In an age of economic uncertainties, the era of consumerist capitalism may be waning.
The Recession and corresponding Real Estate Bust has forced Americans to rethink spending. On the fringe of these new economies are those who have joined the Small House Movement and the Minimalist Movement, also known as “Simplistic Living”.
Long dead is the 1980’s era of waste and “me first” attitudes. Herald in the era of social consciousness. Those on the extreme end of the “anti-consumerism” may find themselves at odds with the rest of society.
Minimalists like Daniel Lewis, pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays lives out of a Volkswagen van nicknamed “Shaggy”. Despite his $2 million dollar contract, Lewis makes the van his year long mobile home. To further keep himself honest, Mr. Lewis has his accountants only a lot him $800 per month to live on.
Some minimalist swear to a “100” list. Cutting down their life to but 100 items.
Tips to Simplistic Living
1) Trade in your car for Public Transportation or a Bicycle. You will save money on car payments, insurance, gas and upkeep. As an added plus, you are not adding to the fossil-fuel burning epidemic on the planet. In addition, you’re a lot less likely to get a speeding ticket on the bus then driving yourself.
2) Limit your clothing and footwear to a few different styles not a pair of sneakers for every color of the spectrum and a pair of blue jeans for every day of the week. It’s overkill and the old attage of “It’s what matters on the inside that matters.” comes to mind.
3) Wash your clothing by hand. If it was good enough for your ancestors it is good enough for you. Hand washing lengthens the wear-ability of the article of clothing and burns calories in the process making this simultaneously a good work-out and another energy saver for the planet.
4) Buy Food that is Food. If it comes in a box it is probably overpriced, not needed and not good for you. Shop around the perimeter of the grocery store buying things from the known food groups: Fruits & Vegetables, Nuts & Grains, Dairy, Eggs & Meat.
5) Stop Buying Crap! You do not need every Mickey Mouse product ever made or Harry Potter action figure collection. Do you really need your favorite band or show on CD and DVD? Probably not. A de-cluttered life is a simpler, happier life.
