I started to de-clutter my life about 10 years ago. But with all the information I have learned about living a Green Life, recycling and non- toxic products, I was constantly trying to figure out- how to make it easy to do and remember everything. So thought I would share with you some ideas on how I organized my Green Life. It will save you money and time, while saving the environment.
Stats from No Wire Hangers, a Green Organizer,
- According to the EPA about 80% of what Americans throw away is recyclable, yet our recycling rate is just 28%.
- About 3.5 billion wire hangers get dumped into U.S. landfills every year, according to the Hanger Network. Thats about 60,000 cars.
- We wear 20% of the clothes we own 80% of the time. The rest hangs there, just in case.
- According to a study conducted by a Boston marketing firm, the average American burns 55 minutes a day looking for things they know they own but cannot find.
- The National Soap and Detergent Association believes getting rid of clutter would eliminate 40 percent of the housework in the average home. .
- Ikea did a survey of customers in which 31% reported that they were more satisfied after clearing out their closets then they were after sex.
6 -Quick Tips on Green Organization
#1.) Made a list of things I needed to change- such as my cleaning products, (including cosmetics). I don’t have much extra stuff, as I do a Clothing Exchange every year and all the extras are donated. Every May the closets get cleaned out!
#2.) Set up bins/boxes- in garage
These boxes can be easily picked up and dropped off, when I’m in the area of a place to recycle.
Go to Earth911 to find location of drop offs. Write drop off locations on box so you don’t forget or maybe someone else is going by that location.
- Electronic Devices, cords, cell phones, batteries (E-Waste)
- Sharp objects- razor blades, needles (illegal to put in trash)
- Old Clothes (to be donated or rags)
- Metal (to be sold for scrap) includes hangers and plastic from dry cleaners.
- Ink Cartridges and light bulbs (taken to Staples and Home Depot for Recycling)
- Miscellaneous (could I reuse?, craft projects?) I have old Floppy Discs, wood, old keys in this box,
- Bin for used spray bottles ( will use for homemade products, such as shampoo, pesticides and more)
- Styrofoam (Can be taken to Mailbox stations)
- Building Supplies (Paint, wood, extra Stuff)
Many of the above items can be places on Craigslist (Curb Alert) for free stuff. The key is to recycle and or reuse.
#3) Went through Medicine Cabinet to clean out Beauty Products and Cleaners
- Put out all products that needed to be used up- instead of buying
- Threw away old stuff, gave some to handyman and friends.
#4) Made a list of products I need when I am at the store: I keep a post-it note by my computer and write these things down as I go along. You can always bookmark the pages.
- Baking Soda (large bag @ Costco $5.99) To be used for shampoo, cleaning, toothpaste, cooking
- Vinegar- To be used for cleaning, shampoo and more
- Rosemary, Sage, Chamomile Tea, and some oils- (to be used for all of the above)
- 7th Generation Cleaning- At any store.
#5.) Set up extra trash- recycle wastebasket in office and bathroom- makes for easy pickup on trash day.
#6.) Placed reusable bags in car and in my purses and by the front door.
If you don’t have the time to do this in 1 day- take a room at a time. Use up what you have, make of list of stuff you will need.
If you are like my mother, and can’t throw away anything you might try calling a consultant to help you. These consultants are like those TV Shows, that will help you organize your home and start a Green and Non- toxic life
Clutter Organizers: Green Organizing Service
No Wire Hangers- No Wire Hangers is a green home organizing business that emphasizes living a more ecologically-minded lifestyle. Not only will your home run more efficiently, but with some small changes, you can also help save the earth.