The world of Tzu Chi December 2020(Vol.129)

eature and family is different. However, I always believe that life needs to be managed. Only with the determination to organize and maintain it will life change.” The process of decluttering and organizing helps us to trace the root cause of our problems, examining why we hoard, buy stuff repeatedly, are unable to organize, and so on. An organizing consultant will assist the client to re-examine their spaces and belongings, and plan according to the individual or family’s living habits. Once the external objects are organized, internal thoughts and emotions will flow, and changes in life will follow. An adequate lifestyle Decluttering is only a part of tidying up. It is not about discarding things, but regularly reassessing what we need and finding new owners for unneeded things. Many people are reluctant to throw away things because it is wasteful. However, actual wastage is about not utilizing an item bought for its purpose, only to have it thrown once it expires or spoils. For example, one may not wear a pair of shoes to avoid dirtying or spoiling them. But the quality of the shoes will deteriorate over time, the soles might loosen, the surface starts to peel, and so on. Isn’t it more wasteful when the shoes do not serve their purpose? Kai En remarked, “Nowadays, people share about their lives on social media platforms. Some might make comparisons and think what they possess is insufficient or inferior. Instead of comparing or aiming for the minimum, we should go for the lifestyle that suits us, with just enough possessions.” The zero-waste lifestyle that is gaining popularity in recent years is no doubt a method that can curb the problem from its root. Kai En explained, “By practising zero-waste, we reduce single-use items and unnecessary items from the start. This keeps us from having to deal with the subsequent handling or recycling process. People nowadays often forget to live while in pursuit of materialism.” She shared, “The manpower and energy consumption in the recycling process is also something worth contemplating. Nowadays, many things are non-recyclable.” A common point between Danshari and recycling is to prolong the lifespan of stuffs. Besides, both 2020 • 12 12