Environmental Impact.
Photo by Erin Watt Photography
It is impossible to declutter and get organized without creating some waste. And no one should feel guilt about that. We live in a consumerist society, and it’s hard to avoid disposable items.
When decluttering with my clients I try to send the least amount possible to the landfill. I sort out container and paper recyclables, specialty recycling items, and put things aside that can be posted on Buy Nothing pages if they cannot be conventionally donated. Wondering why donating may not be the answer? Read my blog post on the topic!
I try to use what my clients already have in the house to get things organized. Shoeboxes, tupperware containers with no lids, glass jars, storage containers from another area of the home. There may be some cases where new storage containers are helpful and/or necessary, but I like to see what we can upcycle first! This saves my clients money, but also helps the environment.
In August 2022 I joined Green Economy Peterborough (a project of GreenUP), to take action against climate change! This local program assists small businesses in reducing their environmental impact. Going forward in my business, with Green Economy Peterborough, I will measure and set targets to reduce my GHG emissions and waste (specifically, unwanted items being taken out of clients’ homes), and publicly report on my progress as I work towards these goals! I have been passionate about sustainability in my life and business for years, but I am excited to be held accountable to reaching goals and making my business even better!
Low Impact Movement
The low impact movement has come about in the last few years, involving many people from all walks of life, to better their environmental impact. Participants are trying to reduce their waste (garbage and recyclables), opt for public transportation, biking, walking etc. all in an effort to reduce their carbon footprint.
I have been a part of this movement since January 2017, and would love to encourage others to adopt this lifestyle! Check out my blog of 31 Tips for Plastic Free July and my list of What To Do With Unwanted Items - A Resource List!
Refuse what you do not need
Single use items such as plastic packaging, plastic bags, straws, paper napkins, free giveaway items that you don’t actually need
Reduce what you buy and use
Getting rid of things you do not use, clothes you do not wear
Being aware of your spending habits and try to live more minimally
Reduce the amount you use your car and opt for walking or biking instead
Reuse & Repair
Opt for reusable items rather than disposable (bottles, towels, razors, bags, tea strainers etc.)
Reuse your vegetable scraps into making vegetable broth
Sew buttons on a shirt, repair rips in clothing – learn new skills!
Opt for second-hand items rather than new
Recycle
Notice how this one is not at the top of the list? Believe it or not, recycling, while a better alternative to landfills, still requires a lot of energy and money to process these items, so it’s better to not have to dispose of them in the first place!
If there are things you have to buy that you can’t get unpackaged (due to allergies, or just lack of options), get items that are packaged in paper, cloth, or plastic ONLY if you know it is recyclable in your area.
Rot the rest
Compost whatever you can!
Find out about worm composting and see if this is a viable option for you
Add vegetable scraps and egg shells to your garden to add nutrients to the soil
This lifestyle is not about being perfect, but rather doing the best that you can in your own circumstances to reduce the amount of things going to the landfill (often that are perfectly usable!)
If you feel inspired and inclined to do more for our beautiful planet, please get in touch with me! I am also available to do workshops/talks on the subject.
