Decluttering; Waste and Environmental Concerns.
Many of us have concerns about waste and value discarding things in a sustainable way. However, often these worthy values can become a barrier to taking steps to declutter for a clearer home.
Some fresh mindsets, practical strategies along with a healthy portion of self-compassion can help to address the challenges and make progress.
Be mindful when you acquire new possessions.
Take steps to reduce what you buy. Stop waste before it even enters your home.
Vote with your dollar, ensure your purchases support brands that produce well-made products that last.
Avoid cheap items that will break quickly or gadgets that aren’t likely to live up to their promise.
Prevent waste by investing in the best quality you can afford.
Gradually start investing in quality reusables, making sustainable swaps for single-use items.
When making a purchase, ask yourself if you are willing to take the steps needed to dispose of it sustainably at the end of its useful life.
Practice responsible ownership by looking after your things.
Make sure that the items you do own are looked after, so they last. This means:
Storing safely and securely to prevent damage from moisture or breakage. Anything left outside or in a shed or garage will be more exposed to the elements and less likely to last.
Things that get dusty attract mould and piles on the floor may get stepped on or knocked over and damaged.
Service and maintain appliances, repair things promptly, follow care instructions.
Remember your home is not a waste processing station.
Stockpiling recyclables and dormant goods is not preventing waste, it just keeps the waste in your home. The hidden effect of holding on to things can be that they:
a) become contaminated or perish before they can be recycled or donated, or
b) if the build-up is enough, it may mean that you aren’t able to maintain your dwelling or other possessions, which also contributes to waste.
I have seen:
Rodents and pests destroy items.
Items unable to be donated because they have perished after being stored for lengthy periods of time.
Damage to homes from termites and water leaks that went unnoticed due to the build-up of clutter.
Prevent waste by not waiting too long before dealing with clutter.
You are part of a bigger system, practice acceptance and take action.
Some things can’t be recycled or may not be suitable for donation. With mindful self-compassion, accept that some things are rubbish and will need to go to landfill.
Work out how you’d like to increase your recycling and donating efforts and create systems and setups in your home to support that. Professional Organisers often assist with recycling systems.
If you’d like to see more (and simpler!) recycling options in your area, consider getting involved in advocacy movements or write a letter to your local representatives. Currently, a lot of responsibility for waste is being placed on individual consumers, but there are systemic issues of waste. Wouldn’t it be great if there was an increase in responsibility for waste by government as well as the industries that create it?
Avoid perfectionism. Do your part, but know your limits.
Perfect recycling and donating is not a realistic goal for most of us to achieve. Assess your values but also your time and energy, don’t burn yourself out or be consumed by guilt. Worry about waste can lead to procrastination, overwhelm and a cluttered home. Instead, be kind to yourself as well as taking some small steps towards progress on your decluttering project.
Key Takeaways:
Stop waste at the source by being a mindful consumer and investing in quality items
Practice responsible ownership through proper storage, maintenance and care
Your home isn't a waste processing station, holding onto things can create more problems than it solves
Accept that not everything can be recycled or donated, and create systems that work for you
Avoid perfectionism and focus on progress over perfection, be kind to yourself while taking small steps forward
More Resources to Help You Declutter Sustainably
Looking for more guidance on decluttering while minimising waste? Check out these helpful resources
Free Downloads:
5 Things Creating Clutter – Resource to help you deal with common clutter causes
Where to Donate and Recycle Guide – Local Brisbane options for responsible disposal
30 Things You Can Declutter Today – A simple list to get you moving
Related Blog Articles:
How Clutter Affects Your Mental Health: What Science Says About Stress, Sleep, and Focus - Learn about the connection between physical clutter and mental wellbeing.
Understanding Clutter, Disorganisation & Mess – Know what you're dealing with
What's Guiding Your Decluttering: Anxiety, Aspiration, or Authenticity? – Explore what's behind your decisions
In-Depth Guides:
Creating Calm Spaces eBook – Comprehensive guide with organising systems and strategies ($14.95)
Home Systems Workbook – Simple activities to organise routines and reduce chaos ($9.95)
Newsletter:
A Calm Year - Tips and resources to help you declutter and organise
Need Hands-On Help with Sustainable Decluttering in Brisbane?
If you'd like support navigating the balance between decluttering and environmental responsibility, learn more about how we can work together. I can help you set up effective recycling systems and connect you with donation options. Calm Space Professional Organising serves the Brisbane area.
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