6 Eco-Friendly Organization Tips To Reduce Waste And Clutter

Getting organized can increase productivity while also creating a relaxing environment. When we live with less and have systems for our belongings that include labels, our everyday duties become easier and more efficient. Furthermore, an orderly area is calming, something we can all benefit from after spending more time at home.

However, if not done properly, decluttering might cause more harm than benefit to the environment. Recyclable items frequently wind up in landfills, and plastic containers contribute to the world’s rising climate issue. The good news is that it is now easier than ever to adopt eco-friendly organizing while simultaneously minimizing trash.

If you value sustainable home organization, you’ll be relieved to find that it’s pretty simple to attain. With a little planning, you can easily organize your home while also contributing to environmental preservation.

1. Purposefully declutter.

The first step in organizing is to get rid of anything you no longer need or want. Clothing, small kitchen equipment, books, and even furniture can be donated if they are still in good condition. However, before dropping off or scheduling a pickup, check out which things your local charity or donation centers may accept. Another option is to give items away to family members, friends, or neighbors, or to hold a garage sale to benefit your community.

2. Investigate your recycling options.

Some of your items will be unable to be given, however they can be recycled rather than discarded. Visit Earth911 to learn how to recycle everything from lightbulbs to old cleaning products properly. The website also tells you where you may drop off the items in your area.

3. Select things that are environmentally friendly.

When shopping for bins and baskets to store your belongings, seek for ones made of recycled or renewable materials. Companies are increasingly preferring to make products from of bamboo, cotton, and water hyacinth.

“A crucial element of sustainable products is that they are built to last,” Earth Equity Advisors’ Kerry Keihn explains. “Not only does this improve the environment by reducing waste and the materials required to build replaceable products, but it also makes things more efficient for consumers.”

Sustainable organizing products are frequently higher quality and more lasting than thin plastic products. As a result, they don’t need to be updated as frequently, saving you time and money in the long run while also decreasing waste.

However, you must ensure that the materials are certified. “Just because a certification includes the words “green” or “sustainable,” it does not necessarily imply that the product or firm is as environmentally beneficial as you might expect. Examine the certification to ensure that the product is consistent with your beliefs “explains Keihn

4. Repurpose existing products.

Instead of purchasing new containers to organize your closets, drawers, or workstation, repurpose items you already own. Shoe and jewelry boxes provide durable organizers for dresser drawers, while glass jars can keep pencils, dry food items, or cosmetics brushes. Think beyond the box for brilliant storage ideas that don’t necessitate a trip to the store or a blow to your budget.

5. When shopping, be deliberate.

After you’ve decluttered, you should have a good sense of what you want to bring into your home. Impulse purchases not only add to clutter but can also harm the environment. Consider the superfluous packaging that comes with things you buy, particularly those purchased online.

Consider decanting products if you buy in bulk so you know exactly what you have at any one time. This not only makes it extremely easy to find things when you need them, but it also stops you from overbuying and wasting commodities that may expire over time, such as food and medicine. To store oats, pasta, or rice in the pantry, use airtight glass jars with bamboo lids and a dry erase marker to label the expiration date or cooking instructions. This allows you to see exactly how much you have before you go out and buy more.

6. Avoid using paper.

When it comes to environmental concerns, plastic isn’t the only material to keep an eye out for. Paper can contribute to deforestation and clutter in your house. While recycling helps to save trees, electricity, and water, consuming less of it overall is a better solution. There are various ways to get off junk mail lists, and many businesses offer paperless billing and correspondence. Consider creating a separate email account for receipts to help organize them during tax season and prevent paper pileups on countertops or in your purse.