"Mindful Minimalism" - defined

Today when you hear the word “minimalism” many different pictures may pop into your head. Maybe you visualize “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo,” the new fad of “tiny homes,” or living with “zero-waste,” or even picking up a nomadic lifestyle and filling an old silver Airstream with the bare essentials.

By the culture‘s standards I’m not sure if I could be called a true minimalist. We don’t live with zero-waste, we still have boxes of holiday decorations in the extra room in our house and a garage with some sport equipment we haven’t used in a while. But what I can say is that I’m growing and desiring to live more mindfully and minimally.

So when I talk about “mindful minimalism,“ I’m describing a way of living that emphasizes generosity, mindful purchasing of ethical products, and that limits wastefulness. This way of living has evolved out of my theology of loving and stewarding the earth God has given us, as well as caring for those who make the things we buy by paying them a fair wage. This isn’t coming from a place of legalism or judgement for those who don’t buy ethical products. And by no means, is this a list of rules I think everyone needs to follow! Just some helpful suggestions if you’re looking for practical ways to buy ethical products and cut down on waste! Some of the things on the list below are things I haven’t started doing yet, but want to grow in too!

Buying less, but getting more:

1- Buy once.

This is only applicable for certain products, but is a helpful idea nonetheless! Here’s an example, rather than buying tons of displosable razors for my shower, I’ve bought myself one metal razor that can be reused again and again. Only the blades need to be switched out once or twice a month, cutting down on my waste, saving me money and only requiring a one time purchase!

2 - Buy ethical products.

Ethical products typically cost a bit more than other products (due to the cost of paying their workers fair wages and/or composing their products of compostable, natural or organic materials). By purchasing ethical products I find that that I buy less (since they cost more!) but I am more strategic about what I buy. The mindset becomes more about the quality and the process behind what is bought and less about how much I can get for my money.

At this point, not everything I buy comes from an ethical source, but I’ve been slowly switching over with time - starting with my skin care routine and now working towards my clothes and even groceries! I‘m just taking it one step at time and doing what’s practical for me!

I’m hoping to write more on this topic and give lists of my favorite ethical brands! (Personally I could probably write a whole post about each of these points! So stay posted - more to come!)

3 - Buy quality.

This is connected with both the ideas above - if you’re buying quality the initial cost might be more, but the hope is that it will last longer - invest in what you own and you’ll find you‘ll also reduce your waste! For example - I love Old Navy (and still hit it up for their workout clothes!), but the lifespan of the clothing I buy from their store is less than the lifespan of other clothes I’ve bought from higher quality brands. I’m not talking luxury - I’m talking about quality. That can come from so many sources (just read your reviews when you shop online!)

B. - Reducing Waste: some quick tips and tricks to reducing waste!

4. Bring your own reusable grocery bags

5. Don't bag fruits/veggies at the store or support a local CSA/farmer's market

6. Use re-useable bags/containers rather than tons of ziplocks

7. Sort through your garbage to find out what you're really throwing away (consider how you could decrease what you throw out!)

8. Start your own compost (really want to start on this one!)

9. Recycle as much as you throw away (a first step to becoming zero-waste!)

10. Sell or donate used items rather than trashing them

In conclusion...

I’ve found that the practice of mindfully considering my purchases has also helped me fight against a culture of consumption. It’s a hard thing because I’m a spender at heart, but I’m learning. I’m growing, and I’m resting in grace knowing I don’t have all the answers! Comment with any ideas, suggestions or ethical brands you love! I’m happy to hear your thoughts!

Warmly,

Audrey