ZERO WASTE WITHOUT MINIMALISM? // *simple* design and cultural erasure
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- Опубліковано 11 вер 2024
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One of my favorite quotes for minimalism is "own nothing you dont find to be useful or believe to be beautiful." I like it because if you truly believe all the art in your home is beautiful you can keep it. The version of minimalism that I support is simply asking yourself if you actually find value in your art or are just hanging it up because you should. I also find unaesthetic stuff to be useful so I keep owning it.
That's so nice, do you know where the quote is from? I think this tabs very much into conscious consuming as well, and I love to see it 😍
@@Gittemary its originally from William Morris. I've never read his stuff and know nothing about him but the quote shows up in a lot of minimalism books by other people that I have read. The most recent one I'm reading right now that includes that quote is Less Stuff: simple zero waste steps to a joyful and clutter free life by lindsay miles. I think you would like her take on minimalism. Thanks for responding to my comment.
@@mellyq92 William Morris is a key figure of the Arts and Crafts movement, alongside with John Ruskin or Walter Crane, to name a few.
The Arts and Crafts movement originated in 19th century Great Britain, in reaction to industrialisation and its impact on manufacturing goods (mostly). Members associated with the Arts and Crafts believed in craftsmanship and beauty in the manufacturing of a product and thus favour the use of good quality materials and the unique input of the craftsman/artist.
I normally don't build on Morris quote, but I thought it would be appropriate considering the content of Gittemary's video.
And for those of you who read the whole comment : go check the Peacock Room by Whistler and Jekyll. Not really an example of the Arts and Crafts, but not totally irrelevant ;)
@@Gittemary The original quote : "If you want a golden rule that will fit everybody, this is it: Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”, it is from a lecture he gave in 1880 that was then published in Hopes and Fears for Art in 1882.
I say this to myself all the time! It’s my approach I feel like it works like how people use sparking joy
Im happy eco-maximalism is gaining traction.
I think it has the potential to be more acessable for the average person.
Right on, I like to see how different ways of being sustainable are portrayed more often, I think it will encourage more people to see that you can be sustainable when owning less, as well as when you live with more - it's all about how we source our things ofc
I think about things like this when I see people who label themselves as minimalists and constantly replace the little decor they have because they are bored of it or they want something that is more on trend. Or they are frequently decluttering items they don't love.... but then don't practice thoughtful purchasing habits going forward.
I think it just goes to show how conscious consuming is not about aesthetic at all, and how our behavioral patterns at consumers are easily affected by the look of an ideal, which is always something we can all work with 🌿
I enjoyed this video. I, personally, resonate with the concept of eco-minimalism that Shelbizleee often talks about. It allows me the simplicity I crave while not being as stifling as regular minimalism as I still own things like a closet full of secondhand sustainable clothes and a pantry full of jars. I love your commentary, Gittemary! 💖
100% me too “eco minimalist” is what I identify with the most thanks to Shelbizleee! I hate trends and the ugly and boring I turn that minimalism represents instead conscious and thought our consumption with the least amount of environmental impact is the way to go
Exactly. Eco-minimalism is a great tool ❤️
@@AussieAuthenticMum exactly! I say just be yourself and have fun-but try to do so intentionally!!
@@rosakoej for sure, I agree!
I really like Shelbi's terminology as well, too bad I forgot to mention it in the video - I think it adds a great nuance as to how minimalism can be used 🙌🙌
i never understood the people who went minimalistic and threw out perfectly fine t-shirts because they just wanted to have 3 (which were visibly worn) and it never crossed their mind that the additional ones could be a replacement to the ones they already have. this is so wasteful.
I sadly think that this is a very common part of what I described as "corporate minimalism" because while I see many people who define their lifestyle as in alignment with minimalism as a way of consuming consciously, I also see it being advertised as a "look" for consumers to discard when another style is available
I find it so sad to see extreme milimalist who have just basics and no sentimental items. Sentimental stuff is not bad if we dont own a garage full of it! You dont have to get rid of anything personal and become a blanc wall of pastels.
I agree with you, sentimental items aren’t bad. But some persons don’t feel the need to keep them which I think is okay too and not sad as long as it isn’t deprivation.
Why is it sad? I'm not sentimental in the least and don't feel the need to hold on to sentimental items that I don't need or want. Yes I would consider myself quite minimalist by nature but only because having too much clutter around drives me mental and I would definitely find it hard to cope in that environment. Naturally messy and my brain can't function with too much stuff around. I like the concept of eco minimalism and try and practice that as much as possible with very considered purchases but each to their own as they say and I try not to put my feelings re same onto others which I feel you're doing here. I'm not deprived in the least and certainly not sad because of it
@@sineadfolan9473 I think it is a really good point that just owning less stuff can help reduce stress and anxiety for a lot of people, as to that, I think the reason why we let personal or sentimental stuff go is important. Like, are we doing it because we are acting in accordance with what we personally prefer, or do we think that "we need to" in order to be good enough. If that is your preference, I think it is absolutely fine to prefer less 🙌🌿
@@Gittemary yes definitely I think it should all be about personal preference and thank you for understanding that. Each to their own is the way I see it. More important to be considered in those purchasing decisions. Even I have to practice hard at doing that at times especially where homeware like dinner ware etc is concerned. Not always easy even as someone who hates clutter
Generally, I’ve always appreciated how your channel isn’t about the *aesthetic* of what people think sustainability should look like. And as someone in the US with an entirely Swedish side of my family, I’ve always felt a way about how Swedish design in pop culture here is thought of as this ikea minimalism when there is so much beautiful folk art.
100% agree with you! I'm in the same boat. Born & raised in the US, but the vast majority of my family is tied to Norway. I love the folk arts, the nature, the various cultural ties. I went so far as to buy solje earrings for my wedding. When "hygge" started trending, while it can look pretty, I thought it lacked a lot of personality that I grew up with. So, while I do love blankets and pillows, I want colors. I'm like you, @Gittemary, I love having meaningful items covering my walls and space. I want those ties to my family past & present to comingle with all the other things I find... Useful and/or meaningful 😊
this is so true, also having three tshirts just makes you do way more washing and therefore ins't sustainable than doing one when you need
I am trying to do my own version of minimalism and let me tell you it does not include 3 shirts. I probably need all them 3 in one day.
@@jocypare6019
I'm also trying to do my own version of minimalism and it's not that.
Agree with all of you. Though at this point I'm not calling it minimalism, for me I'm calling it anticonsumerism :)
To me, minimalism means not spending money or resources on what doesn’t really make me happy. This is why I consider myself on a minimalist journey even though I do have hundreds of books for instance. It’s not really about aesthetics and colours. You can be both minimalist and environmentalist.
Totally agree!
Minimalism means diffrent for people and has no roules. For me, it's about keep things I use and love, memories... easy to clean and so on. Gives me peace and harmoni, not stress. I dont care what other people means of it. 😊😁 I have things an want to see and use things I've got and gives me memories. ❤
I think it's the movement and its conceptual core that's faulty, but not the choice of living with fewer things😊
Blue Echo, I think that can be true.
@@lisefrydenlund4147 yes this is sort of what I wanted to get at here as well - it is definitely a tool that you can use as you want, and as I said in the video, you can borrow certain elements from minimalism and adapt them to your life in a way that makes sense to you. I just think it is super interesting to discuss where certain movements come from, what has affected them, or why they gain popularity, but I absolutely agree that you can make anything movement your own and practise it in a meaningful way to you 🌿
I'm a minimalist but I agree with everything you said. For me minimalism has nothing to do with the aesthetic (maybe I should make up a new word so it's less confusing haha) and everything to do with focusing less on material objects so that I have the money and mental space to focus on the things that are truely important to me. I'm also starting to get into Buddhism so I'm learning to become more detached and rather find happiness within instead of in possessions and status symbols.
I don't think minimalism is the goal, I rather see it as a tool and it makes me feel more free.
But I don't think it's about getting rid of as much as possible, I think it's about letting go (physically as well as emotionally and mentally) of the things/beliefs/thought etc. that you have no use for and that just take up space in your home and mind for no reason. This also allows me to focus more on the things i consciously choose to keep in my life. So I think you can still have a maximalist style and live by that definition of the word minimalism.
What is often forgotten is what comes after decluttering I think. It doesn't make sense to keep buying a ton of stuff and to keep getting rid of things so that you don't own too much. I think it's about becoming a more conscious consumers and buying the things that truely add value to our lives instead of impulse-buying, which eventually leads to less waste as well.
Of course a lot of minimalist don't live that way, but I think minimalism CAN be combined very well with also being more sustainable. I am slowly trying to live more sustainably and for example I buy things used whenever possible.
A channel that combines both minimalism and sustainability that I find very inspiring (and non-judgemental) is "heal your living"
Great comment, see a lot of myself in what you've written - I believe I have embraced minimalism but it's unique to everyone's perception of it. I also agree with the points Gittemary makes too 😊
Everything you said: agree! Maybe we should call it essentialism(?) to Keep what is important/essential for us (whatever that is) and cherish that but also do more fun activities and buy less unnecessary things all the time 😌 but everybody should decide this for themselves. There is no ‘one fits all’ 🤷🏻♀️
@@milami3744 I know there is a book called "essentialism", is that what you are referring to? I haven't read it yet, so I don't really know how it might differ from minimalism or if that label would fit me personally. But just from the sound of the word and your explanation it makes sense to me!
So true!!
Totally agree with this!
• Kate
I love this!! I'm slavic and when I see how complex and embellished ethno-heritage clothes of my grand grandmother were and compare that to todays clothing sooo much female craftsmanship and art is lost in 20th century europe due to fascism and communism (colonialism did the same thing by diminishing culture in occupied places in the world)
Absolutely, so much skill has been lost over time, and many types of work and crafts often practiced by women have disappeared. I love looking at old embroidery and lacing techniques in particular
I think there's a difference between a minimalist aesthetic and a minimalist philosophy. Minimalist philosophies are more about making do with what you have (even if it's ugly), getting rid of stuff to have less time spent on cleaning, organising and maintaining objects, and really thinking about each purchase before making it. There's a real issue with the aesthetic and the lifestyle having the exact same name: I consider myself somewhat of a minimalist and I buy huge bulk packages of nice noodles that don't fit into the cupboards, so it's ugly as hell but I save time, money and energy (and plastic!) not having to constantly be buying noodles lol. I also don't believe it fits into the philosophy of minimalism to renovate your home to look like a Swedish design magazine, as you're consuming just the same, and spending money, time, and mental energy on acquiring new objects in the name of a philosophy that says the objects shouldn't burden you.
I never knew about the culture erasure behind minimalism, it was fascinating to learn about! I find that a lot of minimalist philosophies are found in buddhist and other religious and cultural communities and their texts, but then again they are about the mindset, not the aesthetic.
I tried minimalism before the birth of my first child and a little into his infancy and it just stressed me out more than anything. I wanted to make my daily life easier because I was in a new place, with no support other than my husband and it made me incredibly unhappy. It's not who I am, at all. I was the kid that would see furniture on the side of the road and carry it home. I held onto things for years because I could find a function for them. I'm a maximalist through and through. An eclectic one at that! I love things and color and it's what makes me happy. I get my things secondhand or from the side of the road and it's working out great for me and my family.
This was so interesting to watch. I didn’t know the origin of Minimalism. I can say that I don’t live minimalistic for the aesthetic and I don’t buy items to be a minimalist. For me, it was about letting things go so that I have the freedom to express who I am currently. I don’t have a closet full of neutrals or eight shirts. In facts I own 32 tops and I love each and everyone of them. 😁
I’m not a minimalist based on what I own, I’m a minimalist because I’ve chosen to make room for what I love by not owning what I don’t 😊
Thank you for this video Gittemary! It was really grounding. 😆
I really like what you're saying with "I’m not a minimalist based on what I own, I’m a minimalist because I’ve chosen to make room for what I love by not owning what I don’t" that I think is a really good perspective to have when living sustainably, thank you for the input! 😍
Thank you for this video, it contains a lot of carefully curated information I did not know about and I think you got your point across very well and totally agree with it. What I would like to add is that mental health can also be a reason to choose minimalism. Many people feel overwhelmed by large amounts of things, busy rooms, patterns and intense colours while reduced and muted enviroments can contribute amazingly to calming the mind and relaxing a person: the general atmosphere of such a space, having to make fewer choices, being able to keep things tidy easily, finding everything fast etc. I strongly disagree with the racist statements by Adolf Loos, they're absolutely ridiculous, but I wonder whether a longing for a calming simplicity might have also been part of the zeitgeist back then?
Yesssss Art Historian here and I'm thrilled to see this history lesson
Fellow art historian here. Very happy about this episode ❤️
Historian here. Really enjoyed this episode.
I really see your point but I don't understand what is the relationship between minimalism and fascism. I studied political science at uni and I don't really see it (yes with white supremacy and culture erasure, 100% agree with what you say). For me, having suffered fascism in Spain for 40 years under a dictature, using the word "fascism" in such a context is too strong and it is something to be really careful. I feel that today we use it very easily and it may lose its significance as a word if we call fascism every racist/far right movement (they are factors that interact but one doesn't correlate exactly with the other).
Also, from a political science point of view, I don't understand why the minimalist movement is to blame with many of the points you say, when we could just called capitalism, racism or white supremacy (among others). Minimalism could be identified as a trend or movement (idk like neoclassicism or futurism) and it is important to point out its dangers like you do. But people trying to sell "minimalistic" pieces at the price of gold is capitalist and classist, we should blame our consumption model and the people/companies who try to make benefits of it.
For me it is very clear that, when street people try to create a movement (like minimalism, feminism, ecology...), the status quo integrates its discurse to turn it into their favour (greenwashing, purplewashing..). Also, we should take into consideration the economic situation of many people who promote pure minimalism, who also are privileged enough to not care about this capitalist white supremacy in their movement.
I think that not minimalist people just judge from the outside and identifies the guru of minimalism as the only advocate of the movement, when we should diversify its narrative and make it more inclusive (like zero waste). Not everybody has the luck to be able to make these choices...
Maybe we could just extract the lesson that minimalism could help people to have a better relationship with their belongings and desire to own things, without any pressure to get rid of stuff just for the aesthetic.
Idk, I identify myself as a ecominimalist for trying to have a healthy relationship with consumption and being mindful of the things I own (avoiding overconsumption, thirfting, shopping low waste...). However, I still own many things but because I made the choice to keep it, I'm not just acumulating junk without sense.
I also felt that the word fascism was too much in this context.
Thank you for this! It seems she took this same malformed argument from Kristen Leo and then did even less to explain her perspective on it! Even worse, attributing minimalism to some random fascist dude when there is centuries of history from cultures in Japan, India, and other countries where minimalism was prevalent as a philosophy, aesthetic, and practice. LONG before Bauhaus! Very ironic to be asserting that minimalism is cultural erasure and then literally erase acknowledgment of cultures that valued minimalism long before it became popular in the West…
@@sabreslav idk who Kristen Leo is (sorry) but 100% agree. Minimalism has its own history (Maah in Japan is a really clear case) and it was long before the actual trend here in the West. I think it is very easy to judge from the outside and disregard minimalism, like many people do with feminism, ecologism or veganism.
Also, I feel very judged for the eco/vegan movement here on the internet. It seems that everything you do is wrong or not enough, but if many people can't afford living in today's society, how are they going to even try to pay for sustainable options? (I can make these choices, but disabled people, unemployed, big families... not).
I'm really tired of this type of videos really for not being inclusive and always judging others (expressions, tone of voice, vocabulary... not the right mindset for me).
It was called Asceticism in ancient Greece and the idea goes back further in Judaism. It annoys me when people make claims like this because it's popular and nobody will bother to question the legitimacy of the claims for fear of being outed as a white supremist or a facist. But it dosnt take a great deal of digging to show she is wrong and wonder why she made such claims in her video in the first place, as though a dislike for clutter makes one a facist?!?! Ancient Greece and Judaism is much older than Bauhaus as well. 🤷♀️ i would be demanding my money back for university education these days.
I think that you in turn have been quite harsh. Whilst I accept that the use of the term fascism is quite strong and perhaps inappropriate here, the more important point, j my opinion is to make people aware of the general idea that is often portrayed. Ie that because you choose colour/pattern or retain some sentimental items, that you are morally and psycholigically inferior. I understand that this representation may feel like a distortion to some within the movement, but it is a message that is received by some outside of the movement. Also, the fact that some 'leaders' of the minimalist movement are 'privileged' is exactly why it should be examined and scrutinised - if this design is what is regarded as aspirational, what does it say about people/cultures that can't or don't achieve it? I think that the slow/simple living movement is much better at achieving an anti-consumerism, anti-waste etc mindset. It generally enables people to achieve 'the ideal' of inner contentment wherever/however they are.
I like this. Minimalism doesn't mean sustainable. I'm moving to a more minimalist lifestyle because it calms my anxiety to have fewer things and thus more control over my environment. It's less about the aesthetic and more about purging & being at peace in my space. I can still have cool, quirky things. I still thrift & very rarely buy anything new. It's like veganism. Just because you won't eat xyz that doesn't mean you're not a fulfilled human. Just because I don't own xyz doesn't mean I'm not a fulfilled person. That being said, I still keep old jars and regrow my veggies. 🤷🏼♀️
I kind of wish we would not mix all these "things" with other "things" LOL like zero waste is one thing, minimalism is another etc I dont think they "have" to be tied together as a rule.. however I do see how they could be. it just drives me nuts when people say stuff like "to be truly zero waste".. man dude were doing the best we can.
I feel minimalism has morphed into something different than the idea of just removing stuff and keeping things plain. Today Minimalism is more about being intentional over your possessions. You can have thousands of jars and be a minimalist (if you were intentional over that decision). Minimalism is about only keeping what ads value to your life, removing excess, and being intentional.
The part of minimalism that I like is the reduction of the silent to do list: this includes the amount of to-dos you HAVE to to, or NEED to tend to, or make you feel GUILTY for not doing such. In my life for example, I felt guilty for never having time to dust a whole room at one time, because I had too much stuff around everywhere. I would come home and look around my shelves of beautiful gizmos and gadgets, and become instantly overwhelmed and fatigued at the idea of having and needing to clean them all up. So I purged(minimized). I don't necessarily like the looks of bare walls, and I'm sad to not habe all my knick knacks on the shelves, but I feel relieved to not have them all silently screaming at me for the necessary attention to keep them properly... Minimalizing my inventory=happy mind.
I love your perspective. I consider myself zero waste in the heart. I try, I don’t always succeed. I consider myself environmentally friendly. I try, I don’t always succeed. I consider myself more minimalist than I used to be.But I live with someone who absolutely loves his stuff. I consider myself vegan in progress. I think you can be on things if your goal is to just live more intentionally. I will always be a work in progress.
This totally resonated with me. I'll never be a minimalist because I'm a natural magpie. But all my 'stuff' is thrifted, found, repaired or otherwise scrounged. I do like the minimalist aesthetic in theory- but I need visual stimulus and interest in most areas in my life, and I collect. So maximalism all the way!
This has made me feel so much better! I'm a baby environmentalist and have been trying to reduce my impact for the last 8 months. And I constantly feel guilty for the amount of possessions I have collected over the years all because I thought it wasn't eco to have so much stuff. But when I actually look at what I've got I realised that loads of the stuff I felt guilty about was boxes full of memories from when I was a kid and pictures I've collected from different people and places over the years. My boyfriend is super into the idea of having a really decorated house with loads of art on the walls and I like that too but part of me felt like even If I was supporting an artist by purchasing their work that art itself wasn't eco enough to be part of this community. So thanks! This has been really helpful
Thank you for explaining the origins of Minimalism. I didn't know anything about it. I would usually define myself as an ecominimalist from Shelbizlee's definition. Interestingly, only after practicing it I realized that what I own doesn't represent my culture and I was shocked by the fact that although my parents have a small hoarding problem, they didn't include their culture in the stuff we have. It was only passed through experiences and music. So, my new objective regards personal development is to find things that I need and like that has my culture in it. No, I won't become a maximalist, I love the idea of less things because it helps me enjoy my things and time, and to save money. To me, ecominimalism has given me the tools to be myself. Also, I don't follow the minimalist aesthetic, is too plain for me.
This is one of your best vlogs ever. I live as sustainably as possible, practice imperfect zero waste, but I am an unapologetic maximalist. I love my art and books and plants. My space looks like a large cabinet of curiosities and it brings me peace and happiness.
Thank you so much
Adopting a minimalist lifestyle and mindset has actually been the thing that lead me to become environmentally aware. Minimalism made me see how I've been wasting so many resources. Eco-minimalism is the lifestyle I live by.
A lot of the minimalists I'm aware of seem to be really influenced by Buddhism (even if not actually practicing it as a religion) and the notion of rejecting worldly pleasures that seems to come from it. The background you explained on artistic minimalism is very interesting! I've been preaching for years that minimalism and sustainability don't always necessarily overlap. A lot of minimalists seem obsessed with decluttering their homes and getting rid of stuff, which creates the potential for more waste. However, the stuff that is already in your home is not harming anyone. It's actually sustainable to use the stuff you already have so you don't have to buy new things! I believe in living a low *consumer* lifestyle, but the reason I don't have to purchase new things all the time is because I already own plenty of stuff. I also would be really sad if I didn't have decorations or furniture in my home lol.
Thank you for this video.
I was born in Mexico, and I always felt torn between the minimalist aesthetic and the colors and items that come with my culture. I also love thrift shopping. I love to collect unique pots for my plants. On top of that, I'm also an artist, and I'm a sucker for art supplies (like most of us are lol). The guilt that came with all that, trying to live a sustainable lifestyle, and being "expected" to live more minimal was giving me a lot of anxiety. Maybe all those things are just part of my personality, and I don't need to live a minimalistic live style if I'm trying to live more sustainably.
Thank you Gittemary!
Swede here: im also so sick of the scandinavian look and hate it haha. I am for sure a sustainable maximalist. But I’ll admit I’m struggling with consuming too much second hand stuff 🙈
Me too
Haha I feel you 😂
Me too! I'm a Dane...
I hate "Scandinavien Style" and "Scandinavien Design".
I find it incredibly sad and depressive. White, black, grey if gone really wild, possibly some beige.
I feel very constricted by both home decor, furnishing and fashion referred to as Nordic or Scandinavien. Because it's so bare and in my opinion, without personslity.
I meen I have heirlooma, memories, books and other things that give me joy but Mordic designs does not hold space for that.
I always feel so un-comfortable in such places...
I think that today's minimalism is a response to the availability of abundance. In olden times people connected bright colours and fancy cuts with prosperity because common folk could not afford or was directly banned from wearing such stuff. Now, in the era of overproduction, it is way easier to fill your closet with cheap bright stuff. That is why looking simplistic and minimalistic acquired this connection with wealth, status and intellect. It IS a kind of privilege but it's connected with class first of all. At the same time one can, for example, have a simplistic lifestyle or wardrobe and yet NOT spend a lot of money. It's not absolutely necessary. Another point is that minimalism does not inevitably erase culture or personality, because these two manifest themselves in many different ways, not only through ornament. Especially in urban communities, especially when many people spend their free time on the Internet and are influenced by creators from all over the world. For many minimalism and simplicity may be an starting point to express their personality and culture heritage, because it allows them to remove distractions,anxiety and choice fatigue and divert their energy toward the important stuff.
As someone who identifies as a minimalist (and a student of anthropology), I absolutely love this video. There is room in the eco movement for individuality, beauty, and culture
You are one of the few youtubers who stayed faithful to zero waste 💛
I try to let my idea of zero waste evolve with me so that I keep feeling motivated to pursue this lifestyle for sure 💚
I love this video, Gittemary. Very well researched! It's important to know the history behind a trend, where it comes from, in order to not propagate oppressive behaviours. I didn't know the fascist roots/interpretation behind minimalism. So thank you for educating me.
On that note, the channel A Small Wardrobe also pointed how minimalism can undermine women by demonising things that are traditionally praised by women (clothing, for instance). May I have your thoughts on that?
So, I totally agree that minimalism can suppress people's individualism or deny people their need to express themselves!
@Miro Kai thank you for your input! Sorry for my ignorance.
@Miro Kai She was talking about european minimalism.
Minimalism help me soooo much to reduce shopping habits, to save money, to make my space more habitable and comfortable now i can know were every thing are! It's lovely...I love minimalism💓 As i love Zero waste.... Not perfect in any of this subjects🙈 but i tried to improve every day and i don't pursued the fanatism neither☺️
This is a very interesting topic. I think intentionally living is more sustainable. Finding new home for stuff that is just collecting dust, take care of the things I use and be very thoughtful when buying new stuff.
Wow. I've been engrossed with minimalism for months, and this one is an eye opener. I didnt even think that it as, as you've said, cultural erasure.
One thing I really like about minimalism, or atleast what i learn when i was getting interested in the idea of minimalism, is being intentional. I resonate more on intentional living. That is what I'm taking away.
Kudos to you, i think this is my favorite video of yours so far!
This is so relevant, well explained and interesting! I want everyone in the world to watch this video lol. It also helps with the gatekeeping the sustainable community or minimalist community can usually suffer from, letting people know that they don't have to ditch their individuality and/or cultural heritage to be more sustainable is such an incredible message
*shots fired!*🤣 Yeah, I’ve strived to become a minimalist for many years, but have recently started to just lean into my boho inclinations 🙃
Boho is the most sustainable and will always stay cool as other trends come and go
I started on a minimalism kick. It led me to zero waste which led to mostly just way too many you tube hours. But as I was throwing everything away to be minimal, I was feeling ever so wasteful and as I collected reusables to reduce one aspect of waste I felt I was working against myself filling a shelf I just emptied! I stopped and asked my self, "how the hell do I do both?" Then I found this video. I have never seen anyone talk about this and it has so much merit!!! Now I am def trying to find a balance and I too love the idea of eco minimalism. I prefer no clutter and honestly don't care for decorating. My house is simple and it feels like total zen to me (I def clutter with plants and plants babies though " :)
Minimalism as a form of esthetic in my mind is completely different to minimalism as a form of lifestyle. Minimal living doesn’t tell you what type of clothes or furniture you have to buy - it’s just getting rid of the unnecessary things/thoughts in your life and making more space for things that you love. ❤️
I've been interested in minimalism for a long time but never really got to like it? And I always wondered why if everyone thought it was so cool and environmentally friendly, I couldn't find it so perfect. Thank you for making us think!!!! This was really interesting 💖
I practice minimalism, I think carefully about my purchases. I only buy when I need something, sometimes when I really like something, and I buy organic cotton clothes, I buy stuff that can last a long time. and never just throw away stuff I have it recycled or I take it to a thrift store so minimalism is not so black and white and you can also be eco minimalist
There is minimalism anesthetic and a minimalism way of dealing with stuff in the house. They are not the same thing.
It was helpful to me to listen to the minimalist people to see my stuff from a different perspective. It helped me prioritize.
I got rid of some furniture, some bakeware and some clothes. I got rid of a few fantasy self items including no- longer relevant books, and grieved the death of a few dreams.
But I'm so happy to see floor space.
I didn't minimize the categories that I decided were a high priority to me: my crafts, my art, my spices my clothes.
I am maximalist by having art and tacky pictures on my walls. I'm a fan of the decorating style of Mary Randolph Carter (junk), but the knick knacks would drive me crazy if they were in my house.
Until I saw this video, I really thought that the only way to a sustainable, zero-waste life was through minimalism. I love that you said that just because something is minimal, doesn’t make it sustainable. I do love a “clean, airy aesthetic, but I can’t live without some heirlooms from family, some colour, lots of plants, photos and art.
Love this! It's one of the reasons I've really been enjoying Leena Norms and Hannah Witton's videos on trying to have a more sustainable wardrobe, while still wearing all the bright colors and patterns that bring you joy. I hadn't been thinking about the cultural erasure part though, and so im so grateful that you brought it up! It's given me a lot to think about.
I think you can be minimalist and still maintain culture. To me, minimalism means getting rid of things and habits you truly don't need. You can incorporate your culture in the things you DO keep. Also, this journey, to me, is about finding what brings you peace. It's ok to not be minimalist. It's also ok to be minimalist. On this eco friendly journey, everyone has a place. It's up to you to find that place that works for you ❤️😊. Love the video ❤️
thank you omg. im a neurodivergent infp teen & i was convinced minimalism was the only way to live, like it was the only answer to a happy sustainable peaceful life (which I understand can be for some people. I still really respect minimalism in terms of sustainability & aesthetic & what it can do for you mentally, just that it’s not 100% for me). so for a while I couldn’t look at minimalist content (not even shelbee) without turning into some emotional wreck bc I was ashamed that I wasn’t like that. like I acknowledge that I’m very privileged in the first place that I grew up without much issue around money so I could buy more stuff & I guess at some level I’m spoilt a bit, but also my tendency to hyperfixate & have special interests really gets in the way of minimalism. idk i could probably make a whole rant or something but I’m gonna stop now lol
It is no wonder you love the art and furnishings you own. I like a lot of the ones you have, the pillows, the dining table, the bumpy vases, the picture of the angel flying in the night sky. My decor style is like that with thrifted, inherited, and handmade items. I only try to get rid of the things I am keeping "in case they are useful" and that doesn't include the decor or the jars and dishes I use to store leftovers or bulk food. Love your videos Gitte!
I'm so glad someone said it!! Honestly being Finnish and Swedish I was so proud of Ikea and that look. Until I found out that the creator of the company was a yt supremacist. After that it really opened my eyes to the cultural erasure in it
Yes! I have a lot of furniture, decor, and clothes but at least 70% is secondhand and most were family items. Most my clothes used to be my mother-in-law’s. She has great taste and we are the same size. I have furniture my grandpa made. I love having quality things that bring memories and joy.
For me minimalism is not about the aesthetic but about the less consumerist lifestyle
I have decided that for me there is something I love about both movements. I collected my grandmas and Moms Dishes and cookware, as well as my own, all of my silveware is silver, and I am not getting rid of any of it because it is eclectic as am I. I have too much art and too many books and too many quilts because my Mom collected them, and they make me feel good. I feel like part of the issues with people today is their is no grounding in the past, and I think a peoples needs that to move forward. I also feel like the energy these items have because they were loved and touched and used by my family some were even created by family, they have a special power energy so to speak. Currently all these pieces are in storage due to being in flux in life but i plan to have a place of my own and have my art on the walls and bookcases filled with books, and a peg board with quotes my Mom kept because they made her feel good. And music and plants and coffee on the porch in the rain. I plan on all of this. As for minimalism and especially Konmari, what draws me to her is her treating the items and houses like real entititys instead of inantimate objects, I fear that goes over alot of Westerners ( Americans) heads, and therefore they will get into loops like the ones some folks commented on below.
Thanks for addressing this issue! For a while I felt like I should approach minimalism in terms of how much stuff I own, because I thought it would be "better". But I actually like the Marie Kondo method where she asks whether something sparks joy. If you already own something, and it makes you happy, there is no point in getting rid of it.
love this video!! I've had friends reject the idea of a zero waste lifestyle because they think it won't suit their lifestyle because their clothes are colourful or they like funky furniture - will definitely be sending everyone your way. Great video, love your channel!
Loved this video! I really appreciate how you brought your knowledge of art and art history to the table because that’s not usually brought up in these discussions.
I know so many folks who have the minimalist aesthetic that don’t care a bit about sustainability and will buy new things (and get rid of old things) with way more frequency than folks who don’t ascribe to minimalism. So they’re definitely not intrinsically linked! I think we can learn a lot from both minimalism and maximalism to find what makes *you* truly happy without overconsumption.
I try to be a minimalist, not for how it looks, but rather for simplifying my life. I also try to as small a environmental footprint as possible and and I think that the two compliment eachother. I like white walls and simple furniture, but I also like plants and colourful cushions. Essentialism is probably a better way to put it. Great video and I really appreciate all your hard work in producing these videos 😘👏👏👏👏👏
I really enjoyed your take on sustainability and living more eco-friendly lifestyle.I agree, you don’t have to go ALL in and go minimalist to live a sustainable, less waste life.
Whooooo what a handful!!! I've tried to be a minimalist and like a rubber band pop back to my abundance self again. I will never fit in that life style. Thanks for explaining myself. You made my day because I can surround myself of things I recollected that put a smile on my face. Have a great day......
I agree with all of this! My partner is always criticizing me because I’m not minimalist enough. My house has the plants and thrifted boho style with rattan and woven plates, etc...I also make weaves and hang them up lol. I have travelled the world and love my artisan pieces from locals. I also love thrifting, so I have a lot of clothes, but it’s ALL recycled. In addition, I’m plant -based and I make all my skincare, use shampoo bars, make cleaning stuff, etc. I try, lol. But no, I cannot say I’m minimalist and I’m ok with that ✌️
I believe that I have embraced minimalism over the past 2yrs but am never sure whether to call myself a minimalist because I think everyone's perception of it is different (in fact I made a little video about this myself recently🙂) - I began adopting it originally for the emotional/mental declutter aspect, not for aesthetics, and then saw the beauty of living with less, also travelling lighter and now reuse everything and try to purchase only second-hand or sustainable materials that are better quality than the rubbish fast fashion I used to buy ooops 😉; also don't want my home (or life) filled with things that don't serve a purpose or have sentimental value and I've learnt to make do with what I already own rather over-accumulating to mask deep feelings... This is overall my personal interpretation of it anyway 😊
I agree with the points you've raised here Gittemary, particularly about expressing individuality and as always another great video, thank you 💚
'corporate minimalism' has been something I've been thinking of a lot over the past few weeks. i don't ever shop for things that aren't food so i was quite surprised when i was looking around websites for a sofa and coming across 'minimalist' couches that were basically just big pillows that you put on the floor being advertised for around $1000! These weren't ethically or locally made by the way, just plain old fast fashion giant pillows that are so extremely over priced to market towards people trying to be 'trendy'. Very scary world we live in
Bonjour Gittemary, merci pour ta vidéo. It was really interesting learning that the minimalism movement we know came from un art movement.
Personally I am in a "discovering quest" of my tastes and what work for me. I accumulated lots of things because "it could be usefull one day" or of passing interests. But I live in a tiny studio and one day I realised all this accumulation was only making me anxious. So I find myself using "minimalist tools" to identify what I like, what is usefull in a realistic way and what I don't need to keep. I like what your appartement looks like a lot, because it's filled with things you like and it's put in a way you like so it gives a positive feeling. I don't know where I am going to be after this but I already am taking more care of my belongings so I'm pleased with the process so far. I guess the essencial is not the label or how people see you but to be in a situation where your home and your belongings make you happy and confortable instead of overwelmed and anxious.
Thank you for all your videos. It is always interesting and mind oppening. Please, keep going and take care.
I never comment, but this video was excellent! However, I think the term eclecticism might be more fitting than maximalism for the purposes of describing a more sustainable and less culturally obliterating philosophy/lifestyle than minimalism. Eclecticism is “the practice of deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources” (Oxford folks et. all). I think of it as the most opportunistic and scrappy design aesthetic and I love it. I don’t really care if my thrifted chrome mid-century chairs sit a foot away from my grandmas Victorian love seat. Designers often say that the elements of a room need to be “in conversation with one another”. Well, an eclectic room is just having a more interesting conversation.
My father is a heart surgeon so I spend many days of my childhood in his office in the hospital, I even used to study in hospital's study area and library during my teenage years therefore I must say minimalistic "white" super clean and organised places reminds me of hospital rooms and its overall atmosphere and creeps the hell out of me, I feel so unsecured and anxious in this kind of minimal spaces, a home should look like a home and reflects the owner's mind not looking like IKEA catalogue or a rental place.
I started watching videos about minimalism a couple of years ago and I thought it was great... I ran the Konmari on my home and listened a couple of books and the minimalists podcast and still ended up with so much stuff... Yes on one hand I wish I had just a 100 items but on the other I don't want to get rid of my things, I'm Mexican we decorate a lot, we inherit stuff, we amass cultural stuff... And I don't want to lose that... It's not about consumerism it's about identity... So I will never be a minimalist either.
Keeping everything and using it to death is FAR more ecologically sound than getting rid of things and then having to replace them when they break. Having three can openers ( one was mine, one in a drawer when I moved in and one from my mums house when she died) is okay. When one breaks I might not be able to get to a store, I might not have the money for a replacement or it might be vital that I have it that very minute and I’m snowed in. You have it right. Don’t let others tell you otherwise.
Minimalism-Veganism-Zero Waste. The intentional life trifecta haha!
For realz tho, I feel lile most of these movements come from THE BEST PLACE, but people tend to pursue thw aesthetic instead of the principle: to be a vegan I have to buy all the fancy spices, ingredients, and supplements! To be a minimalist all my furniture has to be white and pointy and not a spec of dust can be in sight! To be zero waste my whole house needs to be made out of wood and brass and all my mason jars have to match. When we focus on the outside rather than the inside we are doing it wrong
I think we can define minimalism as the attitude to possess only things that have a utility or give joy: it's more about conscious consumption and say no to impulsive purchases or objects that "you must have because they all have them". Also, minimalism is not only about material stuff but it's a whole lifestyle and philosophy and definitely not an aesthetics (like sustainability). If books brings you joy you can have a whole collection and still be a minimalist. Sometimes it can be difficult to declutter in a sustainable way, but the great advantage of minimalism is that it will avoid in the future to find yourself in a situation where you have clutter to get rid of.
It is amazing the way you talk about the way minimalism is aligned somehow with capitalism, in the way it's needed to reduce individualism to a concept to increase someway production in terms of work, not distractions allowed. Love your channel.
minimalism for me is owning things I will use and enjoy. I have decluttered but only things I was not or would not get around to using. I have donated all the items as I know someone else would want them.
this is a nice companion to a video that kristen leo did recently. now i'm off to think about my cultural heritage that has been white-washed and erased and how i could easily live my life without ever connecting to my culture - the costumes, singing, dancing, crafts, rituals, traditions, patterns, etc. it is soooo easy to live a life with generic greyscale basics wardrobe, ikea furniture, tech from apple, a life full of consumer goods, then calling it western or european lifestyle
This is true and absolutely what I needed to hear. I am environmentally conscious and frugal-- I would rather have my bills paid or spend time traveling with loved ones than purchase the newest thing. I had constantly beat myself up because I am just not able to sustain the typical "minimalist" home. If that is sustainable for you, awesome. It looks beautiful. BUT I do not have that life. I am also easily stressed and made anxious by "too much" clutter or stuff. However, what is too much for me, isn't necessarily too much for the next. I love my knickknacks collected lovingly over the years, that I can remember exactly where I found it and the story behind it. I love a stuffed book case with colorful books, knickknacks and art but don't want it all piled on the floor in a neat stack by my couch, for example. It seems these days we all are striving for this perfect idea of what we think we should be, your absolutely right. I really needed this video because it reinforced that I can be environmentally conscious without being minimalist. Thank you.
You would have been great on the debating team at uni Gittemary! 😉 I agree, sometimes overly minimalist decor is completely blank of any character. I like to have interesting things to look at in a house. Your videos are so clever and we all love them for that x
while most of your videos are highly informational even for long time sustainability or eco centric individuals, THIS particular video is probably the first one I particularly appreciate. I love minimalist aesthetics, but i somehow never really found myself in it and this perspective really made me reflectect on why that is.... thank you!
Thank you, I live in a cosy flat, well thats how it feels to me, its full if books and knicknacks and atlast you say what I feel am tired of people telling me I should get rid and clear out all the unnessessary junk, junk to them maybe but everything I have is useful to me and just because its not new or trendy why does it bother others.
🤔 I'm not sure how minimalism became white supremacy, that escalated quickly. Some people just don't like clutter? and it seems kind of loose/ loose that your showing your privilege when you consume too much AS WELL AS when you only consume minimally? i mean thats all bases covered 🤷♀️ Other than that i can see how its aesthetic is cultural erasure, now that you mention it. All of those beautiful old European buildings being replaced by post modern monstrosities, plain white canvases selling for millions is absurd. But all that said despite the copy and paste formula that minimalists follow on the internet, they ARE addressing the fact thst people should be consuming more mindfully quite successfully, which is probably why it's trending. Hopefully enough people can recognise its not about an aesthetic its about MINDLESS consumption?... i dunno, we live in world where people eat tide pods, so who knows 🤷♀️😂
I definitely don't subscribe to the minimalist aesthetic but I like the general philosophy of eco minimalism with my purchasing decisions, basically if I need something to find it secondhand or from an eco friendly brand where possible and try to avoid the urge to buy new things in general. I often try to wait at least a few days after finding something I think I want to buy and see if I'm still thinking about it in like a week or more before making the purchase (unless I'm in a thrift store in person).
I'm identifing very strongly as minimalist, but for me it was always less about aesthetic and more about consciencus choices. My home definitely doesn't read as perfect minimalist space - even though base is very simple with black-white-gray color palette, I own many plants, some colorful books and have pieces of my colorful art on the walls. I don't buy things I don't need. We use limited and basic apliaces in the kitchen, because it's easier and simpler to handwash two dishes than fifteen and store three pots rather than ten. The same with clothes - I definitely like colors and patterns, but I like to be able to store everything in one or two drawers. I didn't add anything for ages, fashion do not interest me that much.
This was a very nice perspective. I didn't know this history. I always saw minimalism as the opposite to complexity. In my culture, minimalism is synonymous with simplicity. A mehendi, for example, looks beautiful and complex not because it's a complex design but it's a collection of many simple designs. The rugs/lamps you showed in the video are made the same way too. So to lead a beautiful and seemingly complex life, all the materials and habits we need are......simple :)
I totally agree with this video! We have to keep our things and reuse as much as possible as opposed to focusing on a look. Well done 💚💚💚
Very cool video. I think we’re all at our own level of minimalism. It’s like the volume on the radio. What’s comfortable for us. It’s a perfectly imperfect way of living.
I am struggling with the balance, and low waste has turned me into a hoarder somewhat, of course of the glass jars and inevitable plastics that I try hard to avoid. I’m also holding on to odd things I used to through away because I see their potential, and my pile of objects to repair is growing. I have quit shopping for new items, and mostly go “free shopping” for things neighbors throw away. Often those items need a clean or a quick repair and can pile up before I have the chance to clean, repair and find a proper place for. I absolutely love zero waste videos but have to balance them some with minimalism videos. My zero waste cleaning routine also takes longer: washing dishes by hand, hanging clothes and washing so many containers I’m hoarding. It’s fun though.
Thank you for this video, I really enjoyed it. Very interesting observation about art and how the philosophical thoughts are reflected in art, cultures and lifestyle. My personal stance is always listening and learning. As you say, there's no universal way, it's a pick-and-mix to create something that works for you, and awareness is a big part of it. The more you learn about different sides of the issue, the more clearly you can think about it yourself. I personally struggle with minimalism too (however I'm far from being a full-on consumerist). Now I think I have a better understanding why minimalism isn't necessarily for me. I'm so glad I found your channel, Gittemary, thank you!
Really refreshing perspective on the Minimalism debate ! I'm not sure if you watch Levi' Hilderbrand on UA-cam but he recently posted a video about how minimalism seems to be dying so I thought the timing of this was perfect 👌
It is so funny that you say that, 10 minutes before this video went live, I saw Levi’s video in my recommended feed 😂👌
I needed this video so badly, thank you for making it!! I have struggled with reconciling wanting to be sustainable with the movement's minimalism obsession, and that just isn't me... I love a good thrift hunt and love to hold onto gently used wrapping paper! I am also uncomfortable with empty space (I didn't grow up that way so it doesn't seem cozy or warm/home-like to me) and when you said that if you were a minimalist, you would spend so much energy fighting/resisting the urge to fill your space, I felt it in my soul
Minimalism comes from scarcity and is a concept borrowed from Japanese culture. The idea of that the fewers things you have must be nice but also funtional. And that is it. It was taken in the different way by western societies, as everything.
I've been in more than one situation when it was useful not to be a minimalist. I have mom's clothing to wear because she kept it. It was easier to wrap a present because I have kept paper and gift bags. I try to keep a balance, I couldn't say I'm a minimalist nor a maximalist, just doing my best before bringing something new in my life.
I love your style 💜 I could not be a minimast if I tried. Prefer extra anytime and appreciate the individually of different people. Thanks for this video
I believe that minimalism is very personal and everyone does it differently and in ways that works for them.
I'm the proud illegitimate daughter of minimalism and maximalism, I use the concept of buying meaningfully and that each object that I keep, truly "sparks joy", but I need art around me, need beauty, and see me in my home. So yeah, the illegitimate child 😁😆
I really believe both movements are connected as long as you don’t throw things away but find them a new life haha
Thank you for this video! As someone that has been exploring ways to be more sustainable, I thought minimalism was the right way, but I ended up stressing myself out trying to be "perfectly" minimalist. Now I focus on conscious consumption and whether I actually need an item or if it brings me great joy. I also never knew about cultural erasure with minimalism, but now I totally see how it can be problematic.
Great video with many interesting points of discussion Gittemary… AND… I 👀 that you are now at 99K. Oohhh… this must be so exciting for you!! Gonna be watching that number… in addition to your vids. Thanks for this one!!
Its interesting to hear about the background of minimalism!
I think nowadays to most people it means just to be mindfull about what you take into your home, not buy anything on a whim, and only buy things that really make you happy and that you are gonne use. (So you dont end up with a house full of crap you dont need.)
It made me giggle a bit when you talked about the ‘holier than thou’ mindset some minimalist can have, I see that in vegans múch múch more than in minimalists.
This is one of my favorite videos I have seen from you! Whole-heartedly agree, and you described your thoughts very eloquently.
Thank you for the support
This must be your best video so far. Amazing! Thought provoking.
wow thank you so much 🌿
Well argued! I'm with you on this, I love my abundance of (mostly 2nd hand) stuff because it makes me happy and creative. Hi from Finland!
There are *two approaches* to *minimalism:*
1st to buy nothing,
2nd to get rid of everything you don't want anymore..
The *first* one goes hand in hand /is sustainable/environmental,
the *second* one is quite the opposite of sustainability/environmentalism.
Many minimalists don't see that or don't care.