How To Give Up The Lifestyle Of Materialism?

A Simple, Helpful Guide to Overcome Consumerism is a guide that offers practical tips and examples to help individuals break free from excessive consumerism and live a simpler, more intentional life. The guide emphasizes the importance of admitting it is possible, adopting a traveler’s mentality, embracing the life-giving benefits of owning less, becoming acutely aware of the consumer-driven society in which we live, comparing down, realizing your money is only as valuable as what you choose to spend it on, considering the full cost of your purchases, and turning off the television.

The average American owns 3.5 credit cards and $15,799 in credit, and it is essential to recognize that happiness found in consumerism is fleeting at best. To break free from excessive shopping and overspending, individuals should stop and reevaluate their lives, understand their weaknesses, and consider their motivations. They should also seek contribution with their life and usefulness in their purchases, count the hidden cost of each purchase, test their limits, give more things away, and engage in activities such as walking, singing, dancing, and going to the library instead of buying books.

To buy and consume less, individuals should stop seeing ads, marketing communications, and reduce external stimuli. They should also think before buying, considering the impact of their purchases on the environment and society, buy things that last longer, and avoid unnecessary purchases. The combination of thoughtful consumer habits, responsible companies, and the right government policies are essential for creating systemic degrowth, which calls for a realignment of the economy from one based on overconsumption and obsessive accumulation to one that produces goods to satisfy real needs.


📹 How To Escape Materialism (5 minimalist tips)

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Some of the links on this channel are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission at NO additional …


Why can’t I stop consuming?

This article discusses five reasons why someone may struggle to stop eating, including disordered eating behaviors, emotional factors, and binge eating disorder. It also provides tips for managing appetite and when to contact a doctor. Restrictive diets, which involve removing certain foods or reducing calorie intake, can also contribute to the difficulty in stopping eating. Treatments and support are also provided to help individuals overcome these challenges.

How can we stop over consumption?
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How can we stop over consumption?

The average household can significantly reduce waste by switching to reusable products, investing in a water filter, donating, swapping, or selling items, streamlining laundry routines, supporting sustainable brands, and having less but better. Being a conscious consumer is the best way to help the environment. A Tidy Mind encourages conscious consumerism and buying reusable products in the future.

While most people care about plastic pollution and recycle, they must balance this with other pressures in the modern world. Making micro changes will only go so far and don’t get to the root of the problem. For local decluttering support, visit dedicated pages for A Tidy Mind professional organizers in various regions.

How possible is it to avoid the culture of consumerism?

To combat consumerism, we must become more aware of our desires and values, make intentional choices about our consumption and lifestyle, and prioritize our relationships, purpose, and well-being. We can cultivate authentic connections by prioritizing empathy, vulnerability, and generosity in our relationships and communities. Emerging trends like the circular economy, sharing economy, and conscious consumer movement can contribute to a sustainable and fulfilling model of production and consumption. Together, we can work towards a more just, sustainable, and connected world.

How to stop over consuming?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

How to stop over consuming?

The increasing global resource consumption has led to significant environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate change. To reduce consumption, individuals can reduce meat consumption, buy second-hand items, shop locally, use energy-efficient appliances, and be mindful of transportation emissions. Research on ecological footprints reveals that high-income countries, like the United States, have larger per capita ecological footprints compared to lower-income nations.

This is due to higher consumption, energy use, and trade patterns that displace environmental burdens to other regions. The 2023 Sustainable Development Goals Report reveals that the material footprint per capita in high-income countries is 10 times higher than in low-income countries. To combat this, individuals should consider reducing meat consumption, buying second-hand items, shopping locally, and switching to energy-efficient appliances.

How to stop mindlessly living?

Mindlessness is a dangerous state where the mind relies heavily on past categories, failing to recognize the distinctions of the present situation. It can lead to psychological problems and even premature loss of life. To avoid mindlessness, focus on the process, not the outcome, and maintain an open mind. Constantly receiving information and controlling the context is essential. Mindlessness can harm oneself and others, as it can lead to misunderstandings and misunderstandings about the present situation. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a balanced approach to mental health.

How to stop consuming capitalism?

To embrace a post-capitalist lifestyle, individuals should make conscious consumption decisions, adopt minimalist living by reducing unnecessary possessions, and participate in local community initiatives. Capitalism is not an economic system but a philosophical and ideological force that shapes our lives, environment, and perception of humanity. Under its reign, inequality widens, with the affluent benefiting from wealth while the less fortunate are left to the market. Our planet is treated as a commodity, with resources extracted recklessly and ecosystems pushed to the brink for profit.

How can we stop consumption?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

How can we stop consumption?

The increasing global resource consumption has led to significant environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate change. To reduce consumption, individuals can reduce meat consumption, buy second-hand items, shop locally, use energy-efficient appliances, and be mindful of transportation emissions. Research on ecological footprints reveals that high-income countries, like the United States, have larger per capita ecological footprints compared to lower-income nations.

This is due to higher consumption, energy use, and trade patterns that displace environmental burdens to other regions. The 2023 Sustainable Development Goals Report reveals that the material footprint per capita in high-income countries is 10 times higher than in low-income countries. To combat this, individuals should consider reducing meat consumption, buying second-hand items, shopping locally, and switching to energy-efficient appliances.

How can we stop consumerism?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

How can we stop consumerism?

To reduce consumerism, it is essential to unsubscribe from brand emails, avoid following influencers who promote products frequently, and be cautious of news promoting new products or companies. Limit external stimuli that encourage consumerism, such as news about hair shinier or summer trends, which create problems and sell solutions. Additionally, avoid media that influences our idea of success, such as James Bond movies that promote a private bar and fancy suits.

It is crucial to understand how external influences change us and be internal-oriented rather than external-driven. By reducing consumption of everything and reflecting more, we can become more aware of how external influences change us and be more mindful of how they affect us.

What are solutions for over consumerism?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

What are solutions for over consumerism?

Consumers should focus on finding secondary uses for goods by repurposing them, sharing, or bringing them to proper secondary markets instead of always buying new. While possessions can bring happiness and contribute to identity-building, they should also be sustainable and environmentally responsible. Consumers should stop throwing perfectly good things into landfills and learn to repurpose items and find more efficient recycling methods. Recent research shows that consumers creatively upcycle their possessions and extend the lives of items they already own.

Marketers can play a role in encouraging consumers to give up, especially clothing, and address marketplaces with both overproduction and overconsumption economies. By doing so, we can create a better environment for all and contribute to a more sustainable future.


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How To Give Up The Lifestyle Of Materialism
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Rae Fairbanks Mosher

I’m a mother, teacher, and writer who has found immense joy in the journey of motherhood. Through my blog, I share my experiences, lessons, and reflections on balancing life as a parent and a professional. My passion for teaching extends beyond the classroom as I write about the challenges and blessings of raising children. Join me as I explore the beautiful chaos of motherhood and share insights that inspire and uplift.

About me

27 comments

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  • That’s actually one reason I like your website because you’re not pushing products or selling merch like so many others. I get why they do it to support their work, but it can really sour their message. I’d much rather spend my money on good works than on stuff, and am happy to contribute to this girls’ school. Having spent several years working in rural Nicaragua I know how important this is. “One child, one teacher, one pen and one book can change the world. Education is the only solution.”- Malala Yousafzai

  • I appreciate your approach to teaching. I’ve been quite unsure about investing in this current market and at the same time I feel it’s the best time to get started on the market, heard some guy speaking of making over $300k from a $180k capital since the pandemic and I’m driven to ask what skillset and strategy can generate such profit.

  • The pandemic has definitely helped me, the stores have been closed here for 3 months now and whenever I do think I need something I will think about it more before ordering it. Also unsubscribing to all newsletters about products and clothing help very much, now I dont buy stuff as result of an impuls 🙂

  • I’ve become more and more minimal over the last three years enjoying throwing away furniture, trinkets, clothing and countless other junk items. It’s been such a freeing and stress relieving experience. Now I’m married and my wife has our apartment filled with everything under the sun haha I don’t think I’d ever be able to sway her over to my way of living but here’s hoping 🤞🏼

  • There is a balance to everything. I used to be a frugal minimalist until I saw some close friends and family become religious about it and start looking down and condemning those who had a nice house and materialistic life while in actuality they were envying them. My cousin had a baby so I bought her an electronic music box and her 1st words were wow this is so materialistic. So yeah, being a minimalists doesn’t immunize one from being judgemental.

  • This may be one of my favorite articles! It made me realize just how much I’ve been stressed because my home is not perfectly curated like those pictures in magazines and advertisements!! I finally saw perusal this just how much I’ve wanted people to see me as a wonderful homemaker. I finally realize the depth to which I’ve felt I don’t measure up because my home isn’t as modern and curated like those of some of my peers and friends. This is my home. I like the way it’s decorated mostly. I need to get rid of the clutter, which I’m doing, and move on!!! Thanks so much, Gabe. This has been something of an epiphany, seeing how much I’ve worried about how my house appears to others. 😢

  • I do believe in limiting screen time, but I also think there are other ways to limit marketing’s reach on you. I pay for YT premium.. I know it is an added cost per month, but I don’t watch TV or other subscription services and paying to remove ads saves me from seeing those ads. I still have to be aware of the content I watch as that can influence purchasing, but it works for me.

  • No way! That’s exactly what my husband and I are doing this summer. He said to me “what do you want to do this summer? Take a vacation, Florida maybe?” And I’ve volunteered out of country in China before, and my husbands never left the country… and I had looked into volunteering again but didn’t think I’d be taken seriously. And what popped out of my mouth was… “I want to spend two weeks of my vacation this summer volunteering at an orphanage in Mexico. TCM.” And my husband said… ok… let’s do it… We have been passing out flyers, digitally, and handing some out to family and friends, and asking for donations to the orphanage. We are going to fill up our car with donations and take it down there. We put up a $400-$500 budget of our own money to contribute in toys, clothes, and hygiene supplies. Some sports stuff. And after a year of wanting to do it, I finally picked a child sponsorship abroad. For that little less fast food every month, I can pay a monthly subscription to help support a child abroad. And I picked one at the orphanage in Mexico so I get to meet my child. I haven’t even gone yet and my life has changed. It’s the kind of trip where you Don’t come home bragging about your souvenirs or what fancy restaurants or hotels you had… or what tourist site etc etc etc you filter up to post on social. It’s the kind of trip where you cry when you leave because of the heart change you experience, and those you served. A mission type experience is a moment to remember in your life that builds them and you in character.

  • I`ve always been quite minimal with clothes. The past view years i`ve really noticed that the quality of womans clothing went a lot backwards and a lot of trendy (like a lot) pieces and that it`s hard to find good clothes. I don`t have this problem for my boyfriend and it pisses me off, because i feel something is wrong with me but it is the clothes! So i`m not going to feel bad about it anymore. What i am doing is really think about what i need to wear. This way you can have a tiny list of must haves, if you do like shopping once in a while you know what to look for. What can i say, i like clothes but what i like more is looking and feeling good. Men have it easier with the looking good part. I can make a perfect minimalist wardrobe for my bf, but as a woman you sometimes need different things or your body changes.

  • That’s something I’ve always done over the last 18 years. I donate money to all kinds of causes and charities that I love. I don’t attach to money because it can make you insane. I have always told myself, why do I need more money than I can spend? And why do I need to buy stuff that I’ll eventually trash or sell for more money or donate? I focus on things I’ll pass down to my children, memories from my travels and souvenirs, and also perishables. I had a fear for a long time that I would run out of money when I needed it the most so I fell into a slight hoarding, an overstocking habit with just in case stuff. I threw it all away.

  • Decluttering was so important… (I`m not a full on minimalist) once you start thinking about “is this new item really important or am I gonna throw it away in a year, three years…?” … that was a huge shift for me, had a real low buy year in 2020… Thanks for your articles, I really enjoy them and I like the sound of your voice 🙂

  • Great article! Also just donated as it seem like a great cause, hope we can get to 5 laptops! But also saw that it is a religious organization, they may be an incredible organization but to say the truth, Im always a bit mistrustful about those kind of organizations because depending how they share their faith, it could be hurtful and abuse of power, again, they might not be like that and I really hope not but Im curious to know, how does the organization work exactly?

  • Thank you for the interesting thoughts 👍When you said “dissociating from thing” could make us happier, I thought, maybe, peace doesn’t depend on the number of things but on the view and attitude towards your things and the things you don’t have. 🧘‍♀️I’ll think about that a little more. Have a great day 🍀

  • 100% agree with this article and def IMPULSE buying, even more so with apps like Amazon! Oh, and my biggest Journey is probably Impulse buying but it’s actually not that bad, I’m pretty good at putting thought into purchases. LOVE the LAPTOPS FOR KIDS!! KUDOS with walking backwards on that branch thingy! LOL

  • Minimalism helped me with my shopping addiction. Now i add stuff to the cart, wait weeks or months, and re-evaluate. I almost always remove it instead of buying it. I’m learning to budget and meal plan as well. Minimalism taught me that everything i need is inside me, and I don’t need to buy anything unless it improves my life enough.

  • I understand you included clips of your Colombia trip probably just for the aesthetics, but wanted to remind new people perusal this that you do not need to travel to exotic places like this or go super hippy to mitigate materialism. It too can be a form of extrinsic motivation/materialism. He’s kinda trying to sell a “lifestyle”. I see this too often in my home town Santa Cruz. People spending big money to not look like they spend money. It Ruined the surfing culture. Other than that great vid! Sub’d! And appreciate what u have rn!

  • I usually put things on Amazon into a list and don’t buy right away. Many sellers will offer discounts of 5 to 20 percent. Additionally, I find a very high percentage of things stay on the list for a few months and I go back and decide that I no longer want something enough to buy it…. so I just delete it from the list. There is some satisfaction in looking and finding good products….. then some satisfaction getting offers for lower price offers …. and finally some satisfaction in screening out the impulse buys of things not really needed.

  • I adopted a cash-only lifestyle where all in-person purchases are made in cash, and have for over two years now. As part of my effort, I push hard to achieve the monthly goal of having a bank statement which only reflects three expenses: a monthly cash withdrawal, rent, and my phone bill. Now I don’t buy clutter and have a very low tolerance for junk.

  • I have been doing this, but I feel like the process is painfully slow. I just deleted all of my social media accounts and I find myself looking at my phone but there is nothing to check. I am currently only trying to buy consumables when I go to target. Once I get that down I will try to only go to the grocery store.

  • I feel like traveling to places like Colombia help me to be less materialistic as well. Seeing people living life with less consumerism really helps to detox this mentality. I’ve noticed specifically in Colombia that people tend to be happier with less and would rather spend their time and resources with family and friends than shopping and when they do go shopping it often becomes a social event. In general, I see they value more sharing of wealth than accumulating wealth.

  • When did this all happen. Seriously. I’m old but I missed it. Life is so busy and fast – I’m not sure I knew anyone chasing things and money. I guess with more people, more money, more options, more creates more till we implode. It’s good people such as the maker of this article are working against Goliath. Oh ya a trick I use is I never buy anything first time I find it and half the things are gone of forgotten by the time I get around to it. Cheers

  • Im here because i was perusal arabic cartoon network and noticed there are no or very rare toy ads. Western cartoon network has at least 5 mins of toy ads after each episode. It blew my mind at how we are conditioned from babies to feel like we need stuff all the time. The Arabic ads were about food, general home supplies, autism awareness and charities (without begging like in the west). We need to break away from consumerism, its not normal

  • I am on YouTube and consuming other media too much IMO, but hardly ever click on ads. And rarely see a commercial that makes me act. I hardly ever visit the promo section of my email account. So it is possible to be resist materialism in this ad infested world. I think religious teaching and my own parents have helped me be more frugal. But I do feel I should travel and enjoy life more… a little more.

  • “Spend less time on screens” I’m a Graphic Design student so not possible but I do find when I’m busy with coursework, I don’t pay attention to social media or the news. So being a student has its advantages. When I’m in a store and I see something, I ask myself, do I want this or do I need it? If I don’t need it, I leave it. After 48 hours, if I still don’t need it, it gets deleted from the memory banks.

  • I stress that I have too much stuff, it’s a viscous cycle. I’ve been attempting to be simpler in as many areas of my life. I have to work on not putting too much pressure on myself but also not over praising myself. Finding a balance in this and many other areas is a fine line and difficult to maintain at times.

  • A couple of years ago I had to clear my late mum’s house and whilst what she had was no where near excessive it did make me and my wife look at what we have in our house. We have cleared some things but I find myself looking at things and asking myself when did I last use it, do I really need it anymore and when I go to buy something I now think more about whether I really need the item or can I reuse something I already have. When I have cleared things our I felt refreshed. I plan to do more clearing out in the future. I remember seeing something about decluttering and the difficulty of getting rid of things, particularly where they have sentimental value. I came across a term that that I found helpful which is, ‘give it a hug and let it go’ – so I look at the item for a few minutes thinking back to the time it reminds me of, then I take a picture of it and clear it out.

  • That’s hypocrisy. You claim you domt buy stuff but you’re supporting someone who is a missionary ie he sells his religion.. to convert people is not a noble cause. Religion is a person’s identity n by supporting that person, you are supporting someone lose their identity, just to exploit their vulnerability

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