Influences
Minimalism was heavily influenced by Japanese culture. The Japanese concept of Zen emphasizes simplicity and looking into nature for truth. The concept of Ma is associated with empty space itself, and Wabi-sabi values the simplest of objects. Maria Kondo, a Japanese organizing consultant, wrote a book named “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese art of Decluttering and Organizing. The book helped a lot of people understand the importance of freeing themselves and helped reduce the weight of material goods.
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Statistics
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What does this mean? Sustainable?
This means that not only do we own too many things, but we are also spending too much money on acquiring more. We can find happiness in the simple things, in space, and in nature. Japanese culture has been promoting these concepts for centuries. With minimalism, we can find ourselves. The stats are clear, we are trapped in consumerism. But with a little help from minimalism, we can escape.
Minimalism is of course sustainable. It require nothing but effort from the participant. It enourages less consumerism, less spending, and more personal developement. With reduced consumerism, production will decrease with it. This movement may primarily be involved with the individual, but its results affect the earth. Less production will save our planet's resources and reduce our carbon footprint.
But wont reduced consumerism impact the economy? How can a movement that encourages economic downfall be sustainfable? First, remember that minimalism does not equate to zero spending. It is simply the reduction of overconsumption. Businesses exist to suit the needs of the costumer. So, in the event that everyone became minimalism, the flexible system of our economy will be able to sustain itself. Second a society that is based solely on overconsumption is not sustainable. Minimalism does allow for a complete sweeping change of the way things are run.
Still not convinced? Check out this article about minimalism vs. the economy.
Minimalism is of course sustainable. It require nothing but effort from the participant. It enourages less consumerism, less spending, and more personal developement. With reduced consumerism, production will decrease with it. This movement may primarily be involved with the individual, but its results affect the earth. Less production will save our planet's resources and reduce our carbon footprint.
But wont reduced consumerism impact the economy? How can a movement that encourages economic downfall be sustainfable? First, remember that minimalism does not equate to zero spending. It is simply the reduction of overconsumption. Businesses exist to suit the needs of the costumer. So, in the event that everyone became minimalism, the flexible system of our economy will be able to sustain itself. Second a society that is based solely on overconsumption is not sustainable. Minimalism does allow for a complete sweeping change of the way things are run.
Still not convinced? Check out this article about minimalism vs. the economy.