Less Is More

More is less, Less is more

We need to initiate discussions on the ecological, economic and psychological repercussions that result from high-consumption lifestyles. Any solutions to current global problems must address how our large footprint living has created or acerbated many of these problems.

We are led to live large by the advertising industry and social pressure. We want everything. Then we want more of everything. This is not healthy, sustainable, or a good way to achieve lasting happiness.

Just because certain activities are socially acceptable doesn't mean they aren't damaging to yourself, others, and the planet. That is why we need to begin to talk about doing less, having less, and working less, in order to get more. 

Often doing less is better for your health, and it is certainly better for the planet. You can save a great amount of money by doing less, and having less.

Exercising some restraint on your desires is also an excellent way to boost your emotional well-being. It feels great to have the self-control required to say NO to the incessant pressure to do more, buy more, have more, and work more.

What could you do less of?

• Driving - driving is expensive and dirty, while riding a bike and walking are good for you
• Eating - most people in developed countries eat more calories than they need
• Shopping - cut out shopping as entertainment
• Eating out - learn to cook favourite dishes, have friends over for potluck dinners
• Traveling - traveling for fun is great, but is frequent travel really worth it?
• Showering - fresh water is at a premium, and frequent showers are unnecessary
• Laundry - it is not necessary to wash every piece of clothing after only one wearing
• Drugs - even legal drugs like caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol are expensive
• Fashion - if it weren't for fashion you would only have to shop for clothes every 5 - 10 years, except for socks and underwear, of course
• Watching TV - ditch the cable and take a walk, or get back to your hobby
• Processed foods - these fake-foods are nutrient deficient and expensive
• Fast foods - healthy food is slow food - if it comes through your car window, it is not really food.
• Going out - going out is synonymous with spending money - try staying home and relaxing instead

After cutting down and doing less you begin to realize that you do not miss the things you are doing less of. You may find that in the end you don't just do less of some things, but quit doing them all together.

Pretty soon you wonder why you ever had some of your more deleterious habits. Less becomes more. More money, more free time, more freedom, more good health, more good decisions for ecological integrity.

What are you doing less of these days?