Every Monday I post Real Life Minimalists, a profile of one of my readers in their own words. If you’d like to participate, click here for details.
Today, Greta tells us the steps she’s taking to simplify her life, reduce waste, consume more mindfully, and create a calm and serene space for her family.
Greta writes:
My minimalism journey started about two years ago after reading Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger. I couldn’t even finish the book, I had to do something right then! I started researching fair trade clothing and food, and realized if we were going to be able to afford these things, I’d need to stop wasting money on stuff I’d purge in a year or two. I started thinking about which clothes made me look the best in photos {settled on pastel pink and blue, white lacy things, and navy}; so I made a pact with myself not to buy anything outside those colors and to buy as much as I could made in ethical ways {fair trade, sustainable, well made} and purged things in the wrong colors.
Then I learned how pollution is disproportionately affecting poorer countries and we’re running out of landfill space here, and shipping our trash to those same countries. I found several zero waste blogs, and started eliminating some of the disposable clutter: I buy as much as I can from bulk containers and take the jars that the food will be stored in to the store with me. We now use handkerchiefs and don’t have ugly boxes of kleenex in every room.
Finally, we’re packing up our 850 sq ft one bedroom apartment for a move to a slightly larger place, but smaller rooms and less storage as we’re gaining an extra bedroom for the baby. When we first moved in to this apartment, there were little rabbit trails through mounds of boxes-each of our things, wedding gifts, stuff I was saving for the someday house. I’ve been purging ever since, but this move has motivated me to pitch even more. We both want our new place to be a calm and serene space, good for Daniel to study in and safe for the baby.
I’m guessing we’ve sold or donated about half our possessions in the past year. Some big: my bike, a chair, a {music} keyboard, a desk with lots of storage, the file cabinet, an extra car. And mounds of little things: specialty baking pans, extras of kitchen utensils, books {lots of books!}, most of our CDs.
{If you’d like to learn more about minimalist living, please consider reading my book, The Joy of Less, A Minimalist Living Guide, or joining my email list.}
Thank you. For having a purpose bigger than yourself and using it to motivate your path. This is really inspiring.
You are a darling couple. It is great that you are starting on this journey at a young age.
I loved reading Greta’s story. I, too, have had my eyes opened this year to ethical clothing. While I have been on my minimalism journey for several years, the last year has seen a change items I DO buy. In addition to buying fair trade and ethical for my clothing and household items, I have been trying to keep my food as local as possible. Thank you for sharing, Greta!
I haven’t bought any new clothes since I started this journey, but when I do I will buy fair trade. It’s amazing how much trash each person produces. When I gave up my latte-a-day habit – I not only saved myself some money, but I also stopped 365 plastic lids, straws and cups from going in the landfill each year. Every choice has an impact and I’m glad to see you are such an inspiration! :)
Greta, thank you for writing! I wanted to read more of your story, but it ended too soon. Keep us posted by doing a follow-up soon on how things are going in your new apartment.
You came to minimalism in an interesting way, different from many of us. I’ll have to check out that book!
I could not remember buying any new clothes. My clothes are from rummage sales or Goodwill or they are about 15 years old. I try never to eat red meat, since it is such a waste of resources. We never have it in the house. I do not dye my hair or get my nails done since these things add chemicals to the environment. I find that if you are clean and neat and keep your hair trimmed, no one cares. I buy my grandsons second hand books and magazines and keep crayons and drawing pencils at my apartment.
Oh thank you so much for the book recommendation! Added to kindle wishlist :)
This was great to read, Greta! Love how your minimalism connects to a worldview that matches your values. I’m now going to look for that book as it sounds interesting.
” little rabbit trails through mounds of boxes-each of our things” Sounds similair…
Great story, Greta! I’m so excited for you. I’ve been doing the same thing with my clothing-letting go of the ‘junk’ (actually letting it wear out and not replacing it); when I do have to replace something, it’s with an item that is sustainable and well-made. I’m tired of spending excess money on things that fall apart, and having cheap items stuffed in my drawers. Yeah for you! And yeah for the inspiration! I can always use a dose of that.
I had to buy that book (after trying the library first!), and it is changing my life and my attitude and my perspective. THANK YOU!! It is the missing link to give a greater purpose to my minimalism journey.
I love that your convictions led to action! Hope your new home is the peaceful respite you envision! Sounds like you’ve already taken the Fairdare- but we’d love to have you join us… and perhaps share your story there! http://www.fairdare.org
My kids give us gift cards to the second hand bookstore, the movies, or a restaurant. I went to a clearance sale at one of my favorite thrift shops. I got a brand new coat with the tags still on. My friend says she has lots of clothes she’s never worn. I will give my old coat to Goodwill.