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I’ve been practicing minimalism & zero-waste living since 2019, and let me tell you, it’s changed my life.
I’m way more aware of how my actions affect the planet. Living in New Jersey, a busy state with some waste management issues—this awareness feels super important.
Combining minimalism with zero waste has turned out to be a great way to help the Earth, starting right at home!
Understanding Minimalism & Zero-Waste
The average American home has over 300,000 items in it! Crazy, right? (This is as per the survey conducted by the National Association of Professional Organizers)
Just think how freeing it could be to cut down that number a ton!
Minimalism isn’t just about having a fancy, spotless apartment with white walls & one little plant—though I admit that looks pretty awesome too.
It’s really about choosing to live with less & focusing on what matters most.
When i started my journey to minimalism, I was shocked by the massive amount of things that had accumulated over time.
Like many Americans, I found myself entangled in consumer culture, where more is seen as better. However, when I began to declutter, it soothed my mind and cleaned up my house by disposing of unneeded items
On the other hand, zero-waste is all about cutting back on trash and avoiding sending things to landfills.
I’ve talked a lot about living zero waste in my other blog posts. I’ve shared tips on everything from having a zero-waste kitchen to using less plastic in daily life and even setting up a zero-waste office!
These two philosophies—minimalism and zero-waste—really go hand in hand. If we embrace both, we can live a lifestyle that’s kinder to our planet and way more satisfying for us!
I’m really excited to share what I’ve learned in this journey. Let’s jump in and see how we can make life simpler
Getting Started: Decluttering Your Life
When I began this journey, my closet was stuffed full, & my kitchen drawers weren’t any better—they were jam-packed with gadgets I’d barely ever used. Sound familiar?
Here’s how I made it better:
– I kicked things off using the KonMari method, starting with clothes since they’re usually the easiest.
– I’d ask myself, “Does this item add value to my life?” If no way, then out it went.
– Setting realistic goals was key. Rome wasn’t built in a day—and neither is minimalism!
Minimalist Living Spaces: Less is More
Living in New Jersey where space can often be limited. So I’ve learned how to make every inch count with these handy tips:
– Multi-functional furniture is a lifesaver! For example, my ottoman also serves as storage space.
– Stick to the “one in, one out” rule: bring something new home & let something else go.
– A capsule wardrobe is awesome! It makes mornings easier & makes sure you wear what you love.
Zero-Waste in the Kitchen: Sustainable Cooking & Eating
The kitchen is where I noticed the biggest change in cutting down waste. Here’s what worked wonders for me:
– Shopping at bulk stores with mason jars & reusable bags became part of my weekly routine. Read more about Zero-Waste Grocery Shopping
– Meal planning helped slice down food waste and saved me some cash too! Read more about Zero-Waste Kitchen
– Composting? Yes! My little balcony composter is now a favorite thing of mine.
Sustainable Shopping: Making Mindful Consumer Choices
In the U.S., it’s super easy to get wrapped up in buying stuff we don’t need—but some mindfulness goes a long way:
– I’ve adopted a “buy less, buy better” mindset now. Quality always wins over quantity!
– Thrift stores are like treasure troves filled with unique & sustainable finds for me.
– When it comes to gifts, I focus on experiences rather than material items. Concert tickets, for example, are so much more memorable than just another thing.
Zero-Waste Personal Care & Cleaning
This part really changed the game for me! Did you know that the average American uses 156 single-use plastic bottles each year just for personal care products? Yikes!
Here’s how I cut back on that:
– Homemade cleaning products are easy! Just use simple stuff like vinegar & baking soda. Read more about Home Made Natural Cleaning Solutions
– Now I use shampoo bars & safety razors instead of those heavy plastic ones.
– Switching to a menstrual cup? Not only is it zero waste but it also saves money over time!
Minimalism in the Digital World
In our techy world today, digital clutter is real too! Here’s how I’m managing it:
– Regularly decluttering my email inbox helps a ton! Unsubscribing from newsletters I don’t read makes life easier.
– Digital minimalism has helped me limit social media time—it feels freeing!
– When buying tech stuff, refurbished options or companies that care for sustainability are always on my list.
It can be tricky going against what everyone else does—especially when most folks think more equals better.
But keeping an eye on your goals and remembering why you began can really keep you focused; sharing experiences with each other helps us all too!
So hey, are you ready to hop onto the minimalism & zero-waste train? What will your first step be? I’d love to hear all about your journey—just drop a comment below!
