How to Live with Less

Want to be green? Have you ever wondered how to live with less? These sufficient and versatile possessions may help you to reconsider your purchases.

Choose to use a laptop for media. Adjust to being paperless .

Choose minimal furniture. Assemble a 3’ x 7’ shelf to use as a window seat during the day and as a bed at night. Choose a roll-up cushion, sleeping bag and pillow for bedding. Store your laptop , clothing, bedding, linen and kitchen items beneath the shelf. Cut a slotted handle in the side of a cardboard box for easy pull-out storage. Cover the storage area with a curtain of recycled fabric, if desired.

Choose a floor cushion to sit upon while dining at the shelf or when using the shelf as a desk. Recycle your favorite fabrics when assembling your cushion . Store your bedding in the floor cushion during the day.

Choose minimal clothing. Select seven versatile outfits , a hooded coat and gloves. Use an envelope as a wallet. Select three types of footwear to include boots, shoes and sneakers. Hang your coat near the door on a simple hook.

Choose minimal cosmetic care to include a mirror, comb and toothbrush .

Choose minimal linen to include three bath, hand, face and kitchen towels. Hang your towels on simple hooks.

Choose minimal kitchen items. Use a portable stove top, one large knife , a deep frying pan to steam or sauté veggies , medium and large pots as mixing bowls, a colander and a spatula to stir and serve. Use a bowl for meals, a mug as a ladle or to measure, a fork as a whisk and a spoon to measure. Dry dishes on a towel. Use a towel as a potholder. Reuse a jar for food storage or as a vase to hold utensils or flowers .

Create counter space by placing a large cutting board over the top of an under-counter fridge.

Choose an under-counter washer/dryer-in-one and a clothes drying rack. Use a towel over the counter to iron to eliminate the need for an ironing board. Use one hanger by ironing your outfit the night before.

Tips

• When deciding upon the height of the shelf, consider the thickness of a cushion and room for your knees.
• Place storage boxes about one foot from the edge of the shelf to allow for your knees to fit under the shelf while sitting on a cushion.
• As an option in the kitchen area, create counter space by placing a large cutting board over the top of a washer/dryer-in-one and place a small fridge beneath the kitchen sink.
• If you desire window curtains, consider the simple beauty of a valance and the versatility of blinds.
• These ideas save money and eliminate the need to have a bedroom set, living room set, dining room set, office furniture, multiple kitchen appliances, kitchen cabinets and closets.
• These ideas eliminate the need to have an extensive wardrobe, jewelry or cosmetics.
• This allows you to live comfortably in one room.
• Take good care of the things you have to prevent future purchases.
• Accomdate these basic ideas for a child's room storing a laptop, bedding, clothing and toys beneath the shelf.

Warnings

• Ensure the strength and stability of the shelf in reference to your weight.