"It seems that if you have little in life, you have little to worry about. If you have much, it seems you have much to lose" - 10 Questions for the Dalai Lama.
With Earth week, much emphasis is put on "Recycling" and "Reusing".
Yet, I believe that "Reducing" is an immediate aid to our environmental crisis. I believe that "Reducing" what we cannot "Refuse", has had the biggest impact (and is our "most potent secret ingredient") on our family's journey towards Zero Waste.
Some readers have mentioned that our voluntary simplicity might be off-putting to those interested in Zero Waste. I rather tend to believe that pretending to lead a Zero Waste lifestyle without "Reducing" would be hypocritical. Wouldn't it ignore the core issues of our waste problem? Wouldn't it ignore the depletion of our resources for the unnecessary items created? Wouldn't it ignore the true future of Zero Waste based on quality vs. quantity? Not to mention that living with more would make the logistics of Zero Waste unmanageable and way more complicated than it needs to be. No, I do not think that our minimalism is scaring people away, quite the contrary. I think it has made Zero Waste appealing to most.
It might take some thinking ahead, some thoughtfulness, but the advantages of "Reducing" are worth it.
Not convinced yet? Here are 8 reasons to "Reduce" (examples are based on what our household cannot "Refuse" or completely eliminate):
- Reducing your meat consumption means lowering your carbon footprint, and making composting logistics easier.
- Reducing your car usage, means biking or walking more, getting reconnected with the outdoors, getting exercise and vitamin D, lowering stress, living healthier, lowering medical bills and car trips to the doctor- and also means less car maintenance and repairs, less gas, less dependence on oil, less war (hopefully) and lower gas prices. Less shopping trips also mean less temptation to spend and fill your house with clutter.
- Reducing your home size, (very involved) means reduced utility usage (water, gas, electric), maintenance fees, cleaning time, and furnishings needed to fill rooms.
- Reducing clutter (toys, knick-knacks, clothes, holiday decorations, furniture, kitchen utensils, sports equipment, etc.), means not having to organize/store/dust/clean/repair or dispose of the products not purchased.
- Reducing heirlooms, means reduced heirloom guilt related to storing or passing down such items - and reduced heirloom guilt passed on to your kids.
- Reducing your home cleaning products and toiletries, means more room under the sink, and no worrying about the toxicity or recyclability of the products not purchased.
- Reducing technology, means less frustration from the lack of technical support, less time spent researching fixes, less technology to update, upgrade, keep current or dispose of, and less toxic e-waste created. It also means spending more time outside (hopefully) and caring for the real world.
- Reducing paper load and photos, means less to print, recycle, waste (photo paper) or download, but also less to sort thru, organize, send or store, leading to savings on ink, paper, memory, storage, energy.
- Reducing magazine reading, means eliminating images that make you feel like you don't have the right stuff, and ultimately means feeling content with what you have and what you are.
- Reducing your home projects or hobbies, means letting go of unfinished projects, allowing more time to focus on your passions and aspirations.
"Reducing" makes sense beyond the obvious environmental (what you don’t have, won’t eventually go to waste), health (what you don't have, won't harm you), financial (what you don’t have, won’t cost you), and organizational (what you don't have, won’t need organizing) reasons. Above all, "Reducing" means leading richer lives, with more time doing the things you truly enjoy, and with more time spent with the people you truly care about. But it also means increased creativity and thoughtfulness. Priceless commodities when trying to save the world;)
I enjoy and benefit from this lifestyle - every second of it. I have come to realize that stuff takes us away from our roots, from the outdoors. It's only by being in the outdoors that we can truly care about the environment. With more time to spend outside, I no longer take Earth for granted.
Over the next few weeks, I will go in depth about reducing in different areas of the home as I do with my clients. It is no coincidence that Earth Week lands in the spring. Are you in the mood for some spring-cleaning?
I've seen you guys on the news recently and thought....isn't that cool. But as I was thinking about it later, there is no way that you can be completly trash free. Especially when you think about refusing to bring the trash home. You essentially throw the trash into someone else's can thus creating waste that you don't think about.
ReplyDeleteThey're not trash free, as stated in the Yahoo! video, the Sunset article, and the Today Show story. When you refuse to bring the trash home you place the burden on the company/person offering it/creating it. You don't have to accept the plastic bag from the grocery store. If enough people did that, perhaps stores would quit using them and this country wouldn't be going through 4 Billion plastic bags per year. The Johnsons refuse to buy water in plastic bottles, thus reducing the demand for water in plastic. I absolutely believe my family of 2 toddlers, 2 adults, and 2 dogs could produce as little trash (2 handfuls in 6 months) as the Johnsons given a little time to transition over and adapt.
ReplyDeleteI am very excited to to read your tips on reducing in different areas of the home.
ReplyDeleteHave you ever heard of cob homes?
ReplyDeleteWhat about growing your own food?
I just found your blog and look forward to learning from you. Thank you. :)
Thank you, Bea, for this inspiring article! I'm really looking forward to this next series of posts.
ReplyDeleteI had a thought today I wanted to share with your readers. I recently attended a conference for agency cooperation during a disaster in the San Francisco Bay Area (most likely The Big One Earthquake!). It was all about emergency preparedness; on an individual level, this means having fully-stocked emergency kits at home. In the event of a natural disaster, citizens should have about 3 days' worth of supplies to allow emergency responders time to get to them. In the Bay Area, which relies on many bridges (and areas like New Orleans, where Katrina flooding impeded mobilisation), we're advised to keep ourselves going for about 3 WEEKS. That was my little public service announcement, but ANYWAY, I was thinking about finally getting around to making an emergency kit, and groaning as I remembered things I donated as part of minimalising my house, that I now want back: the 3 can openers, the brand-new bag of cotton balls (could be used in first aid), the winter clothes, etc. I wanted to let your readers know that emergency preparedness kits are a great alternative to donating while decluttering; it saves you all that money of buying materials to keep on hand!
ReplyDeleteBea, the pictures of your house make me green with envy. Neatness is not my forte, and I fear I tend to inhabit the murky gray area between minimalist and junk hoarder. I think it comes from being broke most of my life... I'm always sure that something might come in handy at some point, and very often it does. It just kills me to spend money buying a new thing when I can cobble together something functional from stuff I already have on hand.
ReplyDeleteI hardly ever buy anything except for food, but I am a hopeless dumpster diver and freecycler. It really amazes me how much perfectly good stuff people just throw away. My weaknesses are fabric (including old clothes that are torn, stained etc, because they can be made into useful things) and old pieces of lumber & metal - I'm always needing to build something for the garden, and glass jars, and even cardboard boxes... what if I need one? and... well, I guess I have a lot of weaknesses.
I try to purge every month or so, but it's always an uphill battle. Just when I get everything "set" something changes in my life - like I inherit a sick cat, or my cooking habits change, or even just the changing of the seasons means I've gotta swap out clothing and kitchen stuff and blankets, and it all just throws me off and I'm back to clutter again.
Do you have any tips for people like me?
What do you recommend doing if you have pet waste? We have a dog that weighs 75 pounds and are about to add a second dog to our home - that equals a lot of waste! What do you do with that?
ReplyDeleteAlso, would you please provide the steps needed to reduce junk mail? I would love to eliminate all the paper I get in my mailbox; have already gone green with all of our bills, but junk mail is much harder! Thanks!!
I would love to see how you organize your home! My bathroom and closets could use a makeover. I would love to see the things you deem necessary in your cabinets throughout your house! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI am intrigued by your ability to keep things out of your home. I am considered by those who know me as a minimalist, but considering how much they possess, the truth is that I am only beginning. My journey began when I got divorced and decided to move to a smaller home. I have never regretted that decision. I knew I was on my way when I was able to let go of most of my books. One thing that I am struggling with is the need to keep medical stuff. Among other things, I have obstructive sleep apnea and there is a lot of equipment that accompanied the diagnosis. As someone who finds cleaning out closets and cabinets calming, I could never go back to living in a big house full of stuff....no matter how beautiful the stuff is!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to hear your upcoming tips. I love reading your blog. It is so inspiring.
ReplyDeleteWe´re in the midst of moving into a - downsized - renovated house with garden and I look forward to moving towards zero waste. One step at a time...thank you for a very informative and inspiring blog to make these steps so much easier.
ReplyDeleteI have posted previous comments to say how much you have inspired us to go zero wate. I enjoyed the post about less is more. When I was in my early twenties my "boho" friends and I prided ourselves on having very little stuff. Many of us were freelancers and as we did not earn a lot or were getting on our feet as writers/artists/photographers etc we also did not have the spending power to accumulate. We found amazing clothes in charity shops and we ate at least one home cooked meal a day (lots of tinned sardine bakes...) on a tiny budget. Then we all made a bit of money and started getting lost in the status quo with all our possessions and must haves. Now we are all in our forties, some of us have families and all of us are thinking of ways to go back to leading a simpler life. Some of us have less work due to the recession, others are earning as before. I stumbled upon your blog at just the right time when I was in the process of de-cluttering and trying to get back to basics. I live in Portugal as part of a great South African diaspora and within my circle of friends who live all over the world, we have decided to start going zero waste collectively without really talking about it. The Germans call it zeitgeist-a collective response to something. I really believe that there are many people out there who are ready to make a difference and embrace a zero waste lifestyle. I have passed your blog info onto all my friends an they in turn will pass it on to more people and so really in the end the work you have done and your very helpful and inspiring blog is going to inspire many people. It can only change us for the better to live simpler lives with less waste. My friends and I used to call our less lifestyle "quality control". Zero waste is a challenging process, yes but the challenge is also uplifting.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with only one thing. The largest source of trash at my place was the kitchen. Moving from more processed food to more bulk food and fresh produce has required that I increase my kitchen things. I got rid of some things, but on balance I increased what I own, particularly durable storage containers like the French canning jars. Also long ago my mom gave me a bread machine, and now I will start finally using it to save on the bread plastic bags. I'm doing more cooking, but I'm really enjoying it and feeling healthier too (and losing weight).
ReplyDeleteI am very grateful for your example, especially because you helped me realize that my tiny place is exactly the right size for my family and me, and I wouldn't even want a bigger place. By reducing what I own, I am able to live comfortably and beautifully here.
You are truly an inspiration! Can't wait to see all of your tips. We are doing some major cleaning out and aiming toward zero-waste ourselves. If I could only get Hubsy to see that he doesn't have to print out everything!
ReplyDeleteBea, thanks for this post! I've been so proud of myself lately because our recycling bins are so much fuller than our trash can. Seeing your segment on Today opened my eyes to how much my family really is consuming, even if the box it comes in is 'recyclable.' With a five year old (spoiled by her grandparents with lots of plastic crap) and a baby on the way, I am overwhelmed by the clutter of STUFF in our home. Why did I not ever think that hmm, maybe I should think about consuming less to begin with? Reduce and refuse is definitely best, and I will be talking to my family about these ideas and how we can implement.
ReplyDeleteAlong the lines of reducing the amount of stuff we already have in our home, I'd love to hear about how you uncluttered. Specifically, what do we do with all the stuff we don't want around anymore? I'm talking about clothing and shoes that are too worn to be donated; plastic crappy toys and baby stuff that many donation centers won't accept due to hygiene or other safety issues; broken picture frames, etc etc. What do I do with all the stuff that can't easily go to Goodwill or charity?
Love your blog and have been passing it along!
-Valerie
Even before I found your website, I was slowly starting to reduce to become more minimalist in an effort to be more organized and more green. . .
ReplyDeleteYour article above has really inspired me to continue this, and I'm really looking forward to the tips that you have in the future.
Thank you for all of the inspiration
Again Bea, your entry really spoke through to me in almost every aspect {probably most with home size as we're looking to purchase our first home and contemplating moving into a neighborhood we love more and compromising the size, heirlooms as we are continually dealing with that guilt you mention from "losing memories" of deceased parents, and clutter as it is taking a lot longer to adapt the mindset to refuse} although I have to disagree with you on the home projects - one of my favorite hobbies is to repurpose things we already have into something functional {and usually organizational}.
ReplyDeleteThanks again - I look forward to reading you upcoming entries!
every time I read one of your posts here, I am recharged in my quest to minimalize, but the process is taking longer than I'd like. maybe I should vow to downsize one or more possessions for every post you make? This is my way of saying, keep up the great posts, Bea!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for continuing to share your story! Reading your blog was the straw that broke the camels back for me (in a good way) for reducing waste/clutter/etc. I feel like I've been good about being "green" for years, but now I really look at things differently.
ReplyDeleteI have been a fan of your site for about a year now. I'm so impressed with your lifestyle choices however, i have often been reluctant to adopt your tips due to immediate convenience and cost. but i've recently become a mother and now everything seems worth it. i'm making baby steps.
ReplyDeletejust a question about your homemade toothpaste -is the stevia added solely for taste and thus, can it be omitted? how much baking powder do you add to your toothbrush? and do you and your family feel that it is as effective as fluoridated toothpaste? i want to make my own, but i'm a little hesitant that it will hold the same benefits as mainstream toothpaste.
Hello Beá!
ReplyDeleteI have a question regarding paper products:
I understand how to replace my current paper towels with microfiber towels on a daily basis, but what do you do when you have functions in your home? I am wondering about how to replace napkins or even tissue. Not only that, but since I find it disgusting to have a towel in the bathroom for people to wipe their hands on, I found a wonderful product from Kleenex, which is disposable towels for the bathroom. (your turn to be disgusted ;).
I also wondered if you've done research comparing the water use needed to clean the reusable linens and kitchen/tableware. Not that you need to, but I am just wondering.
But I really am determined to make some major changes to simplify our lives, regarding the accumulation of stuff and needless waste of money. Just last night, I almost went to the computer to print out a shopping list and I remembered, no waste! So I made the list on my phone. I also found out that I can make a Word document and then upload it to my kindle! For example, recipes, so that I don't have a bunch of recipe books and cut out recipes from mags. (don't worry; I plan to subscribe to online versions only once my subscriptions expire) My personal favorite of your suggestions is the gifts of experience! Although I don't know have any ideas to do that for family at a distance besides buying movie tickets all the time. Any suggestions? And long ago I did away with party favors. Ugh! I can't stand it when my girls come home with a bag of junk and candy!
Isn't it amazing that you have been able to influence so many people for good?
Bea, these are all really good tips. I find it difficult to reduce sometimes, but these really help! It's just thinking differently and I just have to retrain my brain. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for all you do to bring awareness to the crucial environmental issues we have that most people want to remain ignorant of (me included sometimes).
Bea, this is what I have been waiting for. I can't wait to hear more of your reducing ideas. Looking forward to your next posts. ~Kelly
ReplyDeleteThank you Bea! This is what I've been waiting for also! I am getting desperate to go room by room in my house and just throw everything out!
ReplyDeleteI get so excited when you have a new blog posting and this one has me jumping with anticipation. I cannot wait to read your next posts about reducing in the various rooms of your house. About once a month I get the bug to de-clutter our house (to my husband's chagrin). ;) Katherine
ReplyDeleteBea,
ReplyDeletePlease understand that I enjoy your blog, and admire your life style. I do not wish to criticize or argue, only to have an intelligent conversation. I completely agree that reducing clutter is good for everyone on many levels. But, I do not agree that living with less needs to mean having a "minimalist" style when it comes to home decorating. And I do think that while inspiring to many, your taste in design (though I myself appreciate it) may be intimidating to somer. This is of no consequence to your blog or lifestyle, except that if it is your goal/mission to help "zero waste" become mainstream it may be inspiring to a larger group of people if other homes emulating the zero waste lifestyle (ie. those with different style choices) would give us a glimpse of their lives.
In regards to uncluttering, of course it makes sense to give away furniture etc. that is unneeded or unwanted, and to not print pictures that can be appreciated digitally, but what about artwork or furnishings already owned. I'm not talking about those setting up their first home--but those of us who already have a home, getting rid of inspiring artwork/fixtures etc. just creates more waste (what really happens to stuff that no one buys from Goodwill?)
I completely agree with reducing what you buy/bring into your home--but, if its already in your home will getting rid of it really help anything?
-Jasmine in Maine
You are truly an inspiration. As I look around me, feeling stressed that yet again my home is a mess and I can barely see the floor in the kids rooms I have realized something very important. THE MESS IS THERE BECAUSE THEY HAVE WAY TOO MUCH STUFF!!!!
ReplyDeleteI used to keep every single bit of clothing my 2 year old had out of sentimental value (the older child is not mine, she is a step, so this is my first child.) However I realized that while I was recycling more than anyone on my street I was also a hoarder. So I gathered up all the clothes put them in large reusable totes and gave them to the cousin of a friend who is a new single mom with a newborn. I feel so good being able to help someone out like I was helped when I was a new mom.
We still have a lot of cans, boxes, etc. But I am going to start purchasing the nice jars you have and I am going to start purchasing from my local health food store.
We reduced our carbon footprint by realizing that my whole salary was basically going to daycare for the toddler and gas to get me to work. So I quit work. I am back in school, so I only travel 2 days a week instead of 5 or 6, and I'm close to home instead of an hour away. I also coupon like crazy.
One of the biggest things I do though that I love is that I take dresses that are knit or cotton and let my toddler wear them as shirts. She can still wear several knit dresses that are size 6 or 9 months that she now wears as cute tops with her jeans or shorts. I just make sure the chest isn't tight or the arms aren't too small and voila, a whole new cute outfit!
Believe it or not we are not allowed to compost in my neighborhood. It's a fairly new neighborhood and still has an HOA that is more like the police. But soon I'm sure they will quit coming around as much and several of my neighbors and I are going to start.
Thank you for your wonderful blog! I will use several of your ideas that I saw in the Today show video, as well as start getting rid of all this STUFF!!
It's wonderful and true. We downsized our home to 2 BD, 700sq ft and it took a year to purge...it seemed unthinkable at first, but the result is a very cozy, organized, efficient (beach house!) home with a LOT LESS to look after, to clean, to organize, etc. It leaves so much more time to relax, think, enjoy, pay regard to qulaity lifestyle and to be outdoors, near the sea.
ReplyDeleteBasically, having less greatly relieves a lot of related responsibilities and obligations and gives back so much, very precious, free time...very liberating, but you have to live it to understand and appreciate it fully. I love what you are doing, Bea - inspiring us to let go of the junk weighing us down :)
I like what Laurarae (above) said- you have to truly live it to appreciate it. We've been working on changing our lifestyle for only 4 months, and it's made a huge difference. Suddenly, our little house seems sooo much bigger without so much stuff, we don't have to stress about me going back to work (I'm a stay at home mom to two under 5) in order to pay for a bigger house/utilities and more furniture, and we have been so LIBERATED by getting rid of unfinished projects and extra junk. We truly do have more time to do the things that count because we're not cleaning, maintaining, or working to pay for stuff. We're still working toward zero waste- I read somewhere on this blog it took the Johnsons 5 years to be able to live ZW comfortably. I don't have to beat myself up for not being there yet. Guilty confession: in order to purge and evolve, we're actually creating extra trash right now- only the things that are worth selling or donating are leaving the house in a good way. Everything that can't be donated, sold or reused is going in the garbage (as a note, it creates extra work for the donation center- which they can't afford- to throw your trash out for you so you should do it beforehand). But, the point of this endeavor is to NOT ACQUIRE MORE JUNK ("refuse"). In that way, we're succeeding. We feel that storing the garbage only makes our life a trash receptacle, and sending it to the landfill now and refusing and reducing everyday creates a better world. And it feels so good to be teaching our children the same philosophy.
ReplyDeleteExcellent post. Your point about reducing possessions to just what you will use and enjoy rather than holding on to other people's stuff (heirloom guilt) is well taken. With the deaths of our parents within 14 months, we are tossing, tossing, tossing. However, I have to agree with Jasmine in Maine about decorating style. I think some of the opposition you get is because readers, and occasionally perhaps you yourself, confuse personal aesthetics with zero waste. My home is decorated in Victorian style, and I love my dark wooden furniture, colorful walls, and displays of teacups (none of them purchased new). You would hate it if you had to live here! And I would go nuts in a white home! But the point is that we have reduced our trash by one third in the past year and aim to cut it in half again (and again and again) until we are as liberated as possible from plastic/junk tyranny. We've lightened our footprint in many other ways too. It's an ongoing struggle! But personal taste in decorating is really irrelevant to the endeavor, as I see it.
ReplyDelete@Set in the Cleft: Sorry not Bea here, but I had to share some research I made about water consumption. Do you know how much water is used in the fabrication process to make paper (paper towels, napkins, tissues...)? A lot. :-(
ReplyDeleteSince finding and following your blog in January, my husband and I have made amazing changes into zero-waste lifestyle. I just wanted to thank you for your hard work. While we have had alot of criticism from certain familiy members it is not going to stop our progress. I have even found a "green" group of people at work who also wanted to lead this lifestyle--they are European too.
ReplyDeleteAnyway Thanks for everything!
I saw you on the Today show and was very impressed. I take steps to become "greener" but am far from where you are as a family. I agree with the waste in packaging. I wish more grocery stores allowed for the type of shopping with jars,etc.that you have been able to find. I actually use jars all the time but it's funny I have to purchase in bags, boxes and then place in jars. I would much rather do it while shopping. I live in Maine and they are not quite there yet. I do find your lifestyle inspirational though - so keep going and kudos to all of you!
ReplyDeleteAnon, thanks a lot for responding to one of my questions. Actually, I do not know how much water is used in the fabrication process of paper goods.. homeschool mom that I am, you would think I would've come across this, eh? I feel a research project coming on! But while you're answering, do you have any comments on the content of my other questions? All insight is welcome!
ReplyDeleteSet in the Cleft: Some people handle the guest towel situation by having a basket of washcloths in the guest bath and another basket or bin on the floor to drop the dirty ones in. When I have seen this, the hostess has put one washcloth in the discard basket as a hint about what should happen. I just put out four fingertip towels when I have company and change them after the folks leave. I also find that using hankies is not the gross experience I thought it might be. They are actually much nicer and no less sanitary than paper tissues. We have used cloth napkins for years, and I set them out for company too. I don't find that I have extra laundry unless company has stayed overnight and used sheets and bath towels. The usual hankies and napkins just go in the load with my sheets.
ReplyDeleteThe comments by Britton capture a feeling that I have as I continue my journey of de-cluttering. What do you do with the junk - the stuff that can not be donated, re-used, or recycled. You know, the stuff in your house that is trash (ie shouldn't have gotten there in the first place but did). I feel bad disposing of so much in order to gain control of the out of control but I promise myself that I will make better decisions in the future.
ReplyDeleteHi! I ended up here from Real Simple. Our family challenged ourselves last year to not buy anything new for the entire year. We were 95% successful in our goal. I've also learned in the last year what my/our style/lifestyle REALLY is - so all the periphery stuff can leave our lives, thoughts, plans etc. now. Discerning who you REALLY are goes a long way in our materialistic world. Anyway, thanks for introducing a new challenge for us - we are very good about reduce, recycle, and I even refuse some things,but putting it in the parameters of a 'challenge' lends strength and purpose. I look foward to reading the rest of your blog! We started a blog last year that got a LOT of attention - even on the national news. I'm not really a blogger and haven't written in months, but if you want to check it out, it is called NothingNewNothingWasted.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love everything about the Johnsons! This is such an exciting time and new challenge for me to tackle. Reducing in my home, everytime attempted is instant gratification for me. Its something I enjoy doing and look forward to everytime "spring cleaning" time comes around. But I never thought to push this even further. All I can say is thank you! Thank you! I am super excited to continue following your blog Bea. I aspire to live a zero waste life like yours. I have one question, How can I start a "vertical living wall"? I've searched and search but cannot find any reliable sources. Thanks a million.
ReplyDeleteSelina
What I find refreshing about your lifestyle is the emphasis on minimalism as a path to being environmentally sensitive and even "frugal".
ReplyDeleteIt's the converse of so many frugalistas who advocate reusing every little item, hoarding for the future, and stocking up on bargains, giveaways, and the like. That's the camp I am coming from, so your approach has been a breath of fresh air and a release from guilt!
No more shopping for the bargain "just in case", no more stashing containers, odd ball ribbons and yarns, and so forth. What a relief!
Now, as so many others have asked, how in the world do you move this detritus out without all the guilt?
What a coincidence, Bea; I've been wholly absorbed in my own process of minimization for the last few weeks. My husband and I already live a very minimalist lifestyle, in a small (560 sq ft) house, and therefore, with few belongings. However, it's so freeing to realize how much I still have that I don't need. I've been enjoying miss minimalist's blog, but more enjoying the development of my own interpretation of minimalism. I still love to see my (very small) walls covered with art, but it's art that my friends and family have created. At the same time, I can get by with three skirts and a pair of jeans. We need so little.
ReplyDeletePostscript: I suggest that you add a disclaimer to each of your posts, or somewhere on your blog, pointing new readers to your archived posts, where many of their questions can be answered.
Just thought I'd chime in here on how to get rid of useless stuff without creating more trash. My suggestion is to try FreeCycle and/or Craigslist. It's totally amazing to me the stuff I've been able to unload that way - the 15 year old leaking waterbed mattress comes to mind... You know what they say, "One man's trash is another man's treasure". The challenge is just finding the person who will treasure your trash!
ReplyDeleteSometimes there's just no way around trash when you are minimalizing. I just cleaned out my basement last week--there were some things I threw out that had been down there over a decade. We had flooding earlier so I had to pitch a lot of things from water damage. So yes, I had six bags of trash, but it was trash whether it was in the bag or in my basement, and now I have room to store (well above water level) things like my twenty pounds of pasta and maybe canned tomatoes this fall that will help me go zero waste.
ReplyDeleteMitty has good suggestions about guest towels, and for family members you can get hand towels monogrammed.
Jasmine, I'm going zero waste and my home is very cluttered on purpose and it's going to stay that way. Being zero waste helps me to keep down day-to-day clutter so I can show off my knick knacks.
More than ready to support! I was in professional trip in the US and it was a pain to me to see how much we waste during the travel (meal especially) and the trainings I had there (why giving us useless gifts... this is just our job!).
ReplyDeleteThanks for your support. I'm beginning my simplification and know that my biggest challenge will be to convince my husband to make some simplification in its stuff :)
Hi there! Our family is in the midst of reducing and moving towards zero waste, and we are making great strides. But we live an hour from any bulk store that will let you bring your own containers. The one bulk store prepackages and weighs items. I have tried to no avail to get them to let me bring my own container. They will only let me empty the items from their bag into my container at the store. They will reuse the twist tie and toss the plastic bag. So I'm wondering your take on the lesser of evils: Do I refuse their bag in that manner or drive an hour to get bulk? Help!
ReplyDeleteHello!
ReplyDeleteI am so excited to have found this site! I saw your family on the today show and have been so inspired! I thought my husband and I did a lot until I watched that show. You have truly inspired me and am working towards a lifestyle similar to yours. I blogged about you today and have passed on the video to all of my friends and family. I am spreading the word! Thank you so much for inspiring me!
-Ashley
Mitty struck a nerve with the comment on sorting through her parents' belongings. Not only can I remember my brother's labors and pithy comments in that regard (he was the only one able to take the weeks worth of time), but I am at an age where I need to consider what I'll be leaving behind. The last thing I want is for someone else to have to throw away my junk! I'd rather leave only memories and skills behind.
ReplyDeleteThe Dalai Lama quote above says it all! My stuff does weigh me down and I'm inspired by your story to reduce this burden. I also plan to change my food shopping routine and embrace buying bulk using my own containers, cloth bags, etc. As I clear out my kitchen cabinets and frig to prepare for this change, I am astonished at the amount of tupper ware and plastic storage containers I have collected. I once read that EVERY PIECE OF PLASTIC EVERY MADE STILL EXISTS TODAY! With that in mind, my containers for bulk items are these different plastic containers. They have to be! (I feel responsible for their long life ahead and not donating them/"passing the plastic buck" onto someone else) The goal here is to NEVER bring anymore plastic into this house or my families lives. As I clean out my house to reduce it's load, I wonder how tall the plastic pile will be.. ?
ReplyDeleteHi Bea,
ReplyDeleteI am wondering if you could tell me how you keep your vegetables crisp in the refrigerator. I try to shop once a week, but find that my veggies get limp if I keep them in the reusable produce bags. I've been transferring them to plastic bags that we already have, but I'd like to know your solution. Thanks!
Bravo!
ReplyDeleteI guess I should clarify when I mean "guests, company and functions"... I mean, LOTS of people over for different functions, not your average overnight guest. I would have to accumulate a lot of napkins/towels and make sure they keep up with their own linens!
ReplyDeleteWhat your family is doing is truly amazing and inspiring! I saw all the criticism you received and I don't understand all the nay-sayers. More power to you and your family! I'll be following and re-blogging!
ReplyDelete-Jennifer
Response to Set in the Cleft, who said...
ReplyDelete"I guess I should clarify when I mean "guests, company and functions"... I mean, LOTS of people over for different functions, not your average overnight guest. I would have to accumulate a lot of napkins/towels and make sure they keep up with their own linens!"
In the 50s before disposables, we borrowed from neighbors the needed extra napkins/plates/eating utensils like spoon and forks.
Great work. A fan from Costa Rica! I am also having the guilt of creating more trash by throwing away stuff! But thanks for the inspiration to live simpler, happier lives.
ReplyDeleteHello Bea! I am really trying to reduce the amount of stuff, garbage included, in our home and lives. Today on a VERY rare trip to McDonald's our 4 year old ordered a Happy Meal with no plastic toy b/c he is learning to REFUSE that which will just end in as trash! I was one shocked and PROUD mom! He then barely ate b/c since rarely feed him this junk, it doesn't even taste good to him!!
ReplyDeletehi bea
ReplyDeletethank you so much for this blog, i just found it and have read nearly all the posts- so inspiring!
as a teenager whose a student in high school and an athlete, i was wondering how i can incorporate this zero waste life style into my own. my parents have gotten better however are still resistant. i was wondering if you have any tips as to how i can become more zero waste?
thanks!
hi bea-
ReplyDeletewas wondering your thoughts on leo babauta, author of zenhabits.net, zenfamilyhabits.net and mnmlist.com?
thanks!
Hi Bea!
ReplyDeleteCan you recommend any other great blogs you love reading?
Merci!
Thank you for all of your ideas! When I saw your yahoo video I had no idea that it would change my life. I have been making changes each week I take a bag to good will and make a change at home..No more paper towels..no more paper bathroom cups...homemade cleaning sprays...The list gose on and on! And I have saved so much money. I use that money to buy something to replace a desposable item.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy I found your blog. I feel there's a movement to reduce and it's so appealing to me. I can't say we're there yet but we're getting started and also trying to instill "what's really important" in our children. I can't wait to read more. If you were to start 1 place, where would it be?
ReplyDeleteHi Bea and everyone,
ReplyDeleteWe had a fundraiser g-sale for Japan at a school here which was a HUGE success! The whole thing was planned in less than 3 weeks, and we raised $6500!!! So, needless to say, we were very very HAPPY. But, I couldn't help but to think, seeing all the STUFF that were dropped off from just people around us (this is a small community at the edge of an island) that overwhelmed the school cafeteria, all these stuff had been accumulating in our homes for who knows how many years....? It was a good event that it motivated people "extra" to go through their homes because it was for a specific cause with a sense of urgency, but I hope that all of us will now make an extra effort to not re-pack their homes with more unnecessary stuff!!
Hi Bea,
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if you had a hard time letting go of objects you didn't need, but held sentimental value? How do you get over the "i might need/use this someday"? Thank you for all of your wonderful ideas!
-Eddie
I wholeheartedly agree on the importance of reducing and refusing and also on how rewarding a zero waste lifestyle is. I have found that my stress and anxiety are significantly lower and my quality of life (every aspect) has increased tremendously. Thank you for your contribution!
ReplyDeleteI've been following your blog for a few months now and it has helped me to realize *why* I want to de-clutter and live more simply. All of the reasons you listed in this post go straight to the heart of how I feel about reducing. Thanks. :)
ReplyDeletejust love your blog. thank you for sharing your passion.
ReplyDeletemy husband and i decided to aspire to a zero-waste lifestyle three months ago. after just two weeks we began to see a difference in the amount of trash we produced, and for the past month haven't needed to put out our trash container. We focused on the kitchen first, as it was the easiest thing to tackle. as we ate our way through pre-processed foods (like frozen bagged broccoli, pre-cooked brown rice, frozen mac'n'cheese, waffles, pb) we started using jars and mesh bags to buy bulk and fresh food. Our fridge is markedly emptier and cleaner, the cabinets are a joy to open and look through, and we already have an incredible amount of compost in the making. it's been wonderful to sit down to home cooked dinners every night with the family. the clothes we don't wear have almost all been donated, and the storage unit we had has been emptied and most of the contents donated. we sold the sectional we never used and bought a lightly-used sofa that got more kiddo-snuggle-time in the first two months than its predicessor did in two years.
ReplyDeletethree months is nothing in terms of time and committment to working towards a more simplified and sustainable lifestyle, but our lives already feel saner, simpler, and more enjoyable. what would likely have taken years for us to figure out we've managed to do in just a few short months; there's so much more to do, but i'm confident that we'll be able to get to a truly nearly zero-waste lifestyle having the information Bea has posted. thank you, thank you, thank you for providing such a valuable resource!
"Over the next few weeks, I will go in depth about reducing in different areas of the home as I do with my clients." Bea, I am really lookinf forward to this. Thank you for all your hard work.
ReplyDeleteYou've inspired me. Small steps though. Martin Luther King, Jr. said: "We must rapidly begin the shift from a 'thing-oriented' society to a 'person-oriented' society." Sadly this has not happened and consumerism has only gotten worse. I believe what you are doing can not only help our beautiful Earth but can help us focus on what is truely important! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHi Jasmine:
ReplyDeleteYour comment cracked me up. You seem to take my aesthetics too seriously.
Again, I will stress: THIS BLOG IS NOT TO DICTATE what one should do, BUT TO SHARE the principles I have discovered for myself. This is not a decorating blog;) I, of course, do not expect any reader to apply voluntary simplicity only in a mid-century modern kind of way. Afterall, the decorating style of our current home only evolved from what we were able to find used... But it could just as well have been moroccan, mexican, shabby chic, french country... Voluntary simplicity and its benefits (mentioned in the article) can be applied to any style! I think that's pretty obvious and goes without saying;)
The second part of your comment, I will address in the next post.
Thanks for your input!
Heirlooms! I totally understand the heirloom guilt. I am trying to prepare myself now for the future, of what in my parents' and grandparents' houses do they really use and enjoy and prize, and what is just sitting on their shelves because they got it passed down from someone else, also from some people not even related to them.
ReplyDeleteYes... Heirloom guilt! Ugh, why? I have struggled with this for years! My mom handed a lot of stuff down to me in the last ten years. Most of it I never remembered her having because she kept it put away. Not me, I use the items I like, even if they are crystal or good silver. No need to waste away hidden for only special days. However, I have tons of stuff handed down that I totally don't want but feel bad getting rid of. I am not going to make it my quest to find a nice home to the heirlooms I don't care about. Bea, you rock! Keep it up and THANK YOU!
ReplyDeleteI meant I am NOW going to make it my quest. Oops sorry.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to add: I see comments above about how there is no sense is simplifying if the unused items are just going to go into the trash, and I've gotta say-- we purged an incredible amount of items from our house (basically everything that we hadn't used in 3 months or wouldn't take with us in a fire) and we did so by posting the items on the craigslist "free" section. People came and picked up the toys from our son's exorbitant toy load, furniture, decor, books, etc. and gave them a new life in their own homes. And I've got to say-- we used to keep those things for sentimental reasons, but I can't even remember most of the stuff that we gave away! We only have stuff in our house that we use, regularly. What a relief!
ReplyDeleteHi, Bea.
ReplyDeleteI have a 1 month old son, and, although I haven't bought ANYTHING for him, he already has more toys than a 1 month baby should have (zero, in my opinion). Even though I explain to friends and family that I don't want him to have so much toys (specially at this age, when he doesn't even know the difference between a toy and a carrot), the keep giving him stuff. I know they have good intentions, but it's kind of annoying. How do you cope with the uncollaborative attitute of others?
Thank you so much. :)
Ana
Persistence, Ana. persistence. If you do not have much in your home and keep speaking about loving the simple life with less, your family and friends will catch on. But often, they give stuff because they want to make a gesture and do not know what else to do. Giving them alternatives, such as services or experiences is helpful.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous: I do not enjoy spending much time on the computer for more than email, writing or doing research. But I have visited Leo's blog a couple of times and enjoyed it. He and I seem to share same views on voluntary simplicity.
ReplyDeletei just remembered i started a blog on blogspot a couple years back. Yay to having some identity on your blog!
ReplyDeleteBea, I just wanted you and your family are an inspiration to me. I get married in October, and have recently cleared out my (home) room in my mothers house in preparing for my new life. Bea, because of what you and your family are doing and advise you've offered I have donated almost all the things I dont need, havent used in the past year, and things I can simply do without. I am now in the process of burning all my cd's and putting them in my iPod, because who needs them anyway, really. I look forward to donating them to my local library for someone else to use. BTW they all were covered in a thick line of dust, hence the fact I had not touched them or needed them in a while lol.
Thank you for helping me find "space" in my own space. Its a truly gratifying experience. Who knew having less was "more" until actually practiced. :))
I have also started thread on your forum on NYC bulk shopping like you advised on twitter, in hopes of getting some information. Perhaps we can build a little ZW community here in town. I look forward to sharing my ZW experiences with people around town to suit their own inspirations.
ReplyDeleteI just heard an inspiring quote by Martin Luther King Jr that reminded me of this post. He says, "we must begin the shift from a thing-oriented society to a person-oriented society" This is so true. stop worrying about things and start spending time with the people you love.
ReplyDelete