Jan 6, 2023
Author Cate Flanders visits Google to discuss her book “The Year of
Less”.
In her late twenties, Cait found herself stuck in the consumerism
cycle that grips so many of us: earn more, buy more, want more,
rinse, repeat. Even after she worked her way out of nearly $30,000
of consumer debt, her old habits took hold again. When she realized
that nothing she was doing or buying was making her happy, she
decided to set herself a challenge: she would not shop for an
entire year.
"The Year of Less" documents Cait’s life for twelve months during
which she bought only consumables such as groceries, toiletries,
and gas for her car. Along the way, she challenged herself to
consume less of many other things besides shopping. She decluttered
her apartment and got rid of 70 percent of her belongings; learned
how to fix things rather than throw them away; researched the zero
waste movement; and completed a television ban. At every stage, she
learned that the less she consumed, the more fulfilled she
felt.
This challenge became a lifeline when, in the course of the year,
Cait found herself in situations that turned her life upside down.
In the face of hardship, she realized why she had always turned to
shopping, alcohol, and food—and what it had cost her. Unable to
reach for any of her usual vices, she changed habits she’d spent
years perfecting and discovered what truly mattered to her.
Blending Cait’s compelling story with inspiring insight and
practical guidance, The Year of Less will leave you questioning
what you’re holding on to in your own life—and, quite possibly,
lead you to find your own path of less.
Originally published in June of 2018.
Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.