What is Minimalism?
So there are two sides to minimalism, there is aesthetic minimalism and practical minimalism. Aesthetic minimalism is all about how things look while practical minimalism is about how things work and feel to the individual. According to Merriam Webster, the meaning of minimalism is "a style or technique (as in music, literature, or design) that is characterized by extreme spareness and simplicity." This is aesthetic minimalism.
Practical minimalism is what I mean whenever I talk about minimalism. Practical minimalism caters of the realities of life while not subscribing to an excessive or consumerist lifestyle. Or another way to look at it is that practical minimalism is a lifestyle. The lifestyle of minimalism embraces intentionality, practicality, and joy. Practical minimalism isn't extreme purging, but rather it's careful curating.
What is Sustainability?
According to Dictionary.com, sustainability, is "the ability to be sustained." Or in the context of environmental science, it is "the the quality of not being harmful to the environment or depleting natural resources, and thereby supporting long-term ecological balance." So in whatever conversation about sustainability I'm discussing, the questions is, "Can this be sustained (or continued) long term?" And if the answer is no, then it is not sustainable.
So for the context of this blog, sustainability means to be not harmful to the environment, or in some cases, to be able to be sustained by the individual or situation we're discussing.
How are minimalism and sustainability related?
Being more minimal is (almost always) more sustainable. Buying less stuff is better for the planet as there is overall less waste and harm caused on both sides (production and disposal) of the products in question. Also being intentional with our lives and time is more sustainable on an individual level as we can stay happier longer.
This also goes the other way; By caring about sustainability and the planet, you will naturally be more minimal because you are being intentional with your purchases and actions in order to protect the environment.
Why do these topics matter?
Minimalism helps me feel in control; in control of my circumstances, my space, my life. For my friend Victoria, minimalism makes her feel free; free to travel, do fun activities, and to focus on things other than just her stuff. Minimalism may give you something else entirely. No matter who you are or why it draws you, minimalism can help you live a life you love.
And sustainability matters because as intelligent beings, it is our responsibility to take care of the world, limit our consumption, and solve the issues our past over consumption has caused, impacting the lives of others and the natural world. Doing good for the planet feels good. Ignoring the planet may be easy, but it doesn't feel so hot.
If the reasons above didn't stick out to you and make you eager to jump on the minimal, sustainable train, here are a few more reasons why they might matter to you:
EMBRACE MINIMALISM TO:
Take things off your plate.
Have less to worry about.
Save money.
Save time.
Find peace.
Reduce stress.
Prioritize yourself.
Better help others by meeting your needs first.
Create a space that makes you stoked to invite people over.
Create a life you LOVE to be in.
Transform not only your physical reality, but also your mental reality.
EMBRACE SUSTAINABLITY TO:
Feel good about yourself.
Reduce waste in your area and across the world.
Save money.
Enjoy little daily actions (like chopping your own food, making things from scratch at home, and washing an item [rather than using a disposable]) and know you are making a difference.
Make a difference in your community, society, and culture.
ACTION STEP:
Get out a journal and take a few minutes right now to write about the following:
What does minimalism mean to you?
What does sustainability mean to you?
What are some things you want to change in your life based off of these two values?
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