If you are like me, it seems like the house is filling up with junk as fast as I can take boxes to Goodwill. I mean well and try to de-clutter a little every week, but it feels like I am constantly throwing away or donating. So how can I get on the diminishing side of this mass balance equation?
If we want to reduce our waste output, we need to either reduce our inputs (buy less) and/or increase how much we use something before it gets thrown out as waste.
1. Inputs - Reduce what you bring in your house.
When buying something, think about how long you will use it. Buy only what you need or think you will use. I admit, I enjoy going through the dollar section to find a little knick knack or toy for the kids. Sometimes it is my bribe to keep them occupied while shopping. But more often than not those little trinkets end up in my donation pile (or broken and thrown away within hours).
Just say no to Free Stuff. This includes the freebies at parties or random Schwag that you are not going to use. Often I will put this directly into a donation pile, but it is even better if I do not bring it in the house at all. I mean how many reusable bags can I really use? I already have them spread all over my house, cars and garage.
Shop with intent. Create a clothing list (like a grocery list). Think about what you really need for your wardrobe before you shop. (Honestly, I never have time to clothes shop for myself anymore, so it only happens when I am really desperate and run out of socks.)
2. Internal Processes - Re-use
Internal processes define what we do in our household and in our daily routine.
One option is to use less, so that a container of something lasts longer (I.e. Soap, water, paper). I have gone to using fabric napkins, which does create more laundry, but cuts down on paper waste.
Buy quality - I have to admit, I am guilty of buying the cheapest item, which tends to get broken or thrown out quickly. What I am trying to do is buy with intention and choose something that may be more expensive, but more sturdy and higher value in the long run. This is especially true of children's toys, shoes and furniture. When I was young, I never knew how long I would stay in one place, so most of my possessions were "disposable." Now that I have a family, we should be more stable and able to build a home with intention.
Make your momentos useful - All of the "stuff" we have in our home should "bring us joy." Either we use it or we enjoy having it around (i.e. photos on the wall and decorations). If it is something that is meaningful to you (momentos, etc) then consider a way to display it and share it with others. I usually pick one or two of the kids' drawings to display for a week. Then I either take a picture or store my favorite ones. I plan to review the saved artwork with them annually and pare it down as we go. We also send artwork to the grandparents every once in awhile, as cards.
Use milk/yogurt containers and cartons/tubes for crafts or storage; Pinterest can give you lots of ideas.
Use the library. What a great way to get fresh books every week without overflowing the book case. Think about swapping toys & puzzles with friends to have something new to play.
3. Outputs - reduce Trash and other waste.
Reduce what you throw away. Monitor your trash for a week (how much, what is in it).
Compost - some communities may have a compost pickup for grass and leaves, as well as food waste and soiled paper/cardboard (like pizza boxes, tissues, etc).
Use fabric napkins and use washcloths and towels for spills, instead of paper.
As a consumer, it is up to us to make smart choices and vote for change through what we buy. I will be the first to admit that I will sometimes choose the option with a hard plastic package because it is cheaper or convenient. Sometimes there is not a comparable alternate. The first step is to think before you buy.
Think about your packaging choices. Monitor how much you are trashing. Buy staples from the bulk bins.
It is not easy or all that convenient, but we need to get out of the rut of a "Throw Away Culture." It will not only help sustain our environment, but reducing clutter in our lives should help us focus on the important things.
I suggest we make better choices about the inputs, processes and outputs of our homes (and lives).
