It’s Not Too Late To Consume Less Stuff
I came across an interesting statement the other day:
“In our society, success equals happiness and happiness, we’re told, can be fulfilled by consuming more stuff. When will we learn that more things don’t bring lasting contentment; they only fill up our homes, empty our wallets, and create havoc with our precious environment?”
-Ben Sharp, St. John’s Newfoundland (in Alive Magazine)
I agree with the sentiment, but most of us aren’t starting with a blank slate. It sounds simple, not to “consume more stuff”, and it’s a good philosophy to apply going forward—but what about past purchases, gifts, freebies, and random acquisitions? Is there a way to reverse the process, to empty our homes, fill our wallets, and care for our precious environment?
I think so.
My simple rules are these:
One in, one out. If I buy a new pair of shoes, an old pair has to go. This defeats the hoarding instinct, and helps me make shopping decisions—if I buy these ones I’m eyeing in the shop, which of the ones at home will I let go? If I don’t want to give up any of the ones I have, do I really need a new pair?
Stick to to the basics. Sell or give away appliances and tools you don’t use, and then don’t be tempted into acquiring more of them. Sales pitches are always promising that some new gadget will make your life easier, richer, or more fun. Honestly, it’s more likely to make your dusting and storage situation harder. Remember what the Story of Stuff tells us; six months after making a purchase, there is a 1% chance that you will be using the item. Raise your hand if you have a bread maker, slow cooker, electric juicer, or some sort of exercise equipment hiding and gathering dust in your space…
Recycle, every time, and everything we can. Did you know that you can rinse out your paper coffee-to-go cup and lid and put them into the recycling bins? Every little bit counts. Sometimes we have lazy moments, where it’s easier just to put things in the garbage rather than think, rinse, sort, recycle. It happens to me too; I’m not perfect. Just remember we only have one world—let’s take care of it.
