Our society today is strongly based on the free-market assumption that prosperity and a higher quality of life go hand in hand with strong consumption.
What drives you to buck this trend and consciously consume less? What are your guiding principles that help you make decisions in everyday life?
I, for one, am convinced that the neoclassical economic model is based on false assumptions: it is not more consumption but conscious, need-satisfying consumption that increases the quality of life. Instead of consuming more and more, only to put it back on the pile of shame with the other unused things after a few days, i prefer a consumption that is limited to a few but high-quality products. Products that cover my needs in the best possible way and offer me added value. If I find that the things I own cause me more worry and distress than they provide value, it’s time to let go.
I completely disagree with your premise about the free market and its implications; however I think the second question is helpful.
What are your guiding principles that help you make decisions in everyday life?
I support people and businesses that operate in a manner that is inline with my values. Similarly, that’s how I try to live. You vote with your money and your actions. Economically a freer market would better allow this; as an individual you have the power of choice over many things; collectively, aligned parties without ego and other ulterior motives, can achieve great things.
Some of the values I have surround the following:
- Healthfulness
- Kindness
- Utility
- Sustainability
- Efficiency
It is still a core thesis of the neoclassical economic theory on which our western, capitalist society is strongly based. It assumes that people always want to maximise their gains and achieve this by increasing consumption. Yet we, as minimalists, and people who maintain a sustainable lifestyle are the perfect counterexample.
I over-consumed so much that I went bankrupt. After that I had little extra money and no credit so I had to be frugal. No more owning two cars. No more selling cars at a large loss because I lost interest. No more impulse spending on trips. I had to live within my means.
I also care about the environment trying to reconsider, reduce, reuse, and recycle whenever possible. If I can’t do that I’ll purchase quality items that last.