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by rynosoft

Green Organizing… An Earth-Friendly Approach

Are you an avid recycler?  Do you want to take on organizing projects, but don’t know what to do with the excess?  Would you like to find an earth-friendly way to organize your home?  We are all familiar with the three R’s when it comes to our planet.  So let’s emphasize the principles of “reduce-reuse-recycle” and try a more responsible approach to organizing.

REDUCE

Reducing the volume of material entering your home means you’ll spend less time sorting through paper piles and knick knacks collecting dust on your shelves.  With a little persistence, you can finally put a stop to junk mail from finding its way into your mailbox.  Spread the word among friends and family that you support a local charity so that they may choose to donate, rather than buy you unnecessary gifts.  Let them know their generosity is appreciated.
When you do need to purchase storage products, be aware of what you choose to consume.  Is it a recycled or biodegradable product?  Do you need to buy all new products, or would it be possible to find what you need at a local thrift store?

REUSE

Most homes already contain the products needed to create organized systems.  If you can determine what tools you already have, you can save yourself from purchasing additional storage items.  I enjoy buying beautiful bins and baskets just as much as the next girl, but not if it further clutters your home.
Think outside the box when searching for unused items in your home.  Repurposing will bring new life to old belongings.  Reusing will save you money and reduce the volume of trash going to the landfill.  What could be better than that?!

RECYCLE

When you get into the groove of sorting, resist the urge to throw everything in the garbage.  The garbage disposal will thank you for it.  You may be surprised at how much of what you discard can be recycled. 

Recycling options include charities, e-cycling, waste depots, as well as buy-and-sell sites online.  You don’t have to look far for a charity willing to accept gently worn clothing and household items.  Staples is one of several locations where you can recycle your old computer, stereos and other electronic equipment.  If you don’t have the time to host a garage sale, list your valuable items on a local buy and sell site.  You know what they say, one man’s garbage is another man’s treasure!

If you have special or unusual items you want to donate, check with a local member of the Professional Organizers to help you understand your options.  Your beautiful grad dress donated to the Cinderella Project may make a young girl’s dream of going to prom come true!  A generous organization such as Habitat for Humanity will take lumber, doors, and even plumbing supplies off your hands.  

Like many Professional Organizers, you too can adopt green practices for your organizing projects.  So turn your Spring Clean a little “green” this year.  Eco- organizing can be incredibly creative and fun!

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