Going Green as a Minimalist: Simple Tips to Reduce Waste
Strategies for Minimizing Trash as a Minimalist Lifestyle Advocate
** authored by Cora Gold, Editor-in-chief at Revivalist
Lesser clutter, lower carbon footprints—minimalism and sustainability are natural soulmates. Embrace the minimalist lifestyle and let these 6 eco-friendly tips help you make a positive impact on the planet.
The Minimalist Mindset Takes the Green Movement to the Next Level
Minimalism and zero waste go hand-in-hand. Championing a less-is-more approach, minimalists live their lives more consciously, which naturally translates into less wasteful behaviors. Now, it's time to turn up the dial on your environmental consciousness and reduce waste as a mindful minimalist.
An astounding 79% of consumers are prepared to alter their consumption habits in favor of the planet. Reducing waste is a fantastic place to start as a minimalist. Here's how to make a difference in the most sustainable way.
6 Tips for a Minimalist, Zero-Waste Lifestyle
1. Breathing New Life into the Old
As weird as it might sound, minimalists aren't so quick to throw things away. Instead, we try to repurpose unused items to prevent having to replace them or acquire new possessions.
Take a pair of old jeans that no longer fit—they could become reusable shopping bags or a stylish tote bag for your groceries.
2. Making the Switch to Reusables
A whopping 75-199 million metric tons of plastic waste reside in the world's oceans and are predicted to increase to 23-37 million tons annually by 2040[1]. Single-use plastics are one of the biggest culprits.
Minimalists embrace reusable items such as water bottles, tea filters, silverware, and glass jars. Remember to limit your reusable items—you don't need a dozen metal straws!
3. Cherishing Experiences Over Possessions
Minimalism is all about spending less on material things and investing in meaningful experiences. Banish guilt over buying souvenirs on vacation by skipping the trinkets and focusing on memories instead.
Bea Johnson and her family produce only one jar of waste annually.[2] Adopting their lifestyle might seem extreme, but it shows that anything is possible when you choose less and more experiences.
4. Decluttering with Purpose
Purging unnecessary items is a huge part of the minimalist lifestyle, but maintaining sustainability is important, too. Here's how to declutter responsibly:
- Donate clothes to charity shops and give electronics and books to local libraries.
- Recycle your old tech devices at retailers like Costco, Best Buy, Walmart, or Staples.
- Sell unwanted items online or through regional marketplace apps.
5. Purchasing Quality it Over Quantity
Minimalists strive to own fewer items, but when we do need to buy something, we prioritize quality to make our possessions last as long as possible.
The fast fashion industry contributes significantly to our environmental footprint. To reduce waste, place value on quality over quantity and choose garments that will withstand the test of time.
6. Planning Meals with Foresight
In the U.S., Americans waste 30-40% of the food supply, much of which is tossed at the consumer level[3]. Cook smarter and reduce waste by planning your meals and grocery shopping list ahead of time.
Store your food in airtight containers and consider composting leftovers to truly minimize your waste.
Be a Minimalist Hero and Save the Planet
Adopting a minimalist approach already paves the way for a greener lifestyle. Even better, living sustainably doesn't have to be difficult! Strive to create a plan, implement the eco-conscious practices, and watch the waste dwindle.
About the Author
Cora Gold is passionate about writing about life, happiness, and sustainability. As Editor-in-Chief of Revivalist, she delights in sharing insights and finding inspiration from others. Find Cora on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.
Citations:1. Global Fishing Watch. (2019). More than a million sharks are caught every year in the Northwest Pacific. Retrieved from Global Fishing Watch: https://globalfishingwatch.org/en-us/latest-news/more-than-a-million-sharks-are-caught-every-year-in-the-northwest-pacific/2. Johnson, B. (n.d.). A year living zero waste. Retrieved from Be Zero Waste: https://bezerowaste.com/zero-waste-lifestyle-highlights-year/3. EPA. (2020). Food recover. Retrieved from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/food-recover
A minimalist lifestyle, advocating for quality over quantity, can significantly contribute to sustainable living. By repurposing old items, avoiding single-use plastics, and focusing on experiences instead of possessions, one can effectively reduce waste and make a positive impact on the planet, aligning with the home-and-garden and sustainable-living ideologies. Moreover, minimalism aligns with the green movement by encouraging less wasteful behaviors and adopting eco-friendly practices, such as shopping responsibly, planning meals with foresight, and prioritizing quality over quantity.
