As a Professional Organizer, I am always looking for ways to help my clients. Since today is Earth Day, I began to think about how to help clients eliminate so much stuff.
One of the biggest culprits of clutter in our homes is consumption. When we buy something, the item is not the only thing we bring home. Its packaging comes with us, as well as the bag it was placed in upon purchase.
What are our options?
REDUCE
Don’t buy so much stuff! Ask yourself in the store,
- Do I need it?
- Will I use it?
- Do I love it?
If your answer is “yes” to all 3 of these questions, ask yourself 1 more question before placing it in your cart:
- What will I do with it when it’s empty (or doesn’t fit / no longer needed)? (i.e. Can it be recycled, reused, or repurposed?)
REUSE
Shoe boxes make great containers for all sorts of things. Think of all the toys that can be corralled!
Ice cube trays and muffin tins are great for holding small items such as jewelry and office items (paper clips, push pins, erasers) in drawers.
I have often used “Swiffer” sheets for dusting. This week I purchased a microfiber cloth at a discount store that does a wonderful job of dusting. When I’m done, I just toss it in the washing machine with my other towels.
RECYCLE
If you don’t already have bins set up in your home to collect / separate paper, plastics, aluminum cans, then do that today! Also consider setting up bins or bags to hold clothing that is no longer worn, toys that have been outgrown, or even books that can be shared with others by donating to your library.
What about plastic grocery bags? Don’t put these in the trash can – Recycle! If you aren’t already using reusable bags, think about it. You can keep a stash in your car for when you need them. What if you forget and have to use plastic bags? Here’s a suggestion: I keep a large tote bag in the garage where I place my plastic bags after unloading groceries. Once the large bag is full, I place it in the back of my car and the next time I start to load in more groceries, I see the bag (a good visual reminder!) and take it to the recycle bin outside my grocery store. These bags can also serve as trash bag liners for small trash bins.
REPURPOSE
Use what you have in a new way. Why not use the old coffee table as a craft table for your children – or grandchildren? What about using a hanging shoe container to hold toiletries and makeup? The possibilities are endless. One step at a time, we can save our landfills and our Earth.
Together, we can make a difference!
