I believe that our society can find just as much happiness by spending and consuming less. By altering our mindset to the cliche that "less is more", will help us live fuller lives and also help the planet. I envision a future where people learn to value their (fewer) belongings more by taking greater care of them, repairing broken items, and sharing or passing down clothing/tools instead of buying new . Industries can get involved by stepping away from planned obsolescence and encouraging repairs and second-hand purchases of their products. I think it would be neat if people could get their clothes made for them by a tailor, which supports local craftspeople, leads to better quality and fitting clothes, and involves the consumer more with the process of creating clothes (picking sustainable fabrics). Personally, I have tried to reduce how much clothes I purchase and also buying second hand clothes from thrift stores (which have the added bonus of supporting non-profits in the community). I think this quote from JB MacKinnon is a good thing to keep in mind: “If you want a rule of thumb for how much impact you’re having as a consumer, the best one is: how much money are you spending?"
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Less really is more in so many cases. I love the idea of fully embracing this concept - I will be trying to implement it as well. Like, Christopher, I have also watched the Minimalism documentary and found it incredibly insightful. Thank you for your wonderful post!
Totally, agree. Sharing economy is just as important as for people to realize how much you actually need. There are lots of minimalism documentaries out there, I remember watching one on Netflix a couple of years ago and thought it was very interesting!
I find it a really good idea that industries get involved by encouraging repairs and second-hand purchases of their products. I was really sad when my patagonia puffer got a hole in it and the feathers were coming out. I took it to the store and they fixed it without charge or proof of purchase. I went to pick it up at the store about a month later and it looked brand new! I was so pleased with this service and although it makes me want to support patagonia by buying more, I will focus on continuing to love the products I do have from them and taking good care of them! I also wanted to mention that patagonia actually has an online site (US only - sadly!) that re-buys their used products and sells them for a reduced price and with a condition rating that indicates the condition of the garment, which I really love!
Hi Amy, "less is more" is a great way for us to live now, such that the future is livable for the coming generations. It reminds me of the minimalist lifestyle. Living as a minimalist means that you live life in a simple aspect while only having what you need daily. No extra expenses or items would go a long way to ensure that the approaching future is positive for everyone present.
Hello Amy! I think it's great how you mention that less is more because it is so true, it's just a shift in perspective that can help the world move towards a sustainable future.
I agree that this shift to more local + used products and services could be a very good path to take!
I agree! Industries can also totally get involved, maybe by creating/implementing more easier repair services that are offered at a discounted rate!
Love the idea of purchasing from a tailor - what a way to incorporate supporting local businesses/craftspeople and becoming more involved with the creation process of the clothes you wear!
A lot of respect purchasing second hand clothes!