One Month of Better Choices: My Experiment with Upgrading Everyday Products

I decided to try something different for a month: buying “better” products instead of my usual go-to items. The idea was simple—swap out everyday essentials for higher-quality, more thoughtful options and see how it affected my daily life. Would these changes make a difference? Would I stick with them? This post shares my experience, the swaps I made, what worked, what didn’t, and what I learned along the way.

Why I Wanted to Upgrade My Everyday Products

I often found myself frustrated with how quickly some of my usual products wore out or how unsatisfying they felt. Whether it was a flimsy toothbrush, a cheap coffee maker, or scratchy towels, I wondered if spending a bit more on quality would improve my daily routines. I also wanted to reduce waste and support brands that focus on sustainability and durability.

The motivation was not about luxury but about making smarter choices that could add value to my life. I was curious if these “better” products would actually feel better and last longer or if it would just be an unnecessary expense.

The Specific Swaps I Made and Their Impact

I focused on a handful of everyday items that I use daily. Here are the key swaps and how they changed my routine:

Toothbrush: Plastic to Bamboo

I switched from a standard plastic toothbrush to a bamboo one with soft bristles. The bamboo brush felt sturdier and more comfortable in my hand. It also gave me a small but satisfying feeling of reducing plastic waste. The bristles lasted about the same time as my old brush, but the eco-friendly aspect made me feel better about the choice.

Coffee Maker: Drip Machine to Pour-Over

I replaced my basic drip coffee maker with a pour-over setup. This change required more time and attention in the morning but resulted in a noticeably richer and fresher cup of coffee. It turned my coffee routine into a small ritual, which made mornings more enjoyable. The pour-over also meant fewer parts to clean and less electricity used.

Towels: Cheap Cotton to Turkish Cotton

My old towels were thin and rough. I invested in Turkish cotton towels, known for their softness and absorbency. The difference was immediate. They dried me faster and felt luxurious without being overly expensive. These towels also dried quicker after use, which helped reduce any musty smells.

Laundry Detergent: Conventional to Eco-Friendly

I switched to an eco-friendly detergent with natural ingredients. It cleaned just as well but was gentler on my skin and didn’t leave a strong chemical scent on clothes. I noticed my clothes felt softer and fresher, and I felt better about the environmental impact.

Socks: Synthetic to Merino Wool

I replaced my usual synthetic socks with merino wool pairs. These socks were warmer, breathable, and didn’t develop odors as quickly. They were pricier but lasted longer and kept my feet comfortable throughout the day, especially during workouts.

What Changes Became Permanent and What Didn’t

Some swaps felt like clear winners and became permanent parts of my routine. The Turkish cotton towels and merino wool socks were so noticeably better that I didn’t want to go back. The pour-over coffee method also stuck because it made my mornings more mindful and enjoyable.

Other changes were less successful. The bamboo toothbrush was nice, but I missed the firmer grip of my plastic brush, so I ended up alternating between the two. The eco-friendly detergent worked well, but I found it a bit pricier and sometimes less effective on heavily soiled clothes, so I use it mostly for regular laundry loads.

Challenges I Faced During the Experiment

Switching to better products wasn’t always smooth. Some challenges included:

• Adjusting habits: The pour-over coffee took more time and attention, which was tough on busy mornings.

• Higher upfront costs: Some items, like the towels and socks, required a bigger initial investment.

• Availability: Finding truly better products that matched my needs and values took research and sometimes ordering from multiple sources.

• Expectations vs. reality: Not every “better” product lived up to the hype, which was disappointing.

  
  

Despite these challenges, the experiment pushed me to think more critically about what I buy and why.

Lessons Learned from Buying Better

This month taught me several important lessons:

• Quality matters more than quantity. Spending more on fewer, better items can improve daily comfort and reduce waste.

• Small changes add up. Upgrading everyday essentials made routines feel more intentional and enjoyable.

• Not every upgrade fits every lifestyle. Some products require more time or care, which may not suit everyone.

• Sustainability is a journey. Choosing eco-friendly options is rewarding but sometimes involves trade-offs.

• Research pays off. Taking time to find the right product made a big difference in satisfaction.