In case you weren’t aware, there has been an increase in the number of people interested in living more simply. This is not a result of the recession, although that may have been the springboard for a few of the more recent converts. The simplicity movement has been growing quietly over the last 20-30 years, and those who have chosen to assimilate this lifestyle have done so for a variety of reasons, with varying levels of commitment.
Some followers are just trying to improve their quality of life by trading less pay for more time at home. Others are vigilant; trying to create a lifestyle they can maintain on the lowest level of sufficiency and income. The simplicity movement is not just one thing or one path. There is not a perfect way to live simply. So how do you go about simplifying your life? What is the first step? Some people think if they clear out the clutter in their homes and save money they’ll be more peaceful. Others choose the movement to feel more connected to God, other people, and the earth. They may or may not also want to embrace a lifestyle that counters prevailing social norms, or one that supports sustainability.
The three most common reasons, however, are the three “E’s.” Economics, ecology, and ethics, whether singly or in combination, tend to be the starting points for most followers. The first “E” (and the one that gets the most attention from the media) is economics. We are financially dependent on someone or something from the beginning of our life until the end; first on our families, then on some entity to provide employment, and lastly on our pension or social security to get us to the end of the road. A serious issue for boomers is that retirement savings and social security may not be there for us long-term. Many boomers are facing up to the reality that they are not financially prepared to retire at the same age their parents were when they left the workforce. Unfortunately, we are experiencing a “new normal;” people will have to work longer (in some cases many years) past the usual retirement age to be able to maintain a basic standard of living. A “simple” life philosophy helps ground you to the reality that acquiring money is tied to your life energy. Your material goods are holding you hostage because you have to spend so much time earning a living that you have no time for really living. By purchasing less “things,” you can reduce the amount of time spent working to pay for and maintain those items.
The second “E” is ecology. Whatever your initial reason for trying to do more with less, you’ve probably come to realize that financial simplicity and conservation are joined at the hip. Simplicity as a money choice means that you try to get the longest possible use out of your possessions, use fewer resources, and throw away less money on consumable products. Your original decision to live a simple life may be for financial reasons, but spending less also helps the environment. They have a mutually enhancing relationship. When you use glass water bottles that can be washed and refilled every day instead of purchasing plastic bottled water that is expensive and ends up residing in the landfill, you are making a financial decision that benefits the environment for generations. Economics and ecology have the same root “eco,” which means “house.” You have achieved true home economics when you realize that the earth (our home) is our resource base, its resources are finite, and our need for a clean planet is essential.
The last “E” is ethics. Are your expenditures in line with your values? Many people are paying closer attention to how they spend their money. Ethical consumption gives you power as a consumer. You can impact a larger economy and help create a world where the economy benefits people in more equal ways by making some simple changes. Some suggestions for ethical consumption include supporting local businesses, supporting companies that treat their employees fairly and pay them a fair wage, and supporting fair trade issues.
Bottom line? “Simple” doesn’t necessarily mean “easy.” Realigning your daily life with your values may require some tough choices, hard work and discipline. But the rewards of a simple life will be worth it to you if you want your financial decisions to match your personal values.
Written by:
Donna Green
Family and Consumer Sciences Educator
Ohio State University Extension
