Earth-Friendly Organizing
Hello, fellow earth lovers!
I enjoy looking at pictures of organized spaces because they make me feel happy and calm, like everything is right with our world – however, I am very aware that it is not.
With the proliferation of photos showcasing acrylic bins and plastic drawer dividers, it’s easy to assume that professional organizers prioritize their Instagram aesthetics over the environment. As we approach Earth Day, it’s crucial to recognize the potential harm our traditional organizing methods can inflict on our planet. Let’s delve into ways to integrate eco-conscious values into our home organization practices.
But before we delve into what we can do, let’s address how our organizing efforts can sometimes harm the environment. By now, we are all aware that sending recyclable items to landfills and relying on plastic containers can strain our planet. However, with some knowledge, we can turn our organizing endeavors into a force for good. Here’s how to organize your home without contributing to the destruction of our collective home:
Declutter for a Good Cause
Before you throw anything away, consider giving your unwanted items a new lease on life. Donate what you can to local charities. These days, you can donate pretty much everything – from cars to clothes, electronics, and furniture. Remember, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure!
Research Your Recycling Options
Although most things can be donated, it doesn’t mean the rest belongs in the trash. We can recycle everything from light bulbs to old cleaning products. Visit Earth911 for details on where to donate in your area.
Choose Sustainable Organizing Products
Although there’s nothing like a row of clear bins filled with pencils organized by color, when it’s time to invest in storage solutions, opt for products made from recycled or renewable materials whenever possible. Bamboo, cotton, and water hyacinth are all fantastic, beautiful, and sustainable options.
Repurpose
Use items you already own. When I organize a home, I often create a “store.” This is where I keep extra bins, lazy susans, baskets, etc. when things need reorganizing. Also, use other found items. iPhone boxes are my favorite for a top desk drawer; they are shallow, sturdy, and white!
Shop with Intention
Ask yourself if you need it before hitting that “add to cart” button. Impulse buying adds to clutter and contributes to excess packaging waste. Buying in bulk and decanting into reusable containers is a win-win for organization and the planet.
Go Paperless
Say goodbye to paper clutter by opting for paperless billing and correspondence. There are so many great programs now for creating digital file boxes. Programs like Evernote and Trustworthy are fantastic.
So there you have it! With a little intentionality and a sprinkle of eco-consciousness, you can organize your home in a way that’s not only good for you but also for the planet. This Earth Day, let’s celebrate the positive impact we can make through our home organization practices.
