Do you feel overwhelmed by clutter and consumerism?
Would you like to live a more eco-friendly life but aren't sure where to begin?
Consider embracing minimalism. Contrary to popular belief, minimalist living isn't just about decluttering your physical space. It also promotes mindful consumption and a deeper connection to the natural world. This article aims to highlight the unexpected ways minimalism can help you live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. Discover the connection between minimalist and environmentalism, learn how to promote mindful consumption, connect with the natural world, and live a minimalist lifestyle. Creating a sustainable future requires working together to make a difference.
Mindfulness and sustainability are at the core of minimalism
Considering our current culture of consumerism is the first step toward understanding how minimalism and environmentalism fit together. In today's society, material possessions are valued more than anything else, and we are constantly looking for the newest technology, the hottest clothes, and the most luxurious homes. We have become obsessed with acquiring more things, resulting in an overconsumption of resources and disregarding our actions' environmental impact.
Minimalism plays a key role as living a minimalist lifestyle means opting out of consumerism culture and instead embracing a more mindful, intentional lifestyle. We are taking a step back from the constant cycle of buying, using, and discarding. Instead, we are focusing on what truly brings us joy and value in our lives—being mindful means using what we need and what brings us joy in our life. Think about it, we all have 168 hours every week. Your remaining hours are about 72 per week if you sleep about 56 hours and work full-time. There are roughly 10.5 hours left in the day, not including travel time, eating, bathroom breaks, etc. Therefore, if you own everything needed for 20 different hobbies and 15 different sports, chances are you don't do them every month.
By living a minimalist life, you become aware of this and choose the one you value the most. Don't let that stop you from snowboarding with your friends one weekend. It means renting the equipment rather than buying everything since you only go once a year. You also get to enjoy your favorite hobby when you have more time on your hands. In order to accomplish this, you need to clear your debts and be aware of where your money is going. Being mindful of your time and how you use it is also essential.
Are all those channels necessary?
Is it necessary to have all those memberships?
How many arts and crafts do you really need?
Minimalism also encourages us to consider the impact our actions have on the environment. By decluttering our physical spaces and reducing our consumption of material goods, we use fewer resources and produce less waste. We are also more likely to invest in higher-quality, sustainably-sourced products made to last rather than disposable items contributing to the environmental crisis.
Minimalists curate their wardrobes not because they lack style but because they keep what they love. According to Dr. Jennifer Baumgartner's book "You are what you wear," most women wear 20% of their clothes 80% of the time. Considering this, if you own 100 pieces of clothing, you regularly use only 20. As minimalists, we keep those 20 items that we cherish. Whenever we need something different or have a special event, we either borrow or use the one in one out technique. As a result of not buying all those other pieces, we save the environment and gain space in our homes. As clutter negatively affects our health, it also helps us live a healthy lifestyle.
We know what we own and how we use it, so minimalism and environmentalism go hand in hand. Embracing a minimalist lifestyle reduces our impact on the environment, promotes mindful consumption, and creates a more sustainable future.
Connecting with the Natural World
A minimalist lifestyle can help us become more attuned to the natural world and our place within it. As a result, we are able to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the environment around us. People who live in urban areas can significantly benefit from this. Whether hiking, gardening, or simply sitting in a park, minimalism encourages us to spend more time outdoors. Spending time in nature has numerous health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety and improving mental clarity. When we connect with the natural world, we also become more aware of our actions impact on the environment. This increased awareness can motivate us to make more sustainable choices in all areas of our lives.
Consider the feeling you get when you arrive at your chalet for the weekend— the freedom feeling and the stress leaving your body to give way to peace. The time you spend in the present moment enjoying simple things. How rested did you feel after that weekend? By implementing the minimalist lifestyle as much as possible, you'll be able to keep that feeling in your daily life.
A Minimalist Approach to Living More Sustainably
Minimalism is an efficient way of living that can greatly contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. A minimalist approach encourages you to simplify your possessions, reduce your consumption, and focus your energy on the things that matter most. The result is that you not only reduce your carbon footprint but also increase your overall health and well-being.
When you have fewer possessions, you are less likely to consume unnecessary resources and contribute to the growing landfills. Embracing the concept of "less is more" is one way to live more sustainably with minimalism. Downsizing your home or living in a smaller space is also a good way to reduce your carbon footprint. By adopting such an approach, not only is the environment helped, but also the utility bills are reduced. In addition, the time and energy spent on cleaning and maintaining the house are minimized, giving you more time to attend to your hobbies.
Spending less money and reducing waste is possible when you avoid impulse purchases. We tend to keep everything on an "in case of" basis.
In case this one breaks!
In case my child wants it!
In case we build a shed!
In case I buy a car!
In case we have a party!
In case our whole family comes all at once!
In case we invite a group of 10 for supper!
Those "in case" scenarios are irrelevant to your current situation, and most won't happen or be used.
We discussed it with a couple that had kept a huge Royal Albert set for an "in case we have a large supper." Because they are two, they need two of everything; plates, cutlery, etc. It is not typically possible to buy only two pieces, so they bought a set of four. In addition, they had their China set of 12! They told us they held onto it for ten years, moving it every time they moved. The couple told us they had only two large dinner parties at their house in ten years. They admitted purchasing paper plates for those two parties as burning them in the fire was easier than caring for the China set!
Getting rid of it taught them a valuable lesson. They felt relieved and didn’t miss it at all. Do you recognize yourself in that story? Maybe you have two vacuums just in case one breaks, but you only use one because you don't like the other? Do you own 20 mugs in case you have a tea party while living alone? Consider your situation and walk around your house with an open mind. Take the first step toward your new minimalist lifestyle. Find one thing to donate and one to sell.
If you are considering buying something new, ask yourself whether it is essential and if it aligns with your values. The Minimalist have five questions that we think are great to ask yourself when purchasing something new;
Can I afford to part with this money? If you have to charge it to a credit card, you can’t afford it.
Can I pay the actual cost? Remember, the true cost of a thing stretches far beyond the price on the price tag.
Will it add value to my life? It must serve a purpose or bring joy; otherwise, it does not add value.
What are the alternatives? In other words, is this the best use of this money? If not, then use the money elsewhere.
Can I get by without it for a while? If so, wait. Who knows—maybe a day of contemplation will help you realize you no longer want the thing you wanted. (We call this the 30/30 Rule.)
Consider supporting brands that are socially and environmentally responsible.
Decluttering your life and living more minimally can help you live an environmentally friendly and healthy lifestyle. A mindful approach to your daily habits can also help you live more sustainably with minimalism. This includes reducing water usage, energy consumption, and food waste. Using reusable bags and containers and turning off lights when not in use can significantly reduce your environmental impact. Whether it's reducing your carbon footprint, becoming more mindful of your consumption habits, or cultivating a deeper connection with the natural world, adopting a minimalist lifestyle can help you live a more eco-conscious life. Our "Minimalist My Way" course can help you, contact us for more information.
Let's get started today, shall we?
