De-cluttering is Our Social Responsibility

Our landfills are telling us that something is desperately wrong. We need to fix it and each of us as individuals can play a part.

People the world over are so very different and yet we are linked forever by the aftermath of our consumerism, what we amass and how we throw things away. Just look at how much plastic has been found in the ocean and in the bellies of fish, whales, etc.

Many people collect or even "hoard" so many items because "Someone"could use it someday," and then end up throwing the items out because they are either outdated, broken or that "Someone" hasn't come around.

What can you do as an individual to stem the tide of waste? Let's look at some options:

Go through your closets and cabinets and think about the following:

• What's has been hanging around but not been worn or used for 2-3 years or more. (If it's 15 years old and you still wear it or use it, keep it).

• Just how many serving bowls and platters do I need?

• Which are the ones that I use over and over again?

• Which just fill up my cabinet?

• How about making a dish when you go as a dinner guest and tell the hosts that the bowl/platter is for them to keep.

• The books that you've read and won't re-read but take up so much room that could be clear up space. (Of course, keep your favorites).

• Does someone in my home still use all those specialized tools or sports equipment?

NOW is the time to donate as much as we can, reuse as much as we can and throw away as little as we can. Here are some great sources:

• Vietnam Vets (vva.org) ​

• This has nothing to do with politics.

• Whatever they take they sell and the profits go to supporting a myriad of programs for vets and their families.

• They pick up from your front door.

• Less work for you.

• https://www.rd.com/home/cleaning-organizing/where-to-donate

• Hospitals

• Day care centers

• Animal hospitals

• Homeless shelters

• Habitat for Humanity (They pick up some items).

One other suggestion: Involve your kids in this project.

• Keep a few bags/bins of things in the trunk of your car.

• When possible, put some donation place on your route.

• Let the kids see you donating. Lessons learned.

Contact me for help in de-cluttering, donating and organizing. I can help in so many ways.