Rethinking Everyday Essentials

What We Use Every Day: Rethinking the Essentials

For years, I never wore the same outfit two days in a row.
Not because I had to, but because it felt like an unspoken rule—
a habit that told me I always needed something new.

One day, I stopped to ask myself:
"What do I actually use every single day?"

Not the clothes packed into my wardrobe.
Not the things collecting dust on my shelves.
But the everyday essentials—the things I touch, rely on, and use without thinking.

The Power of Everyday Essentials

Some things in life are occasional luxuries.
Others, we depend on daily.

Yet, for so long, I had been thoughtless about these daily essentials.
I spent time choosing special occasion items,
but ignored the things I used the most.

Take toothpaste, for example.

We brush our teeth three times a day, every single day.
And yet, most of us never think twice about the plastic toothpaste tubes we use.

Small Changes Start with Daily Habits

The average person goes through 20 plastic toothpaste tubes per year.
Globally, over 1.5 billion tubes are thrown away annually.

Here’s the real problem:
Toothpaste tubes are made from non-recyclable mixed plastics,
which means they take over 500 years to decompose.

That means every toothpaste tube you’ve ever used is still somewhere on this planet.

Once I learned this, I couldn’t unsee it.
"If I’m creating plastic waste three times a day, every day, how much am I contributing over a lifetime?"

Then one day, I discovered solid toothpaste.
A toothpaste that doesn’t come in a plastic tube?
Could this really work?

I was skeptical, but I gave it a try.

And I was surprised.

1. Cleans just as well—without unnecessary chemicals

2. No plastic tube = less waste

3. Compact and easy for travel

4. Lasts longer, making it more cost-effective

"Why did I never think about this before?"

The Joy of Small Swaps

Decluttering is about making room for better choices.

And I found joy in choosing better, even in the smallest things.

One of those? Solid toothpaste tablets.

Brushing my teeth two or three times a day no longer means contributing to plastic waste.
It’s a small change, but one that benefits both my health and the planet.

Small shifts add up. And over time, they can lead to something much bigger. 😊

Until next time,
Penny - Founder of Tidalove