Minimalism & Sustainability | Living Simpler & Greener

[@PlantBasedBride]

I definitely think the two are connected. I came to minimalism through veganism, and sustainability from both! My life became much more sustainable simply through living a vegan, minimalistic life - but there is always room to improve. That's one of the reasons I love watching your videos!

[@PlantBasedBride]

Yes it is, isn't it? It has completely changed my life for the better.

[@justineleconte]

Useful thoughts on a oh-so-important matter!

[@ilap381]

Thanks for speaking about this. Unfortunately the minimalism is becoming a trend and as such a lot of people promoting it seem to be moving away from its original purpose and that makes me really sad. Just look at all the videos about capsule wardrobes! For me minimalism is to reduce consumption and reduce waste, mindfully. I wish everybody would watch this video.

[@bstrong5016]

This video states very eloquently many of the thoughts I had been having about some approaches people were taking with minimalism. Getting rid of many items just to turn around and purchase a bunch more... I have enjoyed a good declutter but something inside me was against getting rid of perfectly good clothing I use and enjoy so I could have a minimal wardrobe. I am trying instead to simply use and love what I have and avoid purchasing more ( though this is challenging). Anyways, your points were great and I hope many see this video. This is a process for us all!

[@kristinjennifer5852]

Yes I do think they are connected and I came to minimalism through an interest in sustainable living. I've really gotten way off track lately though, thank you for your videos. You keep me inspired!

[@siracornful]

Oh my god I cant believe you exist! My minimalism journey has not focused so much on decluttering as much as it has been on sustainability and responsibility. Although decluttering has helped me battle my fear of losing things, throwing things out just do get rid of it as fast as possible feels like its part of the same mentality as disposable consumption. Minimalism in it self has allowed me to buy organic, fairtrade and not feel like my budget is suffering. I just cant stand my friends when they scoff at fairtrade tea and coffee as a luxury they cant affort but pour their money on new jewelry and clothes for every weekend night out, because they don't like wearing things twice. It's not their fault, but it makes it feel like a losing battle. Instant subbie!

[@The14725]

YES! Love the first comment, minimalism and sustainability are definitely connected!

[@TheEmzies]

yes! So many videos on minimalism are about purchasing more, or don't consider where there discarded items end up. The KonMari trend annoyed me precisely because it encouraged people to send piles of stuff to landfill.

[@micheladallavecchia3929]

You make the best video on these topics. I became more aware of my spending and consuming habits thanks to you. I sold and donated my unused stuff to who needed it, and shopped only second hand or high quality if I really needed something in particular. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. You have such a lovely, calm, reassuring approach!

[@jadedxserpent]

It's been interesting to see how my original interest in more green, non toxic beauty products led to awareness of and interest in minimalism, sustainability, zero waste, and food choices. Thank you for your thoughtful video!

[@GabsterZ21]

I totally agree, I'm glad more and more of us are starting to realize this. Hopefully more and more will start too

[@Dadididu123]

This might be a somewhat extreme fix but I've made the switch to sewing my own clothes, in this way I know pretty much exactly what materials are used & have learned to appreciate what it actually takes to make garments. The best thing about it is that my wardrobe grows at a much, much slower rate. The time I used to spend online shopping I now spend sewing or planning & researching sewing projects.

[@natisoldera]

love your channel! And totally agree with this view of minimalism and the importance of being thoughtful about decluttering.

[@SeskaLee]

Great video! I agree that if the focus is on decluttering and not what led you to the amount of possessions and/or the sustainability and impact of your possessions you are missing what I think is the point of the current minimalist living movement - living with intention. When I simplified my life it was in stages and I have not shopped much at all in the past two years for clothing, household goods and products. I am finishing what I have and only replacing when needed. Often it has not even been needed.

[@danielle4033]

Great video! I agree completely. Being minimal is much more sustainable, as sustainability is much easier with minimalism. Along with everything else you said!

[@LoveAndMusic11]

Thank you for this video. Lately I've actually been feeling like I was stuck between minimizing and sustainability. Because mininalism can be very focused on decluttering like you said, and sometimes they tell you to throw out stuff if you don't regularly use it and can repurpose it easily, which is just absolutely not what I want to do from a sustainable point of view. But after watching this video I feel like it is possible to combine minimizing and sustainability, I just have to find my own way to balance them.

[@cheryltan8097]

this has got to be my new favourite video, thank you for discussing this topic! 💓✨

[@MyGreenCloset]

Glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@macantakai]

I definitely got to minimalism through sustainability. I think its funny that we are led to believe that more things will make us happier but people are actually happier with less things. I agree with that. I feel like I can breath now. I get excited about finding clothes (when I need them) which have heart as well and I feel good about them :)

[@anislen357]

I totally agree with you.Great video and channel. I Subscribed :)

[@MyGreenCloset]

Thank you!

[@Marticore]

I just got rid of even more clothes today (I did declutter like 2 months ago), I only kept a fall/winter wardrobe of about 40 pieces (including pants and sweaters). I also brought more order into other stuff, like comfy at-home clothes, pajamas and a summer wardrobe. It turned out that I actually had a pretty good sense of which pieces I can't live without and which are not as important or comfortable enough... I'm going to continue that with other stuff. It really annoys me that I have way more stuff than space and everything is just all over the place... Anyway, thanks a lot for the inspiration!

[@jaclynmccosker7517]

I do think they're connected! I wrote a blog post about the intersection of minimalism and zero-waste, because it all comes back to limiting what you bring into your home in the first place!

[@StarspangledHeart]

I found sustainability/zero waste from my journey into minimalism. In my journey, I actually found that some of the sustainable/zero waste options weren't very minimal, especially all of the diy stuff. I think that sustainability and minimalism can go very well together but you have to find the right balance for yourself. I tend to lean more to the minimalist side myself but any lifestyle change I make towards sustainability is good for the planet even if I'm not ready to go 100% on some things.

[@gemmaf_]

They're definitely connected. I came to (attempted) minimalism through my studies of environmental issues. Its also led to me becoming vegan as well as a lot of other lifestyle changes. One thing I don't agree with in your video (or that I've come across) is that minimalism and the decluttering part ends in landfill. I have found that most people are more environmentally conscious and will always talk about donating, repurposing, gifting, selling etc rather than sending unwanted items to landfill. I love to see so many people engaging in conversation about all of these important issues. Keep up the good work!

[@saschasstorychamber]

Great Video. That was exactly what I am thinking about some minimalist approaches like the one-in one-out rule or just throwing stuff away for the sake of decluttering . Use what you already got :)

[@pattidoyle5102]

I agree. I think sustainability, minimalism, and zero-waste concepts work together beautifully to make me think my purchases all the way through. I came to these three via my vegan journey, and while I have perfected none of my quests, I am definitely so much better than I've ever been before. I've always wanted to know how I could make a difference...and now I believe i do.

[@nanimoosie]

You've become less materialist in the normal sense of the word.. acquiring stuff just to have new stuff. But a materialist in the true sense of the word.. you value and cherish each item you have so much that you don't feel the need to acquire more. I feel the same :-) !

[@josiehepburn677]

I too came to the idea of minimalism because of my concerns about unsustainable practices in the clothing industry, etc. I agree with what you're saying, minimalism is great, but it isn't a sustainable practice unless your focus is also on minimising the damage that your purchases and practices have on the planet and on people. Great video, great channel and great messages!

[@laisa041]

thanks to speaking about this topic! a hug from Brazil!

[@karthikkadiraivel4298]

I really appreciate the emphasis on minimalism and about the acquiring process. I personally feel people can't just start throwing things away.. I would really appreciate a video on how to and the best ways to dispose stuff in an environment friendly way in our process of decluttering.

[@amyshephard26]

If I could give this video a million thumbs up I would! You talk complete sense to me 😁 we all need to be more thoughtful of what we buy and how and what we dispose of things.

[@chariteybilbruck4233]

I love your channel it has really inspired my journey of self discovery, awareness, and the healthy minimalistic approach ❤ thank you for sharing your life and inspiring others

[@liragrig6663]

I absolutely agree with everything you said in this video!

[@rawlawgirl]

Outstanding video. Thank you.

[@emilybatten6627]

I really enjoy your videos. You have a very pleasant and genuine way of expressing yourself. I would love to know your opinion on eco-friendly and ethical gift giftgiving. Do you have go to items that you like to give on certain occasions that are in line with your sustainable values? I always seem to struggle to find items that I feel people will actually use and are friendly to the environment.

[@berivanozkocak2446]

Great video! I decided to become a minimalist because I was so overwhelmed with stuff. Stuff was everywhere and it was becoming a wall in front of me. But first I began to use cruelty free cosmetics. I think it was the first step for me. After minimalism, sustainability is a natural way to go. I donated the clothes I do not like and now I still have some things in my wardrobe I do not love. But I will not get rid of them right away because I am in the hunt for ethical, sustainable brands which is hard to come by in Turkey. I don't think it is quite eco to shop internationally so I'm a little bit confused. But I will prevail :)

[@sunzenith7028]

You are so right, really summed minimalism and sustainability to a tee! What do you think of earth ships?

[@missmatti]

I totally agree with you on the decluttering and getting rid of stuff. I have found millions (it feels like) videos on KZbin about how to declutter and get a more minimalistic approach to life. Very few of them cover how to do so responsibly and I want to see more videos what to do with the garments that served its time because throwing things in landfill does not feel good. Gosh I have been holding onto things because I did feel how wasteful it would be to get rid of it! Then I think the 1 in 1 out approach can work if you for example clothes swap, buy second hand, donate the old garment, you replace a garment you worn for a long time etc. But if you have that approach and buy cheap fast fashion I do think like you there is a problem with that approach.

[@dutches8384]

Finally someone that says how it is. I see a lot of minimalism videos where the just throw away (donate) there stuff, but there are so many items donated that there is a hole new problem. In Africa there are villages completely overcome with the clothing that we are donating. If you want to go in a more minimal way just don't buy any new stuff and use what you already have bought and when it's used up don't replace it. Or sell the items or give them away so you now that the items will be reused in stead of being dumped in Africa. And if you really want to donate just look into the place where you want to bring you're items and check what happens with you're stuff, is it's really going to be reused again or if there is just an overflow of items and because of that items just will be tossed or dumped. Thanks for making these videos and letting people see an other way of being a minimalist and living with less. Maybe you could make a blog about those dumping grounds in Africa to let people realize that donating isn't all that it seem and that just wearing what you have and just don't buy any new stuff is a better way to go!

[@niidiimii]

I definitely think sustainability and minimalism are connected. For me it was all very fluid and almost simultaneous because I'd been (lightly) environmentally conscious for a while...But I think I really came to care a lot about sustainability after I had the desire to "un-complicate" and "declutter" my life. But I'm glad you mentioned the problematic "just dump everything" attitude in the decluttering world. It didn't sit well with me as it felt wasteful and the privileged attitude of being able to just discard so much because it can so easily be bought back for some people is something I found grating, so I found solace in the sustainability community's ways of dealing with the disposal of our unnecessary possessions. It's very frustrating to me still, though, how bad most infrastructures are at allowing/making it easy for people to be better about how they discard items. And I wish companies were made to take more responsibility for what they produce. While it's absolutely true that we vote every day with our purchases, much of the time the responsibility falls on the customer to deal with the refuse (due to packaging issues mostly) instead of the companies producing the products that we need (or even things that we want because they make life so much easier...not talking about excess and frivolous whims). I feel like my "decluttering journey" will be a very slow one because I'm trying to use things up and then purchase better replacements and research the best ways to get rid of things instead of go the massive clear out route... But it's also frustrating to feel suffocated by things that have accumulated over your lifetime that you realise you have no desire to use or store any more.

[@MyGreenCloset]

Great points! It's terrible how difficult it can be to recycle/responsibly dispose of items and compared to how easy it is to throw something in the trash it's unfortunately understandable why so many things end up in the landfill. Companies definitely need to take more responsibility for not only the creation but the end life of their products. My hope is that we'll see more cradle to cradle business models where products can be returned for recycling and just more companies using upcycled and existing materials.

[@niidiimii]

Jennifer Miano Yeah I know. And I donate everything that I'm able to (and that makes sense to), but I'm also not a huge fan of carting things off to the charity shop if they are very unlikely to be picked up because that's a bit like saying "here, you dump it....probably on some third world country that doesn't need any more first world junk" (because many times the items in charity shops do get sent to third world countries if they haven't been bought in a certain time frame). It just becomes someone else's problem without even being useful in the interim. So I'll tend to offer things like clothing and books especially to friends first, then go to eBay (to ensure that it's definitely being bought and the likelihood of it actually being used seems higher) before I turn to the charity shop. And some things simply don't lend themselves to donation as much as others. Toiletries, for example, can be difficult to get rid of, often for hygiene reasons. I mean, how likely is it that you're going to find someone to take a partly used face mask that didn't work for you and maybe exacerbated skin problems and so makes no sense for you to continue using to the detriment of your skin and that is nearing its expiry date?? Especially when it's so easy to cheaply buy a new one? Oooor who is going to want to use my used Mooncup that didn't work for me? (I use the Si-Bell now.) It's clean, but... well, I personally wouldn't buy a used menstrual cup. There are a lot of tricky exceptions to donation... So, yeah, donation is great, but I still think we desperately need better infrastructure to handle waste and we need companies really rethink what they're putting into the world and to think about the product's journey from start to finish. It shouldn't *all* be on the consumer. :)

[@gemmaamclean]

Just found your channel and subscribed 😃 Did you end up working in the fashion industry after your degree because I'm currently studying Fashion design and I'm learning the true impact of the fashion industry. I'm finding it hard to see myself ever working in the fashion industry.

[@MyGreenCloset]

Welcome :) I felt the same way! It can be really difficult especially right after school, I ended up working freelance although I do also think it would have been good to work for a larger company for that experience. If you care about the impact of the fashion industry, being in it is a good place to help create change! Also if you're interested I chat more about my experience with learning about slow fashion and school/working in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iaq7eIx8l6iSmsU :)

[@gemmaamclean]

My Green Closet Oh thank you. I hav been binge watching all your videos this weekend 😉 yes that's true, the only way to make changes is to be in the industry. x

[@mahindervirk6912]

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[@blep301]

Funny. I found minimalism first which led me to think more sustainably. Since then I have switched the one-in-one-out rule to a one-out-one-in rule. When I wear something out or use something up, then I replace it.

[@MyGreenCloset]

I love that switch!!

[@lisetcamposmanrique6115]

I'm not into the minimalist aesthetic so for me it really is about sustainability and not having stuff control my life as much. I've been doing quite a bit of de cluttering lately and the one thing I constantly have trouble finding a home for or recycling is stationary items like pens, folders, staplers, ect. Does anyone have ideas for what I should do?

[@NaturalSpaSupplies]

Definitely something more people should think about!

[@rebeccasather]

Loved this video, you addressed some tough ideas very eloquently! I'm a college student so I value good prices but am working away from that and focusing more on reusing and recycling as well as supporting ethical/sustainable brands. It can be tough to explain these concepts to friends and family who just seem to want it all at cheap prices - how would you start a conversation and try to open their eyes to the impact of such a lifestyle? Thanks :)

[@OoBIWIoO]

I like to say I live an essentialist life. I have what is essential/important for me. Everyone is different and needs different things. some of us need less, some of us need more.

[@MyGreenCloset]

Definitely! Love that :)

[@lavenderbearasmr3562]

I love shopping but hate buying. I used to think there was something wrong with me felt bad for leaving a store without buying, but now I can spend hours upon hours shopping and buy nothing. Here's a tip to get a little dopamine hit without buying anything, shop online and fill your cart with things you want, then go and delete them and start over.

[@emelie8304]

I think they are connected as well! I have always tried to reduce my possessions, but it wasnt until I realized there was a name for it and found blogs and youtube channels about minimalism that I realized I had to start take care of my stuff and buy better quality so I could Buy less as well. And when I started to take proper care of my clothes and even my h&m garments lasted longer I decided to use the money I saved on better quality pieces, and when I found out that sustainable choices actually existed in my style and that I could afford it I started to buy only sustainably produced products because why wouldn't I? Unfortunately I'm really bad at buying clothes second hand, I can only find poor quality fast fashion brands or vintage pieces that are far from my style at my local second hand stores, but when I only buy 5-7 new pieces each year I decided I should stop feeling guilty. But almost everything for my home I buy thrifted when we need something, we even renovate our house entirely sustainable with recycled products and locally produced materials. It takes time but it is worth it. I couldn't do 10% of this if it wasn't for minimalism. I must say I'm forever grateful for what minimalism has done for me and my partner.

[@umealvi5887]

Your sayings are in line with prior to this decade whereby people had very less stuff and enjoyed wearing a piece of clothing for many years.. In the UK where I am from clothes were manufactured locally rather than in third third world countries and were of the upmost quality.. I think people were a lot more happier back then spending quality times with one another these days it's all about consumerism..

[@HeatheersVlogs]

I'm on my road to a sustainably and it's going good so far!

[@magspies]

I definitely come at things from a sustainability angle. I guess minimalism has always been a part of that, before it was ever a thing...it was just limiting consumption! Though it's great that's even more conscious now. I think the two are connected, but not mutually exclusive. Minimalism for a lot seems to be more about perfectionism, of still disposable things - they're happy to get rid of their 'things' and get better 'things' or matching 'things' that make them happier.

[@rachellelove6679]

I also got into sustainability as a fashion designer when I learnt the impact of clothes :)

[@nataliamelo5741]

gosh i totaly agree with you

[@firebrickwplesu4789]

You are so beautiful.. For me minimalism means keeping the things I think I need and give away the rest.. So it can mean different for each person..

[@lavenderbearasmr3562]

What is a capsule wardrobe? I'm really thinking through my style. I am going with greyscale. that way everything will match with everything and I will not have to be like, huh i have no pants or i have no shirts, when things do not match. With greyscale, all my clothes will be interchangeable and so I'll need less.

[@sarahRA86]

Everything that I think but put so eloquently! 😉

[@joyk439]

You're beautiful and your hair is gorgeous!!!

[@mhyntea]

Thank you for your video! I feel the same way! :)

[@12amic]

so well said

[@KristineVerzoPinayMinimalist]

Hi! Nice video.. Do you have your room tour or home tour video? I subscribed as well. Keep it up!

[@munmunchoy]

You just got a new subscriber!👍🏻

[@jennybanana2296]

Very well said! 👍🏻

[@reginaibrahim3374]

keep inspiring. thank you

[@davidsamson850]

You just got a new fan. :)

[@mfzv87]

yes!

[@ladyofcaspiansea]

Great video

[@christopherrobin147]

I've always had a capsule wardrobe because I worked for Sbux and made $8/hr :D yay, working class

[@MyGreenCloset]

I also used to work for Sbux! Drank so much coffee haha

[@FreyaHase]

Ich finde absolut, dass diese beiden Themen zusammen passen. Ich wollte zuerst ganz viele Sachen loswerden und einfach weniger besitzen. Dadurch, dass ich weniger Kleidungsstück brauche. kann ich es mir auch leisten umweltfreundliche Kleidung zu kaufen. Faire Kleidung und Minimalsimus sind für mich zur Lebensinhalt geworden und untrennbar miteinander verknüpft. Lieben Dank für deine tollen Videos. I hope your german is good enough to unterstand my comment. Otherwise I can also comment in englisch the next time. Just let me know.

[@MyGreenCloset]

I can understand it! :) It's good practice to read in German although I'm terrible at writing in German, since I've mainly focused on learning to speak I can't spell anything :(

[@kpmaia6592]

Hello, I discovered your chanel a couple of weeks ago and I really enjoy it, but for me this was the best video so far. I don't think any of this things (minimalism, sustainable shopper) should be lables you have to wear, they are constant practices. Watching your videos I realise I already did most of the stuff and didn't even know they were a "thing". For me minimalism and sustainably shopping are about a simpler way of living in which having things is not more important than the people that make them and the environmental impact of your purchases. So minimalism without the sustainable shopping sounds empty to me.

[@artm8dk]

They must be connected, Eco Minimalisme !

[@3095710571896]

i care a lot about being responsible and keeping my values, but then when i buy something not second hand i feel guilty so i keep on buying second hand clothes for really cheap which i actually don't need at all

[@Quettasbedhead]

I like this video

[@mariemoulinec3569]

A minimalist called Joe (he has a channel on KZbin) has a rule: each object belongs to one of the 3 T categories, Treasure Tool or Trash. Minimalism is owning only things you love (Treasure) or you need (Tool). Everything else is garbage

[@lavendercottageflowerfarm3281]

Sustainability, minimalism and being vegan. They are all connected.

[@lydiao-h6493]

I was just wondering if you were zero waste or have heard about it?

[@MyGreenCloset]

I'm not, currently I don't have any places that offer bulk shopping, so food packaging is the biggest issue. However a bulk store is opening where I live soon so I'm looking forward to cutting down on more plastic packaging.

[@lydiao-h6493]

That is cool. I was just wondering because of all of your sustainability efforts.

[@Marticore]

You... are so beautiful!