Why not make 2017 the year that you embrace minimalism in all things? One way to lead a more sustainable existence is to consume less.
Start with your wardrobe. Quite simply, if you haven’t worn it in a year, get rid of it. Donate it to someone who needs it, or sell it and donate the money to charity.
Be more organised with your grocery shopping so you waste less food. Only buy what you really need so you aren’t throwing out bags full of uneaten vegetables, fruit and other perishables each week. Create a weekly meal plan. You may deviate a little, but it will give you an idea of what you’ll actually need.
Use less plastic – it’s bad for our bodies and for our planet. For a start, use reusable shopping bags and invest in a water cooler or filtration system rather than buying bottled water.
Instead of rushing out to buy new appliances at the first sign of trouble, try to extend the shelf life of the things you have by taking better care of them. And, finally, be a more conscious consumer. Think about what you are buying, who you’re buying it from and where it comes from.
sdenman@thenational.ae
