How I practice Underconsumption Core at Home
I took you to my parents' home to show how they live by the underconsumption core, a lifestyle that focuses on making the most of every resource and minimizing waste. This time, I’m excited to bring you into my own home to share the ways I practice underconsumption and keep our household eco-friendly.
While I don’t quite live up to my parents' level of minimal consumption, I make intentional choices that allow me to reduce waste, save money, and live more sustainably.
1. Creating a Sentimental Home with Art and Decor
When we first moved into our house, I wanted to make our space feel like home without spending a lot on new decor. Instead of buying expensive art, we filled our walls with homemade art made by our kids! These pieces are meaningful and serve as beautiful reminders of their creativity. Framing and displaying their work is a great way to personalize our space and cherish their contributions over the years.
2. Sustainable Furniture Choices
Much of our furniture has been with us since we got married, like our dining table and TV stand, which are over 20 years old. Rather than upgrading to new pieces, I find satisfaction in keeping what we already have, as it’s still functional and holds sentimental value. This approach not only saves money but also keeps items out of the landfill.
3. Cooking to Reduce Waste
In my kitchen, I do everything I can to avoid throwing away food. For example, I save overripe fruits for baking and making kombucha. This week’s flavor has peach and ginger – the perfect use for fruit that would otherwise go to waste. I even freeze pumpkin skins and vegetable scraps to make homemade broth, which reduces both food waste and the need for store-bought broths in plastic packaging.
Making my own bread, including sourdough and naan, also cuts down on plastic packaging, and it’s much fresher and tastier. I save any leftover breadcrumbs in a container for future recipes, so nothing goes to waste.
4. Composting for a Healthier Garden
Since I garden in my small yard, composting is essential. Composting reduces methane gas emissions from landfills and creates nutrient-rich soil for my plants. I use the compost to feed my vegetables, which means I don’t need to rely on store-bought fertilizers. It’s a natural, sustainable way to close the loop on waste in our home.
5. Growing Our Own Food
Growing vegetables in our small front yard has been one of the most fulfilling parts of our underconsumption journey. Planting what we love to eat, like cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs, allows us to enjoy fresh produce while reducing our carbon footprint. There’s no packaging, no transportation emissions, and the food is as fresh as it gets. It also connects us with nature and helps our mental well-being.
6. Using Secondhand and Repurposed Items
I buy a lot of items secondhand, including kitchenware and clothing. Our plates, for example, are an eclectic mix of secondhand finds and hand-me-downs from family. I also keep a stash of jars and plastic containers for storage, which cuts down on buying new containers and adds a personal touch to our kitchen organization.
7. Low-Waste Personal Care
In the bathroom, I’ve made several swaps to cut down on waste. I use shampoo and conditioner bars, which last longer than liquid alternatives and come without the plastic packaging. For my period, I rely on period underwear and a menstrual cup. These reusable options reduce single-use pads and tampons, and they’re cost-effective in the long run.
8. Making My Own Cosmetics
I make most of my skincare and makeup products, including mineral foundation, blush, mascara, and even solid perfume. Doing so means I don’t have to buy new products each time I run out, which helps avoid unnecessary packaging and impulse purchases. I also upcycle containers for these DIY products, reducing waste even further.
9. Finding Joy in Nature and Staying Home
As a homebody, I don’t feel the need to constantly go out or buy new things to stay entertained. When I want a change of scenery, I take my family out to enjoy nature, which doesn’t cost anything and lets us connect without the distractions of consumer culture. This way, we spend more time together, live more simply, and consume less.
Embracing Underconsumption for a More Sustainable Life
Living with underconsumption doesn’t mean we deprive ourselves; instead, it’s about prioritizing the things that matter, reducing waste, and embracing what we already have. Whether it’s reusing jars, composting food scraps, or growing our own vegetables, each small action contributes to a lifestyle that’s both eco-friendly and fulfilling.
Thank you for joining me in my journey towards underconsumption. I hope this inspires you to try some of these practices in your own life.
