I came across this article whilst purging my overfull email inbox (don’t get me started)… The title snagged my attention, and as I read, the author quickly drew a parallel between “death cleaning” and cleansing oneself of societal programming to overconsume. And even with acute awareness of the misery overspending and overaccumulation of objects can bring, I still buy more than I need. I am chipping away at the programming, however — I consciously limit my purchases to practical items, and while I make sure I use them, I don’t really NEED them. Try as I might, I’m no real minimalist.

At the moment, I have five lemon and four lime plants I grew from seeds.

Plant-momming started out as an experiment since I’d always had a black thumb, but I decided to try my hand at growing citrus trees from seeds I came across in my daily routine. I collected them from a few organic lemons and scored a large handful of seeds from several citrus fruits (I think they’re called limón mandarina, with green rinds and orange pulp) lovingly plucked from native trees. Their juice is the perfect accompaniment to beer, but I won’t have lemons for a few years. Gardening is an active meditation for me, and I like to eat, so it’s worth the wait. I also have dedicated space to keep my gardening accoutrements organized and out-of-sight – and I didn’t break the bank to support this interest.

I know firsthand how easy it is to slip into a habit of buying unnecessary junk and ending up overwhelmed.

Overconsuming is bad enough, but when you don’t have the funds to support a shopping habit, it can land you in some serious debt, which WILL make life very hard for you. I know this firsthand as well. Debt is not to be taken lightly, folks. If you reeeeally enjoy the act of browsing and selecting items — fine, go through the motions, but let your virtual cart marinate a few days before you hit that Place Your Order button. Or just close out of the browser window and move on with your day. Poof. Assess whether you have similar items (I’m talking to you, with your 10 hoodies in several colors of the same style, half of which you never wear). Can you use an item you already have to get the same job done (now I’m talking to you, kitchen-gadget enthusiast)? If you’re in the act of impulse shopping in real life, consider putting down your shopping bag and walking out of the store (sorry, restock guy). If you REALLY need it, you can come back for it.

The next time you have the urge to shop for stuff you don’t need, take some accountability.

Be proud that you reject this insidious programming – that you refuse to be a shopping lemming, ever-nearer to the cliff of seemingly insurmountable, totally preventable debt. Make thoughtful purchases. Make less trash. Make a better world. Less is more, and the adage applies to your spending.