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Green Organizing
and Simplifying Your Life
"The
wisdom of life consists in the elimination of nonessentials." -
Lin Yutang
Most of us know that the "Green" movement is all about reducing,
reusing, recycling and repurposing. In short, it's simplifying what
you have. Its about finding your stuff so you are not buying more of
something you already own (and just can't find). When you simplify
your life you are freeing yourself of the burden of maintaining
"stuff". The question you need to ask yourself is "Do I own this
stuff or does it owe me?"
 Reducing
is about having less stuff to maintain and less stuff to take up
space in our homes. It's about refusing to bring new items into the
house without removing something. You can't keep bringing in
clothes, shoes, books, furniture, etc, without taking some of the
old stuff out. If this remains a "one-way street", you will soon
find yourself overwhelmed with too much. Reducing is about weeding
out the things you don't love so that you can find the stuff you do
love.
Reusing refers to passing on unused items to people who can really
use them. Most things that we keep stored for use "someday", never
get used. Don't fall into this trap. If you can't find something you
need right away, then know that someone else would put it to better
and more frequent use.
Recycling is the most commonly recognized part of the "Green"
movement. Separate out recyclable items from trash. Donate unwanted
items like clothing, furniture and old electronic items to the right
place.
Repurposing is rethinking how you might use a particular item. For
example, if you never use your formal dining room table for eating,
could you not use it for a desk or place for the kids to do
homework? Maybe you could rearrange the furniture in your house to
give it a different feel.
Other "green organizing tips":
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Choose quality items over quantity. Remember the old saying
"less is more"- less stuff to maintain means you have more time to
live.
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Buy cleaning products that are non-toxic to you and to the
earth.
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Remove your name from junk mail lists.
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Opt out for emailed bank statements, utility bills, credit card
bills and credit card statements. This will stop the paper
coming into your house.
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An organized house is a more easily cleaned house. Lose the
clutter and cut down on the time spent dusting and moving piles of
paper and stuff.
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Purchase sustainable products - these are things like bamboo,
cotton or corn, which can be replenished at the same rate that they
are consumed. Bamboo, the fastest growing plant on earth, is
becoming one of the most significant and versatile natural
resources. Look for it in fabrics and other household items.
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Bring your own bag or carry your purchases without a bag.
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Look for ways to save energy around your house. Good examples
are unplugging electronics that are not in use (like cell phone
rechargers) and using solar powered items.
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Give gifts that are experiences not things - a movie, a day
at the zoo or the baseball park.
Green Organizing Products:
Being aware that there are other choices out there is something that
we all need to know. With that in mind I chose the following
products.
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Tote bag - I carry this bag into the grocery stores and
office supply places so I don't have to take a plastic bag. It took
some getting use to - as far as remembering to carry it into the
store - but it’s a habit I am developing.
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100% Recycled Hanging Folders - Reuse the hanging folders
that you already have but if you need new ones these work great. At
this point in time they only come in green. 25 letter size hanging
folders. Office Depot $ 6.99
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30% Recycled Copy Paper - Nice paper for everyday use. 500
sheets of letter size paper. Staples $ 5.99
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File Folders - Nice recycled brown paper bag look with 3 cool
designs printed on the outside. These will liven up your file
cabinet. Office Max $5.99
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Cardboard Paper Media Box and Magazine Box - If you are
trying to get away from plastic these desk accessories are a great
alternative. They come in paper bag brown with aqua highlights. Both
have a handy label so you know what is in the box. Office Max $ 5.99
each
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Used Newspaper Pencils & Colored Pencils - Recycled from 100%
recycled newspaper, which still bears the print it was rolled from.
There are 24 pencils and 12 multi-colored pencils. Office Max $2.59
& $4.29
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Clean Green Kit - Perfect for home or office. From the method
products inc., this kit includes an all-purpose surface cleaner,
cleaning wipes, dish soap and hand wash. Plus you get a free caddy
to store all the products in. All products are cucumber scent,
naturally derived, non-toxic and biodegradable. All the containers
are recyclable. Office Depot $14.39
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Microfiber Cloths - Clean without chemicals, machine washable
and reusable. These cloths are perfect for dusting, polishing
mirrors, glasses surfaces and stainless steel. Each cloth has a
different texture and weave that make them especially great for
specific surfaces. Bed Bath & Beyond $12.99
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Large Milk Crate - Made from paper made into rope and then
woven into a basket this heavy-duty crate is perfect for storing
magazines and other reading materials. Target $19.99
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Bamboo 6 Piece Coaster Set - These large coasters make a
great place to park your drinks. They are made with bamboo, an
ecologically friendly renewable resource. Bed Bath & Beyond $1.99
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Simply Organic King Pillowcases - This 300 thread count
pillowcase is made from 100% organic cotton. It offers superior
comfort and a silky smooth finish. The container it comes in is
fully recyclable material and the insert is 100% recycled paper. Bed
Bath & Beyond $29.99
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Recycled Quarter-Zip Microfleece - Eddie Bauer has created
this lightweight fleece that is perfect for early morning workouts.
This one is made from 100% recycled polyester. It comes in a variety
of colors for women.
www.eddiebauer.com $29.99
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