Is minimalism for you? Start with small steps

Tidy up the space around you and create your dream place

Among other things, minimalism is about regaining the current space and being able to have a respite in a place where we simply feel good. You define what you need in order to live, without having to dispose of all your belongings right away.

But think twice: do you really need all that you surround yourself with? Does it bring you joy or does it breed frustration and cause stress? Is a collection of several dozen bowls lingering on your kitchen tops indispensable, just as much as a spacious kitchen, where you can freely cook and eat meals? Doesn’t another unnecessary trinket take up space intended for inspirational books that you’ve always wanted to read but don't have room for?

Take it easy and answer these questions, then recreate your house or apartment day after day. You can donate unwanted items to charity, give them away for free by means of the Internet or hand them down to a friend of yours. You will find that in an orderly space you will live a more conscious and less stressful life.

Avoid the ‘’might-come-in-handies’’

Probably everyone knows some "might-come-in-handies'. I do not throw it away because it may come in handy one day. I do not need it urgently but I buy it because it's cheap and it may work. We’d better start controlling such impulses.

A simple method can help. Pack all those bits and bobs in cardboard boxes and, for instance, store them in the basement. Give yourself one year. If it turns out that during this whole time you haven't peered into the boxes even once, then you have the answer: these "seemingly useful" odds and ends will certainly be no good. Bear these conclusions in mind for the future, when shopping.

Save for what's really worth it

One Greek proverb says: A man's intelligence can be seen in how he makes money, and his wisdom can be seen in how he spends it.

Probably each of us knows how difficult it is to put by some cash. But in fact, it's a matter of developing a habit. In fact, it is not true that you have to be rich to be able to save money. Small treats grabbed at the checkout that turn out to be completely useless when you come back home? Subscriptions to services that you don't use but are available "just in case"? Now add up all these one month’s expenses. You will be surprised how much money you can save.

Saving teaches patience and is rewarded. Instead of spending money on more junk, you can save money for something more expensive that, for some reason, you could never afford. It could be a dream to fulfill or a professional course that will give you new competences. Some things are just worth the wait.

Reusable and universal instead of disposable and "useless"

It is worth developing pro-ecological attitudes in yourself every day, e.g. by looking for environmentally friendly substitutes.

For example, an ordinary reusable mug (thermal or not) can serve you in multiple ways. Every day- when all your other cups are in the dishwasher.  On the go, when you don't want to use disposable tableware. At the campsite. On your way to work, when you buy coffee at the fuel station.

In the kitchen, you can easily eliminate paper towels, napkins and tea towels. By purchasing cloth kitchen accessories, you will quickly reduce a large amount of waste. Linen cloths can be used in many ways, they are hygienic and environmentally friendly. Cotton or satin napkins will be an elegant table setting and will last much longer than just one meal. Do you remember reusable handkerchiefs? They are rightly getting back to our good graces and are perceived not only as eco-friendly but also fashionable and even luxurious.

Do you like reading e-books? An e-reader will be perfect not only for reading books, but also for viewing documents (no need to print), black and white illustrations or browsing digital magazines. All within one device that you can have anytime, anywhere.

These are just examples. The point is to find many applications in simple and universal things, instead of hoarding new ones indefinitely.

Buy less but better quality

This advice applies to everything, from clothes to food to choosing other properly packaged, quality products. Cheap, inferior items are easily breakable and need to be replaced with new ones, and that generates waste. Meanwhile, better quality often means a longer service life.

Besides, there is another question relating to how goods are made. The slightly more expensive, but better-quality brands usually follow the rules of production ethics. These companies strive to ensure that their actions bring the least environmental damage. This is the case at SILBO, where we maintain the highest standards, wanting to reduce the emission of harmful substances. That is why our packaging is biodegradable and printed using safe water-based inks. Water-based printing degrades along with its compostable packaging, which is neutral for the soil and the atmosphere.

Which material is worth quitting in the first place? Polyester, acrylic, PVC. Replace plastic with paper or wood. Get rid of a synthetic blouse in favour of one made of linen or viscose. When in the shop, choose packaging labelled as biodegradable. Before you know it, you will understand this scheme.