Why the planet needs minimalism
I recently learned about sustainable fashion, having already considered how other necessities can be eco-friendly. I reached my own opinion about the situation. As much as companies and other structures must change how they operate, we need to transform the mindsets of people who consume more than they need. Our culture needs minimalism.
Most people now know that the fashion industry is one of the most unsustainable industries in the world. People also know that other consumption is too much. And there is a following of people, mostly younger, who switched to eco lifestyles however possible. But the world needs change from the hesitant types who do things how they always did. And the world needs the shopaholics to change even more. It needs to go beyond a niche. It’s time for a cultural revolution.
We need to make minimalism mainstream. It’s the smaller normalised habits that we don’t think about. It’s the consumption. We need a new normal that feels good. When someone has a birthday, what do you do? Buy new wrapping paper? Go shopping for a new item they might possibly like? Buy a new outfit to wear at a birthday party? This might seem normal in today’s world. But there is another way. Make or buy some reusable cloth gift wraps. Or reuse paper for wrapping instead. I like the plain brown paper that comes in Amazon boxes and other deliveries. You could decorate it for a personalised look. Try giving things that are genuinely needed, instead of just buying any stuff. Does the birthday person have everything they need? Give a jar of trail mix. You can actually buy pre-portioned jars of dry ingredients at The Source Bulk Foods and other places. You would be giving a meal, an activity of cooking and a reusable container. If someone truly doesn’t need a single thing, send a gift card for an experience. There are great alternatives to giving stuff for the sake of it. Then when you show up to the party, wear an outfit you already own or sustainably sourced pieces. Second hand shopping is cool in some circles but it should be everyone’s preference.
That was just one example of how we need to change the default solutions to problems throughout society. Change the culture. I must admit, my bag usually doesn’t look minimalist because I bring a few more reusables. It’s about balance.
Minimalist budgets can involve reusing and repurposing household items. Image: Unsplash, edited.
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