Bea Johnson x
Anyone else read the article in the Times yeesterday about Bea (pronounced ‘Baya’) Johnson and her zero waste lifestyle? The picture above represents the amount of waste her family have accumulated over a year…it’s an eye opener..
She’s been living this way since 2008..and it doesn’t make her a crusty hippy.
Her (and her family’s) wardrobe are small enough to fit into carry-on suitcases…which they pack, wheel away – and then their house is rented out to pay for their holidays.
But a small wardrobe doesn’t mean she doesn’t have style.
It’s just that they’ve made choices about what they really need against what society and big companies want them to need.
I think I’m going to have to read her book…
Laters, Kate x
Maison Bentley Style 
Not sure I’d be up to the challenge – I do like my clutter! – but it sounds like a really interesting idea we could all learn something from. Jx
I know I couldn’t achieve her extremes – the idea of books translated to mere downloads? Can’t do. But the ripple effect..a simpler life? I’m there…I’m definitely curious… xxx
I have spent last 2 weeks decluttering my studio space. So energising and I have found many forgotten treasures to re inspire me too. I love that quote too…we all need to remember that. Xx
Clutter v comfort v headspace v memories….I think it boils down to needs not wants…but I could never be a true minimalist, things do matter – but maybe not so much on a monetary level..lots of thoughts bubbling around.. xxx
I wonder what happens when things break and can’t be recycled or re-purposed? I could imagine in an effort to not waste things that you could become like Stig of the Dump or like a womble but Bea seems to be rather minimal, so maybe that’s the key?
I watched a talk she gave on Youtube – her attitude is not about saying no, but just thinking through everything. So sneakers..when they get holes in are sent to a Nike pick-up point from where they’re collected and converted into basketball courts. Instead of collecting wrappers, foil etc..she says no to it and uses cotton towels where ever possible..little changes that add up to a big difference. I’m going to learn more.. xxx
Clever thinking.
It’s a fascinating concept. I think there’s probably a happy medium that would work for a lot of us who couldn’t adopt the whole philosophy.
I agree – to make a clear point she has taken it to it’s enth degree, but the thinking – it’s like a mix of the Marie Kondo book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying with environmental awareness thrown in…we will be re-filling cupboards soon and I intend to take a leaf (hoho) out of her book.. xxx
I didn’t see that nice pink skirt in her wardrobe…
Eagle eyes! Each season she works out what works and what doesn’t – if it doesn’t it gets given to charity shops and then her wardrobe is replenished from thrift shops, there’s just no excess or garments for a rainy day.. xxx
OK! Thanks Kate.
I’ve seen her on TV I think and was impressed and in awe. I would be able to take examples but I couldn’t commit fully. All my trash in a jam jar is unlikely and my wardrobe stays but I am determined to do my bit and hopefully it will grow xo
I suspect that’s the key..small differences. I’m going to cull the everyday wardrobe – in the summer it was a joy to have just 7 dresses. A winter wardrobe is harder..but I think I know what I need now. But there are certain vintage bits that I can’t let go! xxx
🙂 I think this is absolutely fantastic. I’m not sure I really WANT to reduce that much, but a little less would definitely help by all means 😉
A very HAPPY weekend to you! 🙂
We’ve done the classic of putting 80% of what we have in boxes..and have we missed it? Somethings..but by no means all of it..a cull is coming… xxx
I can’t even say minima……it goes in the bin with magnol.. paint
Haha! If you ever say it, I will immediately send out the men in white coats!