What is simplicity & sufficiency?

Simplicity and sufficiency in sustainability means reducing unnecessary consumption and waste by focusing on the essentials. In contrast to current consumerism that focuses on the exchange value of goods and resources, simplicity and sufficiency emphasize use value to meet human basic needs without excessively extracting natural resources. It represents the value and new lifestyles that can transform current production and consumption patterns in favor of capitalism and neoliberalism to a degrowth economic model.

Why is simplicity & sufficiency important to sustainability?

Simplicity and sufficiency are important principles in sustainability because they promote a more mindful and balanced approach to consumption and living, which is essential for reducing our impact on the environment and creating a more sustainable future. Practicing simplicity and sufficiency principles can lead to a more sustainable way of life that is focused on meeting basic needs while reducing waste and conserving resources. It is the starting point of the degrowth mindset and can further transform the current capitalist growth-oriented model. 

Moreover, the principles of simplicity and sufficiency can lead to greater equality. When we focus on sufficiency and simplicity, we are encouraged to use resources more mindfully and to consume only what we truly need. Over-consumption by the very wealthy means that resources are not available to poor people. By adopting a more mindful and sustainable approach to consumption, we can not only reduce our impact on the environment but also improve the well-being of all. This is particularly important when it comes to issues of social and environmental justice, since unsustainable consumption patterns have negative impacts on vulnerable communities, such as low-income and marginalized populations.

What is currently hindering simplicity & sufficiency?

Today, simplicity and sufficiency are primarily hindered by growth-oriented development models and high values placed on material possessions and consumerism. Most countries accept the theory that growth is the only path to reduce poverty and improve human well-being. Therefore, policy-makers narrowly focus on Gross Domestic Product as an indicator of economic growth. This creates top-down production and consumption patterns that are built upon the exchange value of the goods and services rather than the true use value, as corporations narrowly focus on revenues and profits without considering negative impacts on environment and society as a whole. Individuals who devote their time for wages and spend money on consumption also get involved in neoliberalism, and further develop psychological barriers to simplicity and sufficiency, such as fear of missing out, social comparisons, or a sense of identity tied to material possessions. 

Lack of education and limited access to alternatives are also barriers to a simple and sufficient lifestyle in many places of the world. Many people may not be aware of the benefits of a simpler lifestyle or the negative impacts of consumerism on the environment and society. Their whole life is intertwined with this “mainstream” pattern, which leads to conventional thinking. In many communities, sustainable alternatives such as public transportation, local and organic food, and renewable energy may not be widely available or affordable. This can make it challenging to adopt a simpler and more sustainable lifestyle.

How can we practice simplicity & sufficiency principles?

It is a bottom-up process——

1. Individual level:

• Reduce energy consumption: Use energy-efficient appliances, turn off lights and electronics when not in use, and consider using natural lighting instead of electric lighting.
• Eat a plant-based diet: Reducing meat consumption and increasing consumption of plant-based foods can help reduce the carbon footprint of your diet and promote more sustainable agriculture practices.
• Use sustainable transportation: Walk, bike, carpool or use public transportation instead of driving alone.
• Choose durable goods: Invest in high-quality, durable products that are designed to last, rather than disposable or single-use items.
• Repair and reuse: Repair and reuse items instead of buying new ones, and recycle or donate items you no longer need.
• Shop mindfully: Consider the environmental and social impact of your purchases, and choose products that are sustainably and ethically produced.

Source: “Your Guide to Self-Sufficiency and Adopting a More Sustainable Lifestyle” https://brightly.eco/blog/guide-to-self-sufficiency-and-sustainable-living

2. Community level: 

• Community gardens: Community gardens promote sufficiency by providing fresh produce for communities while also promoting sustainable agriculture practices.
• Sharing economy: Promote sharing and swapping of goods and services within the community to reduce waste and overconsumption.
• Repair and reuse workshops: Host repair and reuse workshops to teach people how to fix broken items and give them a new life, rather than throwing them away.
• Food co-ops: Establish food co-ops to provide affordable and sustainable food options for communities that invest profits back into the community.
• Renewable energy projects: Encourage and support renewable energy projects, such as community solar gardens or wind turbines, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
• Community-supported agriculture: Promote community-supported agriculture, where members of the community can support local farmers by purchasing a share of their produce, promoting sufficiency and sustainability.

Source: “10 Ways to Encourage Sustainability in Your Community” https://soulfulconcepts.com/2020/01/15/10-ways-encourage-sustainability-community/

3. Business level:

• Product design: Design products that are durable, repairable, and reusable to promote simplicity and sufficiency.
• Sustainable sourcing: Source raw materials from sustainable and ethical sources to promote sustainability and reduce waste.
• Minimal packaging: Use minimal packaging for products to reduce waste and promote simplicity.
• True-cost pricing: Incorporate the true cost of production, consumption and waste disposal to the environment and society, including future generations, in setting prices.
• Energy-efficient practices: Implement energy-efficient practices, such as using renewable energy sources, upgrading to energy-efficient lighting and appliances, and reducing energy consumption through smart systems.
• Waste reduction: Implement waste reduction strategies such as recycling, composting, and reducing single-use items.
• Sustainable transportation: Implement sustainable transportation options, such as carpooling or using electric vehicles, to reduce carbon emissions.
• Sustainable operations: Promote sustainable operations through employee training, sustainable procurement policies, and adopting sustainable business practices.

Source: “10 Sustainable Business Ideas & 11 Practices for Eco-success” https://logo.com/blog/sustainable-business-ideas

4. Government level: 

• Renewable energy targets: Set ambitious renewable energy targets to promote the use of clean energy sources and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
• Energy efficiency standards: Implement energy efficiency standards for buildings, appliances, and transportation to reduce energy consumption and promote sufficiency.
• Waste reduction strategies: Implement waste reduction strategies, such as recycling, composting, and reducing single-use items, to reduce waste and promote simplicity.
• Sustainable transportation infrastructure: Invest in sustainable transportation infrastructure, such as bike lanes, public transit, and electric vehicle charging stations, to promote sustainable transportation options and reduce carbon emissions.
• Land-use planning: Implement land-use planning policies that promote sustainable and compact urban development, which reduces resource consumption and promotes community connectivity.
• Green building standards: Adopt green building standards that prioritize energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable building materials to promote sustainable construction practices.

Source: “Local Government Sustainability Guide: Encouraging Eco-friendliness at the Local Level” https://www.govpilot.com/blog/local-government-sustainability

5. Global level: 

• Climate change action: Implement policies and strategies to address climate change, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, investing in renewable energy, and protecting forests and other natural carbon sinks.
• International agreements: Participate in international agreements and treaties related to sustainability and environmental protection, such as the Paris Agreement on climate change and the Convention on Biological Diversity.
• Fair trade: Promote fair trade practices that prioritize environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and economic justice in global trade and supply chains.
• Sustainable tourism: Promote sustainable tourism practices that prioritize the preservation of natural and cultural resources, support local communities, and reduce negative impacts on the environment.
• Environmental education: Invest in environmental education initiatives that promote awareness, understanding, and action towards sustainability among citizens and decision-makers.
• International aid and development: Direct international aid and development efforts towards promoting sustainable development and addressing social and environmental challenges in vulnerable communities.

Efforts in Middlebury: Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op

Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op is an example of how local people defend their food sovereignty against capitalism through commons. It is a democratic, member-owned cooperative committed to providing healthy foods and encouraging ecologically friendly patterns of production and consumption based on members’ needs. It is best described as a non-profit cooperative enterprise because in contrast to a for-profit corporation which is designed to maximize returns for investors, it exists so that the member-owners, customers and the community can benefit from healthy foods, sustainable practices and a vibrant local economy. These features of co-ops demonstrate the principle of simplicity and sufficiency that is necessary in a just transition and degrowth agenda.

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Ajala, Olabisi. (2022). “Your Guide to Self-Sufficiency and Adopting a More Sustainable Lifestyle – Brightly.” April 20, 2022. https://brightly.eco/blog/guide-to-self-sufficiency-and-sustainable-living.

Callmer, Åsa. (2019). “Making Sense of Sufficiency.” KTH Royal Institute of Technology Stockholm, Sweden.

GovPilot. n.d. “Local Government Sustainability Guide: Encouraging Eco-Friendliness At the Local Level.” Accessed May 10, 2023. https://www.govpilot.com/blog/local-government-sustainability.

Kress, Sahra. (2022). “Reflections on Striving, Sufficiency, and Simplicity.” Reflections on Striving, Sufficiency, and Simplicity. September 29, 2022. https://www.degrowth.nz/blog/reflections-on-striving-sufficiency-and-simplicity.

Shewakaramani, Aakash. (2022). “10 Sustainable Business Ideas & 11 Practices For Eco-Success | LOGO.Com.” August 31, 2022. https://logo.com/blog/sustainable-business-ideas.

“10 Ways to Encourage Sustainability in Your Community – Soulful Concepts.” n.d. Accessed May 10, 2023. https://soulfulconcepts.com/2020/01/15/10-ways-encourage-sustainability-community/.