You Have Permission to Pass on these 8 Summer “Must-Haves”

Every summer, our feeds and inboxes turn into a nonstop haul of swim sets, viral tumblers, and mini fans. The pressure to gear up for the season is hard to resist, but a few months later, those impulse purchases often end up feeling like money (and resources) wasted.

‍

The antidote is to buy less, buy better, and, hardest of all, resist the algorithm.

‍

Here are eight summer buys to skip this year, plus smarter swaps that actually earn their keep.

‍

1. Microtrend Summer Clothing

‍

Capri pants, bandeau tops, bleached denim, and "Biarritz beachcore" sets are everywhere. Skip the haul and shop your closet first. Stay open to new styling for items you already own, and even upcycling to customize pieces that you’ve grown a bit bored of. If you want to buy something new, try to invest in versatile warm-weather staples like a linen button-down, a black one-piece, and a pair of trousers that work for the beach and the office. You can even thrift them and save more money.

‍

2. Yet Another Swimsuit

‍

That bottom-of-the-drawer suit from two summers ago is probably fine. If you really do need a new one, look for brands using recycled or natural fabrics instead of virgin polyester.

‍

Also read: 6 Best Swimwear Brands for Sustainability

‍

3. Hyped Summer SPF Drops

‍

Every June, "tinted glow mists," "SPF serums," and "72-hour hydrating sunscreens" flood your feed. Most are reformulations of the same handful of ingredients, often with reef-harming chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate. A simple, fragrance-free mineral sunscreen does the same job without damaging the coral reefs.

‍

Also read: 6 Natural, Reef-Safe Sunscreens

‍

4. Pool Floats & Beach Inflatables

‍

The flamingo, giant pizza slice, and rainbow lounger are usually made of PVC (a type of plastic) that can’t be curbside recycled and often pops within a few months. A more sustainable, budget-friendly option is to borrow one from a friend, ask your Buy Nothing group, or invest in a single sturdy float you’ll actually keep for years.

‍

{{cta-join3}}

‍

5. Trendy Tumblers & Stanley Dupes

‍

Buying a new "viral" tumbler every season defeats the entire point of them being reusable. Pick one bottle that fits your bag, your cupholder, and your hand, and stop there. Here are 6 Reusable Water Bottles We Love.

‍

6. Personal Mini Fans & USB "Mini ACs"

‍

Handheld fans, neck fans, and USB mini air conditioners often rely on lithium batteries sealed inside cheap plastic shells that die after one season. They’re also difficult to repair.

‍

If you already have one, invest in rechargeable batteries to cut down on waste. And before you pack it up for the winter, remove the batteries to prevent corrosion.

‍

If you’re in the market for one, first consider when and where you may actually use it. During outdoor exercise? While gardening? For a one-time trip? Imagining how you might use it will help you decide if you actually need it, and if so, which type may suit you. Maybe an ice-cold bandana would do the job better? Or maybe a neighbor in your Buy Nothing group has one they’re happy to give you.

‍

7. Chemical Bug Sprays & Citronella Tchotchkes

‍

Aerosol DEET sprays, plug-in mosquito gadgets, and disposable citronella candles in plastic buckets pile up fast. A pump-spray repellent with picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus works for most backyard use, lasts longer, and skips the aerosol. You can also try mosquito dunks to stop mosquitoes at the source. A few potted marigolds, basil, and lavender can also help.  Also, consider attracting mosquito predators to your yard for a more balanced ecosystem.

‍

8. Fast Patio Furniture

‍

That $100 acacia-look set looks great in the box, but warps in a few months. Skip the seasonal flat-pack patio haul. Outdoor furniture is one of the easiest categories to find secondhand, so do check Facebook Marketplace, Buy Nothing groups, and furniture resale stores. If you do buy new, pick solid wood or powder-coated metal you can refinish, and avoid pressed particleboard that swells in the rain.

‍