Most of us have too much stuff — and we keep acquiring more.  This pattern wastes resources and money and creates clutter.

So now it's time to use things up.  Eat the food already in your pantry and freezer before you buy more.  (Yes, I know there's a big sale.  You know that this is not the last sale that will ever happen, don't you?)  Try to make sure that at least 2 or 3 meals a week are primarily from your pantry goods.*

*You get a pass on this if your pantry is already lean or if most of what's there in preserved summer produce.  You'll want those gems for the winter.

But using it up isn't limited to food.  Use up all those partial bottles of shampoo and the bath salts and the makeup.  Light the candles you've been saving (For what?  The Great Candle Shortage of 2010?)  Look in the back of your closet and, at least once a week, wear something you haven't worn in ages (season permitting).  If it doesn't fit anymore, donate it.

What do you have taking up space in the house that you should be using up?