In recent years, the world has witnessed a significant rise in the popularity of minimalism—a lifestyle that advocates simplicity, decluttering, and conscious consumption. Minimalism is not only a personal choice but also a global trend that resonates with people from all walks of life. This article explores the key aspects of minimalism and its impact, along with some examples of how it aligns with the United Nations ‘Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
1. Simplicity and Decluttering : At the core of minimalism lies the principle of simplicity. Embracing a minimalist lifestyle involves decluttering physical spaces and simplifying one’s life by reducing material possessions. By doing so, individuals can focus on what truly matters and find contentment in the essentials. For example, minimalism in interior design promotes clean lines, uncluttered spaces, and a focus on essential elements. Minimalist homes often feature neutral colors, simple furniture, and a lack of unnecessary decorations. A minimalist living room will have a neutral color palette, with white or light gray walls and a simple, uncluttered layout. The furniture will consist of essential pieces like a sleek sofa, a coffee table and perhaps a few carefully chosen decorative items. The focus is on creating an open and calming space that encourages relaxation and mindfulness. Furthermore, some minimalists embrace the concept of green housing, opting for smaller, energy-efficient homes with sustainable materials. This approach aligns with SDG 13, as it reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions, promoting a more sustainable future.nAnother key aspect of minimalism is decluttering and letting go of possessions that don’t serve a purpose or bring joy. Many minimalists follow Marie Kondo’s “Kon Mari” method, which involves keeping only items that “spark joy.” Marie Kondo’s Kon Mari method has become immensely popular in the minimalist community. The process involves going through your possessions category by category, such as clothing, books, and sentimental items, and keeping only those that “spark joy.” For instance, if you have clothes that you no longer wear or that don’t make you happy, you can thank them for their service and let them go, either by donating or recycling them.
2. Conscious Consumerism :Minimalism encourages conscious consumerism by promoting mindful decisions about what to buy and own. Instead of pursuing endless material possessions, minimalists prioritize high-quality, long-lasting items that serve their needs and have a positive impact on the environment and society. Minimalists prioritize mindful consumption and intentional buying. Instead of constantly seeking new possessions, they focus on quality over quantity and invest in items that will last longer. Instead of buying trendy, inexpensive clothing items that may only last a season, a minimalist might invest in high-quality, timeless pieces. For instance, they might purchase a well-made, versatile coat that can be worn for many years and with various outfits. By choosing quality over quantity, they reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry. Minimalism aligns closely with SDG 12, which advocates responsible consumption and production. By embracing minimalism, individuals promote sustainable consumption patterns, reducing waste and their overall ecological footprint. This contributes to a more resource-efficient and environmentally friendly world. An interesting social movement by the minimalist called The “Buy Nothing New” Movement has been launched. Minimalists participating in the “Buy Nothing New” movement commit to purchasing only second-hand or pre-owned items. By doing so, they extend the lifespan of products, reduce demand for new manufacturing, and support a circular economy, all inline with SDG 12.
3. Environmental Awareness : Minimalists are often environmentally conscious, recognizing the impact of excessive consumption on the planet. By reducing their consumption, they contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle, minimizing waste and resource depletion. Minimalism aligns with eco-friendly values as reducing consumption leads to less waste and a smaller ecological footprint. Minimalists often adopt eco-friendly practices to reduce their impact on the environment. They might choose to buy second-hand items or support brands that prioritize sustainable and ethical production. Additionally, they might reduce their reliance on single-use plastics and opt for reusable alternatives like water bottles and shopping bags. Minimalism’s focus on environmental awareness and reduced waste has positive implications for SDG 15, which aims to protect, restore, and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. By adopting minimalism, individuals can contribute to preserving biodiversity and natural habitats. There is another interesting movement called Minimalist Plant-Based Diets, in which the Minimalists adopt plant-based diets reduce their ecological footprint and land use, supporting SDG 15’s objectives. Plant-based diets have a lower environmental impact compared to meat-heavy diets, making them a sustainable choice. By embracing minimalism, some people achieve financial freedom by reducing their expenses and saving more money. For instance, instead of eating out frequently, a minimalist might choose to cook simple, healthy meals at home. By cutting down on unnecessary expenses, they can use their savings to pursue their passions, travel, or invest in experiences that enrich their lives. Minimalism can lead to improved emotional well-being and mental clarity. By decluttering their physical space and simplifying their lives, individuals may experience reduced stress and anxiety. For example, coming home to a tidy and organized livings pace can create a sense of calm and help them unwind after a busy day. Maybe it is a time to think about our consumerism behavior, by adopting minimalist mindset.
The global trend of minimalism continues to influence people worldwide, promoting simplicity, conscious consumption, and environmental awareness. By embracing minimalism, individuals align their choices with various Sustainable Development Goals, contributing to a more sustainable and harmonious world. As we move forward, the collective efforts of minimalists in adopting responsible and mindful lifestyles can bring about positive changes for future generations and the health of our planet.
Assoc. Prof. Dr Mohd Hanafi Ani,
Jabatan Pembuatan dan Bahan,
Fakulti Kejuruteraan,
Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (UIAM).
