ items Birds-eye view of a drawer containing a mess of items from gardening gloves to old mobile phones, jewellery, tape and elastic bands.](https://www.slice.ca/wp-content/themes/slice/assets/default_images_placeholder.png)
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‘Just in case’ items
It’s amazing how many cardboard boxes, Amazon envelopes and other random bits and pieces we keep lying around ‘just in case.' Embrace minimalism and rid yourself of these items if you haven’t used them within a month.
![Expired medications Close up of a variety of pills in different shapes, sizes and colours.](https://www.slice.ca/wp-content/themes/slice/assets/default_images_placeholder.png)
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Expired medications
Your medicine cabinet could definitely use a clean out. Not only are expired medications less effective, excess meds pose a risk to kids and pets. If you’ve got old pills, syrups and ointments lying around, remove any stickers with identifying info, put containers in a sealable bag and bring them to your local pharmacy for safe disposal.
You may also like: These 20 foods will boost your immune system.
![Scratched non-stick pots and pans A non-stick pan being rinsed under running water over a sink.](https://www.slice.ca/wp-content/themes/slice/assets/default_images_placeholder.png)
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Scratched non-stick pots and pans
Toxic chemicals, like PFAS, can leach from scratched pots and pans, into the food you eat. Unfortunately, non-stick pots and pans need to be replaced every five years or so, or sooner if they become scratched or start peeling.
![Anything broken or chipped Close up of Caucasian hands holding a broken, floral-patterned plate, over a table with a bottle of glue and brush lying nearby.](https://www.slice.ca/wp-content/themes/slice/assets/default_images_placeholder.png)
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Anything broken or chipped
It would be so great to fix all the broken things in your life instead of throwing them out, but if damaged items have been lying around for months it might be time to accept you aren’t going to get around to it. Unhealthy organisms can live in cracked cups and plates, so definitely toss these.
![Things you are holding onto out of obligation Two people standing in front of a Christmas tree, one handing the other a white wrapped gift with a red ribbon.](https://www.slice.ca/wp-content/themes/slice/assets/default_images_placeholder.png)
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Things you are holding onto out of obligation
That mug or scarf that you got as a gift years ago — but never use — can find a new home with someone else. Keeping material goods out of obligation will weigh you down, physically and emotionally.
![Emotional clutter Woman in background meditating on the floor in lotus position, with candle and incense burning in the foreground.](https://www.slice.ca/wp-content/themes/slice/assets/default_images_placeholder.png)
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Emotional clutter
This is harder to clear out than even the most cluttered up junk drawer. Self-care and compassion can help clear our emotional clutter. When we let go of things from the past, it’s easier to move forward.
![Mangy beauty tools Close up of a variety of makeup brushes lying on a black cloth.](https://www.slice.ca/wp-content/themes/slice/assets/default_images_placeholder.png)
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Mangy beauty tools
Makeup brushes, sponges, loofahs and nail brushes can be a breeding ground for bacteria, causing everything from breakouts to infections. If your tools are beyond a thorough deep cleaning, show signs of mould or are in rough shape, in the garbage they go.
![Kid’s stuff A cute Asian child lying on his stomach with his hoodie hood over his head on a carpeted floor with lots of crayons spread of the floor and toys in the background.](https://www.slice.ca/wp-content/themes/slice/assets/default_images_placeholder.png)
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Kid’s stuff
If you have kids, their things are likely taking over your life. Go through it all and get rid of what they’re not using. Too much stuff makes it hard for them to choose and as a result your kids will likely go back to the same toys over and over. Donate unloved items to a charity that will hand them to children in need.
You may also like: These 20 baby names are going to be huge in 2022.
![Old photos A photo of a happy young lesbian couple taking a selfie outside on a sunny day in front of a buildings and green trees.](https://www.slice.ca/wp-content/themes/slice/assets/default_images_placeholder.png)
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Old photos
Do you still have photos of an ex- from years ago? Keep one or two, if you must, and toss the rest. You will likely never look at them again — there’s a reason you broke up in the first place.
Related: 10 signs your partner is a narcissist.
![Worn out runners A Black woman, wearing a sports bra, shorts and knee-high yellow socks, sitting on a wooden bench lacing up running shoes in the change room of a gym.](https://www.slice.ca/wp-content/themes/slice/assets/default_images_placeholder.png)
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Worn out runners
To avoid injury and maintain healthy support, running shoes should be replaced every 800 kilometres. So, when is that? If you feel more aches and pains after exercise, if the treads are worn or the inside of the sole doesn’t spring back when you push your finger into it, it’s time for a new pair.
![Paper bills Attractive young mixed race woman sitting at a table looking at paper bills.](https://www.slice.ca/wp-content/themes/slice/assets/default_images_placeholder.png)
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Paper bills
Believe it or not, paper bills are still a thing. If they still show up in your mailbox, put them through the shredder, chuck them in the recycling and switch everything over to e-bills.
You may also like: All your personal finances FAQs answered.
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