Products in Organizing
I truly believe in the power of products elevating your organizational systems. Sometimes a container is the difference between a long-term functioning system and a single-day success. Products can add both form and function but let’s face it, they can be so expensive and sometimes wasteful. Of course clear containers are helpful, they contain the items while also maintaining the ability to see what you’re looking for. However, this likely comes as a surprise to no one, plastic is a major pollutant.
As someone who does my best for the planet (PLEASE READ: I am not -nor is anyone- perfect. Major corporations bear much of the responsibility for our environmental issues and while each person should certainly do their part, we cannot fix this situation alone. Whew, you still with me?) part of my work is blending the ease and function of using products to sustain your organizational systems, while being creative with the materials and sourcing of said products. My first instinct is always to use what you have before purchasing anything new. If there is nothing available, I have a fun suggestion to try next: thrifting!
I have started a series on social media sharing items I find in my local thrift store and how I would use them to organize. Honestly, this is fun for me to do because it flexes my muscles to find creative ways to keep a home tidy with the objects on hand. Check out the first video here!
Of course you aren’t always going to find every item you had imagined at the thrift store. Still want to be as sustainable as possible? Stick with non-plastic materials like bamboo, glass, metal, or woven products. There are also companies doing some really incredible sustainably made products like Sort Joy made with post consumer materials.
This is not to cast negativity on anyone who buys products, including plastic ones, new. I also do this for clients and have for myself when other options haven’t been available. I truly believe that the shift in mindset to looking for alternatives first, is a great place to start making organizing more eco-friendly.
