Become a Green Minimalist M
by Jon Mclane
inimalism describes movements in which the work is stripped
down to its most fundamental features and core of self-expression. Likewise, someone who lives a minimalist lifestyle rids their environment of everything they do not use and need, leaving a clean, uncluttered, Zen-like environment. Clutter is—minimal.
Minimalism can be very
liberating. Just because I could afford to buy things doesn’t mean that I am compelled to consume compulsively. That is just a common sense approach to living a balanced, sustainable lifestyle. The energy it takes to sort through the excess stuff in life can drain us of energy that could be used to enjoy life. If you’re not convinced already, here are a few tips from local residents on becoming a minimalist. It’s eco-friendly. “What is a better
way to save the environment than to stop taking from it? All of that clutter you have had to come from some natural element,” says Al Anzuldua, a retired state department foreign officer. It’s cheaper. The first step in
becoming a minimalist isn’t to throw out everything, but to monitor your
spending habits. “Some of the most interesting homes I have been to have been those of minimalists, and they were a lot more
creative,” says James Hennessey, of Primestar LED.
It’s fun. Be
creative and willing to change the societal norm in your life. You
can be whatever you
want to be, and that freedom can be projected through the minimalist lifestyle. “Some of our most talented students enjoy the minimalist style when it comes to art, more than all of the other styles,” says Jodi Netzer, director of the Tucson Arts Brigade. It’s organized. Need a file? It’s
in the minimalist file cabinet. Need a jacket? It’s in the minimalist closet. Need the nose hair clippers? It’s in your secret I-don’t-want-others-to-see- this minimalist drawer. Whatever your
immediate need may be, the items in a minimalist home are, usually, more organized. You will be happy you are a minimalist when you aren’t searching for hours for something. It’s manageable. How many times
have you asked yourself, “If there was just one more hour to get this stuff done, I could do it?” Well, you will have many free hours now that your life is not consumed by stuff. Along with minimizing the amount of stuff you have, you can also become more judicious about your tasks and hobbies. Try minimalism out for a week
and see. (That’s my minimalist conclusion).
Jon Mclane, a local water advocate and green advisor, hosts Green Revolution Radio on AM1030 Sundays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. For more information visit
GreenRevolutionRadio.com.
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Tucson
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