Minimalism is in fact not a new thing in our society. This lifestyle has even been applied centuries ago by certain groups, especially amongst Buddhists in which inspired by Mahatma Gandhi. But, what is minimalism? Is this lifestyle can have a positive contribution to preserving the earth?
What is a Minimalism?
There are quite a few meanings of minimalism by the experts. But in conclusion, this lifestyle has the same goal, which is to focus on the things that really matter in our lives and eliminate anything that doesn’t make us happy. In this context, what is meant is referring to the things that exist in our lives. So, minimalism believes that less is more.
Although the concept is “simple living”, in its application, minimalism is still seen as something radical and difficult to implement. This is because it highly involves someone’s mindset and emotions in its application. Being able to make someone have to completely change their habits to their life principles. Also, separating them from something very precious in their lives.
To implement minimalism, there are actually some basic things you need to know, including:
- Choose experience over stuff
- Buy what you need, not what you want
- Live a light life with few attributes
- Strive in such a way to reduce waste
Popular Thanks to Marie Kondo
As it is difficult to apply massively, minimalism is not something that is mainstream in our society. Only carried out by small groups, although this lifestyle is considered to have a very positive purpose. However, thanks to Marie Kondo who campaigned for minimalism through the KonMari decluttering method, this lifestyle is getting more and more popular. In fact, the current minimalism lifestyle has been carried out by various generations, from the young to the old.
Minimalism has also become a trend because it is a suitable choice to be applied in this era. This lifestyle is believed to be good for mental health, as it encourages someone to enjoy what they already have, rather than chasing what they don’t have. In addition, it also drills a person to reduce unnecessary commitments for life, so that stress levels can be reduced as well. In addition to mental health, minimalism is also relevant to be applied in this era of uncertain economic conditions. With a simple life, expenses will automatically decrease.
Beneficial to the Environment
Back to one of the basics of minimalism, which is trying in such a way as to reduce waste. So, this lifestyle does directly encourage people to be more concerned about environmental sustainability. The benefits for the environment can also be seen from the following minimalism behaviors:
- Controlling consumption. In a minimalism lifestyle, we are obliged to buy only what we need, not what we want. This behavior then encourages us to consume or use what we have as much as possible. We will automatically choose items that come with a sustainable concept. Or, investing in goods that, although expensive, can be used for a long period of time.
- Reduce waste. Along with efforts to control consumption and limit purchases, the production of household waste will decrease by itself. We eat according to a reasonable portion and according to need. In addition, it also reduces plastic waste from buying things that we don’t really need.
- Reducing the use of land for housing. Living a minimalism lifestyle means that we have very few things. That way, we don’t have to live in a big house. This is certainly very influential on the reduced use of land for housing and can be used more for reforestation land.