Why do we have so much stuff?

 

I enjoy using items until they are no longer viable.

I bought these suits in 1980 and still wear them on Sunday mornings.

I drive an 18-year old Mountaineer that just turned 200,000 miles.

I have used this bag to carry my music scores for 28 years.

My joy is not just in saving money by using things for a long time, I also enjoy being a good steward of resources. 

The challenge is, we live in a disposable society, also known as a throw-away society. People tend to use items a few times and then discard them. 

The problem is threefold: 

1. 1. 1. We succumb to consumerism—we buy too much stuff, most of which we don’t need.
      2. We prematurely discard items—even when they’re still usable.
      3. We purchase cheap, consumable products instead of durable goods.

The solution is threefold: 

1. 1. 1. Be content with fewer things. Years ago I decided to limit myself to 100 personal items. Here’s a blogpost I wrote about that. One of the best ways to resist consumerism is simply to stop shopping. Seriously, avoid stores and Amazon.
      2. Keep using a product until it doesn’t make sense to continue using it. Enjoy old products that are still viable. (See the examples I gave above.)
      3. When you do purchase an item, buy good quality, durable products. Most products are available in three price categories: cheap, average, expensive. I have discovered that “above-average” is a good target. Avoid cheaply made products and expensive brands (Rolex, Hermes, etc.).

Detachment from stuff gives us more time and resources to focus on the important things in life: people and experiences.