Who are we?

We are typical DC types, everyday folks like anyone else you would see on the metro, driving along I-95, riding a bike along the W & OD Trail, but with one difference: we are each interested in making a personal effort to lead a more simple life.

Why?

There are 3 things that every urbanite needs more of: time, money and space. Simplicity is about using the time, money and space you have better so you have more of each. Then you can spend your time, use your money and fill your space with what is truly important to you.

What are some of the benefits?

Saving what you have so you can spend what you want results in all sorts of happy byproducts. My personal favorite is saving the environment! Living simply means spending less on junk you do not need, which means buying less, getting less made and discarding less. So, less garbage in the waste stream, less energy wasted to make what you do not have time to use anyway and more space in your home. What a great set of "benes!" Of course, there are more. Some articles in the New York Times report that decluttering your house, life and kitchen can result in weight loss! No one has explained why, yet, but it makes sense that living lighter makes one lighter.

Why a group?

Well, living simply is living mindfully and that is not an easy thing to do on ones own. Most of our culture is geared towards encouraging you to make more money so you can spend more money. There are whole industries that are geared towards helping you store what you have but do not have time to use: closet organizing, container retail stores, garage organizing, storage units, etc. It helps to step back and talk to like minded folk about what steps you are taking and to learn what steps they are taking to combat that constant onslaught of consumerism. This group is about skill-sharing, info-sharing and support for people who want fuller and less crowded lives. Think of it as a mini vacation from the Madison Avenue dominated world.

Any resources that can help me get started?

Yup! Lots! Check out our resources page after May 1, 2008. We will begin posting books and articles and other items group members have found useful there after each meeting.

Hey, thanks for reading this and feel free to email me, the organizer, if you have any questions. My name is Ellen.

E