Not all research on fashion consumption is cool. Some studies are there to simply reinforce the existing consensus in the literature, others may have bold claims but not enough evidence to back them up. So when a good quality piece comes out, I want to share it as widely as possible - especially when it is not behind a paywall.
Let me introduce to you the COMPASS TO REDUCING CONSUMPTION: A practical guide to freeing yourself from excess - a free guide based on a fascinating citizen science project conducted by a great team of colleagues at the Technical University Berlin.
Citizen science means that regular people take part in a controlled experiment by contributing data but they can also have a say in the experiment’s design and activities, even changing the very research question. Citizen science was used to generate insights into the origins of overconsumption and clutter in German households. They also came up with some great advice on how to declutter, step-by-step, and HOW TO STICK WITH the good new habits (because, frankly, our newly-emptied drawers tend to fill up quickly).
The Guide proposes four phases for the process of decluttering:
PHASE 1: CONTEMPLATE
Practically explore and reflect on your possessions
What things are important to you and why are they important? How do you consume things and what habits do you notice? There is no right or wrong – this is about shedding light on your attitudes and habits related to consumption and possessions
PHASE 2: CUT DOWN
Mindfully get rid of things
How can you mindfully declutter and get rid of individual items? There are many different methods. In this phase, you’ll consciously declutter!
PHASE 3: PASS ON
Give things a new purpose
The work is (unfortunately) not over after the decluttering. Now what to do with the things that have been sorted out? Finding a way to reuse them is an essential part of decluttering that is often underestimated.
PHASE 4: STICK WITH IT
The art of resisting
Learn to get by with less in the long term. How can you manage to buy and accumulate fewer things in the future? How can you learn to make better use of the things you already have and be happy with them?
I think this last phase is particularly important. I personally applied Marie Kondo’s method to my stuff several times, and right after decluttering, the house feels clean, airy and light. But a few weeks and months later, stuff starts accumulating again…. Resisting the urge to add more things to an empty drawer is an art I have not mastered - yet:) But I’m working on it!
I know there are today many guides and blogs on how to declutter. This Compass to Reducing Consumption is different because it is anchored in the latest scientific research - and based on contribution from not one or two but hundreds of participants who did the experiment together.
So check it out and share it with anyone who may need this in their life:)