His side of the tøjstativ
I often feel gratitude to the universe for the humans I meet. My previous partner was certainly not an extreme minimalist, but we implemented many sustainability practices together. Every day, he wore a uniform of chino trousers, a polo shirt, and a woollen sweater. He didn't drive, avoided flying for ecological reasons, and both of us were vegetarian. He was supportive of my sustainability practice. After we went our separate ways, we stayed good friends. At times we still discuss sustainability practices.
My current partner is, like myself, a researcher of sustainability transformations. Both of us believe that our practices must match what we advocate in the academic works we write. These days we have been thinking a lot about our common and individual practices in relation to a small project we are working on. I'm writing about our common practices for our project, hence this small entry on his relationship with objects, especially clothing, and our differences.
When we moved in together, we decided to practise minimalism. My preferred mode of relating with objects is extreme minimalism. I prefer to live only with what is necessary. It means a lower ecological footprint, but also less overstimulation, better mental health. Yet, stepping on the path of being with a fellow human comes with the need to compromise. Together, we invited furniture, a vacuum cleaner, more kitchen items into our life. We invited quite a few items to accommodate his child's needs when she is with us.
The way we approach clothes is somewhat similar, but there are differences too. My partner lives with 4 formal shirts, 3 pairs of shorts, 3 pairs of black jeans, many white t-shirts, a few black ones, one sweatshirt, some winter clothes (2 knitted sweaters, rain clothes, coats), and sportswear. Every day, he wears a uniform of black jeans and a white t-shirt. When it's cold or he's teaching, he wears a shirt. He likes a wider range of colours than I do. He wears more formal clothing, while I wear sweatpants, a basic top, and a loose linen shirt every day. I don't own any rainwear, as I don't mind the rain at all. I also don't own any sportswear, and simply wear my everyday clothes for running and other forms of exercise.
At times, I borrow his t-shirts. On a few occasions I've borrowed his warm clothes and even his shirts. Most of the time it was when I stayed home in winter, as we didn't want to use more electricity than necessary. Recently he gave me his old snood that I repaired and started wearing almost every day.
A while ago, I introduced him to barefoot shoes. He wears them every day. I believe they work well for him because he cycles everywhere. I walk a lot every day instead of cycling, and my barefoot shoes didn't last long. The soles wore out very quickly, within 2-3 months. These days, I have only one pair of old trail running shoes and 2 pairs of sandals.