DoneGood has reviewed the 5 Types of Sustainable People including the Eco Warrior, the Vegan Activist, the Zero-Waste Advocate, and more. Today we're diving into the Minimalist.
In today's world, where we're drowning in stuff and constantly distracted, more folks are turning to minimalism as a way out. But what's minimalism really about? It's not about living in a bare white room or giving up everything you care about. Instead, it's about zeroing in on what truly matters and letting go of the rest.
Let's take a deep dive into minimalism, looking at where it came from, why it's good for us, and how we can actually do it. We'll also tackle some common roadblocks and myths, and see how this lifestyle can shake things up in different parts of our lives.
The Roots of Minimalism: A Quick Look Back
Minimalism isn't some new fad. It's got roots in old-school philosophies and spiritual practices, from Zen Buddhism to the ancient Greek Stoics. But the minimalism we know today really took off in the 1960s and 70s, first in art and then as a way of life.
Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, who call themselves "The Minimalists," put it this way:
"Minimalism is a tool to get rid of life's excess so you can focus on what's important—and find happiness, fulfillment, and freedom."
The Core of Minimalist Thinking
At its heart, minimalism is all about being intentional. It's choosing to live with less, not because you have to, but to make room for more of the good stuff—more time, more freedom, more experiences that really count. It's about asking yourself what really adds value to your life and letting go of the rest.
Marie Kondo, who wrote "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up," nails it with her famous question: "Does this spark joy?" This simple but powerful idea has helped tons of people rethink their relationship with their stuff.
The Ripple Effect: What Minimalism Can Do for You
Going minimalist can have a big impact on your life:
- Less Stress: When you have less clutter around you, your mind feels clearer too.
- More Money in Your Pocket: Buying less means you save more and might even be able to work less.
- Getting More Done: With fewer things to distract you, you can focus on what really matters.
- Helping the Planet: Buying less stuff means you're leaving a smaller mark on the environment.
- More Time for What Counts: Less time dealing with stuff means more time for relationships and experiences.
Leo Babauta, who started Zen Habits, says:
"Minimalism has helped me figure out what I really need, who I really am, and what I really want to do with my life. It's been incredibly freeing."
Practical Ways to Start Living Minimally
Ready to give minimalism a shot? Here are some easy ways to get started:
- Start Small: Begin with just one drawer or closet. Don't try to tackle everything at once.
- Try the 90/90 Rule: If you haven't used something in the last 90 days and don't think you will in the next 90, maybe it's time to let it go.
- One In, One Out: For every new thing you bring home, get rid of something else.
- Go Digital: Turn physical papers and media into digital files where you can.
- Look for Multi-Use Items: Choose things that can do more than one job to cut down on how much stuff you have overall.
Courtney Carver, who came up with Project 333 (a minimalist fashion challenge), advises: "Be more with less. When you get rid of the extra stuff in your life and schedule, you'll have more time, space, and love for what really matters."
Getting Over the Hurdles and Busting Myths
The road to minimalism isn't always smooth. Here are some common bumps and how to get over them:
- The "What If" Worry: It's easy to fall into the trap of "What if I need this someday?" Remember, minimalism isn't about depriving yourself, it's about making room for what's important.
- Emotional Attachments: It can be tough to let go of things that mean something to you. Maybe keep a photo or a small part of it instead of the whole thing.
- Thinking It's All or Nothing: A lot of people think minimalism means living with just 100 things or in a tiny house. Really, it's about finding what works for you.
- Dealing with Other People: Your friends and family might not get why you're doing this. Stick to your guns and explain how it's helping you.
Fumio Sasaki, who wrote "Goodbye, Things," shares: "Getting rid of things I didn't need anymore was scary at first, but it led to a feeling of freedom I never knew was possible."
Minimalism in Different Parts of Life
You can apply minimalism to more than just your stuff:
At Home
A minimalist home is all about function and calm. It's about creating a space that works for you without extra junk. The Spruce has some great tips on making your home more minimalist, from decluttering to picking calming colors.
In Your Closet
Minimalist fashion is about quality over quantity. It's about building a wardrobe with pieces that last and go with everything. The Project 333 challenge, where you dress with just 33 items for 3 months, is a popular way to try out minimalist fashion.
At Work
At work, minimalism might mean clearing off your desk, simplifying your to-do list, or even finding a job that fits better with what you care about. Cal Newport's idea of "deep work" fits well with minimalism, focusing on cutting out distractions to get more done.
In Your Digital Life
Digital minimalism is about decluttering your online spaces, from your email to your social media. It's about being intentional with your time online and your digital stuff. The Becoming Minimalist blog has some great ideas for digital decluttering.
How Minimalism Helps the Environment
One of the biggest perks of minimalism is how it helps the planet. By using less, we reduce the demand for new stuff, which means less resources used, less pollution from making things, and less waste.
A study in the Journal of Industrial Ecology found that the stuff we buy at home is responsible for 60% of global greenhouse gas emissions. By embracing minimalism, we can really cut down on our personal carbon footprints.
The Green Matters website digs deep into how minimalism helps the environment, with real examples of how living with less can make the planet healthier.
Minimalism and Your Mental Health
The benefits of minimalism go beyond just the physical stuff and the environment. Many people who try it say it really improves their mental health and overall well-being.
Dr. Christine Koh, who wrote "Minimalist Parenting," shares: "Minimalism has helped me create mental space, which has been crucial for managing anxiety and stress. It's not just about having less stuff, but about making room for what really matters."
Products That Work with a Minimalist Lifestyle
While minimalism is about cutting down on consumption, there are some products that can support a minimalist lifestyle. Here are a few eco-friendly options from DoneGood:
- Furniture That Does Double Duty: Things like storage ottomans or tables that can change shape, so you get more use out of one piece.
- High-Quality, Classic Clothes: Durable pieces that won't go out of style, so you don't need to replace them as often.
- Reusable Containers: For storing food and taking meals on the go, cutting down on single-use plastic waste.
- Digital Notebooks: For those who want to cut down on paper clutter but still like to take notes.
- All-in-One Cleaning Products: Solutions that can clean multiple things, so you don't need a bunch of different cleaners.
Remember, the goal of minimalism isn't to buy more stuff, but to choose quality items that align with what you care about and make your life better.
Starting Your Minimalist Journey
As we wrap up this look at minimalism, it's important to remember that this journey is different for everyone. What works for one person might not work for another. The key is to find your own balance and figure out what minimalism means to you.
Joshua Becker, who wrote "The More of Less," offers this advice: "The first step in creating the life you want is to get rid of everything you don't."
Whether you're just starting to clean out a drawer or you're ready to overhaul your whole life, remember that minimalism is about progress, not perfection. It's about making space in your life for what really matters to you.
Ready to take the first step towards a more intentional, minimalist lifestyle? Check out DoneGood's Our Brands page to find a range of ethical, sustainable, and minimalist-friendly products. By supporting these brands, you're not just simplifying your life – you're helping to create a more sustainable and ethical world.
After all, minimalism isn't just about having less – it's about making room for more of what counts. Are you ready to give it a try?
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