Super Eco

Everything I own fits in my car. That and the couple of bikes that hang off the back. It wasn't easy getting that way (a lot of dedicated eBaying, Craigslisting, Freeycling, and a garage sale), and it doesn't work for everyone, but this time of year it's easy to get caught up in the constant barrage of messages to buy-buy-buy that assaults us every time we step foot outside the door or turn on any source of media. So why not turn the tables, save some cash (and maybe make some), and amp up the sustainability in your lifestyle while at the same time feeling good about not falling into the oh-too-easy consumerism trap that springs up every year in December? That's right: could you apply the suitcase test?

Simply put, the suitcase test is looking at everything you own and every potential purchase through one basic lens: will it fit in a suitcase? Nope, that's not gonna work for everyone in the literal sense (try squishing your sofa into a suitcase and you'll see what I mean), but if you limit your ownership of "stuff" to the basic piles of clothing, toiletries, cooking supplies, and a small number of splurge items-and *cough* your computer-as well as the essentials to run your household, you'll find that you probably have a lot of stuff that sits outside those mental piles. Then you can create your own pile of cash by selling them or your own pile of good-feeling by donating them. And from then on whenever you're confronted by the Retail Assault Squad you can ask yourself if it's going to fit in the suitcase-piles you made. And in no time you'l be living lighter and breathing easier.

It sounds easy, but I can attest that getting rid of stuff is hard. There are emotional attachments. There are the I-want-its. There's just habit-you've always had that ugly coaster set from your best friend's cousin's dog, and you're used to it. Then add one more element to the suitcase test: keep what you love.

So what did I keep? A weird assortment: clothes, computer, bike gear, pots and pans, and my vacuum cleaner. Because you never know what you'll need in your suitcase. What's in yours?

(Photo credit: SXC)