Because of sustainability and minimalism
Do you have the need to buy nice stuff to impress other people?
This mindset is deeply rooted in our society. We want what others have, and we want to show others how happy and good we are by buying stuff.
We use status symbols like:
- car
- house
- branded clothes
- vacations
We think if we impress other people and buy those expensive things we will be happy because others will accept us more or think that we are happy.
But are we happy? Do we have a good life just because of a fancy car?
No, right?
Just so you know: I don’t have anything against fancy clothes, houses, or vacations. But are you buying those because of the need to impress others, or to make you happy?
As a part-time minimalist (in my opinion I have too many things to count as minimalist) I’m reducing the things I’m buying.
If I buy something, it’s because I want it for myself.
“Being yourself is all it takes. If you want to impress someone don’t be someone else, just be yourself.”
— Selena Gomez
Here are the 4 things I’m not buying anymore:
Decorations
A few years ago I was collecting candle holders.
I know it sounds weird for a 20-something, but I just liked how pretty they looked.
Now, I only have one left and that was a present from a friend.
Buying stuff to catch dust on shelves is a waste of resources in my opinion:
- resources to produce it
- resources to transport it
- resources and time to clean it
“But I don’t want to have an empty house without character”
I know I know you think that I have an empty house now.
I don’t because instead of useless decoration I have:
- pictures of loved ones
- plants
- pretty or teaching calendars
- souvenirs from our travels
Which I guess is useful decoration?
Think again if you really need this one decorative piece next time you are at IKEA.
Cheap Clothes
Do you also have this one pair of jeans or this one T-shirt which you have had for a few years now and it’s still in really good shape?
And then you also have trousers that get holes after a year?
So what kind of clothes would you buy?
I’m not buying stuff at H&M or similar stores anymore because I know they only survive a year.
If I spend my money on clothes I want good quality, organic fabrics and something that stays with me for at least a few years.
I know there are people who always need to have the latest trends…
But I’m not that kind of person. My clothes need to keep me warm, look pretty, be functional, and withstand a few years.
That’s the purpose of clothes.
“Buy less. Choose well. Make it last. Quality. Not quantity. Everybody’s buying far too many clothes.”
— Vivienne Westwood
Soft Drinks
I never really bought many soft drinks, but I did drink them when they were at home or in restaurants.
Sometimes I was just craving for a Coca-Cola.
By not buying soft drinks I’m not letting them into my environment, and I cannot drink them.
They are unhealthy, and we don’t need them for our nutrition.
Instead, I’m drinking water and tea which is also cheaper.
If you are craving some flavor in your drink, you can buy a delicious tea (cold teas are available) or add some fruits (berries, lemon, mint…).
A car
I’m not owning a car.
This sounds weird to some of you, but I don’t need it and I don’t want one.
I hate driving, and I’m living in a city in which you don’t need a car.
Most of the time you are faster by public transportation.
Driving in the city would stress me and would cost a lot of money, which I don’t have as a student.
A tram stop is right in front of my apartment and it takes me to university in 20 minutes.
I’m walking 5 minutes to the next grocery store, and there I have everything I need.
In our current world, we tend to always take the most comfortable and fastest route to everything. Driving with the car for 5 minutes instead of walking 10.
People are getting more unhealthy and obese every day, and we still don’t see that we just have to leave the car once in a while and just walk instead.
I’m changing my routine now to walk to university for 30 minutes. Because I know that I’m sitting too much every day, and it’s not good for my health.
While walking you can take in your environment and listen to some podcasts or audiobooks. It’s less stressful than driving a car.
Conclusion
Our society is based on money. Because big companies want to get more money, and they are making ads to make us feel bad if we don’t have that item.
Less stuff and things to take care of = easier life.
Letting go of those 4 things will not fit everyone. You could have other priorities: you are interested in fashion so spending money on it is part of what makes you happy.
Make your life easier by having less stuff and by buying less.
You will have more money left at the end of the month to save for your future or to spend on something that really matters to you.
For me I’m saving the money to go on vacations or that I’m able to do a semester abroad which I’m doing now.
Think about it: what are the 4 things you stop buying?
- Things you actually don’t need
- Things you just buy to impress other people
- Things that are sustainably questionable
- Things that are low-quality
“Stop buying things you don’t need, to impress people you don’t even like”
— Suze Orman
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