I first learned about Project Pan in 2025 while doomscrolling on the internet, but only a few people seemed to be doing it back then. However, when I opened my social media in 2026, I started seeing more posts from people saying they were going to take on Project Pan. Personally, I think Project Pan is a great idea, especially since overconsumption is such a big issue these days. One of my goals for 2026 is to reduce overconsumption and only buy things I truly need.

In today’s blog post, I’m going to explain exactly what Project Pan is and how to do it. So, if you want to stop buying things you don’t really need and declutter your home, you’ve come to the right place!

What is Project Pan?

Project Pan originally started as a project focused on the number of beauty products someone owns. The other day, I saw a photo of someone who was planning to do Project Pan this year, and she had at least 10–20 bottles of shower gel alone. In fact, she had around 20 bottles of almost everything and wanted to reduce that.Of course, Project Pan isn’t limited to just beauty products, it can apply to anything you own and want to declutter.

The idea behind Project Pan is simple: you finish one product before buying a new one. Personally, I’ve been doing this my whole life in a way, I’ve never had a lot of extra shower gel bottles. I always buy a new one when my current bottle is almost empty.

You really don’t need 30 bottles of shower gel in your house. First, you probably won’t even use that much in a year, and all beauty and hygiene products have expiration dates. That means some of them will likely expire before you even get the chance to use them, which is basically throwing money away. By sticking to Project Pan, you’ll save money and keep your home less cluttered.

How to do a Project Pan?

Inventarize what you already have

Pick one category to start with, most people begin with beauty and hygiene products. This is because Project Pan originally focuses on these items, but really, you can start with anything. Lay everything out on the floor or a table so you can see exactly how much you have. Once everything is out in the open, you’ll probably be surprised at how much stuff you actually own. Most of the time, we don’t even notice it because it’s tucked away in a closet or drawer.

Ask yourself: what do I actually need?

Now it is time to be honest with yourself. How much do you like the scent of this showergel? How much do you need? If you live alone then you don’t need a lot of showergel, if you have a big family you need more of course. Ask yourself if you have a favorite scent? How much backup do you actually need? When I started to ask myself these kind of questions, I found out what products were my favorites and what products I barely used because I wasn’t a fan. I found out that I like the vanilla, and coconut scent the most. So I kept those.

Use it, Empty it, or Donate it

If you find items that you don’t actually like or won’t be able to finish before their expiration date, you have a few options. First, you can use up what’s left and then throw it away, but I’d only do this if the bottle is already at least half empty. If the bottles are still mostly full, you can also donate them. Organizations like women’s shelters would really appreciate your donations. Just ask around in your area to see where you could drop them off.

Be more mindful

We all love buying new things, especially when we see a good deal, and there’s nothing wrong with that. I often buy my favorite products when they’re on sale. But sometimes we spot a great deal on something we don’t even use. If one of your favorite products is almost empty, then it’s the perfect time to look for a deal. Make sure you avoid impulse buying. I know how hard it can be, sometimes I see a beautiful jar or bottle of body lotion and just want to buy it because it looks pretty and smells amazing. But most of the time, I don’t actually need it.

Photo by Pablo Hernández on Unsplash

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Do you ever feel like you own so many things: makeup, skincare, books, candles, clothes, or even snacks in your pantry, but end up ignoring half of them? I know I do and I am sure I am not alone. In a world where it’s so easy to buy more. We are going from buying one trendy item to the next one. And sometimes we just forget to use and enjoy the things we already own. That’s where Project Pan comes in.

Originally a beauty community challenge, Project Pan has grown into a lifestyle trend: a fun and mindful way to actually use the things you already own instead of constantly chasing the next new thing. It’s about slowing down, reducing waste, and appreciating what’s already in your home. I am definitely loving this ‘trend’.

What is Project Pan?

Project Pan is a self-imposed challenge where you commit to finishing or making progress on the items you already have. The term “pan” started with makeup, referring to the shiny bottom of a product pan once you’ve used it up. But today, people apply the same mindset to all kinds of possessions.

It can mean:

• Reading unread books from your shelf
• Burning through your candle collection
• Wearing the clothes you already own more often
• Using skincare and beauty products before buying new ones
• Finishing snacks or teas in your kitchen before opening more

The goal isn’t to deprive yourself—it’s about being intentional, mindful, and getting joy out of the things you once loved enough to bring home. It is also about not buying too many things while we still have enough of a similar item at home.

Tips to Start Your Own Project Pan

1. Choose a Category

Start small. Pick one area of your life—makeup, books, candles, or clothes. This keeps it fun and manageable.

2. Set Clear Goals

Your goals can be flexible:

• Finish a specific product (like a lotion or candle)
• Use an item a certain number of times (like wearing a dress 10 times)
• Make progress (like reading halfway through your TBR pile)

3. Track Your Progress

Take photos, keep a checklist, or journal your experience. Seeing how far you’ve come keeps you motivated and makes it satisfying.

4. Stay Flexible

Don’t force yourself to use something you truly dislike. If it doesn’t bring you joy or doesn’t work for you anymore, it’s okay to donate, gift, or recycle it. Project Pan is about mindful use, not guilt.

5. Limit New Purchases

Pair Project Pan with a no-buy or low-buy period. For example, promise yourself you won’t buy another candle until you’ve finished two from your collection. Only buy new things when your nail polish bottle or perfume bottle is empty. The good thing is that this project pan will also help you to save more money.

6. Celebrate Your Wins

Every finished product, worn outfit, or read book is an accomplishment. Celebrate the little wins and enjoy the process.

Final Thoughts

Project Pan is more than a challenge. it’s a mindset shift. It’s about valuing what you already have instead of always searching for more. Whether you’re finishing a lipstick, finally burning that fancy candle, or making progress on your book stack, you’ll find a sense of satisfaction in actually using your things. I think in the end you will become more intentional about the things you are buying. A lot of people buy things because they are trending, but if you commit to project pan you will become aware of the things/products you actually like.

So look around your home—what could you start “panning” today?

Photo by pmv chamara on Unsplash

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In our consumer-driven society, the idea of buying less might sound counterintuitive. However, the pursuit of a simpler and more sustainable life often begins with a conscious decision to consume less. In this blog post, I will give you the benefits of buying less and provide practical tips to help you embrace a minimalist and sustainable lifestyle.

Why Buy Less?

1. Reducing Environmental Impact:

One of the most compelling reasons to buy less is the positive impact it has on the environment. The production and transportation of goods contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, resource depletion, and pollution. By buying less, we can reduce our carbon footprint and lower the demand for energy and resources. You might never think about this, but to make one shirt you need materials, a lot of water, and chemicals to make it. Then they have to ship or fly it to your country, then they have to transport it to the store or the warehouse. If you order online, they have to bring it to you, which means more gas emissions.

2. Saving Money:

Buying less means spending less. When you’re mindful of your purchases, you can free up funds for experiences and activities that truly bring joy and fulfillment. Instead of accumulating more possessions, you can prioritize investments in experiences, education, or savings. For example, I prefer buying e-books and buying tickets to events I want to go to. If you stop buying new clothes every month and stop buying cheap things from AlieExpress, you will have more money to do those things as well.

3. Decluttering and Simplifying Life:

Excessive consumption often leads to clutter and a sense of overwhelm. By buying less, you can declutter your living space, making it more organized and easier to manage. A simplified life allows you to focus on what truly matters. I have to admit that I once loved to buy useless stuff all the time. But since I have become more aware of my shopping habits and stopped buying things I did not need, I have more space in my life, in my mind, and apartment. And it feels amazing.

4. Supporting Ethical and Sustainable Brands:

When you choose to buy less, you can redirect your spending towards ethical and sustainable brands and products. These companies prioritize environmental responsibility and fair labor practices. By supporting them, you encourage a shift toward more ethical and sustainable consumption. Always do a little bit of research if you want to do this, because many brands greenwash. They say they are good for the environment, while they are not.

How to Buy Less and live a more sustainable lifestyle

1. Practice Mindful Consumption:

Before making a purchase, ask yourself whether the item is truly necessary or if it will add value to your life. Consider the environmental impact, quality, and longevity of the product. Avoid impulse buying and take your time to make informed decisions. Only go shopping when you have to buy a certain thing. If you go shopping without a reason, you will probably buy a lot of things you don’t need.

2. Adopt a “One In, One Out” Rule:

For every new item you bring into your life, consider removing one. This approach maintains balance in your possessions and prevents unnecessary accumulation. So before you go shopping for new clothes, look in your closet and see if you want to donate something. If you want to buy a new comfy blanket for the colder days, ask yourself if you still need your older blanket. You don’t need 10 different blankets and maybe you can give it to someone else.

3. Create a Shopping List:

Before heading to the store or making an online purchase, create a list of items you genuinely need. Stick to your list and avoid purchasing anything that isn’t on it. Most of the time, when something is almost empty like deodorant, shampoo, etc. I make a list of things I need to buy. I save it up for one shopping trip. If I go on several shopping trips, it will make it harder not to buy anything else.

4. Embrace Minimalism:

Minimalism is a lifestyle that advocates for owning fewer possessions and focusing on experiences and relationships. Consider adopting minimalist principles to guide your consumption choices. Minimalism does not mean you can’t own anything. People who embrace the minimalist lifestyle, still have hobbies and buy things they love. For example, a person can love books and buy them but this person might never buy something else. 

5. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity:

Invest in high-quality items that are built to last. While they may be more expensive upfront, they often save you money in the long run and reduce the need for frequent replacements. I once thought buying a cheap laptop was a good idea, but it was not. It was the worst laptop I have ever had and it was barely working. Low-quality products break more easily most of the time. Fast fashion might be cheap, but the next season you throw it away because there is a hole in your favorite shirt.

6. Borrow, Rent, or Share:

Instead of buying items that you only need occasionally, explore borrowing, renting, or sharing with friends, family, or neighbors. This reduces the demand for new products and saves you money. This is smart when you almost never use the product, but only on rare occasions. This can mean you can borrow someone’s drill or you can go to a store where they rent out dresses or suits for special occasions.

7. DIY and Repurpose:

Get creative and make your own items or repurpose existing ones. DIY projects not only save you money but also allow you to personalize your belongings. Maybe it is broken, but you can make it instead of buying something new. Or maybe you can paint it. Find out first if you can use it for something else or make it look better again. You can easily buy a sewing machine and repair your own clothes. This way you don’t have to throw away your favorite jeans/shirt.

8. Support Sustainable Brands:

Research and support brands that prioritize sustainability, ethical practices, and environmental responsibility. Your purchasing choices can encourage more companies to follow suit. If everyone would stop buying fast fashion, the fast fashion brands will change their behavior. It is a win-win situation.

Buying less is not about deprivation; it’s about living intentionally and sustainably. By reducing our consumption and making mindful choices, we can lead more meaningful lives, support ethical practices, and lessen our impact on the environment. Embrace the simplicity and sustainability that come with buying less, and you’ll find greater fulfillment and a brighter future for our planet.

Photo by Jacek Dylag on Unsplash

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<p>The post Buy Less and Live a More Sustainable Lifestyle first appeared on Bettie Toon.</p>