EWS-The 5 Pillars of Responsible Decluttering- Takeaways
By Andrea Young on August 14, 2023
If you are like most, you may have accumulated a lot of stuff over the years. It can come from children, multiple moves throughout the years or inheriting items from family. But if you are downsizing, want to live a simpler life, or just want less clutter, getting rid of your possessions can be stressful and even emotional. We were fortunate to have Stephanie Seferian host our August event, The 5 Pillars of Responsible Decluttering, where she shared some helpful tips about decluttering in an environmentally safe way.
Start Slow
Decluttering a lifetime’s worth of items can seem overwhelming. Where do you start? Pick a small location, such as the linen closet or bathroom cabinet. Chances are there is nothing of sentimental value in them. Once you are ready to tackle a larger project, take it slow and set realistic expectations. Don’t go into your packed garage and think you can do it in a day, you’ll only get discouraged. Work on small sections and break them up over a few days or weeks.
Choose Quality over Quantity
As a consumer, we are always looking for the best deal. But cheaper doesn’t necessarily mean better. When decluttering or even purchasing items, choose things made from sustainable materials. If you have six vases but only need two, choose those with the best quality and donate the others. If you are buying items, make sure you are looking for products made from quality materials like 100% cotton and solid wood to ensure you are as environmentally responsible as possible.
Keep it Local
When getting rid of items, try your best to keep it local. Not only are you helping out organizations and community members close to home you are also limiting the environmental impact that comes with shipping and delivering. Most communities have Buy Nothing pages on social media where you can give stuff away. There are also online marketplaces if you would rather sell items. You can use those resources as well if you need items. Not only are you keeping things out of landfills, but you are also saving money. A win-win!
Additional resources & Other Considerations
www.ecosia.org– Not-for-profit search engine that aims to help the environment by planting trees
www.buynothingproject.org– Community-based groups that encourages giving of consumer goods and services in preference to conventional commerce
Reach out to your local non-profits, churches, hospitals, schools, women’s shelters, halfway homes, animal shelters, food banks, senior centers, prisons, charity shops
If you are on Facebook, you can look for your local Buy Nothing group and/or use their marketplace feature
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