The recent horrific bushfires in Victoria have illustrated to me, again, that I do not need all the "stuff" I have. I don't need to consume anywhere near as much as I do. The important things to me are my partner, cats and my computer (data).
On Monday 23 February, all the fire sirens in the area started blaring, helicopters and planes circled overhead, because there was a new bushfire about 2km away in the local bird reserve. I was at home with my cats, and no car. Luckily my partner was able to drive home from the city, in time for the wind change, which sent the fire towards us and blanketed us in smoke. I had previously grabbed some clothes, cat food, my camera and my computer. We packed the cats into the boxes, packed the car, and left without waiting for the door knock from the police, (we were in the evacuation zone announced on the local fire website). I was surprise to find that I wasn't overly worried about the stuff I had left behind, obviously I wasn't that attached! If that was the case, why did I buy it in the first place?
Of course, we could replace most of the audio visual and music equipment, games and kitchen appliances, as we do have good insurance. But I'm not sure I would 'collect' anything again. I would miss my cross-stitches and other handmade crafts, which at the moment mostly haven't been framed.
The response to the Victorian bushfire appeal has been astounding, so many people have given surplus stuff to survivors who have lost everything. Most of the extra stuff most likely won't be missed by previous owners.
Books can be borrowed from the library, found using Bookcrossing, swapped via Bookmooch, and many of the classics are available as e-books and audiobooks. Renting videos via our AppleTV, or buying them in iTunes is convenient - I don't have to worry about returning anything on time, finding space on our shelves or dusting it regularly! I don't really need such a large collection of stationery, so will focus on using it, writing to friends more often, and using it instead of birthday cards. All my music is already digital, I don't have any urge to buy CDs. Computer games can be bought second hand, and then resold. I don't need so many clothes, and I don't have many shoes (I hate impractical shoes and bags). You can participate in electronic swaps, swapping ideas, experiences and photos, using less postage and buying fewer presents. For birthdays or other celebratory events, you can reduce the number of physical presents and instead give your time, go on outings, find or cook yummy food, and provide other experiences.
Buying less means you are generating less waste from the packaging. You can apply this to food as well. Using predominantly whole foods, and buying staples in bulk results in much less waste than using prepackaged portions, wrapped in several layers of plastic and cardboard. Of course, fresh foods contribute to your compost pile. The story of stuff is an interesting and enlightening video about how current consumption is affecting the world (people, countries and the environment).
Consuming less means you need less space to store your stuff, moving house is easier, it's easier to clean, you produce less rubbish, you won't lose as much in a disaster, and you will likely save some money! I find it's easier to breathe and feel less weighed down by stuff. I will be passing on some of my current stuff to other people who will appreciate it more, perhaps I may even make a little money by selling the stuff that I don't want that has some value. I will endeavour to bring even fewer new purchases into my house, and look forward to having less to move next time.
Each month I am posting a 'Going green' tip for a year long electronic swap.
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