though i've never considered myself a "minimalist" I definitely try to create/consume/use as little material things as possible. Various reasons apply:

1) less clutter

2) less stress

3) save resources (money, food, environment)

4) "environment" is a big one. it becomes kind of moral for me. To me, it seems industrial-capitalist-consumer based society eats the earth but does not return the favor. It is not sustainable on a very real, like "how are we going to survive in the long term" sort of way.

4a) Also the ethics of production. There's a lot of exploitation, suffering, and destruction of human happiness that comes from what we are sold (not to mention destruction/disruption of other life as well). I'd like to reduce my part in that system as much as possible.

5) So to me, being "minimal" is actually a form of being "responsible".

6) But I also try not to stress TOO much. Sometimes, I want that fancily over packaged, expensive seaweed snack produced in Japan and boated over here then driven to the market. And sometimes, I answer that "want" with a purchase. So be it!

7) There's a lot more to say here I'm sure, but i'm just going to be minimal about it and leave it at this : )