Let’s not normalize overconsumption.

Photo by @jessicasimons.photo

I feel as though this title ought to speak for itself.
However, I’d like to expand upon it.

Excessive beauty, holiday and home decor, clothing, etc. hauls aren’t normal.

And while the internet and influencers might make you believe so, we know that it isn’t.

I write this more so as inner dialogue and reflection on this subject.

My goal is to never shame anyone, yet, to explore some of these topics from a place of curiosity.

Have you ever wondered how one can use so many beauty products before they expire?
Have you thought about how much waste is accumulated from fast fashion purchases and/or trends, whether it is reusable water bottles or home decor?
Where does one store a 12-foot skeleton?
Do they really have an entire garage or storage unit filled?
How much product does an influencer receive for free as incentive/payment for their posts or how much do they make based on purchases associated with their links?

Once again, this comes from a place of curiosity.

During my exploration of slowing my own consumption, I plan diving deeper into learning more from an educational and research standpoint. Just how much of an impact does the all-too-convenient one-click shopping have on both our planet and paychecks?

I invite you to consider your own spend less or “no-buy” categories this January.
Let’s start thinking now how we want to spend $ with intention, mindfulness, and usefulness.

I once was told by someone that you don’t have to follow every single fashion trend.
Honestly, I found comfort, relief, and validation in that.

You don’t have to get rid of all your skinny jeans if you like/wear them.
You don’t have to replace your perfectly functional reusable water bottle with something new.
You don’t have to get completely new Home or Holiday decor every season.

Subtle changes are more sustainable.

So what do you say, are you up for a challenge?

See more insight via my Instagram: @spend_lesswithjess