Tags: Minimalism
Someone I know who know's I'm on this minimalism journey reached out to me, because they want to start their own journey of decluttering. It feels overwhelming to give someone you know direct advice about something so complex, so I started to just think about what observations I've made about my own journey:
It took a few years of commitment in my mind, before I saw much results in commitment in action. I really wanted to be a minimalist, but it is hard to get rid of things and even harder to stop buying things. Nothing changed for me overnight. Things changed slowly over four year time period and they continue to improve now.
It has been harder to be a minimalist during times when I didn't feel financially secure. When I felt it would be easy to replace something that I might regret getting rid of, it was easier to get rid of it.
Digitally archiving sentimental items makes it a lot easier. Although it takes up valuable time, making videos about my artwork that I was getting rid of and scanning old photos, made it much easier to get rid of them, which is the ultimate goal.
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up is the best book on minimalism and decluttering. This book spoke the truth to me and it was enjoyable to read and implement.
Peace, Love, and Tidying Up!
Monday, December 28, 2015
Sunday, December 27, 2015
Three Break-Resistant Dishware Options
Tags: Zero Waste; Buy It For Life
Dropping a dish or a glass in the kitchen and watching it shatter seems to be a rite-of-passage to being human. How many pieces a person breaks in a given year or decade can vary; with the naturally clumsy needing to either replace their dishware set on a regular basis or live with an array of mismatched cups, plates, and bowls accumulated over the years.
Another problem with dishware is it is often sold in sets with pre-determined numbers of each piece and in styles that do not stand the test of time. Companies that produce classic styles, where you can buy the pieces individually to meet your own needs, is much better for the zero waste and minimalist lifestyle.
For those wanting to invest in dishware and glassware that will likely last their whole life, I would like to showcase three options*. And one of the options is actually widely available and not so expensive!
Corelle Livingware
Corelle Livingware has been around since the 1970's. It is made from a special kind of tempered glass called Vitrelle. Corelle dishware is very thin and stackable, making it a great choice if you don't want your dishware to take up a lot of space. Winter Frost White is the most timeless style sold by Corelle, and you should be able to buy replacement items in that style many years in the future. Corelle can be bought in sets or as individual pieces. Corelle is very affordable and can be bought from World Kitchen, or Target. Both World Kitchen and Target have Corelle available to buy online or in brick-and-mortar stores. One important thing to note about Corelle is that their mugs are not made from Vitrelle, they are regular, ceramic mugs, so Corelle is only good for plates and bowls.**
Duralex
Duralex is clear, tempered dishware and glassware that has been made in France since 1939 and continues to be made in France today. Durelex makes and array of products out of their tempered glass, from bowls, to plates, to glasses, to bakeware. All of their products are classic and elegant. Their products are freezer-safe, heat-resistant (so you are less likely to be burned by a hot plate), and most of their products are stackable. Duralex can be bought from their online store or at Sur La Table (online or brick-and-mortar stores).
Metal (various brands)
Stainless steel or copper plates/tumblers is another option for break-resistant (break-proof?!) dishware and glassware. Metal dishware is a popular choice in India. For those of us used to glass or ceramic dishware, it can be a very enjoyable change to switch to metal. One important downside to metal is that it is not microwave-safe. Metal dishware and tumblers can be found at some Asian grocery stores. There are also American versions such as the items you can find at such eco-retailers like Life Without Plastic. Metal dishware and tumblers can vary between being very simple and practical looking to being downright beautiful.
*I would like to acknowledge that there are other ways to be more sustainable with dishware and glassware, such as choosing to buy what's available from a thrift shop.
** Update: I forgot to mention that Corelle Livingware also sells lids for their bowls, making them instant tupperware!
Dropping a dish or a glass in the kitchen and watching it shatter seems to be a rite-of-passage to being human. How many pieces a person breaks in a given year or decade can vary; with the naturally clumsy needing to either replace their dishware set on a regular basis or live with an array of mismatched cups, plates, and bowls accumulated over the years.
Another problem with dishware is it is often sold in sets with pre-determined numbers of each piece and in styles that do not stand the test of time. Companies that produce classic styles, where you can buy the pieces individually to meet your own needs, is much better for the zero waste and minimalist lifestyle.
For those wanting to invest in dishware and glassware that will likely last their whole life, I would like to showcase three options*. And one of the options is actually widely available and not so expensive!
Corelle Livingware
Corelle Livingware has been around since the 1970's. It is made from a special kind of tempered glass called Vitrelle. Corelle dishware is very thin and stackable, making it a great choice if you don't want your dishware to take up a lot of space. Winter Frost White is the most timeless style sold by Corelle, and you should be able to buy replacement items in that style many years in the future. Corelle can be bought in sets or as individual pieces. Corelle is very affordable and can be bought from World Kitchen, or Target. Both World Kitchen and Target have Corelle available to buy online or in brick-and-mortar stores. One important thing to note about Corelle is that their mugs are not made from Vitrelle, they are regular, ceramic mugs, so Corelle is only good for plates and bowls.**
Duralex
Duralex is clear, tempered dishware and glassware that has been made in France since 1939 and continues to be made in France today. Durelex makes and array of products out of their tempered glass, from bowls, to plates, to glasses, to bakeware. All of their products are classic and elegant. Their products are freezer-safe, heat-resistant (so you are less likely to be burned by a hot plate), and most of their products are stackable. Duralex can be bought from their online store or at Sur La Table (online or brick-and-mortar stores).
Metal (various brands)
Stainless steel or copper plates/tumblers is another option for break-resistant (break-proof?!) dishware and glassware. Metal dishware is a popular choice in India. For those of us used to glass or ceramic dishware, it can be a very enjoyable change to switch to metal. One important downside to metal is that it is not microwave-safe. Metal dishware and tumblers can be found at some Asian grocery stores. There are also American versions such as the items you can find at such eco-retailers like Life Without Plastic. Metal dishware and tumblers can vary between being very simple and practical looking to being downright beautiful.
*I would like to acknowledge that there are other ways to be more sustainable with dishware and glassware, such as choosing to buy what's available from a thrift shop.
** Update: I forgot to mention that Corelle Livingware also sells lids for their bowls, making them instant tupperware!
Sunday, December 13, 2015
Ten Tips For Preventing Bacterial Growth In Your DIY Beauty Products
Tags: Health
One of the benefits of commercial health and beauty products is that they contain ingredients that prevent bacteria from running wild. But don't fret, there are several ways to prevent bacterial growth when making and using your own DIY beauty products. Here are my ten tips that follow the process of making and using homemade products.
1. Distilled Water
Some recipes include water as an ingredient. Distilled water is the only kind of water that should be used in these cases. You can buy distilled water in most grocery and department stores that sell gallon jugs of water. Tap water, even purified tap water, contains some microorganisms. These microorganisms can multiply when they are mixed with something they like to eat and let to sit at room temperature for many days. This is basically what you are doing when making DIY products.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has natural antimicrobial properties. Try to use coconut oil as a main ingredient in your recipes as much as possible.
3. Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) also has antimicrobial properties. This is something that can be added to your recipes to help prevent bacterial growth. The recipe only needs to be two percent GSE.
4. Small Batches
Make your products in small batches so that they run out before bacteria has a chance to cause problems. It depends on the product, but a two week supply is a good rule-of-thumb.
5. Clean, Air-Tight Containers
Containers you store your product in should be clean and air-tight.
6. Avoid Cross-Contamination When Making
When making your products, wash your hands or wear gloves. Also avoid touching ingredients with your bare hands or with dirty utensils.
8. Avoid Cross-Contamination When Using
Once you've made your product and put it in its container, avoid touching it directly. If it's a in a squeezable tube, this should be easy. For balms and small amounts of powder, use a clean utensil, like the end of a makeup brush (that you wash after each use) to scoop out some of the product. If it's a larger amount of powder, pour some of it out onto a clean working surface.
9. Refrigeration
If you keep your products in the refrigerator, they will last longer! One month is a good rule-of-thumb for products you are actively using. Refrigeration can also be a good plan for storing bulk ingredients that you use to make your products. For example, aloe vera gel can last a year in the refrigerator.
10. Smell It
Periodically smell your product. If it has a funny smell, toss it!
One of the benefits of commercial health and beauty products is that they contain ingredients that prevent bacteria from running wild. But don't fret, there are several ways to prevent bacterial growth when making and using your own DIY beauty products. Here are my ten tips that follow the process of making and using homemade products.
1. Distilled Water
Some recipes include water as an ingredient. Distilled water is the only kind of water that should be used in these cases. You can buy distilled water in most grocery and department stores that sell gallon jugs of water. Tap water, even purified tap water, contains some microorganisms. These microorganisms can multiply when they are mixed with something they like to eat and let to sit at room temperature for many days. This is basically what you are doing when making DIY products.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has natural antimicrobial properties. Try to use coconut oil as a main ingredient in your recipes as much as possible.
3. Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) also has antimicrobial properties. This is something that can be added to your recipes to help prevent bacterial growth. The recipe only needs to be two percent GSE.
4. Small Batches
Make your products in small batches so that they run out before bacteria has a chance to cause problems. It depends on the product, but a two week supply is a good rule-of-thumb.
5. Clean, Air-Tight Containers
Containers you store your product in should be clean and air-tight.
6. Avoid Cross-Contamination When Making
When making your products, wash your hands or wear gloves. Also avoid touching ingredients with your bare hands or with dirty utensils.
8. Avoid Cross-Contamination When Using
Once you've made your product and put it in its container, avoid touching it directly. If it's a in a squeezable tube, this should be easy. For balms and small amounts of powder, use a clean utensil, like the end of a makeup brush (that you wash after each use) to scoop out some of the product. If it's a larger amount of powder, pour some of it out onto a clean working surface.
9. Refrigeration
If you keep your products in the refrigerator, they will last longer! One month is a good rule-of-thumb for products you are actively using. Refrigeration can also be a good plan for storing bulk ingredients that you use to make your products. For example, aloe vera gel can last a year in the refrigerator.
10. Smell It
Periodically smell your product. If it has a funny smell, toss it!
Sunday, October 4, 2015
My Favorite Books About Minimalism That Don't Have "Minimalism" in Their Titles
Tags: Minimalism; Zero Waste
For whatever reason, my favorite books with minimalism themes do not come from the traditional minimalism genre that is sweeping the nation right now. I bet there are a lot of books out there that have a minimalism theme that one would not find by using the search term "minimalism". Here are four that I have stumble upon, in alphabetical order:
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo
The Paradox of Choice: Why More is Less by Barry Schwartz
Zero Waste Home: The Ultimate Guide to Simplifying Your Life by Reducing Your Waste by Bea Johnson
For whatever reason, my favorite books with minimalism themes do not come from the traditional minimalism genre that is sweeping the nation right now. I bet there are a lot of books out there that have a minimalism theme that one would not find by using the search term "minimalism". Here are four that I have stumble upon, in alphabetical order:
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo
The Paradox of Choice: Why More is Less by Barry Schwartz
Zero Waste Home: The Ultimate Guide to Simplifying Your Life by Reducing Your Waste by Bea Johnson
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Zero-Waste Restaurant-Kit Ideas
Tags: Zero Waste
From fast food to fancy food, there's always an opportunity
to go zero waste when eating out.
I keep a two-person zero-waste restaurant-kit in my car to
take into restaurants, coffee shops, and juice/smoothie shops in order to avoid
disposable cups, cutlery, napkins, and to-go boxes. I usually take the whole
kit in each time and then just use what I need for that particular restaurant.
Putting together your own kit can be fun, but there are a
few things to keep in mind in order to have a system that works. Here’s my kit
and my tips for each piece. I also have tips for those that don’t use a car at the end of this post.
Cup
My favorite "cup" is the Klean Kanteen Insulated Wide water bottle with the leak-proof lid plus the Café Cap. This water bottle is easy to fill and
will work for both hot and cold drinks. The Café Cap is great for one-handed
drinking in the car and the leak proof lid is great when you have to put your
cup in a bag. I also like that this cup is easy to clean – no bottle brushes or
straw brushes required!
Utensils
My favorite utensil is the Snow Peak Titanium Spork. Using just
a spork keeps my kit as minimal as possible, but feel free to use whatever
cutlery you like best. If you want to just throw some forks, spoons, and butter
knives from you silverware drawer, go ahead! Here are some other ideas for
compact cutlery.
Cloth Napkins
Not much to say here. Use whatever works for you. I found
some napkins at an estate sale and have also bought some online.
Dirty Utensils and Napkin Storage
Once you’re done eating, you’ll want to put your dirty
napkins and utensils somewhere until you get home to clean them. I use a reusable zipper bag, but you could use some other type of bag or container, or even just wrap
them up in a napkin or dish towel.
To-Go Boxes
It’s important to get a leak-proof box. I like this U-Konserve container,
because I can store all my clean sporks, napkins, and bag inside it if I want
to. The U-Konserve also fits in my reusable zipper bag if needed. Another one I
like and use is the To-Go Ware carrier. It
has two compartments, which is convenient for keeping foods separate.
Kit Storage Bag
You’ll want to keep all you items in a large reusable bag to
keep them organized and portable. I have two tips for the storage bag. First,
it makes it easier to use a bag with a flat bottom –then things will stay where
they are and won’t roll around in your car as easily. Second, get a bag that is
easy to clean. If you want, you can also use an insulated bag to keep your
leftovers warm on the way home.
If you don’t use a car to get around…
If you don’t use a car, I suggest getting everything above (for
one person), expect the kit storage bag and To-Go Ware carrier. You can put your
napkin, utensil, and dirty utensil bag in the U-Konserve when it’s clean. Then
when you have leftovers for the U-Konserve, you can put the napkin and utensil
in the dirty bag. These items can be kept in your messenger bag or backpack
without taking up too much room. You can use the Klean Kanteen with the leak-proof lid as your water bottle
and just empty it if you want to buy a fountain drink, coffee, tea, juice, or
smoothie.
Some nice extras to have…
Depending on what you eat or your preferences, you can keep
other things in your kit like reusable chopsticks or a reusable straw.
Dealing with some social aspects…
A good tip about going zero-waste in restaurants comes from
Terry at My Life Without Plastic: Let your server know right away that you are
dining waste-free. Let them know you do not want a plastic straw in your drink,
because many servers put straws in drinks without asking first.
You can do it!
I know it may feel awkward to think about dining out like
this. You may worry that people will stare at you for bringing your own napkins
or something. In my experience that has not happened. The only thing that does
happen consistently is that servers will comment on my to-go boxes, especially
my To-Go Ware carrier, because they think they are so cool. This especially happens
when I have servers that have connections to countries in Asia…they always tell
me about how they have these same boxes (often called tiffin carriers) and tell
me how they are used there. I love it!
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Three Tips for Getting Rid of Sentimental Items
Tags: Minimalism
There is nothing wrong with keeping sentimental items, but
when they start to take up a lot of space, become a hassle to move from one
home to the next, keep us stuck in the past, or otherwise get in the way of our
goals, it is time to consider getting rid of them.
Getting rid of sentimental items can be a very painful
process. It can feel like we a losing a part of ourselves. If you have the
courage to do it, though, I have some tips for making the process easier and
perhaps even meaningful.
Tip #1 – Digitally Document Your Item
Take pictures of your
item with a digital camera from every angle or scan it on a flatbed scanner if it is a document, photo, or letter. Take a video of your item where
you talk about how you came to have this item and what it means to you. Write a
narrative about your item and what it means to you. Keep these digital files in
the same place on your computer where they will not get lost and make sure you
have a good file back-up system. Doing this, you may find comfort that you can
always go to your computer to see and remember your item.
Tip #2 – Give Your Item to Someone Who May Appreciate It
I
am not a big proponent of cluttering someone else’s life with your stuff, but
everyone is on a different path and minimalism is not for everyone. Maybe
someone else would really appreciate your item. Given to the right person, you can rest
assured that your item is safe and being appreciated by someone else.
Tip #3 – Ceremoniously Burn or Bury Your Item
This can be a
good way to symbolically let go of the past. Many people burn letters or bury
old trinkets. My caveat on this is to be responsible and do not do something
that is going to harm the environment. If your item is not 100% biodegradable
and/or inert, consider other options for getting rid of it.
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