Recently, I have had a number of clients that are starting to be buried (literally) in their recycling and reusable items. They are trying to recycle every little item (e.g. aluminum, scrap, etc.) with the goal of being more environmentally friendly.

The problem is that it is causing a hardship to the person. They are strapped for time and don’t get to the task of delivering the recycling items to their respective places to be processed.

They don’t have a need for that many reusable containers, but yet they sit there taking up space because they “can” be used, so why get rid of them?

I’m all in favor of doing everything to help our mother earth. But sometimes we have to come first! Set yourself limits on how many reusable items you will keep (e.g. bags, butter tubs, etc.) and keep clearing them out when you hit that limit.

If you only have a few of one item and it is a chore to get them delivered to that specialty recycling location, just opt for putting it in the trash. Or, you might be able to donate it and let the donation centers handle it? Just a thought. They may not like it, but if it helps you to let go, then do it.

In Eugene, Oregon we have a place called MECCA that takes everything but Styrofoam. It’s an artist exchange, so they are happy to have almost anything to use for the creation of art. MECCA is a great solution for people in this situation. Try to find a similar place in your area so you can have a one stop shop for purging those items that most people don’t need.

–Can the Clutter: Home and office organizing in Eugene/Springfield, OR and Minneapolis/St Paul MN