New Year, Old Stuff: The Heartfelt Practice of Mending

A personal goal this year is to bring even less new stuff into our home. This means making and growing more of what we need from what we have, and choosing materials that can return gently to the earth. Having too much isn't just a waste of the planet's energy—it's a waste of our energy, too. I'm constantly surprised by the time spent managing possessions or the annual "clean-out" ritual.

The data is staggering: 

  • The average American home contains 300,000 items (LA Times).

  • The average American woman owns 30 outfits (one for every day of the month). In 1930, it was nine (Forbes). Each person throws away about 65 pounds of clothing yearly (Huffington Post).

  • 25% of people with two-car garages can't park inside them due to stuff (U.S. Department of Energy)  and offsite storage rental has been the fastest growing segment of the commercial real estate industry over the past four decades. (New York Times Magazine).

With all the hard things happening in the world, the goal isn't to feel guilty. It's to feel empowered. What small, doable shift could make your home—and your spirit—feel lighter this season? My goal is to buy no new belongings this month (food, water, and a few basics like toothpaste and lightbulbs excluded). 

Mending is one of our favorite answers to buying less. It is:

  • Soothing: A mindful, hands-on practice.

  • Practical: It extends the life of beloved items.

  • Beautiful: It adds a story and personal touch. This is often called #visiblemending—making the repair a celebration, not a secret.

Dive Deeper: Resources We Love

  • The Books: Mending Life by Nina and Sonya Montenegro (@thefarwoods) and Visible Creative Mending by Flora Collingwood-Norris (@visible_creative_mending)are both stunning and comprehensive guides filled with techniques and inspiration.

  • The Education: The Story of Stuff Project (storyofstuff.org) offers fantastic, accessible films and resources to understand our relationship with consumption, perfect for watching with kids.

Mending is more than a craft. It's a quiet rebellion against waste, a lesson in resourcefulness for our children, and a way to weave more care and intention into the fabric of our daily lives. We’d love to see what you mend—share your projects with us using #HNCmends.

Meg Handler