If things progress and continue as some suspect, minimalism may become a necessity rather than a choice. This likely applies to many around the world at this moment. As some commentators have suggested, such as various Stoic ancient thinkers, Orwell, etc., to remove the shock of any forced minimalism that one might encounter, best to "give it a try" for a while to see what effect it has on you rather than find out that you may go crazy when faced with sudden shocking shortages. Of course, one can only "give it a try" to a certain extent without the actual experience of involuntary depletion, but just trying to live off of smaller amounts of food, eliminating luxuries for a time, sleeping on the floor for a week, etc., can give one perspective on what really matters in life over what has become slathered on unnecessarily like frosting. Many affluent lifestyles in the West today, even some in the middle class, would seem like paradise even to emperors of the past. A little minimalism wouldn't hurt to fight against that insatiable innate tendency in humanity to always want more even when one already has everything that one needs.
The Minimalist Vegan
- Thread starter shyvas
- Start date
OP
OP
''A group of neighbours in East London have come up with an ingenious way of cutting energy consumption and saving money.
The environmentally-conscious locals are taking turns to fill their ovens with potatoes and cook them for the street.''
The environmentally-conscious locals are taking turns to fill their ovens with potatoes and cook them for the street.''
OP
OP
Where do you sell your second hand stuff?
I've spent hours taking pix, typing out descriptions, posting the ads on both a regional selling internet page plus FB neighbourhood
selling pages without any luck. The items are in excellent condition (some are brand new) and are original.
All that I've received is a few responses from obvious spammers who are wasting my precious time.
It's a shame that over here you can't do garage sales like they do in the US and Canada.
I've spent hours taking pix, typing out descriptions, posting the ads on both a regional selling internet page plus FB neighbourhood
selling pages without any luck. The items are in excellent condition (some are brand new) and are original.
All that I've received is a few responses from obvious spammers who are wasting my precious time.
It's a shame that over here you can't do garage sales like they do in the US and Canada.
do you have any consignment shops nearby?
can you explain no garage sales? why aren't they allowed? do you have flea markets?
Emma JC
Find your vegan soulmate or just a friend. www.spiritualmatchmaking.com
OP
OP
Not for clothes and the majority of consignment shops only want either antiques, nice furniture, artwork etc.
Nobody does a garage sale ever here and it is permitted only if you request authorisation from the council with your ID. It would be impossible for people to have one in a flat as it would mean tons of strangers coming into your home and all the neighbours would complain to the administrator.
There are a few flea markets held during the summer and autumn months. They are quite expensive plus you need to book them ahead of time. Moreover, you need the necessary stuff; table, racks etc.
OP
OP
I think you are in the Brighton area? I googled and there seems to be a number of clothes consignment shops - the only reason I know this is because the Fizz family (youtube) used to live there and so I saw quite a few during that time.
Emma JC
Find your vegan soulmate or just a friend. www.spiritualmatchmaking.com
OP
OP
Not yet. However, I did live most of 2024 there. I'm in France and they are so behind with everything. I still have not sold one single item.
I love that you said "not yet".
I do hope this happens for you, sooner rather than later. I understand that this a big undertaking. Hopefully you will have better luck with selling your items. 
It is So sad to me to see How often you disparage or put down France! As someone who was born almost 69 years ago in the USA and lived almost 30 years of her life in France I see France completely differently than you!!
France has an Excellent health care system, their fresh produce (especially the organic) is Superb, the network of roadways and public transport is far superior to Ireland (where I currently reside) and much better than the US… The natural beauty of the country is Amazing…
There are Many more positives that I could list, however, I believe that the most common complaint that you have about France is that there are not as many Readymade Vegan foods… In my view this doesn’t make France behind - it just shows a different relationship to food. It was back in the early 90’s that I became Vegan, I was living in France and because of the wonderful produce I didn’t find it difficult. My experience is that many of the Vegans in France are far more health conscious and therefore less interested in Vegan processed foods. The popularity of Vegan food in France might not be as visible outside of Paris, however, the fact that there is now a Vegan bakery as well as several excellent Vegan restaurants in the capital shows that it is becoming more recognised.
I realise that @shyvas you were writing about your experience of not being able to sell your items online - which is something that I know nothing about in Any country! But, it was you writing that France is behind in everything that set me off on my little Tangent here! Vive la France!!!
OP
OP
I love that you said "not yet".
Still no luck so I will go to the local tip once again which makes me sad. Nobody seems to want second stuff over here. I have given several items including toys, books to the charity hut but there once again, the staff are very picky. "No, you can't donate one wine glass and one mug''! ''Why not? Don't single people drink?''!
I have spent 4 hours downstairs in my garage. I stuck some strong sticky tape to keep the light on as it only lights for 2 minutes. A neighbour came downstairs, removed it and drove off without even saying anything.....................................such lovely people!
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