I’ve discovered a number of ways to be eco-friendly when decluttering. I didn’t always think about the impact on the environment that my discarded items had, until one day when I was watching TV and noticed that they were airing an episode of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” where they were helping a family who’d just lost everything in an apartment fire.
This made me realize that those piles of things sitting around your house aren’t just taking up space they’re taking up valuable resources!
So when you have to clear out some clutter, try these suggestions to help reduce your carbon footprint while keeping your home organized and free from clutter:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Decluttering your living space is an important step towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle. |
| 2. Sustainable decluttering involves making thoughtful decisions about what to keep, donate, repurpose, or recycle. |
| 3. The principles of minimalism and mindfulness can be applied to decluttering, reducing waste, and living a more purposeful life. |
| 4. Digital clutter can also have a significant impact on the environment, and it’s important to be mindful of our digital consumption habits. |
| 5. Decluttering can have positive effects on mental health and wellbeing, including reduced stress and anxiety and increased mindfulness. |
Start With A Clean Slate
The first step to decluttering is to clean out your closet. As you go through the process, think about each item and ask yourself these questions:
- Do I still wear this?
- Have I worn it in the past year? If not, why am I holding on to it?
- Can someone else use this more than I can? If so, donate it! You’ll feel good about helping someone else out while also reducing your carbon footprint.
If you’re looking for ways to reduce your environmental impact while also simplifying your life, check out Unified Orderly’s helpful guide on minimalism meets sustainability. You’ll learn how to declutter your home while also incorporating sustainable practices into your everyday life.
Be Organized
The first thing to do when organizing your closet is to get rid of any items that you haven’t worn in the last year. In general, you should donate these items rather than throw them away. Next, organize your closet by season so that everything is kept together in one place.
Next up are bins and baskets! These can be used for many things such as socks or underwear but also clothes that are too big or small for their hangers (ahem).
Label each bin or basket with a permanent marker so that everyone knows what’s inside of it! For example: “Winter clothes” if we’re talking about our closets here at home 🙂
Donate Everything Possible
The best way to reduce your carbon footprint is by donating everything possible. This means going through your stuff and deciding what you can easily get rid of, then actually doing it.
You’ll probably want to donate items that are in good condition but don’t fit into the new you that we’ve created. So make a list of things like:
- Charity shops (for clothing and household goods)
- Friends or family members who might need some extra stuff (check with them before giving away anything too valuable)
- Local schools, hospitals or animal shelters
Are you struggling to find sustainable solutions for organizing your home? The Sustainable Decluttering Guide by Unified Orderly provides useful tips and insights to help you reduce waste and create a more streamlined, sustainable living space.
Use Nontoxic Cleaning Products
Use environmentally friendly cleaning products. You may have heard of the dangers of conventional cleaning products, but did you know that many of them are also best avoided for their impact on the environment?
With eco-friendly alternatives, there’s no need to worry about negative side effects and you can rest assured that your cleaning routine is making a difference in the world around us.
Natural products are always best: Vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice can be powerful weapons in your arsenal against stains and odors.
They work wonders on coffee pots, drains and garbage disposals just make sure they aren’t diluted too much before using them! If vinegar or lemon juice doesn’t get rid of tough stains (like paint), try soaking them overnight with dish soap added before rewashing.
Microfiber cloths are great for windows: Microfiber cloths are made from synthetic fibers designed to attract particles without scratching surfaces because they don’t shed like cotton rags do when washed repeatedly over time
Switch To Smart Appliances
Smart appliances are another great way to reduce your carbon footprint. By using energy-efficient devices, you can save money, save energy and reduce your carbon footprint. Smart appliances also help you be more organized, efficient and effective in the long run.
Minimalism and sustainability go hand-in-hand, and Unified Orderly’s guide on decluttering for the environment provides valuable tips for creating a more eco-friendly home. By applying the principles of minimalism and reducing waste, you can make a positive impact on the environment.
Go Green With Diy Cleaners
Avoid harsh chemicals and toxic cleaners.
Instead, try using baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice to clean your home. Not only are they all-natural products that can be easily found at your local grocery store or supermarket, but they also work wonders! You can use them to clean windows, mirrors and even do the dishes!
For example: if you need help removing stains from your clothing, just mix one part vinegar with two parts water then dab it onto the stain until it disappears.
If you want to get rid of a permanent marker on a wall (or even furniture), simply apply some toothpaste onto the writing then let it sit for about 20 minutes before wiping away with a damp cloth. Just remember not to leave these solutions on for too long because they may damage certain surfaces!
Did you know that simplifying your life through minimalism can also have a positive impact on your mental health? Unified Orderly explains the link between minimalism and mental health in their informative guide. Discover how decluttering and reducing stress in your physical environment can help improve your overall wellbeing.
| DIY Cleaner | Ingredients | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose cleaner | Equal parts water and vinegar | Clean surfaces such as counters, floors, and walls |
| Glass cleaner | 1 part vinegar, 1 part water, and a few drops of essential oil (optional) | Clean windows, mirrors, and other glass surfaces |
| Toilet bowl cleaner | 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar | Pour mixture into the toilet bowl and let sit for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing |
| Dishwashing detergent | 1 cup washing soda, 1 cup borax, 1/2 cup citric acid, and 1/2 cup kosher salt | Add 1 tablespoon of mixture per load of dishes |
This simple table offers eco-friendly and affordable alternatives to harsh chemicals for cleaning your home. Using these natural ingredients can help you reduce your environmental impact, avoid toxic chemicals, and save money in the process. These DIY cleaners are easy to make and can be customized to suit your specific cleaning needs.
Look At The Label
When you’re looking at the label on an item, look for one of these countries. If you don’t see one of these labels, then it’s probably made in China or another country that does not have strict environmental laws like those in the United States and Canada.
For example: “Made in Japan” means that the product is manufactured and assembled in Japan, but the raw materials may come from other Asian countries (like Bangladesh or Indonesia) where there are fewer regulations on pollution control and waste management.
Buy Secondhand Items
Another great way to reduce your carbon footprint is by purchasing secondhand items. Secondhand items are usually sold for much cheaper than buying brand new ones, which is why they’re so popular.
The best way to save money on secondhand items is by looking for still-in-good-condition products that can be used for years without breaking down or falling apart. You can find secondhand items at thrift stores, yard sales, garage sales and online classifieds such as Craigslist or Freecycle.
It’s important to remember that just because an item has been used before doesn’t mean that it’s dirty or damaged!
The majority of people who sell these types of things take care of them well enough not only because they want you get good value out of what they’ve created but also because it reflects poorly on their character if they don’t treat their belongings with respect when selling them off later down the road (or even while still using).
The kitchen is one of the most frequently used rooms in the home, making it all the more important to have an efficient and organized layout. Looking to better organize your kitchen cabinets? Check out Unified Orderly’s ultimate guide for tips and tricks on maximizing cabinet space and streamlining your cooking routine.
Keep Your Living Space Sparse (And Only Buy What You Need)
- Keep your living space sparse (and only buy what you need).
- Keep a list of things you need and don’t need.
- Don’t buy things just because they are on sale. For example, if you have enough plates already and don’t see yourself needing any more, don’t buy them because they were 50% off at the store.
Avoid impulse purchases as well; when something catches your eye in the store or online, write down what it is so that later on you can decide if it’s worth buying or not (e.g., “I really want an ergonomic mouse” or “That would look great in my office.”)
If there’s anything else about this list that might be useful for others to know about decluttering their lives too–for example how many items fall into each category or whether there are certain types of items people tend to hold onto too long–please let us know!
Choose Quality Over Quantity
When it comes to decluttering, many people will tell you to “buy fewer things, but buy quality.” This is a good rule of thumb for anyone who needs help with impulse buying or spending more than they can afford on things that don’t serve a purpose.
When deciding whether or not an item is worth keeping, consider asking yourself these questions:
Is this item going to last? Do I need something I can use into the future? Will it stand up against wear and tear? Will it last through multiple moves over its lifespan?
What kind of workmanship went into making this thing? Is there any chance that this item could break down after a few uses (or even just one)? Is there any way I could fix it if something happened right away with my purchase or should I just get rid of it altogether because the design itself isn’t durable enough for me personally?
Turn Off The Lights; Unplug Devices When Not In Use; And Upgrade To Led Light Bulbs And Energy Star-Rated Appliances.
When you’re done with a room, turn off the lights. Unplug devices when they’re not in use and choose LED light bulbs and Energy Star-rated appliances.
Choosing the right light is important because it can save you money on your electric bill. LEDs are more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs, which means they use less power to produce light while lasting much longer than traditional bulbs. Plus, they’re usually brighter than their older counterparts (up to 50 times brighter).
However, LEDs do cost more upfront—they cost about $10 per bulb compared to an average of $1 per incandescent bulb—but over time they pay for themselves by using less electricity than other types of lighting systems do (15 watts vs 100 watts)
Energy-Saving Tips for Your Home
| Energy-saving tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Turn off lights | Turn off lights when you leave a room or when they are not in use to conserve energy. |
| Unplug devices | Unplug devices when not in use to reduce “standby” energy consumption. |
| Upgrade to LED light bulbs | Upgrade to more energy-efficient LED light bulbs, which last longer and use up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. |
| Upgrade to Energy Star appliances | Upgrade to Energy Star-rated appliances such as refrigerators, laundry machines, and dishwashers that are energy-efficient and designed to help you save money on your energy bills. |
This simple table provides easy-to-follow energy-saving tips for your home that can help you reduce your carbon footprint and save money on energy bills. Applying these tips can help you live a more sustainable lifestyle and contribute to a greener future.
Make A Donation Tree
Next, make a donation tree. This means listing all of the items in your home that you want to donate and then organizing them by room and category, such as kitchen and bathroom items, clothing, books, etc.
Then decide which items you want to keep and which ones belong elsewhere—your local Goodwill or charity center will be happy to take whatever you don’t need!
Conclusion
We hope that this article has given you the motivation you need to get started with your eco-friendly decluttering process.
Remember that every little step counts, and if there’s anything we can do to help, please let us know!
Further reading
If you’re interested in sustainable decluttering and living an eco-friendly lifestyle, check out these helpful resources:
Sustainable Decluttering Tips: Learn practical tips for decluttering your home and reducing waste in an eco-friendly and sustainable way.
How to Declutter in an Environmentally Friendly Way: This insightful article shares helpful tips and ideas for decluttering mindfully and reducing your environmental impact in the process.
Reduce Your Digital Carbon Footprint by Decluttering Your Digital Life: Check out this informative resource to learn about the environmental impact of digital clutter, and get practical tips for organizing and reducing your digital footprint.
FAQs
What is sustainable decluttering?
Sustainable decluttering is the practice of minimizing your possessions and reducing waste in an environmentally friendly way. It involves conscious choices about how you dispose of unwanted items, with an emphasis on minimizing the impact on the environment.
Why is sustainable decluttering important?
Sustainable decluttering is important because it helps reduce waste and minimize the environmental impact of our consumption. It also promotes mindful consumption and encourages us to make intentional choices about what we bring into our homes.
How can I get started with sustainable decluttering?
To get started with sustainable decluttering, start by identifying items that you no longer need or use. Consider giving them away or donating them to a local charity or thrift store. Additionally, make a conscious effort to reduce your consumption by only buying things that you truly need.
How can I declutter my home in an environmentally friendly way?
To declutter your home in an environmentally friendly way, start by prioritizing items that can be recycled, donated, or repurposed. Use eco-friendly cleaning products and avoid throwing items in the trash whenever possible. Additionally, practice mindful consumption and avoid buying unnecessary items.
What are some benefits of sustainable decluttering?
Sustainable decluttering can have a range of benefits, including a more organized and functional living space, reduced stress and anxiety, and a reduced environmental impact. It can also encourage mindfulness and personal growth, as you become more aware of your consumption habits and make intentional choices about your possessions.
Hi there! My name is Hellen James. I’m a professional decluttering expert who loves to help people get their homes in order. I’ve worked with people from all walks of life—from high school students to retirees and everything in between—to help them clear out clutter and make the most of their space so they can focus on what matters most to them.