Minimalism is in serious need of a marketing specialist.
99.99% of us – or more – will not be magnetized by the word “minimalism.” When it comes to first impressions, it sounds too harsh and austere. And not fun either.
On the other hand, “moderation” sounds far too bland and boring.
Hopefully, someone will sort this out. They will give us the perfect word for the perfect movement to get the world back in balance. The one that gets everyone all fired up and happy. It’s definitely not “global warming” or “climate change.”
You see, we’re in a pickle. According to the Center for Sustainable Economy to sustain present levels of consumption, we would need 1.5 earths.
Have you seen any extra earths around lately?
Thank goodness for minimalism. We need at least a few – well probably more than a few – dedicated to super simplicity to counterbalance everyone who is consuming in even greater than 1.5 earths style. Which is likely to be most of the developed world. Like you and me, for instance. And those folks that are consuming the equivalent of 5 or 10 earths.
How many earths are you consuming? You can find out by taking the Ecological Footprint Quiz.
Reflection: Minimalism or Moderation?
We clearly need to curtail our willy-nilly consumption.
Is moderation enough? Or do we need to go to the extreme of minimalism? Here are some thoughts from the Dalai Lama on levels of commitment.
“I feel strongly that luxurious living is inappropriate, so much so that I must admit that whenever I stay in a comfortable hotel and see others eating and drinking expensively while outside there are people who do not even have anywhere to spend the night, I feel greatly disturbed. It reinforces my feeling that I am no different from either the rich or the poor. We are the same in wanting happiness and not to suffer. And we have an equal right to that happiness. As a result, I feel that if I were to see a workers’ demonstration going by, I would certainly join in. And yet, of course, the person who is saying these things is one of those enjoying the comforts of the hotel. Indeed, I must go further. It is also true that I possess several valuable wristwatches. And while I feel that if I were to observe a strictly vegetarian diet not only would I be setting a better example, but I also would be helping to save innocent animal’s lives. So far I have not and therefore must admit a discrepancy between my principles and my practice in certain areas. At the same time, I do not believe everyone can or should be like Mahatma Gandhi and live the life of a poor peasant. Such dedication is wonderful and greatly to be admired. But the watchword is “As much as we can”—without going to extremes.”
-from Ethics for the New Millennium by His Holiness the Dalai Lama
This book was written in 2000. The Dalai Lama was fully cognizant of climate change at the time. He referred to the greenhouse effect as a “massive looming disaster.”
Perhaps his message about levels of commitment would be even stronger today, eleven years later. Or maybe he simply knows that people need what they feel is a doable agenda in order to step up and respond.
Give Me the Numbers
I’m a numbers girl. In fact, I think we all need numbers to guide us. I would like someone to tell me and the rest of the world, “You have to cut your consumption by 50%.” Or 25%. Or 75%. It might be difficult, but at least it would be clear. And, therefore, in my mind, doable.
There really is no time to lose. Climate change is already killing people.
In reference to the agreements made at the conclusion of the recent Cancun Climate Summit held in December 2010, science writer and world explorer Gaia Vince tells us,
“From the lack of any real binding commitment to act on the model data predictions presented by climatologists, I can only conclude that global leaders – and perhaps the public at large – simply don’t believe the threats to the planet’s humans.
Climate change is already happening, as I have seen on this two-year journey through the developing world. It is already killing people.
Unfortunately, the world doesn’t have time for this kind of autistism: even if countries were to act on the loose agreements made this morning (and they are under no obligation to do so), we would still be looking at 4 degrees of warming – something that would kill millions.
The world is not a stage: this is real.”
Minimalism isn’t necessarily about saving the world, but it could help. We’re all different. Maybe there’s not one single magic word that will reach all of us. Maybe it’s the mix of all these different angles that will make the difference. Minimalism, moderation, simplicity, eco-friendly, green living, carbon footprint, climate change, spiritual awareness, deep ecology, saving a buck, concern for our children, poverty and starvation.
They are all worthwhile concerns. We need them all. But most of all, we need to take over consumption seriously.
Minimalism vs. moderation? What do you think? What motivates you?
A Few Fabulous and Fun Minimalists
Thanks for reading. If you enjoy this entry, please spread the word by using the share buttons below. And, I would love to hear from you in the comments. Thanks! I appreciate your support. Sandra
Great Post Sandra. While I diagree with Global Warming. I used to think that was what is happening. But lately i’m more conviced in the next ice age.
Despite this I’m all for reducing are levels of consumption. I don’t think we really need to have and used so much of Mother “Earth’s resources just to show the world we can.
Personally I have always been more impressed with those who can less with less like Jeasus and Buddha. I do think that most people would be offended if they had to stop living like aristocrats. As such I’m for minimalism or voluntary simplicity.
Hi Gary,
I guess that’s the great debate > ice age vs. people-made climate change. In either case, the reality is that we are still consuming more resources than are available so some steps need to be taken and this is alarming.
I too prefer simplicity. Hopefully it will remain voluntary rather than forced due to circumstances!
I appreciate hearing your perspective. Stay well.
Sandra,
I’ve been embracing this idea of minimalism over the last year or two. Note that these are steps in that direction for me. Still, it feels good. And the “feel good”, it’s more than a feel good moment over helping our planet. It’s also as if my life feels less cluttered, and I’m more aware of what truly matters to me. Wonderful thoughts – it is so good to be a steward of good in this world, and this is most definitely a way to do that.
Lance,
You are really pointing to the heart of minimalism ~ moving out the clutter so we can see what truly matters. That itself initiates positive change and transformation.
Hi Dear Sandra,
This is a thoughtful post. I am commenting here as I feel the same as Lance. I love to live minimally and hope to do even more so over the next few years.
The thing that had always motivated me to live in this was is that it FEELS so much more soothing, less cluttered, less complicated, more ease-ful and light of spirit. I can think more clearly, see more clearly and remember who I really am.
I find my priorities are more visible and in order of true importance for me. I do not become as overwhelmed and I KNOW what is meaningful to me. I just feel freer, more spacious.
As you know, I’ve lived minimally a lot of my life so I find it easy to do. I could walk out with almost nothing and I would not fear. I think I would tend to see it more as a grand adventure, a new beginning, a challenge, as test of courage and faith.
You are a wonderful soul, Sandra, the way you ponder various issues from so many angles. I love that about you.
I’ve been running very slowly lately due to the fact that my blog was badly hacked and we are trying to sort it out. Finally looks like we discovered a good wordpress tech. Hope to be up and running again soon.
Thank you, dear friend, for being the marvel that you are.
Hugs always,
Robin
Robin,
You’ve expressed the benefits of simplicity so beautifully! It makes my heart happy just to read about all the benefits it has brought you, and, I know, others as well.
“…it FEELS so much more soothing, less cluttered, less complicated, more ease-ful and light of spirit. I can think more clearly, see more clearly and remember who I really am.”
It makes me want to jump up and simplify more right now!
I’m sorry your blog got hacked so badly. My husband’s blog got hacked to, but no significant damage. He was able to get it back functioning in a relatively short amount of time. I hope your tech will be a magician.
Thinking of your today when speaking to a friend who just got back from the bush. Yep, with the snakes and wallabies!
All my love to you.
Sandra,
I hate to be wishy-washy but both minimalism and moderation motivates me. I believe both can be practiced at the same time. For example, I try to do things simply while doing with less. Make sense?
Alex
Alex,
You seem to be the last person to be wishy-washy. There’s no danger there. It’s makes sense to do things simply while doing with less. I gather you are equating simplicity with moderation. In my mind minimalism implies doing with the least possible and moderation is more in the middle. That’s how I see the difference.
I like the image of doing simply with less. Very nice!
I wish this post didn’t make me sad, Sandra. It is a wonderful laying out of the facts and exploration of the levels at which we can each engage in saving our planet, but people want what they want. I know when I smoked, I knew it could kill me but I did it anyway. They want their cars, their meat, their luxuries and their life as is. Change will come when they are forced to change because there’s nothing left or when their mindset changes to one of embracing simplicity, moderation … whatever they choose to call it to make it work for them. Scary stuff really because people don’t like change.
Katie,
It’s sad to say that your assessment may be accurate and realistic. I’m always optimistic and imagine there is a way to touch people to move them. Your point about people not liking to change is an insightful one. I read the other day on Mary Jaksch’s blog how we are oriented toward homeostasis. There seems to be a built-in factor that makes change difficult.
I realize I need to keep focusing on myself, my own shortcomings, and my own actions. If we all do that, the world may gradually change.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Hi Sandra,
Depending on the situation, sometimes extraordinary times require extraordinary measures to restore balance. Hopefully we as humans wake up before it is too late and we are forced to take extreme measures to save our planet. So it really depends on the place we are talking about. In the developed world, we could all work towards moderation and for those areas where it is necessary and unnecessary, we could gear towards minimalism.
Of course, not everyone will see the need for this. But for those of us who do, we should try to do our part where possible and hopefully influence others around us. Alone we may not be able to accomplish much, but by our example and through those who know and follow us, we could well make a significant difference. Maybe we could start a movement on this blog, discuss what measures to take and commit to doing our part. As the starfish story suggests, it’s the little things we do that matter.
I agree that numbers are always helpful. When it comes to setting any goal, the more specific we are, the likelier we’ll be to reach our goals because we know exactly what to do. Vague statements only get vague results.
Even if it is not about saving the world, there is never any sense in going to extremes especially when it comes to our habits and actions. Over-consuming will only lead to health problems which we can avoid if we had more self-control in the first place.
I would like to end with a favourite quote of mine from the I-Ching:
“Unlimited possibilities are not suited to man; if they existed, his life would only dissolve in the boundless. To become strong, a man’s life needs the limitations ordained by duty and voluntarily accepted. The individual attains significance as a free spirit only by surrounding himself with these limitations and by determining for himself what his duty is.”
Thank you for sharing this article!
Irving the Vizier
Hi Irving,
Your words remind me that it’s not all in my hands or in any one person’s hands. Every person has to take responsibility for their own life. It may come to extreme measures. I can’t avert that possibility on my own. People have been writing about this crisis since the 50′s at least. It’s hard for people to hear.
I don’t know the Starfish story, but it sounds like one I would like. There does seem to be a groundswell of people doing “the little things we do that matter” with change building gradually.
I like your clarity: “Vague statements will only get vague results.”
There is so much wisdom in the I-Ching. Thanks for sharing this quotation, which imparts the wisdom we need to hear now.
Hi Sandra,
Here is the Starfish Story.
Hi Sandra,
Here is the Starfish Story: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art8236.asp
I love that story! Thank you!
Since Buddhism is the middle way, perhaps moderation is the key. But moderation, in a certain context, might be, in fact, minimalism. (I’m assuming there is something more extreme than minimalism–is there?)
As for marketing, it appears that the concept of simplicity is very successful. Is that the same as minimalism? Close enough?
I found the Dalai Lama’s personal struggle so … well, human. I heard a Christian minister say recently that the existence of homelessness in our society directly contradicts Christianity. He said it more eloquently than that, but I think he was expressing the same sentiment as the Dalai Lama.
Hi Galen,
Minimalism can be pretty extreme, but not always. Some people try to reduce their belongings to less than 50. They do this because it brings so much more simplicity and happiness to their lives. But minimalism can look more like moderation too.
I myself find the word simplicity most appealing.
I think it’s this quality of being truly “human” that sets a great spiritual teacher apart. Thanks for reflecting that point.
Whatever our motivation, we must all do what we think is possible for us to do as individuals in our own lives. What we must not do is give in to the feeling that whatever we do will make no difference.
Global warming or new Ice Age – does it really matter? Whatever it is, in my opinion, it is directly related to human overconsumption and the ravaging of this one beautiful planet we have.
I subscribe to the view that for most people, consumerism is a vain attempt to fill the void created by the lack of a spiritual dimension in their lives. If only this could be addressed, then “things and stuff” become completely irrelevant and simplicity is oh so appealing.
Stella,
You’ve underlined such an important point: “What we must not do is give in to the feeling that whatever we do will make no difference.” it’s easy to give way to that feeling, but as more people participate we feel less alone.
The spiritual dimension does indeed transform our view of all of this. Like you, I’m in accord with the notion that we fundamentally need a spiritual revolution to truly change the world.
I really appreciate your perspective.
Hi Sandra! I love how you say that minimalism sounds too harsh and austere and that it needs a marketing make over.
I like the word moderation. In life I’m trying to achieve balance instead of extremes. It’s just my personal preference not a judgment on how others prefer to live. It seems to work best for me. This goes with for the earth and possessions. This could change as my perceptions of my life and the world evolves. 
Thanks for making me explore my values today. Loving blessings!
Andrea,
Moderation has so much value in so many ways! I appreciate the way you avoid judgment. That’s a helpful reminder. Thank you for that. I’m glad you are finding that moderation and balance work well in your life.
I’m afraid humans will not stop ruining the planet until it is in our economic interest to do so. Virtually every pivotal change in society occurs only after a breaking point is reached. Humans are basically incapable of thinking seriously about the future because we focus so much energy on the here and now.
How about miniration or moderationism? No, probably not.
Bob,
Addressing the monetary factor is no doubt key in bringing any change about.
“Miniration” is so cute! Moderationism is still too bland for me. Thanks for your creativity.
Sandra Lee: I agree with you that something more is needed to promote minimalism. I have been reading and trying to learn more and more about it recently and for me, it just points to the importance of having everything in balance in your life. I really thought that quote you shared from the Dalai Lama was interesting and thought provoking. Thanks for sharing.
Sibyl,
I think balance is another keyword and I’m glad you mentioned it. All minimalist are not bare bones. I’m glad you are reminding us of that.
I found this quote thought provoking too!
Thanks for your comment.
A lot of what I see in minimalism doesn’t appeal to me at all — from its purge parties to its strict item counts and edgy, competitive ascetism. (I don’t know why the word self-flagellation just popped into my head.) In some ways, it reminds me of anorexia: there’s so much attention paid to what one isn’t having.
You already know that I fall on the side of moderation, but even more than that, I advocate conscious appreciation. I will never strip my life to 100 absolutely essential objects, but I do appreciate the beauty and sensory appeal of what I have — as well as its environmental cost. These two factors sharply limit what I choose to bring into my house.
The earth doesn’t have enough resources for mindless consumption. But respectful appreciation and enjoyment? I think so.
Very beautiful expressed, Jennifer! “Conscious appreciation” is a wonderful phase and an excellent contemplation to weave into our life too.
There are some minimalists who are fun and fabulous and not anorexic at all. But, like you, I have also seen this tendency and the possibility of becoming overly self-focused in yet a new way.
I will be reflecting on respectful appreciation and enjoyment this week. Thank you for introducing this new slant into my thinking.
I agree with Jennifer 100%!
“I do appreciate the beauty and sensory appeal of what I have — as well as its environmental cost. These two factors sharply limit what I choose to bring into my house.
The earth doesn’t have enough resources for mindless consumption. But respectful appreciation and enjoyment? I think so.”
I couldn’t have expressed that better.
I’m in the moderation camp, but realize that the message of moderation to the masses will likely not move humanity toward the desired results. We are procrastinators by nature, so unless there is a dire need to do something, many will put the actions of doing so off until some future date.
If you tell someone they will need a new roof on their home sometime soon, there is no urgency of the moment. Some will even wait until the first leak appears.
On the other hand, if the message is delivered in an alarmist fashion it may take on lesser importance by those already in doubt. In the end, education is the key. I think a large part of this problem is perception and old habits.
My attitudes have shifted in recent years in terms of “collecting” things, but my love for gadgets and technology will keep me in moderation mode.
Enjoyed the post, Sandra.
Jimi,
You made me smile. My husband also loves gadgets and technology, but he too is aiming for more simplicity.
You too have a realistic view of humanity’s habitual tendencies! It’s a good balance to my tendency to over-optimism. Thanks for sharing these thoughts.
Sandra, I sort of happened upon the minimalist concept before it became the latest internet trend. Now, mind you, I am far from “stuff-less.” My entire life, I’ve struggled with being a pack rat. I held onto stuff I’d never use, all because “I might need it someday.”
But, it began to get to me just how much money I wasted on stupid things I didn’t need. I always felt “buyer’s remorse over them, and they never satisfied. I’d much rather have my favorite songs with me on a small iPod than 800 CDs piling the walls of my house (well, my wife didn’t like the CDs piling the house either). It has been amazing what cutting back on STUFF has done for me. I’m more flexible and my mind is more at ease because I don’t have to keep worrying about keeping up with the Joneses. Thanks for sharing. Great post.
Bryan,
I love your story. It’s really an inspiration. Simplifying can really lighten our load and you can testify to this from your own experience. I am so happy you shared how good the shift has been for you.
Interesting post, Sandra.
Personally, I don’t know that what we call it matters one whit. Man’s arrogance is such that our politicians and corporations will continue to put PROFIT before PLANET and GREED before GREEN.
Despite my lack of optimism for peaceful coexistence between mankind and Earth, voluntary simplicity has been part of my life since 1997.
We’ve gone from living in a 4200 sq. ft. home to a 1200 sq. ft. home. We pared down our possessions to what we need, use, or love. We never engage in “retail therapy.”
We have reduced our energy consumption to $100 a month (from an average of $250 a month). We haven’t flown in 10 years. My car gets 42 mpg. We recycle everything we can. We buy local organic food. We’ve been vegetarians for 13 years.
I’ve discussed many of these changes on SLTW. I also did a series for Earth Day on No Impact Man. If you’re interested:
http://nrhatch.wordpress.com/2010/04/13/no-impact-man-gradual-change/
There are links to about 5 other articles in the post.
Hi nrhatch. I’m going to jump in Before Sandra has a chance. I really like how you have made a great change in your life. I especially like the reduction in the size of your house. I’m sure it is much easier to keep warm or cool compared to the 4200 square foot thing. That makes more sense than a giant mcmansion.
But your first paragraph said it all. Our glorious leaders in government and the mega-corporations don’t want us to realize that the large amount of stuff will not and never will bring true happiness and satisfaction. Stella earlier pointed out how our lack of spiritual depth is the factor. I fully agree with that. Our mega-corps don’t want people to find genuinely fulfilling lifestyles. Simply because if people did they would no longer be in control of the world and would themselves have to deal with their own hollow interiors. Why else would they need a million dollars or maore a year excluding extra goodies like stock options.
Well that’s my take on this wonderful discussion.
I agree Gary and Nancy, but the government and mega-corporations are just made up of people too. Therefore, there is hope.
Nancy,
Real-life example like yours are such an inspiration. They really help others get a handle on what to do and how to go about it. These are many of these steps that I’ve taken too. My goal is to be growing about 75% or more of our vegetables by the end of the year. It’s going well, my cucumumber plant started to flower today. Woo-hoo!
Thanks for telling us about all the positive changes you’ve made. You probably have a realistic assessment of the world. I tend to be over optimistic. On the other hand, we seem to be at least slowly moving in the right direction.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Some days I’m more optimistic than others.
Watching Obama cave on issue after issue has satisfied me that politicians are big fat liars who enjoy the POWER, PRESTIGE, and POMP & CIRCUMSTANCE without the forward thinking ideals that made this country great.
Like the Roman Empire, we are collapsing. The Oprahs and Waltons of the world insist on their mega-mansions and private jets while those at the bottom of the chain struggle to pay for food, clothing, and shelter. They should be ashamed of themselves.
Walmart is a disgrace. Factory Farming is inhumane, nasty, and disgusting ~ horrible for the animals, terrible for the planet, and unhealthy for consumers. Sarah Palin is still chanting, “Drill Baby Drill,” even after the devastation in the Gulf of Mexico.
Canada is clubbing baby seals, Japan is corraling dolphins for slaughter. Chimpanzees, apes and monkeys are killed for meat. Florida’s panthers and manatees are nearing extinction ~ racing with polar bears and whales.
It’s been FORTY years since the first Earth Day and the powers that be still insist on RAPING the earth to line their pockets. Instead of moving toward Clean, Green Technology ~ like pure electric cars ~ they insist on sticking with dirty, profit making technologies like coal, oil, and gas.
We could power the world with the sun, the wind, and the sea.
But that would mean a shift from the powers that be.
Returning control of our future to you and me.
No wonder they’re dragging their feet ~ if we stop looking to them for answers, and buying their pollution filled products, they’d be out on the streets looking for real jobs.
That said, if you want to move in the direction of minimalism/ voluntary simplicity, don’t worry about the numbers.
Just keep making one change after another, moving from where you are to where you want to be. Get rid of STUFF you don’t need. Move to smaller digs. Get a more efficient car. Drive less. Recycle more. Etc.
Don’t stop til you’re done.
Nancy,
I love your passion and clarity. Thanks for highlight the situation so clearly.
I’m not a full on minimalist, but I already live quite simply myself and, as best I can, don’t use products that contain environmental chemicals.
I’m not worried about the numbers in my own case. Like the Vizier, I think numbers give us clarity and help us achieve our goals. This is why I am posing the question.
Thanks for expanding further. Your thoughts illuminate so much.
I think that many times numbers give “faux clarity.”
If you decide to write 1000 words a day ~ that’s relatively clear. But if you decide to reduce consumption by 50% ~ how are you going to measure that?
By volume
By cost
By number of items owned
And how much time will it take to track the reduction and see if you are “on track.”
In contrast, we can just start doing it, without getting caught up in the numbers game. Less stuff. Less power. Less shopping. Less driving. Less travel.
Less. It’s more.
Excellent article, and very timely.
Over ten years ago, the fishery catch failed to keep up with fish replenishment. In other words, we eat more fish than fish species can reproduce. This finding was issued by the World Watch Institute in 1994. Seventeen years later, the government agencies are not doing enough to restrict fishing. It is up to us to restrict seafood eating.
Kathleen
Kathleen,
This is a real eye-opener. Thanks for telling us about this.
It’s nice to “see” you. Wishing you the best.
My husband and I dropped out of the consumer driven society completely. We have been living a very frugal and simple draw water from the well, split wastewood slabs for firewood, grow your own food, work at home lifestyle for over 30 years now.
What we find is that there’s a lot of greewashing going on everywhere. We also notice that many who claim they are living green lives aren’t. The truth is most people we know would not pass our test for “minimalist liefstyle” and would find that living our lifestyle for a month would “pinch” them very hard.
How the insatiablee desire for more, more, more has and is affecting this planet that sustains us is raising and as awareness spreads we do expect to see a ripple effect. Let’s hop it’s not too little to late.
timethief,
Greenwashing is truly a significant problem. I tend to be gullible, which is not a good thing in this regard. I’m glad that you mentioned it here.
We do a significant amount of our shopping at the Farmer’s Market. But I need to buy some things from the Health Food store. The same questions come up when I look around a Health Food store. Do we need all these packaged foods and exotic items flown in from all over the world? Not to mention the greenwashing presented by many products there.
I probably wouldn’t be able to manage your lifestyle myself. I’m glad it is a rewarding one for you. I’m not a minimalist, but I do my best to live simply and consciously.
Thanks for these added thoughts. They are important ones.
Hi Sandra,
Please delete my first version of this comment with the typos that I cannot see when typing into the tiny comment boxes. This is a version I created offline so it would be error free.
IMHO the crux of the problem is one we are not inclined to face. It’s the reluctance we have to face the reality that the American dream and the tryanny of entitlement it peoduces has led to planetary poisoning and destruction.
Our so-called first world countries have embraced the never ending growth model — perpetaul growth is unsustainable and yet it’s the ecomonic strategy that’s the
order of the day.
We citizens of so-called first world nations feel we are entitled to resources that are not situate in our own countries. Corporate
acquistions and war ensure we get what we think we cannot live without. Corporate kingmakers pull the strings on our politicians as they do the denial dance.
We have a patterned behavior of raising each generation with the expectation that they deserve to be and will be more wealthy than their parents were.
This is an insane self deluding cycle and if we truly do wish to become sustainable societies, then the insanity must stop.
I say this with kindness but I pull no punches here. I know that you and many others could manage very well if you chose to live my lifetsyle. I know that is a very hard choice to make and I know why that is. We are back to the feeling of entitlement.
I am sad to find that so many bloggers in the personal development, self improvement and green living niches appear to be comfortably well off upwardly mobile people. I feel lonely and I sure hope they are not
rising another generation that feels untitled to more and better than what their parents have. What a conundrum we are faced with.
I’m definitely not upwardly mobile so you are not entirely alone!
I really take heed of what you are saying here. It really underlines just how serious the situation is. Clarity is very important. At the same time, all those in charge are people too. I believe the only way to truly undue all this is with kindness and clarity.
I forgot to post my score: Congratulations, you are living an ecologically conscientious lifestyle.
If everyone lived like you do, we would need only 0.68 Earths.
Fabulous!
Honestly, the main reason why I find minimalism attractive is because of personal reasons.
For example, I have found that being a minimalist brings me more clarity.
I don’t practice minimalism how most people would understand it, though. I haven’t cut down my property to 100 things and probably just wouldn’t do something like that.
Especially as someone who lived in poverty for years (by German standards), I’m sick always having to have less!
I believe minimalism is not about consuming as little as possible, it’s about cutting out the clutter from your life: the clutter in our consumption habits, of course, but also the clutter in our thoughts, friendships, apartments and daily routines.
It’s about going for what’s important and positive and cutting out everything that’s less important or negative. It’s about going for quality instead of quantity! In our consumption and in the rest of our lifes.
The funny thing is that minimalism makes me feel more abundant – and that’s one of the main reasons why I’m motivated to maintain it. Without the personal benefits of minimalism I wouldn’t have a strong enough reason to practice it and I guess that’s true for most people.
If you want people to act more responsible towards the planet, you have to show them that living a responsible life doesn’t only help somebody else or the planet but that it also has big benefits for you – right now and not in 50 years!
I’m planning to write an article about the benefits of minimalism in the future – so thanks for the reminder!
Alice
Alice,
I think you are absolutely correct. The best way to make an impact on most people is to show them the immediate benefits.
You’ve really outlined the benefits of minimalism very well. Many people practice minimalism for exactly the reasons that you have listed. This is why they love it so! Thanks for contributing this perspective on minimalism.
Everything in moderation I say. Took the quiz and if everyone lived like me, one would have to look for real estate on 5 different planets. Good post as always!
That’s amazing, Lisa. You are living with such a reduced income. I find it hard to believe you are consuming 5 planets!
Hi Sandra, that quiz was very eye opening! I live more sustainably than 95% of the people I know, and still I rated 5 earths. I plan to further cut down my consumption as I am able, but I know I am unusual. I agree with Bob that most people won’t cut back until they feel monetary pain. The Western lifestyle got this way because it’s convenient. I think you’re right that minimalism needs a makeover.
I think that economic push is coming sooner rather than later due to scarcity. New Scientist came out with a graph in 2007 that showed we only have a few decades left of basic materials like copper and tin. Unless we plan to mine the moon, humans will have to conserve and recycle in the future, like it or not.
Hi Jennifer,
“Eye-opening” is the perfect word to describe that quiz. It’s illuminated my thinking in so many ways and I’m so glad it came through my twitter stream. It’s also very educational.
In my eyes, the quiz shows how dire the situation is and that we will need to cut back much farther than we might have ever imagined. It’s like a date with reality. Chances are that having a car and single family home is going to immediately up one’s score.
Thanks for this information from New Scientist. It’s amazing how difficult it is to turn the tide when there’s all this clear information that’s been spewing forth for decades.
I genuinely appreciate your openness and voluntary simplicity.
I jut took the test. I can’t believe my score is high 3.72 earth. I did have some trouble answering some of the questions. Because I’m staying at my aunt and uncles’s mcmansion. Some questions like the size of the number of garbage bins was tricky as I don’t contribute that much to the overall garbage. Such questions makes me feel sad. Also living in Southern California even as a non driver I still listed the amount of travel others give me. This would be a difficult test for many with severe disabilities to do well on.
Gary,
The test is simple, but I too found it challenging to answer some of the questions since my husband and I have different style and approaches. He’s a vegetarian and I’m not for example.
It’s probably just a matter of fact, that most people with severe disabilities require more resources than the average person. Any enlightened society would take that into account and adjust for this. My health issues also mean that I sometimes use resources that I wouldn’t normally need to use.
Thanks for bringing in this perspective. It adds another angle.
Thank you for the recommendation, Sandra! I look away from my blogroll for a couple of days, and then suddenly I see this
I took the footprint quiz and scored 2.99 earths. Not impressive. So I clicked on reducing the footprint button and read the suggestions. Unfortunately the ones I don’t do will cost money we don’t have to implement, such as tankless water heater, solar panels, etc. And I’m not going to fill a landfill with my existing old furniture in order to buy more made of sustainable wood. Our utility monopoly does not allow for the purchase of renewable energy, either. Nonetheless it is an eye-opening quiz, and shows just how big of a job it will be to stop killing our planet.
Meg,
It’s my pleasure to recommend your blog. It’s a cozy place with tons of practical support and information.
The quiz is eye-opening, isn’t it! Of course, the quiz can’t take every variable into account like the case of your furniture. Seems to me you should get a few points there! I found it very educational as you illustrate here. It’s a great tool for seeing changes that can be made to reduce one’s footprint. Cost can indeed be an obstacle to making some of these changes. But maybe that will change in the future. I found may additional small steps in the quiz that I could take so that’s one way to start.
I agree with your conclusion though. We are in big doo-doo.
Thank you for the entry, Sandra.
A roundtrip intercontinental flight (15000 km =10000 miles) a year is already unsustainable.
If you try your very best and won’t commute at all except that flight you would gain 1,08 earthes.
We all should stop travelling?
That’s an excellent question, Pavel. And I think it’s the kind of question we do need to ask ourselves.
I want to take some time to play with the quiz and see what comes up ~ like the fact that one flight would = 1.08 earths. IMO, We need to get real and know the real effects of our activities. We can make smarter choices if we educate ourselves – for our self and for the world.
I really appreciate your math and your comment. Thanks.
Sandra,
Great post! One idea we use is for people to live humbly. I agree with you that even that term does not produce much excitement for change like minimalism or moderation. Even though “Humility is strong, not bold; quiet, not speechless; sure, not arrogant.” says Estelle Smith.
I think the reason none of those terms are exciting is due to our human nature for selfishness. We like it when the marketers tell us that we can have it “my way, right away”. Hearing that the “customer is always right” makes us feel important. Hearing that there is a bigger spiritual, environmental, or social reason to do something besides what I want to do is not as exciting. We like to do what We want to do.
I don’t suggest that we start marketing the selfish reasons for living humbly, even though marketers play on our most base nature. But we can share the truth of the situation and be content with the limited reaction understanding that “…wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:13-14
Keep up the good work,
Eric
Eric,
Thanks for adding this entirely new slant. I agree, humility or living humbly is probably not going to win a grand prize in any marketing contest. But I like the idea very much.
That’s an amazing quote from Matthew. Thanks so much for sharing it. And thanks for all your work to help people live debt free.
Hi Sandra,
I agree that living minimally may appear to take the joy and fun out of life, but there are social websites right now that make it more fun and easier by helping us reach out to our ‘real communities’.
My husband and I have recently joined SplitStuff.com to help us find, invite, and organize other like-minded people in our community for green projects such as bulk buying of organic produce, splitting ownership of durable equipment we seldom use, and other green ideas. We just started doing this with a few neighbors we’ve known a long-time but ‘slowly’ new people from our community are joining in.
So I do appreciate your post because it voiced out the doubts and feelings many of us go through when we decide to live more sustainably when others around us are ‘slow’ to change. And hopefully many more people will share their ideas on how to keep the motivation to be green and the enthusiasm to share green ideas alive and strong.
Annette
Hi Annette,
I agree it only sounds un-fun, but actually it can be a lot of fun. As you point out, there are so many resources available to support and simplify the process. Thanks for sharing the Split Stuff resource with us. It seems like there are new and wonderful ideas emerging everyday. I love the spirit of sharing and the sense of community you evoke. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment. Wishing you well.
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