Add these eco-friendly storage solutions to your home to declutter and decrease environmental footprint.
Organizing not only makes for everyday efficiency but also encourages peace of mind throughout your home. When everything has its place—marked clearly and put away neatly—everyday tasks are simpler. A tidy space will even clear mental clutter, which is especially beneficial after some time indoors.
But this is the thing: mindless decluttering hurts the earth. Poor practice dumping of recyclables creates landfills, and plastic containers wind up damaging the earth. The bright side? You can declutter more sustainably by making simple changes in the way you sort, store, and get rid of things.
Green home organization is not that hard. By establishing a few thoughtful habits, you can create useful systems that benefit both your home and the planet.
1. Organize with intention.
The first step towards sustainable organization is releasing the things you no longer have space or need for. Gently used goods like clothing, books, kitchen gadgets, and furniture can most likely be donated—just call ahead to your local houses of donation first to find out what they take when you bring in items. Otherwise, give to neighbors, friends, or family members, or host a garage sale to give old items new homes in your neighborhood.
2. Get educated on how to recycle well.
Not everything you sweep out is going to be donatable, but a lot of it can be recycled. Make use of resources such as Earth911 to determine how and where to recycle responsibly from electronics to old household items. It also enables you to find local drop sites for harder-to-recycle items.
3. Make sustainable storage products the norm.
When organizing the items you’re keeping, choose storage bins and baskets made from renewable or recycled materials. Many companies now offer stylish, long-lasting options crafted from bamboo, seagrass, cotton, or jute.
“Sustainable products are designed to last, which reduces the need for replacements and benefits both consumers and the environment,” says Kerry Keihn of Earth Equity Advisors.
While they may be more expensive up front, durable storage products made with eco-friendly materials are stronger and less expensive over the long term. However, be a smart shopper. « Just because something says it’s ‘green’ or ‘sustainable’ doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s doing so, » Keihn suggests. « Research certifications and sourcing to make sure they align with your values. »
4. Get creative with what you already have.
Instead of buying brand-new storage containers, look around your home first. Items like shoeboxes, tins, and jars can double as drawer organizers, pantry holders, or craft supply bins. Mason jars are perfect for storing grains, spices, or office supplies. You’ll save money and reduce waste—all while getting creative with your storage.
5. Shop more mindfully.
After you’ve de-cluttered, take care about what you introduce to your space. Spur-of-the-moment buys not only add clutter again but also create more packaging waste, especially from online purchases.
Bulk shopping? Keep pantry staples like rice, pasta, or oatmeal in reusable glass jars with bamboo lids. Mark expiration dates or cooking times on the jars themselves with dry-erase markers. This way, you’ll be able to keep track of what you have and avoid duplicate shopping and wasted food.
6. Cut down on paper clutter.
Plastic may receive the spotlight in environmental discussions, but paper is problematic as well. Paper clutter—bills, junk mail, receipts—accumulates fast and contributes to environmental issues. Cut back by signing up for paperless billing, requesting to be taken off direct mail lists, and scanning receipts. Consider having a special email address just for receipts or tax documents. It keeps your inbox tidy and countertops clear.
