She Strengthens

Embracing Eco-Minimalism: A Journey to Sustainable Living

As I’ve ventured deeper into the realms of sustainable living, minimalism, and personal finance, I’ve discovered a profound connection between these concepts. The term “eco-minimalism” resonates deeply with me, as it embodies a lifestyle that prioritizes sustainability above material possessions. This philosophy has allowed me to reevaluate my relationship with consumerism and focus on what truly adds value to my life.

The Low-Buy Year: A Challenge to Myself

Inspired by the idea of a No-Buy Year, I’ve decided to embark on a Low-Buy Year journey. Having experienced unemployment last year, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of what’s essential for living contently. My goal is to become debt-free by 2022, and I’m confident that this challenge will help me achieve it.

The Rules of My Low-Buy Year

To ensure success, I’ve established the following guidelines:

1. Create a Structured Budget

As a self-proclaimed “Budget Bitch,” I’ve never created a comprehensive budget. With a stable income, I’m now motivated to do so. I’ll be using a spreadsheet to track my finances, which I’ll share later.

2. Spend with Purpose

I’ll support local, small, and sustainable businesses, investing in quality products that align with my values.

3. Wait on Big Purchases

Any non-essential item over $50 will be delayed for at least a month. If I still want it after 30 days, I’ll consider purchasing it.

4. Declutter Periodically

I’ll regularly declutter my space, responsibly disposing of items that no longer bring me joy. I’ll sell, reuse, recycle, or donate them whenever possible.

5. Don’t Want To? Don’t Spend On It

I’ll avoid participating in events or buying things that don’t align with my interests or values.

6. Use Gift Cards Responsibly

I’ll wait until I truly need something before using gift cards, treating them as if they were my own money.

7. Low Buy: Clothing

I’ll shop secondhand and sustainable when I need new clothing items, prioritizing quality over quantity.

8. Replacements: Beauty and Toiletries

I’ll only replace my tried-and-true beauty and toiletry products when necessary, using up the abundance I already have.

9. No Buy: Home Décor

I’ll focus on minimal decorating and swapping out pieces from storage to refresh my space. Exceptions include fresh flowers, plants, and art from local artists.

10. Give Graciously

I’ll continue to gift thoughtfully and donate to organizations that align with my values, even during my Low-Buy Year.

Tracking My Finances

To stay on top of my finances, I’ll be using a spreadsheet with six sheets:

• Track Spending: Daily income and expenses
• Budget: Monthly expenses and budgeting
• Monthly Money: Overview of my financial standing at the beginning of each month
• Income Breakdown: Accounting for all incoming money
• Expense Breakdown: Tracking all expenses and comparing to my budget
• Net Worth: Calculating my net worth every six months

By following these guidelines and tracking my finances, I’m confident that I’ll achieve my goal of becoming debt-free by 2022 and develop a more mindful approach to consumerism.