You Don’t Have to Become a Minimalist to Be Kind to the Planet
Stay true to your maximalist ways, it might be better anyway.
In the past few years, the trend of minimalism has grown and grown, appearing in all corners of the media. From Netflix documentaries to Instagram influencers, minimalism is marketed as the ideal for anyone that wants to live a simple, clutter-free life. It’s not difficult to see why minimalism has built such a loyal following since it first appeared on the scene. Not only is a minimalistic lifestyle aesthetically pleasing, but it’s also touted to help one remove distractions and focus on the simple joys of life — among a myriad of other promised benefits.
But what is minimalism? If you haven’t heard of it before, it can be described as reducing your material possessions to increase your quality of life. Most people have their own definitions of minimalism, just as the approach to minimalism varies from person to person. But, most touch on the inherent values of simplifying your life and freeing yourself from materialism and consumerism.
A quick search for “Minimalism” on Google will also yield quite a few results that follow the themes of living intentionally, easing financial burden and even lightening your environmental footprint. So it’s no surprise that minimalism has quickly gained traction within the green community. Stepping back from the draws of consumerism and making the most of what you have are some of the main tenets of people trying to live sustainably. And these values are shared by those who lead minimalist lifestyles.
But what about those of us that are self-described maximalists? Or the average household with a typical amount of stuff? Are our less-than-minimalist habits detrimental to the planet?
The answer is absolutely not.
First off, the items you already own aren’t negatively impacting the environment sitting on your shelves. Even if they were acquired in a less than sustainable way, what’s done is done. The only way these items can negatively impact the environment now is if you throw them away or get rid of them thoughtlessly. So why get rid of them at all?
I grew up in a bedroom full of knick-knacks, piles of clothes and mismatched patterns and loved every minute of it. I enjoy the feel of a cozy cluttered room filled with a hodgepodge of stacked books and little trinkets. Most of what I own brings me joy and adds value to my life for the sheer fact that I love living this way. If that sounds like you, know that there isn’t anything wrong with the way that you are living. And you can be as sustainable as any minimalist by following one simple suggestion.
Shop like a minimalist… without becoming a minimalist.
Be intentional with your purchases. Think about what you need and if the item is necessary for your happiness. Think about where it will fit in your home. I was at a thrift store with my mom last week and she gave me an excellent tip. When you’re shopping and find an item you love, never buy it without knowing exactly where it will go in your home. This keeps you from making extraneous purchases and ending up with an item you won’t use. I also suggest taking the time to think about purchases before making them. Often, a purchase that seemed perfect in the heat of the moment will lose it’s luster after you’ve slept on it for a night or two. It can also be helpful to consider the quality of the item you are purchasing and whether it will last you a long time. I always try to purchase things that I know are going to last, whether they are frivolous or something I truly need. And, as I mentioned before, making the most of what you already have is a value the green community and minimalists share. Before making a purchase always consider whether you can get by using something else you already own.
These are the sort of things that Minimalists keep in mind when purchasing new items. And the thing is, you can apply these tips to your new purchases without getting rid of all your things. Shop like a minimalist, without becoming one.
Of course, if you’re anything like me these ideas might not sound all that fun. I love purchasing new items for my home for the pure joy of it. (I’d like to think that this is driven less by consumerism and more by my love of cozy surroundings — but you’re free to make your own judgments.) So, if you do feel like adding a new item to your collection of well-loved clutter, keep these tips in mind:
Shop Thrift Stores and Antique Stores First
I bet you’re not surprised that this is my first tip. The idea of purchasing pre-loved and secondhand items is an idea that anyone interested in sustainability is well versed in. And for good reason.
Shopping second-hand rather than purchasing items new is good for the environment. Buying used reduces carbon emissions and the use of other resources involved in the manufacturing of new items. It also reduces waste and opens up space in these stores so that more items are placed on the shelves rather than sent to the landfill. Additionally, if one of your sustainability goals is to avoid packaging, that’s very easy to do in these types of stores as most items aren’t in their original boxes (just make sure to bring your re-useable bag). The environmental benefits of shopping second-hand are undeniable. And you also get unique items that you wouldn’t find anywhere else while also saving money. If you ask me it’s a win-win-win. Whether you’re looking for books, clothes, trinkets or furniture; check thrift and antique stores first.
Shop Local
It is a very beneficial thing to put money back into your local economy. Shopping at locally owned stores and from local artisans is a great way to do this. If you feel the need to purchase an item and can’t find it second-hand, think about purchasing it new from a small business in your region.
You can’t always know the origin of these products and can’t fully gauge their sustainability. But, I find that local businesses generally follow more sustainable practices than their larger counterparts. And to me, it is worth it to know that I am supporting local businesses rather than large corporations.
Some of my favorite things to purchase locally are unique pieces of art, handmade candles, and soap. These are the sort of things that might be difficult to find at a thrift store. And it’s always nice to know that even if you can’t find something second-hand you can still buy it new while making a difference in your community.
Go Online
This is especially helpful when you have something specific in mind that you want to buy or if you are in search of higher-end items. Checking websites such as Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and eBay can be helpful. This ties into the idea of shopping second-hand but rather than going to the store and picking something out that you love on any given day, you can search out exactly what you need.
Craigslist and Facebook marketplace are the best options because you can still shop in your local area and reduce carbon emissions involved in the shipping of an item. However, eBay is also a fantastic resource even if the items are shipped on their own direct to your door. Additionally, if you’re in search of higher-end items whether for your home or your wardrobe, the Real Real is a fantastic website to browse. It poses the same problem as eBay in that the items will ship directly to your door, but for pre-loved designer items, it can’t be beat.
If all else fails, buy new.
But do so thoughtfully. The number of ethical and sustainable brands is increasing every day. Purchase from brands like these, but do your research first to avoid greenwashing and dishonest companies out to make a profit. It is easiest to find sustainable and ethical clothing companies but similar companies specializing in home decor and other household necessities are out there as well. And putting in the extra effort to find them is worth it.
My biggest piece of advice when buying new? Be a conscious consumer. Use your dollar to support the companies that are working toward solutions for the environmental problems that are interwoven into the fabric of our society. Don’t give money to the big corporations if you don’t have to. As the public, one of our strongest powers beyond the power to vote itself is the power to vote with our dollar. Make your dollar count.
That is how I support my Maximalist tendencies while also living consciously and being kind to the environment. In many ways the philosophies I live by are similar to those that minimalists follow — I just have way more stuff. If you want to continue purchasing items that bring you joy while also being kind to the planet, follow my above tips. It’s not always the easiest thing to get used to and, if I’m being honest, there are many times when I don’t follow my own advice. But even changing up your habits a few purchases a month can make quite a difference. Start small and work your way up from there.
Happy shopping friends.
