Loving our planet by disposing responsibly

3 minute read

Being eco-conscious when decluttering can present a unique opportunity not only to create space for calm in our homes but also to have a meaningful impact on the planet.  When it comes to letting go of unwanted items, responsible yet reasonable disposal can promote sustainability, while maintaining a balance between the needs of the person decluttering and that of the environment. 

APDO member Sheena Taylor shares her 5 eco-friendly practices to help declutter responsibly and love the planet in the process.

1. Recognise Decluttering Progress is the Priority

It is important to note that the priority when decluttering is to ensure that progress is being made towards clearing unwanted items.  Considerations about recycling and donation in sustainable ways will vary depending on the person.  Coming up with actionable but realistic suggestions for eco-friendly disposal are key factors to consider when deciding whether to include this in the decluttering process. It may be helpful to work with a Professional Organiser from APDO to support you with your decision making and facilitate realistic disposal options. 

2. Get Educated

Understanding the environmental impact of disposal choices creates motivation to declutter more sustainably.  Finding out facts such as how long it takes for common household items to decompose, or the impact of electrical waste if not recycled, can create a desire to dispose more responsibly.  Thoughtful donations of unwanted objects will maximise the impact of any contributions, but it would be sensible to plan how much time will be allocated for researching where to responsibly dispose of these.  Recycling can also be challenging as rules differ by location, so having the knowledge of where to do this locally can make the process of decluttering sustainably quicker and easier.  

3. Start with a “Reuse” Mindset

Before discarding items, ask: Could this item be reused by someone else?  Repurposing or donating gently-used items extends their life and reduces landfill waste.  Local free sites or Facebook Marketplace are excellent places to post items that are no longer wanted.  These places are also great for finding local organisations that are looking for specific things.  Donating unwanted items to local charities, shelters and other community groups allows these places to continue their support and increases the chances that objects will be reused.

4. Be a Role Model for Sustainability

There are many ways to lead by example by adopting eco-friendly practices when clearing clutter.  During the decluttering process, use biodegradable rubbish bags for items that are no longer fit for purpose, place donation items in cardboard boxes that can be reused or recycled and sort items as you go, to ensure that they are sent on to the desired locations and reducing the chance of accidental waste.  It is also useful to share the experience with others to inspire them to follow suit.

5. Celebrate the Effort

Sustainability for the planet is a life-long journey and every effort made counts towards making a difference.  Celebrate milestones, whether it’s donating a carload of items, learning about local organisations that accept donations or mastering the local recycling rules.  All these things matter.  Recognising successes helps to maintain motivation to keep taking small steps when disposing of items in an eco-conscious way, and it encourages others to join the cause in supporting this world.

Disposing responsibly is about more than getting rid of things: it’s about fostering a culture of mindfulness and consideration for the welfare of the planet.  By making intentional choices, waste is reduced, resources are conserved and a more sustainable future is created.  Commit to helping and loving this earth, one responsible decision at a time.