Wasn’t it George Carlin who talked about stuff? How we accumulate stuff, so we buy a bigger house to hold the stuff, but then we need more stuff for the bigger house. But this how about breaking the cycle with downsizing? How much stuff, as people, do we really need?This year I was forced to face this question and pack everything I needed into one suitcase for my five-month study abroad, and in the process I found a lot that I could do without. For example, I tend to accumulate clothes, everyone does, and it can be hard to get rid of that skirt you love, but never quite fit into. Still, you keep in hopes that one day you will. Well, get rid of it! There are plenty of charities and donation centers that gladly accept old clothes, coats, and shoes.Speaking of coats and shoes, I found that I had quite a few more of them than I needed as well. Between my pea coat, light jacket, winter jacket, velvet blazer, rain coat and two spring jackets, it was more than enough, and I downsized to just two- my pea coat and one spring jacket. Shoes were a conundrum as well, but one waterproof pair for everyday and one dress pair was all I found I needed to get by. Not only will you help a good cause, but the less clothes you have lying around, the more you’ll save on using the washer and dryer.But it doesn’t stop at clothes, cosmetics are a big issue too. With a million different soaps and shampoos, not to mention old makeup items, I had a free for all fest when it came to cleaning. The hoards of shampoos and soaps we buy, but never use, can be recycled as a stain remover, carpet cleaner, hand soap and even wood.At the end of the soap and shampoo clean-out you may even consider if you need to use shampoo. The no ‘poo movement advocates just using base cleaning agents such as baking soda and vinegar. All those old cosmetics can be thrown away too. All any woman really needs is one basic power or concealer, mascara, eye shadow, and lip tint. The rest can be classified as simply- well- vanity. And don’t worry about throwing out that old colour. Makeup that’s past its prime is never a good thing for your skin and can cause major breakouts, which never look good. Remember, when wearing makeup less really is more, stick to the basics and let your own beauty show through.In the end it comes down to realizing which items you use and which items you don’t. If it doesn’t get used on a regular basis- say, once a week- it may not be worth having. Not only will you be cutting back on the consumer culture influence and saving money, you’ll also be more aware of the importance of the products we do need to live. Our basic food, clothing and shelter, the rest is just surplus.
