How to Live a Simple and Sustainable Life
Decluttering my life wasn’t just about creating more space in my home; it unraveled into an ethos, a lifestyle that painted my actions and choices a different hue.
Here’s a curated selection of the decisions that altered my daily life. The process wasn’t easy, and the call for change often seemed at odds with convenience or the conventional. However, these committed choices have redefined my notion of living well over time.
Single-Use Plastics
My single most impactful decision was to bid farewell to single-use plastics. This was a gradual process but one that radically altered how I shop. Replacing plastic bags with reusable totes, water bottles with stainless steel, and wrapping with beeswax paper diminished my waste and forced me to think more intentionally about my purchases.
Fast Fashion
The allure of cheap, trendy clothes was inescapable. However, the environmental and labor costs associated with fast fashion are immense. By adopting a minimalist wardrobe, I championed clothes made to last, reducing both pollution and human suffering.
Impulse Buys
Impulse buying is bred from discontent and thrives on instant gratification. I’ve strenuously curtailed this habit. Now, when I want something, I pause and consider its necessity, value, and the true joy it will bring.
Trendy Home Decor
Our homes reflect our identities. For a time, I thought mine had to mirror the glossy magazines, constantly redecorated to keep up with the latest trends. Now, my home is where memories are made, not fashion statements.
Bottled Water
According to research by The Water Project, the plastic in bottled water takes over 1,000 years to biodegrade. This staggering fact catalyzed my switch to a reusable water bottle. It’s small yet profound—what was once a convenience item became a statement of conservation every time I took a sip.
Disposable Cleaning Products
The sheer number of disposable cleaning wipes I used to go through was alarming. I’ve since switched to washable microfiber cloths and homemade, non-toxic cleaning solutions. Not only is this better for the planet, but it’s also a healthier way to clean my living space.
Junk Food
Eliminating junk food was challenging, but the health benefits were worth it. I decided to bake my snacks not just to cut down on packaging waste but also to have more control over the ingredients I consume.
Brand Promotions
I no longer buy based on brand promotions. Questioning the actual worth of a deal has saved me from mountains of unnecessary purchases. I’ve discovered that value isn’t in the discount but in the product’s utility.
New Books
Old books hold their age with grace and wisdom. E-books and libraries have become my allies in the quest for knowledge. By avoiding the allure of new book purchases, I’ve placed a higher value on the stories within the covers, not the covers themselves.
Excessive Gadgets
Every year, it seemed there was a must-have gadget. By resisting the pull of frequent tech upgrades, I’ve saved money and curtailed e-waste. My devices have earned their keep, chugging along with a storied service history.
Plastic Toys and Trinkets
A child’s happiness isn’t on the latest plastic toy or disposable trinket. Imaginative play with durable, open-ended toys and nature’s treasures sparks deeper, more sustainable joy.
Non-Strategic Toiletries
Simplicity reigns in my bathroom cupboards now. I’ve replaced multiple “specialized” products with multi-use, natural alternatives, reducing the number of products lining my shelves and simplifying my routine.
Fad Diets and Supplements
The world of quick-fix diet trends and miracle supplements is a booming, billion-dollar industry. But health and sustainability are rooted in balance, moderation, and whole foods—not synthetic shortcuts that fill the coffers of Big Health.
Cheap Hi-Tech Equipment
Cheap tech initially seemed like a smart buy, but it often led to frustrations and quick replacements. Investing in higher quality, durable tech extended its lifespan and improved my user experience.
Paper Napkins and Towels
cloth napkins and towels symbolizes the broader move toward sustainability. Although minor changes may seem like small wins, they add up to a significant reduction in waste over time.
Anything Not Aligned with My Values
Ultimately, the most liberating decision was to stop buying anything unaligned with my values. This requires constantly evaluating those values and an open, reflective approach to consumer choices. It means purchases reflect not only what we desire but what we believe in.
Conclusion
Our consumption choices, from luxury to necessity, carry weight. By embodying these shifts in purchasing behavior, I’ve created a life that’s lighter, less cluttered, and aligned with the deeper values that sustain me. It’s a more straightforward and infinitely more sustainable life for my well-being and the planet.
