When I originally started researching the zero waste lifestyle, I found tons of videos and blogs titled “minimalist guide to a zero waste life” or “minimalist living” or the “minimalist wardrobe”. I thought, wait, what is this? How is minimalism related to zero waste?
I learned of many definitions of minimalism, but the one I like the best is from YouTuber Samantha Lindsey, who defines minimalism as “a tool to rid your life of the unnecessary so that you have more time, energy, and freedom to focus on what’s most important to you”. Well, I can get behind that idea!
Some minimalists own very few items (like, shockingly few) and though that works for them, that isn’t for me. I am not interested in counting how many items I own or ensuring I only have 3 t-shirts. I am working towards a minimalist lifestyle by decreasing the amount of “stuff” in my life so that I can spend my time doing what I want (yoga, running, etc) instead of cleaning and organizing. My idea of minimalism is to live with intention, and to only purchase what is necessary for me to live a fulfilling life.
Minimalism and zero waste go hand-in-hand because in both lifestyles you are trying to decrease your consumption and your impact on the environment. You are really embracing the first R in the zero waste mantra – to reduce.
How to start down the minimalist path
I started with tackling small areas of my house that have caused me stress and anxiety because of their clutter, and I have simplified them. That drawer in your bathroom where you have makeup, toiletries, your hair straightener, and feminine products? The one you can’t close because it’s too full? That’s a perfect place to start. Take everything out one at a time and decide if you actually use/need that item. I’ve focused on keeping items that bring me joy, that I need, and that I use frequently. Everything else gets donated. And don’t feel like you need to tackle your entire house at once. Just go one drawer at a time.
The capsule wardrobe – a great exercise in minimalism
A capsule wardrobe is a great example of going minimalistic and one that I recommend you give a try. My closet was overflowing with items, causing me anxiety while also making it difficult to find what I actually wanted to wear. When I created my capsule wardrobe, I went through my entire closet and removed items that didn’t fit or I hadn’t worn in a long time. I discovered items from 7th grade (I’m now 32, I really shouldn’t be wearing anything I was wearing in 7th grade) that I finally got rid of. Purging made my closet much more organized, my wardrobe streamlined, and every item in my wardrobe I actually wanted to wear because it fit me and made me feel good. And that for me was the goal.
An additional resource – The Minimalist Podcast
If this blog post has sparked your interest I recommend checking out the Minimalist webpage and podcast, these two guys have so much content to share.
What are your thoughts on minimalism?