Our society today is strongly based on the free-market assumption that prosperity and a higher quality of life go hand in hand with strong consumption.
What drives you to buck this trend and consciously consume less? What are your guiding principles that help you make decisions in everyday life?
I, for one, am convinced that the neoclassical economic model is based on false assumptions: it is not more consumption but conscious, need-satisfying consumption that increases the quality of life.
Instead of consuming more and more, only to put it back on the pile of shame with the other unused things after a few days, I prefer a consumption that is limited to a few but high-quality products. Products that cover my needs in the best possible way and offer me added value. If I find that the things I own cause me more worry and distress than they provide value, it’s time to let go.