I am not an expert on these subjects as I just dipped my feet in. I heard about them and found them interesting so I decided to learn a bit more. This led me to change and obtain certain things and here are my lessons so far.
1. Space saving
Some of the items save space which was beneficial for me as I do not have a lot of space to work with. On the other hand, it has helped to reduce visual clutter.
2. Creative thinking
It forced me to think of new ways to use old items because I don’t want to purchase something I’d only use occasionally. I recently hosted a games night with a few friends and realized I didn’t have jugs for the homemade drinks I planned to make and I thought of purchasing some cheap plastic ones, but I remembered I have a bunch of mason jars which would make the perfect self serve options.
3. Aesthetics
There is the aesthetic element that comes with sustainable living. The stainless steel straws, bamboo cutlery, the differently shaped glass jars and more. I love it! Note: Not everything looks pretty though.
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.
Psalm 24:1 (NLT)
The world and all its people belong to Him
4. Time consumption
Certain things require more of your time to maintain. For example, I obtained reusable facial rounds and they require washing as opposed to just disposing of them. Another example is in the kitchen, I bought just enough cutlery so sometimes I have to wash them more often in order to use them. If you are considering switching to more eco-friendly/minimalist living, factor in the extra time.
5. Decision making
Minimalism especially helped me to make quicker decisions on certain things as there were limited options available. Both also helped me to be more intentional when making decisions. For example, ordering food was something I did a lot, but I thought more about the plastic bags, extra sauces, plastic cutlery etc. involved and it has reduced how much I order food.
6. Opinions
When I mentioned it to people, they had different opinions about it. Some were in support of it “for me” while others questioned it. Some others pointed out “flaws” in the lifestyle. The mixed responses weren’t anticipated, but were not surprising at the same time.
The heavens belong to the Lord,
Psalm 115:16 (NLT)
but He has given the earth to all humanity
Some of the items listed, I learnt, may not be as eco-friendly as one thinks. All in all, it is a personal decision and one needs to be convinced before going into it or it’ll be easy to give up or put in minimal effort into it which may even defeat the purpose.
Have you ever considered adopting a minimalist lifestyle? What prompted you or prevented you?
Enamoured 