If you have been reading my newsletter for awhile, you know I believe our relationship with money is deeply emotional, and shaped by our upbringing. This includes the way we consume.
I became interested in mindful consumption when considering how my family of origin’s generational trauma shaped my needs and wants. Never throwing things out (especially food), and stock piling household supplies are some of the consumption habits I grew up with–avoid waste and be prepared.
As part of my journey to heal from generational trauma I have been reflecting on: How long do I expect something to last? How much space do I want it take up? What impact am I having on the environment with my purchase?
Considering those questions, here are some changes I have implemented in my life that I wanted share with you:
1) Clothing:
Did you know that even when you donate clothes to places like goodwill, some of it ends up in a landfill?
Companies like Threads Clothing Exchange and For Days are coming up with innovative ways to help you get new clothes, sustainably getting rid of your old ones, and break the cycle of fast fashion.
Fast fashion is getting garments that imitate new styles to market as quickly as possible, often with a harmful impact on the environment and people’s health.
2) Bidets:
If you have ever considered getting one, here is your sign to go for it. They are better for your health, the environment, and your wallet.
From an article the Washington Post:
“The typical person in the United States uses about 24 rolls of toilet paper per year. That’s roughly three times more than Europeans — and among the highest per capita consumption of any country. Were the country to switch to bidets, millions of trees would likely remain standing every year.”
Toilet paper also has a lot of PFAs in it, also known as forever chemicals.
And yes, bidets have an initial larger one time cost than TP, but after that you will save lots on not buying TP anymore.
3) Gift Giving:
We get gifts we don’t want or need. This gift giving season, see if you can find out what your friends and family truly desire, so there is less waste. Also consider a mutual agreement to reduce or eliminate gift giving from certain social groups.
When the season changes, it can make us feel like we need stuff. Our culture and social media piles onto that urge. However, consumption is not a negative thing when its done with intention, rather than with subconscious reactivity.
Some additional opportunities to reflect:
- Are you a minimalist, or a collector?
- Do you feel like you need to be prepared for any situation, or figure it out as you go?
- What appeals more, quality or quantity?
- Are objects more sentimental or more functional?
What are some of the ways that you have become more mindful about consumption?
Reply to this email and let me know, so I can try it too!
