I'm currently on a major cleaning spree and getting rid of old files and other items I just don't use anymore. When cleaning, it's easy to forget our environment. Yes, it may take more time to sort paper goods, plastics, and other recyclable materials, but knowing I'm helping in some small way gives me a feel good at the end of the day. I found a handful of suggestions for green organizing and cleaning tips online that I'm going to implement in my organization process.
- Recycle all paper products
- Donate clothes to Goodwill
- Purchase recycled garbage bags
- Recycle electronic products
- Pick up used boxes from retail stores
- Use eco-friendly cleaning supplies
- Utilize plastic grocery bags in place of garbage bags whenever possible
- Donate smaller household items to a local shelter
For more green organization tips or for professional help, I found Operation Organization to be very helpful.
More Organizing Tips from Apartment Therapy Archives
- 5 Tips for Making a Fresh Start with a Partner
- Fresh Start: Easy Cord Organization Tips from Unplggd
- Tips for Organizing Your Open Shelving
What are a few of your suggestions for eco-friendly organization and cleaning?
Image: Operation Organization
100 DIY Ideas for the 3-Day Weekend
Danielle's Charming, Classic Walk-Up
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
White Enamel Flatwa...
How To Cook Fluffy, Tasty Quinoa
Perfect Summer Cocktail Recipe: Honey Bourbon Lemonade
Love it - it might take a bit of time, but it certainly will have a big impact. We do a big clean up/clean out about twice a year. It's amazing how good it feels!
I think it's a little soon to be recycling those models; they look like they still have plenty of enthusiasm left. But I guess it's better than ending up in a landfill.
@KittyWrangler: snicker!
First thing I thought:
"Those aren't old bags. Why are they in the recycling bin?"
Oh. Oh. Okay.
Don't forget to use green cleaning products, as well! And thanks for the reminder about Goodwill; I've got a date this week with nearly a carload of clothes I never wear!
---> for the "reuse plastic grocery bags" instead of trash bags, how about upping it further to paper grocery sacks or not using one at all?
i don't take plastic bags from the grocery store ever. haven't touched one for almost 2 years since i bring my own or maybe, maybe take paper. so i'd rather avoid in full. plus, my closets + junk drawers don't yield anything too wet or oozing that plastic needs to hold in.
also, i've been known to make a big pile of papers + cart those out, in my arms, to the dumpster. no need to put in a bag that will be in use for all of 5 min.
long explanation for a simple idea ;)
---> other note would be in addition to donating to Goodwill (or Salvation Army or other thrift store), using Freecycle or other "second home" options. there are many items thrift stores won't take or they'll take but throw away. Freecycle, women + children's shelters (contact through your local police department), + local public schools may be a good outlet for those things Goodwill may not want.
my tips for Freecycle: http://jessohbee.blogspot.com/2010/08/like-walls-won-fall.html
i included the following in a blog post about green home cleaning: "research potential 'second homes' for your products now, so you can rely on them quickly + easily when you're ready to get rid of an item. look into your local salvation army or goodwill, as well as local women's shelters. most have easy drop-offs or will even pick up items from your home. sign up for craigslist (to sell + buy) or freecycle (to give away or receive, for free). if you have books or DVDs, call your local library regarding potential donations or join swap tree (to trade with other members)."
I love the website...freecycle.org. You can list your used items online for people who made need or want your items, instead of throwing them out.
We give office and art supplies no longer wanted to a friendly acquaintance who passes them on to teachers of disadvantaged children.