Eco-Friendly Edition

Hi!

Welcome to the first weekly version of Decluttering Daily! As you read through this, please consider what you like or don’t, and if you’re feeling generous, hit me with a reply and some constructive feedback! I’ll have all week to consider things, so you can guarantee your feedback will impact the next one. Ok, onto the main event!

-Jimmy

I don’t know about you, but the weather the last few years has been absolutely crazy. Maybe it’s the greenhouse gases, or maybe it’s just a longer cycle of the planet that we don’t quite understand yet. Or maybe something else entirely.

But whether or not you believe in climate change, or which side of the aisle you sit politically, it’s hard to ignore that we’re definitely trashing this planet.

Oceans are filling with plastic that never breaks down. Landfills are overflowing with things we barely used. Air and water pollution are rising in cities all over the world.

In the last 10 years, we have lost around 500 species of animal on the planet. :(

And why?

• Because we keep buying more than we need

• Because companies make things to break fast and sell faster

• Because convenience has become more important than caring

It’s easy to feel helpless when we think about the waste piling up around us. Fast fashion, fracking, styrofoam, it all feels overwhelming.

But Essentialism offers a simple truth. We can do anything, but we can’t do everything.

So we can move ourselves in the right direction. We can choose what matters most to us, and direct our energy toward that.

When we declutter our lives, we don’t just make room for what’s important to us. We make a positive impact on the world too.

This week, let’s look at how simplifying our lives can help both us and the environment.

Win Win

Making sustainable choices is a win win for individuals, but it can also be a win win for businesses.

In 2011, Patagonia ran an ad on Black Friday that said, “Don’t Buy This Jacket.” They listed the environmental cost of making just one fleece and encouraged people to buy only what they truly needed.

Instead of hurting sales, it built massive trust and loyalty. They even launched a repair and resale program to keep old gear in use.

Patagonia showed us that being sustainable is not just responsible. It can make a positive impact in a lot of different ways.

On top of that, all known studies support the idea that people who live more simply on purpose tend to be happier.

Less clutter. Fewer decisions. Lower stress.

Essentialism is about aligning your life with what matters most.

Essentialism and eco living are speaking the same language. Buy and own only what you truly need or love. Let go of the rest.

So with all of that in mind, it’s time to check out the challenges I’ve chosen for you this week!

Daily Doables

Here’s one small action for each day this week. Print this out, check them off as you go, and jot a quick note if something clicks.

[ ] Mon: Bring a reusable bag to your car. Use those for groceries next time!

Notes:

[ ] Tue: Carry something reusable today. A cup. A water bottle. A straw.

Notes:

[ ] Wed: Skip the paper towel. Use a rag, napkin, or old T-shirt.

Notes:

[ ] Thu: Find one item you don’t use and donate, gift, or repurpose it.

Notes:

[ ] Fri: Plan a meal using only what’s already in your fridge or pantry.

Notes:

[ ] Sat: Walk, bike, or batch your errands to save gas and time. (Bonus points for picking up litter while you walk.)

Notes:

[ ] Sun: Do absolutely nothing. Rest is sustainable too.

Notes:

Small habits over time can make a big difference. Let me know what you try!

What will you keep doing? What other ideas do you have?

Parting Points

Living eco friendly doesn’t mean buying a bunch of new things, depriving yourself of comfort, or even dramatically changing your lifestyle.

Sometimes it just means slowing down. Using what you have. Trying not to waste things. And letting go of the extras.

That’s essentialism in action. It’s better for your mind, your money, and the planet.

If this newsletter helps you, share it with a friend who might also need it.

And if you want to support my work, scroll down and click on the sponsored links below. Every click helps me keep this going.

That’s it for this week.

Yours in Simplicity,

-Jimmy

www.declutteringdaily.com

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