How to Buy Essentially Nothing for a Year: My Story and Guide to Mapping Your Own Journey into Buying Essentially Nothing

by Elizabeth Chai

Genres: Nonfiction

180 pages, Paperback

Published January 13, 2026

Reviews

[emma mansanti · Rating 5 out of 5]

The blending of personal experience and practical advice was the perfect balance! The concept sounds so intimidating at first but was broken down in a way that allowed me to think about the principles and how to apply them to my life. Such a cool way to live out your values and not be ruled by wants, very inspiring!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great, quick read, with opportunity to really dive into the workbook pages - also the creative illustrations really rounded out the reading experience. I felt like the author was sitting next to me telling the stories and sharing her experience, and without making assumptions of where the reader was coming from. Well worth the read if you're at all considering bringing down your consumption, or just want an inspiring story!

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to delightful to read my friend’s book! Vulnerable, clear and well written, I love the beautiful illustrations and encouraging ways to make this your own practice!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! This book is personal, practical and almost spiritual about the power of questioning - and then doing something radical! - about our materialism. This is a non-judgemental, choose-your-own-adventure take on how to reduce both the stuff in our lives and our attachment to things that don't actually offer us the meaning or value we are seeking. Beautifully designed too.

[Caroline Niziol · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful, engaging, moving book. I found more than practical tips on owning less stuff and avoiding the easy fix of consumerism — Liz also shares her own story and talks candidly about the challenges she's faced. Her writing is down-to-earth and friendly, with none of the pretension you can sometimes find in more minimalist spaces.

Highly recommended!

[Awjtf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful book!

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good place for me to start NOT buying, in an effort to make my life more like I want it to be. First up: consider and create my values and goals to decide what is important for me.