Minimalism forces a focus on what is necessary, what is desired, and what is needed. Because of this, I take a lot of time to consider even the consumables of my life. I’ve recently seen a lot of buzz about shampoo-less living. You know, the harmful chemicals that go into these products and the absurd idea that we even need them. So never one to pass up a self-experiment, I took the plunge into ‘poo-less life. It’s been just under two months and I can verify that I’ll never look back to life with shampoo. It has been so successful that even my lovely girlfriend has jumped into the experiment.

I will never poo again. If that sort of thing interests you, read on!

So a little about myself… Well, I have had to shampoo my hair every day for the past 10+ years or risk looking like the unctuous kid that can cook french fries with the grease from his hair. Truly, I must have the most over-active sebaceous glands buried deep in my genetics. I have extremely soft, fine, silky hair. It is a curse. At least when you’re a guy and having princess hair is not hip.

But not using shampoo had never occurred to me.

So after the new year, I decided no more shampooing for me. I’d quit the shampoo game and see what happens. And to my surprise, the results are incredible! My hair isn’t greasy or oily. It doesn’t even lock in smells. I’ve even been to bonfires and all I need is a thorough head rub in the hot calm of a shower. Then boom goes the dynamite! I’m smelling clean and lookin’ sharp!

Now I must make this disclaimer: I do wash my hair dang-near-every-day. I just use hot water, no soap or shampoo. I also give myself a fine work over head massage in the shower every morning. Since I don’t have to bother with shampoo, I’ve taken a greater fondness to shower time meditations.

I know what you’re thinking… “Great, it worked for you, but that could never work for me!”

Well hold on and breathe a moment. What is the worst that happens? You have somewhat oily hair for three days? A week? Two weeks? Bah humbug! Worse things will happen in your life. So with that said, I give you:

5 Tips to Never Poo Again

1.      Start right now! Really, start right now. Don’t wait for the weekend (though it’s only a day away). Give it a shot, don’t look back.

2.      Be Persistent. It is tempting the first few days to throw in the towel. I wore a hat the first three days, but I did notice things got better shortly after that.

3.      Get Creative. Change up your style, wear hats, be bold, and own up! The worst part is starting, and I promise it isn’t that bad.

4.      Cheat! Yes, that’s right. Cheat! Cut corners. Maybe use shampoo once a week at first. Or conditioner only. Google no-shampoo alternatives. There are plenty of great ideas on how to wean yourself from shampoo. (See baking soda and vinegar remedies)

5.      Recognize Your Brilliance! You’ve just accomplished something great. You’re helping to destroy a consumer crazy market and bogus societal norm that is completely unnecessary. It’s only been since the 1970s that the shampoo craze has been readily bought up by us fools!

With all that said, I release you into the wild! Enjoy your poo-less future! Enjoy putting less chemicals onto your head, hair, face, and skin! Enjoy buying one less arbitrary product that you don’t need! Enjoy spitting in the face of a bogus societal norm while smiling with naturally clean and sparkling locks!

David William
February 24, 2011

My pockets are now empty! These are the things I carry.

This post is a nod to the brilliant Minimalist Wallet Series by Serena at Everyday Minimalist. If you do not know about her blog, stop reading and go to it now. I’m serious. Leave this page and hit that link. You will thank me.

So my fascination with the things we carry goes back to at least the 7th grade when I discovered how cool cargo pockets were… You could stuff three candy bars, a Gatorade, a Limp Bizkit CD, and a Zack Morris mobile phone in your pockets. Fortunately for future me, that phase was short lived. I hate carrying things in my pockets now.

So, the things I carry:

This photo was taken this morning on my way out the door. I’d say it’s an accurate portrayal of the things you can find in my pockets on any given day. So when you see me walking down the street, go ahead and stop me and ask me to empty my pockets. This is what you’ll find, though the cash flow is subject to change.

A Breakdown:

LG cellphone with T-Mobile. Nothing terribly fancy here. Slow internet, unlimited data and minutes, great battery life.
Chapstick, any brand. I’m easy.
Wallet -It’s actually the insert to a wallet, but since I only need a few dividers this one works for me.
Capital One Credit Card -$5K limit, I’m rich! (I pay it off monthly)
Bank of America Credit Card -$650 limit, I’m super rich! (I pay it off monthly)
Bank of America Debit Card – I’m debating canceling with big bad evil BoA and maybe going with Charles Schwab. Any thoughts? Oh yeah, and that is an Anne Geddes pink little kid in a flower pot theme…
San Diego Public Library Card, pretty beat up and rugged, not sure why it can’t handle much abuse.
California Drivers License because I’m a big boy and I share the road!
2 Keys. This one I am very proud of. I only have 2 keys. One for my 1985 Toyota 4Runner and the other for my studio. I re-wired my 1969 Honda CB350 motorcycle so it no longer needs a key and my 1947 CZ motorcycle doesn’t require a key (photos to come!).
Cash -I found this $20 last night in a Christmas card from my Grandpa. Glad I didn’t junk that one!

The less junk and excess headache I carry around with me, the better. And if you still haven’t yet checked out the Minimalist Wallet Series, please do. I don’t receive anything from it, but if you’ve enjoyed this post, you’ll love that series.

David William
February 22, 2011

“Once in a while it really hits people that they don’t have to experience the world in the way they have been told to.” –Alan Keightley

I’m not an established lifestyle design blogger. I’m not a popular adventurer with the wit of Mark Twain. I’m quitting my corporate cubicle 9-5 job and I’m traveling the world indefinitely. My friends and family understand but they don’t quite get it.

But I’m not here on this little earth for folks to get where I’m always coming from. There is too much of the world to see, too many people to meet, too many smells and sights waiting for me. The map above has been my tentative plan for a bit over the last year. Over the next few months I will keep unraveling my travel plans, and eventual execution of this world trip. As a minimalist traveler, I’ll keep an update of what I travel with, what my budget looks like, and any other jazz that crosses my path.

Of course, it is all subject to change. Life happens. And I won’t be one to get in the way.

But I will be one to make it happen.

David William.
February 16th, 2011.