Hedonistic Tendencies

Many people think that because I am a minimalist that I don’t buy anything. By this logic, I must use photosynthesis to make food and water because humans need food to eat, and I’m not hunter-gather. That being said, I do spend quite a bit of my money on food and related items. However, besides necessities, I have a different system besides just “add to cart” before I buy something. Just because I am a minimalist doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy buying things conscientiously. My system includes never using the buy now button and creating lists of the things I want. This list is then reviewed to see if those things I thought I wanted, are still what I want. I do this weekly. Then depending on how much the item is, I will take this system further. This helps me avoid unnecessary spending as well as collecting random items I don’t need. Would you believe I don’t even have amazon prime anymore? Crazy in this day and age, I know. However there have been a few items on my list lately, so I felt that they were a splurge-worthy of sharing with you.

Gemini Mountain Swimwear

These swimsuits and loungewear are made with eco-friendly materials and hand-stitched by a woman named Betty in the mountains of Montana. These items are a part of something called, slow fashion. Slow fashion is a way to combat the fast-fashion media and buy items that are quality and will last awhile. While these are not cheap, tend to find once or twice a year I go out of my way to get some of the new lines. I love wearing these are pieces around the house or of course the pool. If you haven’t worn bamboo, you need to try it. Check out this brand for pieces you will love for life.

Local Coffee

One of the best ways I was able to help support the local coffee shops during the pandemic was to buy the coffee beans they sell in-store. It helps move products, and a lot of the time the product was made in-house or in a store nearby, helping reduce my carbon footprint and support locals. I like to get coffee from quite a few of my favorite places and have it in the comfort of my home using either my french press or my Chemex drip system (which if you don’t have these items either, you need them yesterday). Coffee is more than a necessity it is an experience every morning.

Clean Cause Energy

On the topic of caffeine and its dire need in my life, I need to bring up Clean Cause. This is a yerba mate tea, in a can, and it’s sparkling. Yerba mate has natural caffeine to it that doesn’t cause a crash like coffee, and it’s organic. Replace your normal chemical-filled energy drink with this tall can of awesome. I haven’t even told you the best part. This company is based in Austin, TX, and the company donates money to create sober scholarships. These scholarships help addicts on the way to recovery by providing them with a means to do so. I mean, talk about making an impact.

I have quite a few more things I like to buy however I want to take a chance to explain some splurge-worthy charities to look into.

Charity: Water

This charity was founded by Scott Harrison. He saw firsthand the effects of unclean drinking water on the populations of Africa and other undeveloped countries. He noticed that the need for clean water was extensive and set out to make wells in all the places he could. They have quite a few ways to give, including merch and monthly giving. I give monthly donations but have bought merch as well. Check out the book, “Thirst” by Scott Harrison, and help build wells and provide people in need with clean drinking water.

Operation Underground Railroad

This charity operates to save women and children in the slave trade. I heard of them on accident and now give monthly to the organization. From taking down big slave trade rings to doing undercover work to save children and women these men and women are doing the Lord’s work. This program not only saves these women and children but will help get them back on their feet afterward. This organization has merch as well, and you to can be an abolitionist.