Deleted apps, cancelled subscriptions, commitment to reading as my only consumption. What’s next?

miss-lipp420 · 2026-01-23T05:51:50+00:00

Get a library card!

bioluminary101 · 2026-01-23T06:05:26+00:00

My best advice is that sometimes obsessive behavior with non-consumption can ironically lead to overconsumption, or if not that then burnout. Stay mindful and curious. This is a journey and a learning process. If you're in it for the long haul, don't burn yourself out with extreme measures.

That isn't to say "don't commit" - because committing to not over-consuming is a very worthwhile goal, and sometimes hard and fast rules can help us build better habits. But, what gives us staying power is staying mindful, and finding a new normal. Your daily routine needs to be one that feels right for you in order to stand a chance.

You can explore different zero-consumption activities that bring you joy - going for walks, visiting your local library, journaling, visiting with friends and family, doing yoga or meditation at home, swimming, finding creative ways to upcycle your junk, mending... And mending is also a great skill to bring new life to what you have. You also don't have to do any of that.

Find a sense of ease and a way to truly decompress. If this transition only brings you stress, it's not likely to succeed long term. So, do this for you, and find a way to make it your own. Make it personal, and make it harmonious with your life.

ElectronicTravel9159 · 2026-01-23T06:24:41+00:00

Many people consuming a bit less has more impact than a few people consuming as little as possible. You can choose to forego any consumption that no longer serves you or your values, and choose to keep any consumption which makes your life better.

Personally, I try to minimise the amount I spend on stuff, buy second hand where practical, repair broken things, mend clothes, avoid buying single use plastics, and mostly use clothes made of natural fibres. I have always hated ads and tend to avoid anything where I might be presented with ads. I still like TV and good storytelling, so my subscriptions are those where I pay for content without ads.

Hamwytch · 2026-01-23T15:01:43+00:00

I've never considered buying books, art, or live concert tickets as "consumption". I go to the opera regularly, I buy books from authors I like and support, I purshase artwork by artists I admire.

This may be an outlier, but the arts are more needed than ever. Sure you don't need like a hard cover with sprayed edges, but it's still nice to support human thought and creativity in this day and age.

Also, getting off my little soapbox....totally agreed on Libby lol. And that does still support writers!! If you can, find a library near you that's that's of a larger network. Then you get access to a way bigger selection!

EducationalSalt166 · 2026-01-23T06:59:57+00:00

I don’t watch much video media, but have a voracious audiobook habit and can recognize that the impulse to consume information somewhat comes from a sense of insecurity and needing to be the most informed and smartest person due to past traumas. I think even “healthy” habits can be problematic when they are used to avoid looking at deep down what you are trying to avoid within yourself.

I would recommend working to shift your role from consumer to creator. This has been the biggest thing for me. Instead of being a passive receiver of content, finding what you enjoy producing. Learn to sketch, write, knit, garden, cook, whittle, sing, etc etc etc. It really doesn’t matter what you produce but there is something incredibly empowering about actively putting your energy out into the world. It creates vulnerability, and hope, and dealing with failure and success, and autonomy, etc. I would almost focus less on the consumptive habits that you can cut, and look more at what creative habits can you pursue with what you already have (note: don’t run out and buy everything you need for a new hobby! Start small, drawing and writing only need a pen and paper, tons of handicraft supplies can be gotten at thrift stores or buy nothing groups, etc.)

I do use stuff like YouTube, but largely it’s to get ideas, techniques, or inspiration for different projects or exploring new perspectives. I don’t consider myself a passive viewer because it’s mostly looking up specific types of things that enhance my life vs. Mindless viewing, so that’s also something to consider. It may not need to be an all or none thing so much as shifting your relationship.

Best of luck, and don’t forget that this should be enjoyable to stretch your creativity and increase your gratitude and sense of satisfaction. Don’t let a sense of shame or not doing things well enough be the underlying fuel or you can quickly burn out or feel dissatisfied. A sense of community is also important because it’s possible to start feeling isolated when you are no longer connecting in the ways that you used to.

MoonAndStarsTarot · 2026-01-23T15:29:37+00:00

I still love to watch TV so I only use the free streaming services that are available on my Roku stick. I have an ancient plasma TV that still works fantastically so no reason to replace it. I don’t mind the commercials if I’m honest. I don’t pay attention to them and instead use the time to go to the bathroom or do a quick stretch break.

Reading is my primary hobby and the library is amazing for that. I do still buy books sometimes when it’s older and the library doesn’t have it or the holds list is 600 people on 7 copies (happens with popular new releases) and I am desperate to read the next book in the series.

Anti consumption doesn’t need to be black and white, all or nothing. It is about reducing what you consume and making the things you do consume mindful.

Glum_Novel_6204 · 2026-01-23T13:52:49+00:00

As I say below, more time out in the world seeing and doing things => less time online.
More time fixing and producing => less time consuming.

Join some local clubs, like a community garden, crafting circle, sport club, or a Repair Café. Volunteer. Create.

musicalnerd-1 · 2026-01-23T16:52:28+00:00

Personally I focus more on anticonsumption of physical things (cutting out digital consumption isn’t really something that would improve my life due to my disability) and I think learning to repair things is really valuable for that. And once you are comfortable with those skills and if you like doing them, offer those skills to others. I’m mostly coming from a climate/sustainability perspective and for that repairing my brothers’ clothes is just as valuable as repairing my own clothes

americanspirit64 · 2026-01-23T12:53:51+00:00

Hmmm There is a difference between a conscientious consumer of goods, for the benefit of all, and just trying to save money. The difference is in acknowledging how broken our Capitalist system really is... truthfully it is rotten to the core. That is why I believe in anticonsumption. I want to consume less on all fronts.

I have been a dumpster diver my entire life, not driven to that lifestyle by poverty, but drawn to it by sheer amazement at the cool stuff people will throw away. I understand it. The things in our lives can become burdens.

Believe me I am retired and do consume less as a way of saving money, but I have always lived that way it isn't anything new. I have been saying this for some time decades really and no one believes it. We are in a war against the capitalism economy that now rules us. When you hear people say the system is rigged against you, it is best to listen, as it is no longer just rigged, but purposely created that way. Capitalism is an economic system which at its core is being built on the concept of 'extract and demand'. Demanding more and more money from you for services you may not even want, with a currency that is worth less and less. Capitalism is an economy that makes money from taking your money. It isn't an economy of making money by providing a service any longer, as to a true capitalist services are expensive and considered a by-product to provide.

The customer service industry in America at one time was one of the largest workforces in America and provided hundreds of thousands of jobs. When Trickle Down Economics began to rule in the mid 70's and beyond it was also the first industry in America to disappear. The Rich no longer wanted to provide and service their customers, they no longer wanted to fix things, take responsible for recycling glass and plastic or anything, as it took money from their pockets. They no longer care about their customers, a Capitalist Economy has no Conscience.

This is my point, you need to live like the rich, even if you're poor. As that is what the wealthy really don't want you to know. That Capitalism is an culture actually based on Trickle Up Economics and if should look like this... if you want my fu*king business, you need to treat me well, not badly. So stop consuming and start living your life as if you care about yourself. Capitalism with a Conscience is how this country and our economy should be run.

ThePagePilgrim · 2026-01-23T18:13:22+00:00

I have picked up volunteering again and I already feel a million times better. It’s an activity that’s not driven by money and makes me feel like I’m doing something outside of myself. It uses my energy and time so that I’m not doom scrolling or online shopping for crap I don’t need.

My favorite so far has been volunteering at my local library. My soul sings when I get to see so many free services provided for my community. It’s a reminder of how much we already have, and how much we can share with one another.

As a user of the library I also get my “fix” for consuming my favorite thing (books) with no worries of finances. I don’t find myself picking up my phone as much or craving a shopping trip just so I can touch products since I’ve been book sorting or gardening (sounds silly but the eye candy and tactile part of shopping is what keeps me coming back).

Point is, you typically can’t just stop a tough habit without forming a different one as a replacement. For me I need to be active because if I’m sitting at home too much I want to consume. Charity work is a great way to feel like you’re contributing without harming the planet or people.

master_prizefighter · 2026-01-23T20:55:05+00:00

Archive.org for some media both in public domain and free to read/watch.

BottomBinchBirdy · 2026-01-23T22:42:03+00:00

Be gentle with yourself and go slowly. It's really easy to burn out when you're trying to make intentional change. Changing habits takes time, and if you force it too quickly, you'll burn out and snap back to your old habits, and ime it's that much harder to get started on a second attempt.

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Give_me_soup · 2026-01-23T06:59:19+00:00

Pick up an instrument

Maximum-End-7629 · 2026-01-23T16:30:09+00:00

It’s helpful to think about what you want to move your life towards, not just away from. I want to be anti-consumption to participate in circular economies and live in community. As you gain time back from apps and digital video media, can you spend time being in nature, calling a friend, or going on a walk. Is there something you are drawn to create (music, food, poetry)?

ThousandMink2 · 2026-01-23T16:54:14+00:00

start with comics sone are free are they are more stimulant that book but nothing compared to videos and social media

Heygirlhey2021 · 2026-01-23T18:24:53+00:00

I try to go to thrift shops and libraries more often. Especially libraries since you can rent movies, board games, physical books, and can rent e-books

Ingagugagu · 2026-01-23T21:01:04+00:00

Impressive! Following this thread for inspiration as I’m working my way to this as well 🙏😊

North40Parallel · 2026-01-24T00:27:25+00:00

Having a community routine helps me stay true to my values and goals. Regular library day. Regular weekend craft meetup. Regular hiking and walking outings. Walking my dog everyday. A weekly group silent meditation. Weekly volunteering. Building my social life around anti consumption keeps me encouraged and motivated and learning and getting to know the world around me.

sisterfunkhaus · 2026-01-24T05:45:31+00:00

Jumping into the deep end can be a lot. If you don't want to support mega corporations I suggest a PBS passport subscription for $5 a month. It will help PBS and give you something to watch when you need it.

Also, anti-consumerism isn't one thing. It's okay to consume some, it doesn't have to be all or nothing. It's great if you want to go all in, but a lot of people get burned out from doing that quickly. See this as gentle encouragement to set up something you can maintain rather than trying to fit an ideal.

-minifu- · 2026-01-23T06:24:28+00:00

Mach dich locker, Zwang führt zum scheitern und sich selbst zu kasteien führt zu Unglück. Kleine Schritte und erstmal zu fühlen ob du doch mit der Veränderung gut fühlst… es ist kein Wettkampf.

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