04/22/09
Happy Earth Day To You!
This week we celebrate Earth Day so let’s look at ways to de-clutter in an earth friendly way.
In a way de-cluttering could be looked at as environmental terrorism. Deciding to finally let go of things can have quite an impact on our environment when we consider the amount of stuff that ends up in landfills, however, most professional organizers should be mindful of the impact de-cluttering can have, and where possible try to advise clients to be as eco-friendly and creative as possible when it comes to recycling, donating and discarding things.
What is wrong with land filling? Well according to the Australian Government Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts Major Appliances Materials Project there are 3 areas of concern.
1. It results in the loss of valuable materials (within a lot of products)
2. It wastes space (land).
3. It can harm humans and the environment.
Recycling is obviously better, although it to has its limitations and so re-use is now seen as preferred over both recycling and disposal, and this is what the government’s aforementioned project is aiming to address.
In the meantime what can we do to lessen our impact on landfill?
Obviously when it comes to certain items like clothing, furniture or bric-a-brac, we know where to send things, but it is worth thinking outside the square at times in terms of end-use.
For example places like Reverse Garbage are happy to receive items that can be reused by artists. Imagine for example what could be made out of old LP records, curtain rings, Styrofoam, wood off-cuts, Christmas decorations? Groups offering literacy projects are happy to receive book and stationery donations. Other groups are fixing & distributing computers and printers for use by the unemployed, community centers or areas affected by natural disasters. Redundant educational game software and music CD’s are appreciated by pre-schools or after school care centers. Spectacles and items such as orthopedic equipment can go to communities in need. Soup kitchens and groups like Meals on Wheels may need cookware.
There are swap clubs for anything from books to clothing to electronic equipment and online communities such as freecycle.com where you give things away, and others request things such as electronic equipment and electrical cable to strip for parts or for the copper wire which is then sold to scrap metal merchants. Others may just need cartons or bags so that they can pack things for the needy. Other community groups may appreciate musical equipment to help lift spirits.
Respite centers or toy libraries may need toys. Aged-care centers may need suitable music CDs, craft materials, magazines and books. Refuge centers may need kitchenware and bathroom essentials. Animal shelters require blankets, towels, old woolen hats or mittens, basket-ware, washing baskets and cages for injured animals and wildlife. Gardening equipment is useful for community or school gardens. Some TAFE colleges appreciate old cars to train new mechanics. If in doubt on whether you can donate certain items to a specific group always check by contacting them first.
I think when it comes to de-cluttering there are three important factors to consider. Firstly, there is always someone who can use something you may not want and to actively seek out groups that you may be able to help. Secondly, sometimes it’s easier to let go when you know exactly who or what you are helping, do your research and really take the time to ‘give’ and not just ‘dispose’. Lastly, it’s not always about making a financial return, sometimes its more about giving to those in need and that includes our fragile planet because the reality is that in the long run, you are indeed receiving and investing in our global future.
Be sure to follow the link below to the Less Equals More website where you will find other links for donations, recycling, swap clubs and more.
Angela Miller-Davis is a Professional Organiser who helps people to find solutions for an organised lifestyle through her consultancy Less = More, Brisbane http://www.lessequalsmore.com.au
Angela is a member of NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers).
What is wrong with land filling? Well according to the Australian Government Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts Major Appliances Materials Project there are 3 areas of concern.
1. It results in the loss of valuable materials (within a lot of products)
2. It wastes space (land).
3. It can harm humans and the environment.
Recycling is obviously better, although it to has its limitations and so re-use is now seen as preferred over both recycling and disposal, and this is what the government’s aforementioned project is aiming to address.
In the meantime what can we do to lessen our impact on landfill?
Obviously when it comes to certain items like clothing, furniture or bric-a-brac, we know where to send things, but it is worth thinking outside the square at times in terms of end-use.
For example places like Reverse Garbage are happy to receive items that can be reused by artists. Imagine for example what could be made out of old LP records, curtain rings, Styrofoam, wood off-cuts, Christmas decorations? Groups offering literacy projects are happy to receive book and stationery donations. Other groups are fixing & distributing computers and printers for use by the unemployed, community centers or areas affected by natural disasters. Redundant educational game software and music CD’s are appreciated by pre-schools or after school care centers. Spectacles and items such as orthopedic equipment can go to communities in need. Soup kitchens and groups like Meals on Wheels may need cookware.
There are swap clubs for anything from books to clothing to electronic equipment and online communities such as freecycle.com where you give things away, and others request things such as electronic equipment and electrical cable to strip for parts or for the copper wire which is then sold to scrap metal merchants. Others may just need cartons or bags so that they can pack things for the needy. Other community groups may appreciate musical equipment to help lift spirits.
Respite centers or toy libraries may need toys. Aged-care centers may need suitable music CDs, craft materials, magazines and books. Refuge centers may need kitchenware and bathroom essentials. Animal shelters require blankets, towels, old woolen hats or mittens, basket-ware, washing baskets and cages for injured animals and wildlife. Gardening equipment is useful for community or school gardens. Some TAFE colleges appreciate old cars to train new mechanics. If in doubt on whether you can donate certain items to a specific group always check by contacting them first.
I think when it comes to de-cluttering there are three important factors to consider. Firstly, there is always someone who can use something you may not want and to actively seek out groups that you may be able to help. Secondly, sometimes it’s easier to let go when you know exactly who or what you are helping, do your research and really take the time to ‘give’ and not just ‘dispose’. Lastly, it’s not always about making a financial return, sometimes its more about giving to those in need and that includes our fragile planet because the reality is that in the long run, you are indeed receiving and investing in our global future.
Be sure to follow the link below to the Less Equals More website where you will find other links for donations, recycling, swap clubs and more.
Angela Miller-Davis is a Professional Organiser who helps people to find solutions for an organised lifestyle through her consultancy Less = More, Brisbane http://www.lessequalsmore.com.au
Angela is a member of NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers).
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