A Lovely Make Do Life

Use it up

Wear it out

Make it do, or

Do without

This simple yet profound poem has been passed down through generations, serving as a reminder to live a sustainable lifestyle and to value what we have.

The poem originated during the Great Depression, a time when people were forced to be resourceful and inventive due to the scarcity of resources. It became a way of life for many during that time and is still relevant today. 

The first line, "Use it up," encourages us to use everything we have to its full potential. We live in a society where we often discard things that are still usable, resulting in unnecessary waste. By using things to their fullest potential, we can live more sustainably.

The second line, "Wear it out," reminds us to keep using something until it is worn out. We should avoid buying things we don't need, and instead, focus on using what we have until it can no longer be used. By doing so, we can reduce our consumption and save resources.

The third line, "Make it do," is a call to be creative and resourceful. We should find ways to repurpose things and make them work in different ways. It is an invitation to be inventive and think outside the box to make the most of what we have.

The final line, "Or do without," is a reminder that sometimes we don't need things at all. We should learn to live with less and embrace a simpler way of life. Doing without certain things can help us appreciate what we do have and lead to a more fulfilling life.

"Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without" is a powerful reminder to live sustainably, with in our means, appreciate what we have, and avoid unnecessary waste. It is a call to be resourceful, creative, and to live with intention. (My favorites)  By adopting this way of life, we can reduce our environmental impact. Im shocked when I see the size of some of our local landfils. Live a more creative life, a more thoughtful life.

Remember…when you have to make do, make it

A Lovely Make Do Life