In the United States, embracing minimalism is seen as a desirable, healthy way to live. According to survey data from 2021, 11% of people identified as minimalists, while 26% of people said they would like to become minimalists. While some people are drawn to this lifestyle out of necessity, others are searching for happiness through simplicity. Regardless of what attracts a person to minimalism, it’s virtually guaranteed to lead to some form of sustainable living.
Minimalism prioritizes quality
You may have noticed that product quality is not what it used to be, even just looking back ten years. If you go back 25 years or even 100 years, you’ll find a level of quality that is almost unheard of today. In fact, a lot of furniture made from solid wood just 100-200 years ago is still fully functional today. It may be a bit scratched up, but it’s the best quality furniture you’ll find. This is the kind of quality minimalists find attractive, and by pursuing items that last, minimalism naturally leads to sustainability.
Minimalists don’t have time and money (or space) to waste collecting a bunch of stuff that will break. They need to be careful about what they invite into their space. Instead of thoughtlessly buying the cheapest items possible, knowing they’ll end up in a pile in the garage in a few months, minimalists seek out quality goods built to last.
When people choose thoughtful consumption – for any reason – they’re automatically engaging in sustainable practices.
Minimalists value timeless fashion aesthetics
Instead of buying a variety of fashion accessories to have a different item for every outfit, minimalists prefer to buy timeless accessories that will match any outfit. They’re not looking for ways to expand their collection of bags, jewelry, and shoes, for example. They’d rather own simple leather goods that will match their entire wardrobe. For example, a plain brown leather bag will go with just about anything and doesn’t need to be dressed up to look good.
Sustainable fashion choices are automatically in line with minimalism. It’s not hard to see why a minimalist lifestyle can lead a person to adopt sustainable habits.
Minimalists gravitate to leather
Minimalists love leather because it’s simple, attractive, and practical. Pre-made goods made with leather are easy to find, but it’s also a useful raw material to work with for people who enjoy crafting. Leatherwork takes skill to learn, but it doesn’t require many tools, and you can make long-lasting, useful items (like belts, bracelets, and even dog collars) to avoid buying commercially-made products.
Although no material can ever be considered 100% sustainable from top to bottom, leather gets plenty of sustainability points despite the production process simply because of its long lifespan. If you have to choose between materials that will just end up in the landfill in a short amount of time, like plastic and cheap forms of canvas, or something that can last for hundreds of years, the choice is clear.
When taken care of and conditioned properly, leather can last for hundreds of years. Even the cheapest leather will last longer than plastic and other sustainable materials.
Minimalists love multi-functional items
Since minimalists love the idea of using items for multiple purposes, they’re automatically supporting sustainability. For example, minimalism encourages owning multi-functional items, like bags that can be used for work and pleasure. By avoiding the need to buy multiple items and going for simplicity, minimalists are automatically making sustainable choices.
Minimalists love second-hand shopping
Another way minimalists naturally embrace sustainability is through thrifting. Minimalists love shopping at thrift stores because they’re looking for high-quality items that can’t be found in the store. They’re not impulse buyers, and instead, they scour second-hand stores with intention. Buying pre-owned goods and clothing reduces the demand for new production and minimizes waste. Minimalism encourages thoughtful purchases, and thrifting is a natural extension of that mindset.
Minimalists simplify their lives
In addition to decluttering physical possessions, minimalists seek to simplify their lives, which often involves using energy-efficient appliances, living in smaller homes, and having fewer electronic devices, which means they consume less overall energy.
Living sustainably with minimalist principles
Adopting a minimalist lifestyle is a powerful way to embrace sustainability. By choosing durable, high-quality goods and accessories, you can reduce waste and live with intention. It’s all about simplifying your life while doing your part to reduce your carbon footprint and make sustainable choices. Minimalism just happens to be a lifestyle that paves the way for a more sustainable life.