The best things in life aren't things. Clutter fills more than our shelves and closets - it permeates our lives. We work hard to be able to afford things, many of which require care, cleaning, storing, insuring, protecting....and the media and the merchants are constantly offering us the next "must have". The cost of consumer goods goes beyond the price tag. Environmental costs come from resource extraction, manufacture, shipping and waste management. Consumer demand drives industrial pollution - here are a few tips to simplify and help "de-consume":
• Teach your children. Let your children know about the direct link between consumer goods and environmental costs, then let them make their own decisions. Show them that when you make a purchase, it's for the inherent value of the item and not for social status. Remember the hidden costs of the things you consume. Sooner or later you or your children will pay those costs.
• Enjoy nonmaterial pleasures. Whether alone or enjoyed with others, nonmaterial pursuits offer lasting and immeasurable benefits - music, sports, hobbies, crafts and games contribute to personal development with little cost to you or the environment.
• Give sustainably. Birthday and holiday gifts don't have to be the latest consumer goods. See the weblink, 'Tips for Sustainable Giving,' for non-commercial gift ideas.
• Share, swap, trade. Start a tool share with neighbors for tools which may not be used too often - lawn mower, power saw, compressor, ladder, paint sprayer, etc. Fewer things to buy, and store, for everyone. Swap or trade for goods and services if possible, to save on the manufacture of new goods and packaging, and of course the taxes.
• Reduce visual clutter.Try putting things you can live without in boxes and put the boxes in the attic or basement for six months. Then re-open the boxes and keep what you missed. Give the rest away as gifts, or hold a garage sale. Then try this formula - for every new thing that comes in, one old thing goes out.
Quote: "Don't confuse your net worth with your self-worth" ~ Anonymous
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