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The world is changing, resources are dwindling, and nature needs our help. We must devise a fresh approach to a consumerism-dominated life in such circumstances. Minimalism is one such philosophy that can lead us to a better and more sustainable future. Many people believe a minimalist lifestyle is unrealistic, challenging, and unsuited to the fast-paced and marketed character of modern living. However, it is becoming increasingly fashionable, and many individuals are adopting it to reap the environmental benefits of a minimalist lifestyle.

What does a minimalist lifestyle entail?

The minimalist lifestyle is often thought of and referred to as a simple life. The ideals of this way of living are pretty straightforward. They entail making deliberate changes to your routines and resolving to live consciously rather than following societal trends. The primary aim is a reduction in consumption and possessions. In addition, those who live this way try to increase their self-sufficiency and simplify their food.

Simply put, the goal of a minimalist lifestyle is to clear both your home and your thoughts. The less you consume, the less strain you put on the earth. You will also be happier with fewer belongings to worry about. Many people mistakenly believe that a minimalist lifestyle is too rigorous for them. However, this form of lifestyle is easily adaptable to your circumstances. Follow the above-mentioned fundamental principles, and you will get all of the environmental benefits of a minimalist lifestyle.

  1. Consuming less

Examine your surroundings. Every single belonging had to come from somewhere. Most often, the production of these items required raw materials that had to be extracted then processed and assembled. Furthermore, once made, these items had to be shipped. All of these actions are harmful to the environment in some way. By the end of the whole process, you and many others have purchased goods that will often end up in landfills.

The solution to this problem is changing your lifestyle and avoiding compulsive bringing new items into your life. Living a minimalist lifestyle allows you to consume less, eliminating the need for these products. In turn, there will be no need for the previously mentioned process.

 

When following the minimalist lifestyle, you may purchase items. However, you must do so wisely and consciously.

A woman holding up two different items of clothing picking between them

 

  1. Reducing waste

Most people can agree that the fewer items ending up in the landfills, the better. When you consume less, you create less waste. But if you do decide to bring something new into your life, keep in mind the waste you may generate, such as the item’s packaging. Consider its durability, reuse value, and what you’ll do with it if you’re no longer in need of it. If you need more time to decide what to do with it in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner, you may want to consider renting an eco-friendly storage unit. There are various ways to go green in your unit and avoid putting additional goods in landfills. 

  1. Supporting a loop of reuse

When embarking on a minimalism journey, you must let go of what you already have that does not serve you. The best approach to achieving this is giving the unneeded belongings away to someone who will benefit from them. This way, you will support a loop of reuse which is one of the best environmental benefits of a minimalist lifestyle. This type of circular economy in which goods are produced, used, and reused is essential for the planet’s general health.

Do your part by looking around the items you once wished to throw away and give them a different purpose or home. You’ll be astonished at how many different ways you can repurpose goods if you do some research. If possible, gift these items to someone you know. If not, don’t worry – there are plenty of people who need them. Contact local charities you can trust and stop the destructive waste process that harms our wonderful planet.

 

Inquire about the different items you can donate to the charity of your choosing.

A man handing another man a cardboard box full of donated items

  1. Consciously purchasing items you require

As previously mentioned, you do not have to give up on ever purchasing any new items. You can make responsible purchases, reduce your carbon footprint, and enjoy your new item guilt-free. However, it is crucial to keep the minimalist lifestyle in mind when choosing products. If you need such an item, consider whether it may be reused before purchasing. Consider how much waste is generated in the production of such a product. When feasible, buy from sustainable brands. Finally, choose high-quality things that will last you for many years and eliminate the need to replace them every few years.

  1. Preserving energy

You must be conscious of your purchases, just as you must be aware of how much energy you are using daily. It can be easy to overlook this aspect since most of us are accustomed to consuming a great deal of energy every time we wish to make food, use our devices or drive our vehicles. However, you must be aware of such actions when you adopt a minimalist lifestyle. Purchasing local food not only helps to prevent waste, but it is also a more environmentally friendly option because your food does not have to travel as far. Additionally, reduce the number of devices you use each day for cooking and various tasks. Be aware of how much energy you are using and do whatever you can to reduce it.

 

When purchasing from local food stores, be sure to use a reusable fruit bag to reduce waste and help save our planet.

Three lemons, a reusable fruit bag, and a plant on a light brown table representing environmental benefits of a minimalist lifestyle.

  1. Going green when traveling

The majority of us aspire to travel and discover this magnificent world we call home. But how can we do so without causing harm to it? By being smart about it. Instead of hopping in a car for short distances, ride your bike or walk. Biking and walking are not only good for the environment because they emit no pollutants, but they are also good for your health. Unfortunately, other methods are required for longer distances. An eco-friendly bus is a good option if you want to go on a wine tour across the country or wish to have sustainable and safe transportation on your wedding day. By being smart and choosing options that do not harm nature, you will enjoy all the environmental benefits of a minimalist lifestyle for many years to come.

A charter bus in in the Spring

Whether you want simple point to point transportation for your guests or you want to give your guests the Oregon experience, complete with school trips and scenic excursions, ecoShuttle has options for you. Our buses are meticulously maintained, our drivers are friendly and reliable, and our booking process is easy. Our wedding shuttle services include wedding party transportation, bachelorette parties, and tours of Portland and the surrounding area. You can have your cake and eat it too. Get a quote from ecoShuttle today! How groups travel Green in the Pacific Northwest.

 

 

Photos used:

https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-s-left-hand-holding-green-leaf-plant-886521/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/anonymous-woman-choosing-clothes-in-store-6347545/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/handing-out-of-box-of-donations-7156193/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/fresh-lemons-placed-on-wooden-table-7263015/