keep the old stuff

Here is a handy tip for the holidays. One that will save you money and help the environment. It is quite simple really and its main effect is indirect. Keep the old stuff in your garage, attic, basement or storage rooms. Don't throw it out, don't recycle it, and do not give it to charity. Just keep it there.

Have you ever wished you kept something that you just threw out, because you need it now? Well that is one benefit. Re-using old stuff is better than recycling it. But even that old TV that you will never use again has its use just sitting there. For one, it won't end up in Guiyu, China, the waste capital of the world. It won't release its toxic lead and other chemicals into the environment. That is one good thing. But more even more importantly, it takes up space. That is the key part.

One thing we all learn about houses is that we tend to fill them to the top. No matter how big your house is, you will fill it up sooner or later. I call it relativity and the fear of a vacuum (see previous posts). This is a natural tendency and very hard to fight. Everyone succumbs to it, and although some people pack in more stuff than others, nearly everyone packs in a lot. Nearly everyone over-consumes for this simple reason.

If you keep the old stuff around there won't be room for new items. That will keep you from shopping for new stuff. It will save you money and it will help the environment. And it is easy. Often the best way to do something is to make it so you are forced to do it. If your house is full there isn't more room for new items. Now you can focus your energies on other matters. Like getting in shape.

A great way to be healthy, save money, and help the ecosystem.