Where Does All The Junk Come From?
Its amazing how much junk can pile up...even if you’re committed to reducing your overall consumption. I’ve spent the last month cleaning out my house in preparation for a move and it just makes me realize that we are such a society of accumulators -- whether we like it or not. I have tried to do my best by dropping off my old clothes and furniture items at Valu Village for re-sale, taking things that are still working but no longer of use to to me to the curb (in my neighbourhood, if you leave something out overnight on the sidewalk, it is gone the next morning), giving things away to friends and family, but still the amount of garbage bags going to the curb is overwhelming, and disturbing. And I’m not even a pack rat! I’ve made a few resolutions for the next household: -- No more plastic. When cleaning out my kitchen, I have chucked most of my plastic containers into the recycling bin. I am trying to go plastic-free by using glass mason jars for storage and wood cutting boards. We have too much stuff in our lives. Do you remember when you used to be able to pack all your belongings into a small car? Wasn’t life simpler then? And so much easier on the planet...
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Hi Katherine,
You're right. I've recently moved countries, and with the baggage limitations on flights these days, and being able to take very little with me...I've realized how little I actually need.
Stuff is just stuff. Certainly not the important things in life (love, laughter, good friends...). And with Sony eReaders, you can even have tons of books -- without having tons of books.
I'm looking forward to re-establishing a home based on what's needed - and I know now it's not stuff.
Love your blogs. Please keep them coming :)
The ideas for your new lifestyle are great ones, especially the no plastic rule. Good for you for really going for those things. It really made me think about all the junk I have at home and what would happen if I just piled it all up. Thanks for writing!
~we_need_green :-)
I just recently moved and I did not want to take everything with me. I gave some to my best friend. Tried to have a yard sale, gave most to The Salvation Army and then still alot came with me. I am still going through things and want to get rid of stuff. The hardest things is gifts from people. I agree people should give gift certificates. And children get way too much.
I love the thought of plastic free and using glass for storage like mason jars. And I want to use the bamboo cutting boards for their natural anti-bacterial substance.
RominaBgreen
Great resolutions Katherine! Way to go! This made me think of my father's question while shopping: "Do you REALLY need it?" My other 2 sisters and I would look at each other and leave the stuff on the shelf...
Check out this short film "The Story of Stuff" http://www.storyofstuff.com/
It suggests that something like 90% of the stuff we bring into our homes we throw away within a year. Pretty scary, right?
****
The Marlboro MBA in Managing for Sustainability:
Change the Climate of Business.
I moved in 2007! I gave a ton of stuff away to charity or friends and family. I took my pledge then. I don't buy without really thinking about that purchase. And freecycle is a wonderful tool to dispose of your goods.
I too got rid of my plastic. I use glass for everything. Cooking included. I read about the Teflon on our pots, pans and baking sheets. No thanks! No plastic bags! I use foil. The entire fridge is full of foil wrapped foods!
I re-gift! Guilty! Just keep good track of who gave you the items you are regifting! I have told people to give to my favorite charities instead of giving me a gift.
I really feel better about living a modest life. I no longer need shoes in every color! I wear my clothing until it is thread bare. Both are really a challenge being in my early 30's! I remember the days when I had 150 pairs of shoes!
All the best with living the simple life. It is so much more rewarding!
Hi Katherine,
A great idea and solution and I just wish I could ever get down to that myself. I wish you luck with it and please keep us posted as to your success.
I remember when all my belongings fitted into a small caravan - I am of a Gypsy family - but now, living in a house and writing and all that... I have managed to fill up an entire house all on my own. Somewhere in the region of 2,000 books help there too...
Michael
Green (Living) Review
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