Remember when a landline phone and the Sunday newspaper were non-negotiable? Times are changing. The rise of minimalism, rising costs, environmental concerns, and a shift in what we value are leading many to question the essentials. Could we actually live without things we once deemed indispensable?
This trend isn’t about deprivation but about aligning our spending and lifestyles with what truly matters to us. It redefines “necessity,” driven by a desire for financial freedom, greater environmental responsibility, and increased personal well-being.
Let’s dive into 13 things you might be surprised to discover are surprisingly optional. You might even feel inspired to try living with less – who knows what you’ll gain?
1. Cable Television
The reign of the cable box is waning. Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime offer endless entertainment choices for often less than the cost of a bloated cable package.
“Cord-cutting” is on the rise. A 2023 Leichtman Research Group study indicated that 80% of US households subscribe to at least one streaming service. Resources like JustWatch help find shows across platforms, easing the transition.
2. Cars
In heavily car-dependent cultures, life without a personal vehicle might feel unthinkable. However, rising prices, walkable cities, public transport improvements, and the popularity of biking are proving that car ownership isn’t always essential.
Going car-free is location-dependent. Car-sharing services like Zipcar, along with a bike and a good pair of walking shoes, can replace the need for ownership, offering significant financial savings over time.
3. Meat
Plant-based diets are exploding in popularity. Whether driven by ethical concerns, health reasons, or a desire to reduce their environmental footprint, millions are shifting away from a meat-centric diet.
Even reducing meat consumption, not necessarily going fully vegetarian or vegan, can have positive impacts. Plant-based proteins are often more budget-friendly and, according to research, can lower risk for heart disease. There are plenty of resources for those curious about incorporating more plant-based meals.
4. Big Houses
The “American Dream” of a sprawling home is losing its appeal. Tiny homes, intentional communities, and prioritizing experiences over square footage offer a different model of fulfilling living.
Environmental consciousness, rising costs, and a simpler life philosophy drive this trend. A 2022 study by the National Association of Realtors found increased interest in small homes, citing lower upkeep and environmental impact as driving factors.
5. Fast Fashion
The allure of cheap, trendy clothes is fading. Ethical concerns over fast fashion’s environmental impact and its role in fueling a throwaway culture are leading many toward a more conscious approach to their wardrobes.
The average American throws away 81 pounds of clothing each year. Thrifting, swapping clothes, and investing in quality pieces that last are gaining traction, reducing waste and supporting a healthier relationship with how we consume clothing.
6. Gym Memberships
Fancy gyms are great, but you can get fit for free. The pandemic popularized home workouts, proving you don’t need expensive equipment for an effective sweat session.
Countless free online workouts, from yoga to HIIT, exist. Bodyweight exercises, walking, running, or investing in a simple set of resistance bands make gym memberships replaceable for many.
7. Processed Foods
Filled with preservatives, added sugars, and unhealthy fats, processed foods are losing favor(think previous household staples like chips, cereal, and soda pop). A shift toward prioritizing whole foods, home cooking, and mindful eating is underway.
Processed foods are linked to health issues, including obesity and heart disease. Cooking at home is often healthier, budget-friendly, and can be a surprisingly enjoyable and empowering skill.
8. Traditional Banking
Fintech companies and online-only banking solutions are disrupting the traditional banking landscape. Often, they offer competitive fees, easy-to-use apps, and innovative financial tools.
Online banks often have lower overhead costs, passing those savings onto consumers. However, some may miss the face-to-face customer service traditional banks offer. Researching reviews and feature comparison charts is essential when selecting a financial institution.
9. Newspapers
The rustle of the morning newspaper is nostalgic, but digital news platforms deliver up-to-the-minute updates. While many lament the print decline, online news often offers a greater breadth of viewpoints and multimedia content.
Paywalls and concerns about online misinformation are downsides to consider. Supporting reputable news sources, both print and digital, is crucial for a well-informed public, even as our news consumption habits change.
10. Fast Food
It’s quick, cheap, and readily available. Yet, the health consequences and rising costs of fast food are making home cooking and conscious meal planning look increasingly appealing.
Fast food is calorically dense, yet nutritionally poor. Studies link it to increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and other health issues. A little prep makes cooking at home easier than you think, with numerous resources for quick, flavorful, and budget-friendly meals.
11. Physical Books
Book lovers might gasp, but e-readers and audiobooks are changing how we consume stories. The convenience of carrying an entire library on a device is hard to beat, especially for space-conscious readers or frequent travelers.
Don’t write off your public library! They offer vast collections of e-books and audiobooks free of charge. E-readers can reduce clutter and the environmental impact of physical book production.
12. Single-Use Plastics
The devastating impact of plastic waste is undeniable. Reusable water bottles, shopping bags, and food containers are becoming everyday essentials – a small shift with enormous potential for positive environmental change.
Americans use around 100 billion plastic bags yearly, with only 1% recycled. Simple swaps make a difference– a reusable bottle saves hundreds of disposable ones from landfill.
13. Traditional 9-5 Jobs
The rise of remote work, freelancing, and the “gig economy” are redefining the 9-to-5 workday. Flexible hours and location independence are increasingly sought-after.
An Upwork study found that 59 million Americans freelanced in the past year, showcasing this major shift in employment. Technology platforms connect skilled individuals with clients globally, offering greater freedom and autonomy over traditional employment.
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JayDee Vykoukal is a writer, author, mom, and Doctor of Physical Therapy. She has been writing about everything motherhood and health-related since 2018 when her first daughter was born, and she wanted to stay home. She loves to research new topics and fun facts with her kids to teach them about the world.
