Tips on living simply?

Question

I would like to live more simply and not be such a consumer. Do you have any tips other than obvious answers like "don't spend so much?"

Thanks

Answer 1

first thing - unplug your t.v.!!!
second thing - don't read mind garbage magazines (people, us weekly, cosmo, maxim, etc)
third thing - spend the first hour of your morning quietly reading, gardening, walking or thinking.
fourth, spend time outside.
lastly, avoid malls. do your shopping at small shops, boutiques or online.
good luck!

Answer 2

Tips: water filter, cut caffinited drinks (or at least cut down); for meals, go with the classic meat, starch, salad, and bread- varry combinations and learn how to make a lot of different simple pastas; try using the fan some so your ac bill won't be so high; if you can take public transportation or bike, don't take your car; shop smart, only buy name brand when it comes to something like slacks or jeans, something you want quality out of, shirts can come from cheap places and usually no one will know- basically mix and match name brand and not name brand; buy things in bulk- if it's stuff you know you'll always need, like toilet tissue or cleaning supplies, buy in bulk from Sam's or somewhere; instead of going to the movies, rent; instead of buying books, go to the library; also, if you live in a hot place, invest in draperies, that way your power bill will go down b/c the sun won't make the rooms so hot; buy off brand- prescription drugs, stuff like advil, etc.; if you smoke, switch to a cheaper brand; learn to cut your own hair; when you travel, pick a place where nature is the focal point (Yellowstone), not the city (London); for gift-giving, make things; use everything you have to the last drop (toothpaste, food, perfume, nail polish, whatever) and don't buy more till you use what you have.

Answer 3

Use the library. Walk, read, write. Don't try to imitate those who have a lot of "things". Look at the spiritual side of living. Consider your relationships and work on those. In the end, it is how you led your life that counts. When you go through a crisis later in life, you realize that the petty things, the material things are not nearly as important as the relationships in your life. I think most of us have to go through a crisis though before we come to this understanding. It isn't like you want the crisis, it is going to happen, but, the lessons learned are the strongest ones you will ever have. That is when you really grow.

Answer 4

buy what you need not what you want like i need a coffee machine so i wouldnt get anything but something that just makes coffee not a high tech cappaccino machine

Answer 5

Get rid of stuff you don't need, including bad habits.

Answer 6

Live as though you can't take money with you as you die

Answer 7

my idea is to keep giving back to the society.... this way you remain guilt free...

works for me