28 Things You Should Stop Buying in 2018

SKIP THESE BAD BUYS

Every year we spend money on purchases that may be falsely advertised, environmentally harmful, or simply overpriced — but the good news is that we don’t have to keep making the same mistakes. Here are some of the worst offenders you should avoid in 2018.

KEURIG K-CUPS

Keurig’s brewing system may be convenient, but the non-recyclable, non-biodegradable single-serving K-Cups required have long been criticized for their environmental impact. Nearly one in three American homes has a Keurig or other pod-based coffeemaker, which adds up to billions of pods placed in landfills every year. Until Keurig comes through on biodegradable cups, seek out a more eco-friendly alternative.

IMMUNITY BOOSTERS

Airborne is a popular supplement that has been marketed as a cure for the common cold and general immune booster. The company was fined by the FTC for deceptive advertising of what is essentially an expensive multivitamin — with additions like echinacea that are merely rumored to help the common cold (like many cheaper home remedies).

DIET SODA

In their efforts to cut out sugar and calories, diet soda drinkers may be exposing themselves to entirely different health risks. Diet soda consumption has been linked to developing metabolic syndrome, which often leads to diabetes or heart disease, as well as stroke and dementia.

PLASTIC CUTLERY

Plastic utensils may be cheap and convenient, but like many non-recyclable plastics, they contribute to mounting environmental issues. They cannot be used again and end up adding to landfills and sometimes polluting waterways, while more plastic cutlery is manufactured from non-renewable petroleum. Consider switching to compostable cutlery made from cornstarch-based CPLA.