If you
are looking for not only an organized space, but also an eco-friendly space,
I’ve got some tips for you!
1)
Minimize:
Minimalism has been quite the buzz lately. Minimalism is simply having less so you can
enjoy the things you love more. If you
have not seen the documentary Minimalism yet, it is available on Netflix, Amazon, Vimeo and more and
offers some wonderful insights into living a minimalist lifestyle. Minimalism can look different depending on
each individual. When you have less
stuff to care for, not only is home maintenance easier, but your time is literally
freed up to focus on the activities and people you love more. Plus, you are using less resources and
consuming less, which is better for the environment.
2)
Identify Consumer Habits:
When decluttering and minimizing, you realize
what the items are that you truly love and are useful to you and your
family. Look at your consumer
habits. Are you buying things that get
little to no use or appreciation? Have
your consumer habits changed throughout the years? Have you found yourself donating bags of
clothes and household items, thinking wow, I wish I hadn’t bought some of
that! Our consumer habits do change when
we go through different seasons of life like kids, changing hobbies etc. As you move out of one season, find an
organization to donate to that can put those items into the hands of a grateful
consumer, without them having to buy new.
There are many wonderful organizations out there that are changing lives
such as providing baby and children’s items to foster families, and charitable
organizations who put your used items back in the marketplace. When shopping, try buying used first. I have saved a ton of money this way on
everything from baby items to sports equipment and office furniture, all while
having the peace of heart knowing I am keeping things out of landfills.
3)
Use organizing solutions you already have:
When I first meet with a client, I often tell
them, please do not purchase any bins, baskets, or other organizing solutions
until we are done with the decluttering process! Chances are, you will find bins literally
opening up for use. After decluttering,
when you are setting things in their place, if you find you do not have an
organizing solution that would make sense for the space & make life
simpler, then you can go ahead and buy, which gets us to #4.
4)
Purchase Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Organizing
Tools:
There are a ton of options out there to keep the
environment in mind while pursuing a simpler, more organized life. Everything from planners and calendars made
with recycled paper, to bins and drawer inserts made with sustainable
materials. Look for items made of
recycled material, bamboo, and cotton. Steer
away from plastic whenever possible. TheContainer Store offers many
options. You can read about their stance
on Environmental Sustainability on their website, and check out their line of eco-friendly
products. Other retailers of note: Smead, Dolphin
Blue, Mighty Nest, and a basic search of “eco-friendly organizing
products” on Amazon comes up with many great options too.
5)
Recycling tips:
When decluttering, it’s also good to know what
you can recycle and how. Your city’s
website should have information on recycling of household hazardous waste,
expired prescription and over the counter medications, and perhaps even
electronic waste recycling programs.
Also look at your recycling options through your waste management
provider. We were able to request a larger recycle bin, as well as a smaller
trash bin to encourage our eco-friendly habits.
Clothing recycling is not always so clear. Donate usable clothes to a charity of your
choice, and consider keeping a (small) stash for cleaning rags. Also check with your local animal shelters on
what textiles they can use. You can also
cut up fabric to sew into new projects.
Textile waste has become a huge problem today. This is another reason to consider buying
eco-friendly clothing and clothing that may be more expensive, but will last much
longer.
6)
Look
for more reusable options:
As you work eco-friendly habits
and solutions into your life, look for ways you can work more
Reusable options in. For example, consider using Bees Wrap, a good
alternative to plastic wrap.
For food containers look at glass
and stainless steel options. There are
also cloth paper towels,
Reusable snack bags, and don’t
forget to use up old rags for cleaning.
Don’t forget to use your reusable shopping bags not only
at the grocery store, but at all retailers!
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