In this world of consumerism, overflowing with noise and things, choosing simplicity has become a radical act of love for the earth. It is difficult to say NO to things that our eyes tell our brains that we want. A question has to be asked, and a reflection has to be done concerning the excessive consumption that we find ourselves carrying out to avoid straining our lives and Earth's resources.
As difficult as making a decision is, a minimalist mindset begins with a conscious decision to live with intention. Many may think that minimalism is about owning a few things and buying cheaper things irrespective of their quality, but nah! Far from it. The mindset plays a very crucial role in supporting sustainability and care for the earth. Therefore, it is about making thoughtful choices that align with our values, thereby reducing our impact on the planet. However, in being a minimalist or practising minimalism, you are already caring not just for yourself but also for the earth because by embracing simplicity, you and I would be making room for things that only matter while leaving behind the habits that add to waste and environmental harm.
In order to create a minimalist mindset that supports sustainability, I think awareness is the first step. Last week I was at the market to get some foodstuff, and then my eyes caught these very cute onion leaves. They were fresh and had big purple balls of onions. At that point I began to think about what I could use them for at the moment, and even though I didn't have a need for them, I was willing to create one in order for me to purchase them. After much consideration, there wasn't any need, so I began to think the 'just in case' thought, but a thought crossed my mind: 'What if I don't get to use it and it gets bad? Isn't that promoting consumerism?' And that was when I decided to let it go; I could get it when there is a need. Taking a moment to think and question my decisions on things has made me become so mindful of my decisions; it always opens my eyes to see how I can easily break into a pattern of excess consumption. I have simplified my lifestyle choices, quality over quantity, reusing reusable and also locally made products that reduce our carbon footprint.
I have this shift in perspective: I don't find satisfaction in material possessions, but they don't move me nor define me. I find meaning and satisfaction in personal growth, experience, relationships, and a clear space. I took the invitation which minimalism offered me, and that is to consume consciously, to appreciate the beauty of less and focus on the essentials by taking only that which I need, leaving more resources for others.
I encourage others to adopt this mindset by displaying what I want them to adopt. People are more inspired by what they see; I mean, they are moved to make an attempt when they see rather than when they hear. My neighbour once entered my kitchen, and to her greatest surprise, she was shocked to see that I reuse empty containers of milk, Milo, candies, margarine, etc. to store items like salt, seasoning cubes, spices, detergent, etc. She said she never thought of using those reusable containers in the kitchen; she packs them to sell to people who buy them. But seeing how beautifully and organised it made my cupboard, she learnt and adopted something new. If people are easily moved by what they see, I would continue to showcase how decluttering, reusing items and reducing plastic use which brings purpose and peace. The goal is to make sustainability feel accessible and rewarding, not restrictive or guilt-driven.
My very first outreach is my beautiful family, my extended family, neighbours and close friends because they are the people who often see my habits, my lifestyle and are most influenced by my choices. The other day I put hubby to a challenge of Decluttering his shoes. It was beginning to need another shoe rack. I mean, there were shoes he hadn't worn since he bought them, especially one brown leather shoe. He loves it but doesn't like how it looks on him and never seemed to find a matching outfit for it. He took on the challenge; after he had decluttered by giving to those who need them, he had more space and satisfaction. I think putting up a challenge not a competition, can spark up interest and also show that sustainability is both meaningful and fun. I have in mind to extend my reach to my locality by collaborating with others so as to organise neighbourhood clean-up days.
Images are mine.