From Excess to Equity: Minimalism as a Framework for Environmental Justice

Paper Code: AIJACLAV04RP2026

Category: Research Paper

Date of Publication: Sep 10, 2026

Citation: Mr. Mudit Jain; Prof. (Dr.) Asha Verma, 6, AIJACLA, 04, 19-32 (2026)

Author Details

* Mr. Mudit Jain,

** Prof. (Dr.) Asha Verma,

* Ph.(D) Scholar Law, Manav Rachna University

** Dean, School of Law, Manav Rachna University

From Excess to Equity: Minimalism as a Framework for Environmental Justice

* Mr. Mudit Jain,

** Prof. (Dr.) Asha Verma,

* Ph.(D) Scholar Law, Manav Rachna University

** Dean, School of Law, Manav Rachna University

Abstract

We are living in a world where resources are limited, but their demand is ever increasing. Over the past few centuries, the world has witnessed rapid industrialization, urbanization and population growth resulting in increased dependency on environmental resources. In order to meet this increasing demand, natural resources like rivers, forests, minerals and wildlife are being exploited irrationally by corporations and governmental agencies. Thereby, leading to environmental crises in the face of global warming, climate change, resource depletion and extinction of some rare resources, affecting human race and other living creatures. This irrational and rampant exploitation of resources needs to be transformed into judicious and sustainable application of resources. Minimalistic approach or minimalistic lifestyle provides a method for ensuring sustainable use of resources by preventing unnecessary consumption and fostering mindful living. The minimalistic approach is deep rooted in traditional Indian values in the form of simple living and high thinking. The approach acts as a way for reducing waste generation and carbon footprints and seeks to preserve resources for future. The Minimalistic approach focuses on quality over quantity and demands one to be conscious about the things which he needs or desires for. The present paper discusses minimalism and focuses on how minimalistic approach ensures sustainability and sustainable development of the nation. It explores the role of India`s environmental legal framework, inclusive of Environmental Protection Act, 1986, Sustainable Development Goals, and the proactive role of Judiciary in ensuring sustainable use of resources. The paper also highlights the practical implications and challenges being faced while adopting a minimalistic lifestyle. It also shows how these challenges make it difficult to adopt a minimalistic approach in daily life along with possible remedies for dealing with such challenges like producing durable products.

Keywords: Minimalism, Environmental Justice, Sustainable Living and Environment.

Paper Code: AIJACLAV04RP2026

INTRODUCTION

Earth's resources are limited and need to be used judiciously. These resources are in the form of minerals, wood, wildlife, water etc. and have been used for a variety of purposes since ages. However, with the industrialization and urbanization taking place in the past two centuries there has been a rapid exploitation of such resources. Forest and its resources like flora and fauna are being used at a large scale for meeting the growing human needs. Forests are being cleared every year at an unmeasurable scale and their resources are being used by industries as raw materials for producing finished mercantile products. Trees are being cut down for supply of wood to be used for making furniture, minerals are being extracted for various industrial needs, and wildlife is being killed for fur, medicines and even cosmetic industry etc.

The commercial exploitation of the environment and its resources is being done with the sole objective either to create or meet the needs of the consumers of such resources. It would not be wrong to state that growing consumerism is one of the key factors responsible for non-judicious exploitation of resources.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

The research has been conducted by the researchers keeping in mind the following objectives:-

To explore the concept of Minimalism or minimalist approach

To know the importance of adopting minimalism for ensuring sustainability

To find out different methods adopted for apply minimalist approach

To find out the challenges faced while adopting minimalist lifestyle

To suggest remedies for dealing with difficulties faced in adopting a minimalist approach

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

Through the following paper the researcher will try to find answers to the following questions:-

What is Minimalism or minimalist approach?

How can minimalism ensure sustainability?

What are the methods which can be adopted for applying a minimalist approach?

What are the challenges being faced in adopting a minimalist approach?

What are the remedies for dealing with difficulties faced in adopting a minimalist approach?

RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

Practicing Minimalism Makes Sustainable Living Possible

LITERATURE REVIEW

In (Shojol Kumar, Minimalism: A Concept of Japanese Happiness, 2024) the art of living a Minimalist lifestyle is described as a way to enjoy a happy life in Japanese Culture. The author explores the Japanese concept of minimalism, its benefits and how by adopting a minimalist lifestyle, a person can truly enjoy his life. Similarly, in (Vijay Kumar Jain et.al,The Pursuit of Less: Embracing Minimalism as a Way of Life, 2022) the social, environmental and psychological benefits of adopting and following minimalist lifestyle has been described. The paper explores the need for adopting a minimalist approach along with the numerous benefits its pours on a person's life. Also in (Taiwo Aladeojebi, Planned Obsolescence, 2013)the author has described malpractice of Planned Obsolescence adopted by the business houses for while providing any product to the consumer. The paper describes how durability of the product is being sidelined while obsolescence of the product is being kept in mind by the business communities, for the sake of earning profits even at the cost of depleting valuable natural resources. Youth (Ahmad Hariza Hashim et al., Factors Influencing Intention to Adopt a Minimalist Lifestyle among Young Consumers in Bahau, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, 2013) is the future of any nation, therefore society and the state must focus on the factors which influence young mind for adopting following minimalist lifestyle. The focus shall also be on those factors which persuades them to continue living a materialistic life and how youth can be prevented from being persuaded by these factors. In (Rathour, & Mankame, Decluttering the Future: An Analysis of Indian Minimalism, 2022 ) the author has highlighted the effect of Minimalism in the Indian Society. The papers explore the different ways, challenges and suggestions through which Minimalistic approach can be adopted in Indian society alongwith the benefit it carries.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The present research paper is exploratory in nature, as it seeks to explore the concept of minimalism and its importance for ensuring sustainability. The researchers have adopted doctrinal methodology for carrying out the research. In this paper, the researchers have used assistance from primary sources (Policies, Laws etc). and secondary sources ( Articles, Books, Newspapers articles etc.).

UNDERSTANDING MINIMALISM

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

-Leonardo Da Vinci

Minimalism or Minimalistic approach holds its roots in Japan. The Japanese concept of ‘Ma’ lays importance on negative space and absence of clutter. Concept of minimalism in Japan focus on simple living by posing only those things which are needed. It is inspired by the aesthetic of traditional Zen Buddhism practiced in Japan. The original principle of Japanese aesthetics was "less is more," encouraging balance, simplicity, and an appreciation for Japanese art, culture, and way of life.

It refers to a way of living in which an individual lives a life with few possessions. It is a lifestyle wherein few resources are being used to their optimum potential. In the view of Josua Becker. “Minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things that bring you joy and the removal of those that do not.” It is also known as thoughtful living.

We need to learn and understand that consumption in excessive amounts leads to depletion of consumers' financial and mental resources. Furthermore, when it affects the environment and ecology it can be detrimental to both people and society. The most important is that youth and young minds should know that if they continue with a materialistic lifestyle it could be disastrous to the world in the form of loss of biodiversity, water crises, global warming and other environmental disasters.

Embracing a minimalistic lifestyle will provide the greatest benefit of life. A person will learn to be happy without many possessions. Less is more will not only save valuable resources of the Earth but such a lifestyle will help in making a person more contently without having many possessions. Since, it encourages people to throw away unwanted things from their lives and focus on important ones, and if the same is being applied in personal life, it will help in solving various issues in life. Rather than seeking happiness in materialistic things, a minimalist approach allows an individual to enjoy his life to the fullest.

NEED FOR ADOPTING MINIMALIST APPROACH

Resources are limited and are not evenly distributed and accessible. Their accessibility is many a times dependent upon the economic, social, political and personal status of an individual, group, community or nation. Minimalism often goes along with the idea of conscious consumption or responsible consumption. However, if rich and powerful communities or individuals use natural resources in an irresponsible and erratic manner than nothing will be left for the marginalized communities and they will be constrained to live follow lifestyle often devoid of basic human necessities. Minimalist approach allows an individual to become conscious and responsible in every action he or she takes. It makes him to understand if he has an access to natural resources, he also owes a duty to ensure that such resources are accessible to every human being especially poor. A Minimalist approach cannot be understood in toto without knowing the benefits it provides. Some benefits of adopting minimalist approach in life are as follows:-

DELIBERATE PRODUCTION OF SHORT LIFE-SPAN PRODUCT CENTENNIAL BULB-

Planned obsolescence is a business tactic used by the company during production of product which leads to wattage of resources. Under planned obsolescence the company deliberately and intentionally produces products with short life-span. Rather than focusing on producing durable and long lasting quality products they produce products which customers have to throw away and purchase a new one within a short period of time. The main aim of adopting such a tactic is to earn revenue on a regular basis by keeping demand from customers alive. This often leads to wastage of resources , which are being used for producing such products. Products are deliberately made faulty or to run for shorter durations in order to keep sales/ demand from consumers alive. This tactic is being used by a large number of firms in the contemporary world, shifting focus from quality to quantity, resulting in flooding the economy with low quality and cheap products. Further, owing to their low quality and short life-span the consumers will be left with no option but to replace them without paying no or little concern about the wastage of valuable natural resources like soil, water, minerals etc. used for their production.

One of the well-known examples of durability is the Centennial Bulb which was installed at Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department, California in 1901. The bulb has been glowing for the past 120 years.

FAST FASHION ENCOURAGING UNSUSTAINABILITY

Fashion industry has a severe impact on the natural resources- production of clothes accounts for about 10% of Carbon Dioxide which is more than the combined emissions that are released by the entire shipping and aviation industry. These emissions often increase the issue of climate crises causing severe impact on the oceans, like global coral bleaching events, ocean acidification and thereby severely impacting marine life.

The synthetic textile dyes leaching into waterways causes water pollution, reduces the process of photosynthesis thereby resulting in less oxygen in water bodies, increase in fish mortality and in severe cases creating dead zones.

The growing trend of fast fashion utilizes natural resources like water in huge volumes thereby leading to wastage of water and often becoming the cause of growing water crisis. Mass production at low cost has increased the decline of the ecosystem.

It is highly ironical to witness that at one end we are observing certain countries suffering from severe water crisis, lack of availability of clean drinking water for its citizens and for other essential activities while on the other hand, there are certain countries that deliberately promotes fast fashion for minting money even at the cost of environment and ignoring human needs.

The concept of fast fashion and sustainability may not go hand in hand, owing to the very nature of fast fashion. It is often being labelled as ‘waste culture’ as the disposal rate of products in the fast fashion industry is very high. Generally a product may remain in fashion for a short period ranging from few weeks to few months, therefore the companies keep on encouraging the buyers to purchase products again and again as per the latest trends. The concept of fast fashion is not limited to textile but also encompasses other industries like food and beverages home decor, vehicles etc.

TRIUMPH OF PRODUCT PUSH OVER PRODUCT PULL IN THE MARKET-

A demand driven market often reduces unnecessary consumption of resources. Manufacturers are being compelled to produce those goods and provide those services which are in demand by the customers. This leads to allocation of only those resources which are essential for production of the products and services which are in demand. This reduces wattage of valuable resources. However, in certain markets or in certain market conditions, the manufacturers or industrialists create artificial demand in the market especially for those products or services which are not in demand or being initially discarded by the customers. This Push over situation leads to production of those commodities which are of no actual use, thereby leading to allocation of valuable resources for the production of unwanted products and services. Any shift from market pull market to market push, will be prone to have severe implications on the environment and its resources. It will result in depletion of resources to such a level from which no recovery is possible.

NON-JUDICIOUS USE OF VALUABLE RESOURCES-

Sustainable Development as defined in Brundtland Commission Report 1987 essentially talks about “protecting and preserving the resources which not only meets the needs of present generation but it also allows the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Sustainable development of sustainable use of resources can only be possible, if the resources are being used in a judicious manner rather than consuming resources recklessly. However, in today's world most of the resources are being used in a non-judicious and an irrational manner.

INFLUENCER CULTURE/CELEBRITY IMITATION CULTURE

Influencers with their huge fan following have a severe impact on society. Further an influencer`s individual voice of lifestyle at times becomes a major environmental issue. The normalization of the idea that an individual shall own at least 100 garments without repeating the same cloth once worn, going shopping on a frequent basis and throwing away clothes which are no longer meant to be used severely affects the environment.

Adoption of such a lifestyle has a severe impact on the environment and its resources. Such a lifestyle causes unnecessary wastage of valuable resources like water etc. Further, travelling to different locations via planes or other vehicles, making vlogs for getting views on social media platforms like Youtube also leads to Co2 emissions. This further encourages people to nurture and adopt such a lifestyle without understanding the impact of such lifestyle on the environment and its resources.

CRYING OVER PROBLEMS RATHER THAN PROVIDING REAL SOLUTION-

Over a period of time, especially after the rise of climate activists like Greta Thunberg and her infamous speech before the world leaders at the UN platform “How Dare You!!!” that successfully brought her to Times Magazine Cover, we should really evaluate how much have these climate activists contributed in terms of real change for the better? Today every school going juvenile who barely understands real climate problems are advocating as environmental activists. It is good that there are voices that are being raised to spread awareness, but where is it leading us? To solutions or in reality are they just being foghorns to the problems that are already well known and acknowledged but no real solutions are found.

We often hear activists talk about a complete ban on plastic, but the real question is- do we have an alternative that is as cheap as plastic and if yes, will it be able to completely replace plastic?

EXISTING LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR PROMOTING MINIMALISTIC APPROACH

There are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that find place in the 2030 agenda of United Nations for Sustainable Development. Which tries to ensure a global partnership between developed and developing nations in the areas of ending poverty, improving health, improving education, reducing inequality, economic growth and also dealing with the issues of environment like - climate change, pollution, ozone layer depletion, deforestation etc.

Goal No. 12 :- “ Responsible Consumption and Production” - essentially inculcates the idea of minimalism. Minimalism encourages cautious consumerism involving national decision making about what to buy.

It focuses that an individual instead of buying products in an irrational manner shall shift his focus to those products which he really needs and which are environment friendly. It also talks about responsible production, advocating that only those products shall be produced which are in the demand by the consumers (market pull products) rather than pumping unnecessary and unwanted products in the market ( market push products).

Article- 21 of the Constitution deals with Right to Life- the word under this article means more than mere animal existence. It means a life worth living further article 48-A and 51 A (g) directly imposes a duty on the state and its citizens to promote and protect the environment. Citizens of India have been guaranteed “the right to practice any profession or to carry on any occupation, trade or business” by virtue of Art. 19 (1) (g). However, while exercising the right they cannot carry out any activity that causes severe damage to the environment or causes long term negative effect on the environment.

The state should promote and individual must adopt and support the spirit of minimalism, where the state can promote minimalism via legislations that ensures reduction as well as proper management of effluents and waste before releasing them in the environment. For instance- The Center as well State Pollution Control Board under S. 17 and 18 of Water ( Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, may organize training of persons under various programmes for prevention, control or abatement of water pollution.

Under Rule 4 of Plastic Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011 the manufactures is not allowed to supply plastic to any producer who is not registered by State Pollution Control Boards or Pollution Control Committee as well as he/she should not use sachets with plastic material for storing, packing or selling of pan masala, gutkha, tobacco. “e)the manufacturer shall not sell or provide or arrange plastic to be used as raw material to a producer, not having valid registration from the concerned State Pollution Control Boards or Pollution Control Committee; f) sachets using plastic material shall not be used for storing, packing or selling gutkha, tobacco and pan masala;”

Under Extended Producer Responsibility Target mentioned in Rule 7.8 of Plastic Waste (Management and Handling) Amendment Rules 2024, manufacturer or importer of plastic raw material is required to ensure that at least a minimum level of recycling is being conducted “While fulfilling the Extended Producer Responsibility target the manufacturer or importer of plastic raw material shall ensure minimum level of recycling (excluding end of life disposal) of plastic packaging waste collected under the Extended Producer Responsibility Target”

For instance, the textile industry uses gallons of water every day, where a single pair of jeans uses 7600 liters of waterPeople can therefore be trained to manage this dye infused water in alternate chores thus ensuring preservation and management of water resources.

In order to curb and control over extraction of groundwater, The Ministry of Jal Shakti issued a notification, titled “ Mechanism for Curbing Ground Water overuse” wherein penalties were recommended to be imposed in case the ground water extraction exceeds the prescribed limit. . The Central Ground Water Authority constituted under section- 3 (3) of Environmental Protection Act, has been conferred with power to take appropriate action whenever illegal extraction of groundwater or non compliance of NOC conditions with respect to groundwater takes place.

JUDICIAL PRONOUNCEMENTS

Indian judiciary in various instances have tried to inculcate and adopt minimalistic approach by shifting the focus and prioritizing recycling of the materials and by taking stringent actions against the manufacturers and producers of plastic materials, e- waste, electronic products etc.

In the case titled as Indian Council for Enviro-Legal v. Union of India & Others AIR 1996 SC 1446 the polluting industry which used dangerous chemicals was obligated to pay for the removal of effluent from their production facility. The Court observed that, “the Polluter Pays Principle as interpreted by this Court means that the absolute liability for harm to the environment extends not only to compensate the victims of pollution but also the cost of restoring the environmental degradation. Remediation of damaged environment is part of the process of sustainable development.”

In State of Gujrat v. Mirzapur Moti Kureshi Kasab Jamat (2005) 8 SCC 534.the Supreme Court established an inter-relationship between Art. 48, 48 A and 51 A (g) when it observed, “While Art 48-A speaks of environment, art 51 A(g) employs the expression the natural ‘environment’ and includes therein ‘forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife’. While article 48 provides for cows and calves and other milch and draught cattle’, article 51-A (g) enjoins it as a fundamental duty of every citizen to have a compassion for living creatures, which in its wider fold embraces the category of cattle spoken of specifically in art. 48.”

In an early case, the top Court, while deciding the matter with respect to carrying on of trade of liquor in Cooverjee B. Bharucha v. Excise commissioner, Ajmer 1954 SC 220.observed that, “if there is clash between environmental protection and right to freedom of trade and occupation, the courts have to balance environmental interests with the fundamental rights to carry on any occupations.”

In the case titled as- Modern Lube Industries v. Central Pollution Control Board and Otr. WP (c) 4068 of 2005 and 4114 of 2006 The Hon’ble High Court Of Guwahati, while dealing with the write petition challenging an order of closure of industrial unit of petitioner by the Pollution Control Board of Assam as per Rule19 of Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling Rule,) 1989 was of the view that “That petitioner is not entitled to carry any activity of recycling or refining in the absence of proper certificate of registration and … therefore Industrial unit of the petitioner was directed to be closed down.”

In Court on its Own Motion v. Union of India and WP (c) of 284 of 2012 agreed with the recommendation of Special High Power Committee on the issues with respect to Amarnath Yatra “The state should government should direct the concerned law enforcement agency to take all required steps, on time bound basics to enforce current statutory ban on the use of plastic.

b)- SASB should progressively arrange facilities for drinking water filters being set up at camps and langar sites to discourage the use of water bottles in the yatra area. The aim should be to provide a viable alternative to plastic water bottles in due course, the SASB should also consider introducing ‘A deposit amount scheme’ under which the deposit is returnable when the beverage bottle is brought back to the disposal site. ”

LEARNING MINIMALISTIC CULTURE FROM JAPAN

Minimalist or minimalistic approach allows us to deal with the issue of the environmental impact of fast fashion. Minimalist supports sustainability in consumption patterns involving development of an economy, focusing on quality over quantity. It further strives to conserve resources by reducing the production of clothes.

Further, a minimalist consumer adopts an attitude of conserving resources rather than wasting them. It can be done by purchasing those items which are truly necessary. Further, by adopting the approach of purchasing clothes which are truly needed, reduces purchase of large amounts of clothes, thereby reducing dependence on textile materials and utilization of natural resources like cotton and polyester fibres. This further reduces the use and consumption of water which are being used to manufacture attires that are either obsolete or undesirable thereby achieving the objective of minimal pollution..

Minimalism allows and advocates for sharing of resources. Minimalistic approach is based upon use less resources concept, this can be done by sharing available resources like carpooling, renting a bike, sharing water tanks for meeting water needs etc. this sharing of resources pours variety of benefits in the form of economic, social and environmental. Minimalism focus on owing and posing few resources and the same can be done by sharing such resources.

Minimalism also promotes innovation. It allows an individual to develop products or methods with multiple uses. This allows an individual to use the same resources for a variety of purposes. Construction of waterless urinals, and cell phones with various applications and features allows companies to use less resources and at the same time offers customers numerous features. Thus, reducing the need or dependency of goods which can be used separately. Such innovation induced by the spirit of minimalism reduces social and environmental issues.

Decluttering of discarded objects is an essential part of a minimalistic approach. Most of the consumers nowadays own almost everything at home including clothes, kitchen essentials, furniture etc. Though these commodities are essential for living a good life and healthy living, many times individuals may own these essential commodities in bulk. This often creates a mess, increases cost of maintenance of such products etc. Minimalism allows an individual to do away with those items which are not essential and necessary. This not only saves valuable hard- earned money but also saves valuable natural resources.

CHALLENGES FACED WHILE ADOPTING MINIMALISTIC APPROACH

Minimalistic approach or living with less concept is a step towards adopting a sustainable way of living and sustainable lifestyle. It allows an individual to go away with unnecessary products, and allows him to lead a life where he uses only those products which are essential for living. This reduces cost of living, improves mental health, and declutters useless products. Adopting minimalism in life also allows individuals to protect and preserve the environment by assuring judicious use of resources. However, just like every coin has two sides, minimalism has its own disadvantages like:-

Sentimental Challenges:- People are sometimes so attached with their possessions, that it becomes very difficult for them to detach from them and throw away those possessions. Individuals may have memories at times going back to their childhood, this prevents them from being detached from these possessions.At times, such detachment may cause individuals to go into depression and other mental issues. This becomes a major challenge while adopting a minimalist approach.

Non-Supportive Environment:- Individual who decides to follow the path of minimalism often faces stiff rejection and resistance from peer groups like family members and friends. It may happen that individuals may not share the same values or have the same understanding with fellow members of the family. This may end up in the feeling of isolation or conflict with the peer groups especially on the issue of decluttering.

Practical Issues in a Consumerist Society:- Living in consumerist society, where consumers have a variety of choices, it may become difficult to decide which product can satisfy all the needs in a sustainable manner. Further, innovations in the product or services on a regular basis makes it more difficult to choose a product or service. People have to discard old products and end-up purchasing a new one with better features.

Cultural and Societal Norms:- Norms being adopted and followed by the society, at times may go against the concept of minimalism. In some societies it may be culture to have more than one vehicle, this may lead to non acceptance of minimalistic way of living. Further, if a person tries to adopt such a minimalist lifestyle, he and his family may face severe consequences in the form of backlash and isolation from society.

Lack of Stringent Laws Against the Culprits:- Though there are multiple legislations available for the conservation of environment and dealing with the issue of pollution, however the penalties imposed are not stringent or strict enough to actually demotivate or discourage the culprits as opposed to the huge profits big companies are making by such violations. The gravity of penalty should be calculated by the gravity of irreparable damage that is caused by such corporations due to their cost effective strategies that, though helps them maximize their profits, severely impact the environment.

SUGGESTIONS FOR ADOPTING MINIMALISM

Minimalist approach is perhaps the best way to ensure sustainable living. However, there are certain challenges being faced while adopting such approach in the form of cultural and societal norms, non-supportive environment etc. these challenges can be resolved by adopting following suggestions:-

Spreading Awareness about Minimalistic Approach:- Making consumers and people in general from all walks of life aware about the meaning and advantage of adopting a minimalist lifestyle that will allow them to adopt such lifestyle. Many times, an individual may not be knowing about the concept or the benefit of something, which needs to be told to him so that he can truly adopt that in his life. If a person learns about the advantages which minimalist approach pours upon his life, he will try to adopt this lifestyle. School curriculums must introduce this approach from tender ages as these children are potential future consumers, if this lifestyle is inculcated at early ages of life, they will be more easy to adapt to then trying and shifting lifestyle patterns in later stages.

Taxing Unwanted Goods:- States can promote adoption of a minimalist lifestyle by imposing severe taxes on luxurious goods, and goods which are harmful to the environment etc. Moreover, by providing tax benefits to the consumers for adopting simple lifestyles or for producing products which are less harmful to the friendly and can perform multiple tasks can promote minimalism.

Check on Non-Judicious Use of Resources: - Resources are limited, hence there must be a cap, sealing limit or some sort of surveillance by the authorities as to the use of these resources thus ensuring judicious application of the available resources. If any company or organization uses the resources more than the prescribed limit then appropriate penalties or stringent fines may be imposed upon it.

Promoting Responsible Consumption:- People must consider factors like transportation, cost, and processing before being a product. Preference must be given to local vegetable vendors instead of buying from any supermarket.

Non-Preference to Processed and Packaged Food:- Individuals should stop giving preference to packaged and processed food, owing to the health and waste it generates.

Recycling and Upskilling Possessions:- Rather than buying things one needs, one can also adopt minimalism via recycling and reusing the same possession, if the same can be done.

Refill Stations:- Refill Stations shall be installed near residential areas wherein consumers can buy household stuff in any quantity without using plastic bags. It can act as an alternative for low value plastic.

CONCLUSION

Sustainable Lifestyle can be adopted by inculcating a minimalistic approach in day-to-day activities. Minimalism gives liberty to an individual to live life with few possessions by giving away useless materialistic things from life. It is not about subtracting things from life, it is about adding value to existing goods and utilizing them to their optimum potential. It pours benefits in the form of preserving valuable environmental resources, saves hard earned money, and above all secures a peaceful lifestyle. Though there are challenges that one may have to face while adopting this approach, adopting this approach will ensure sustainable living. Less is more is the only way out of this rat race that is consumerism. Where U.S. after experiencing the extremes of consumerism and debt burdens which is an outcome of this extreme consumerism is returning to the concept of Minimalism, India still has time to save it all by Less is More. Further, by adopting minimalist lifestyle one can become responsible or conscious at the time of consuming vital natural resources and most importantly realizing that these resources not only belong to few individuals but are heritage of all human beings irrespective their gender, caste, nationality, economic or social status. Thus, ensuing equal access to such resources and fair consumption of them, leading to environmental justice.