In my 20+ years as a Professional Organizer, I have seen a lot of shifts and trends. Recycling and leaving a smaller carbon footprint have become bigger priorities for many. These initiatives require revisiting how our homes are set up and making it easy to do so. After all, if it’s too difficult, many won’t do it. From convenient recycling stations to having donation boxes at the ready to using more sustainable products, the organizing industry has had to meet the demand for more green organizing options.
Are you ready to see how you can be more green this month? Then read on for some practical tips.
Adjust Your Mindset
For some, the first step is embracing a green mindset. Organizing your space can be incredibly refreshing, but if done irresponsibly, it can generate a lot of unnecessary waste. The good news is that with a little intention and creativity, you can organize efficiently while keeping the environment in mind. Changing habits and routines can feel awkward. Keep in mind that within a few weeks, you will likely not remember doing it any other way!
Start with a Plan
I am a huge proponent of taking time to assess and set goals at the onset! Before diving into decluttering, map out your strategy. Start by identifying areas in your home that need better organization. Recognize that green organizing will require deciding what to keep, donate, recycle, or upcycle. Identify a donation organization that pulls on your heartstrings and find out how they accept donations. Gather all necessary items such as bins, bags, boxes, Sharpies, and labels. I recommend getting different colored bags or items to easily distinguish between the various options. You don’t want a nice donation item ending up in the trash bag by accident!
Declutter Responsibly
Instead of throwing unwanted items in the trash, consider these eco-friendly options:
- Donate: Clothing, books, furniture, and household goods in good condition can be donated to local charities, shelters, or thrift stores.
- Sell or Swap: Online marketplaces and community swap groups are great for giving items a second life.
- Recycle Properly: Research local recycling programs for items like electronics, batteries, and clothing.
- Upcycle: Get creative and repurpose items instead of discarding them. Old t-shirts can become cleaning rags, and glass jars can be used for all types of storage.
Choose Sustainable Storage Solutions
When organizing, avoid plastic bins and opt for sustainable materials such as:
- Bamboo or wooden crates
- Fabric baskets made from natural fibers
- Glass or metal jars for small-item storage
- Repurposed cardboard boxes
Adopt a More Minimalist Approach
The less you own, the less you need to organize and maintain. Before acquiring new items, ask yourself whether they add value to your life, how often will you use it, do you have adequate space for it, what is it replacing, and the like. Buying less reduces clutter and minimizes waste in the long run. For more advice on this specific area, see this previous blog post, https://put-it-there.com/when-shopping-and-acquiring-becomes-too-much/ .
Mindful Paper Organization
Paper clutter can quickly get out of hand and land on many flat surfaces. Reduce waste by:
- Switching to digital billing and note-taking apps
- Save documents down as a PDF on your computer versus printing them out
- Recycling or shredding unnecessary documents
- Cancelling subscriptions for reading materials that pile up unread
- Opt out of catalogs and junk mail
- Reusing paper for notes or crafts
For more detailed paper management tips, see https://put-it-there.com/taking-the-labor-out-of-paper-management/ .
Sustainable Maintenance Habits
Once you’ve decluttered, maintain an eco-friendly space by:
- Avoiding impulse purchases
- Using reusable shopping bags and containers
- Composting biodegradable waste
- Implementing a “one in, one out” rule to prevent future clutter
By incorporating these green organizing habits, you will not only create a clutter-free space but also contribute positively to the environment. Small, conscious choices can make a big difference in reducing waste and promoting sustainability in everyday life!
