5 Sustainable Home Organization Tips

Over the past few years, I’ve been inspired by our clients and some local business owners like Nina’s Flying Needle and Annapolis Compost to live more sustainably. I’m always on the lookout for easy ways to keep my space tidy while also being kind to the planet. I’ve been incorporating some new products and habits into my home over the last few years in order to do just that. And, after talking to my team, I learned that many of them are, too!

Just getting organized can go a long way in reducing overconsumption, a major threat to the environment. When you know what you have and where it is, you’re much less likely to overbuy, cutting down on food and other types of waste. There are also plenty of simple, sustainable practices and products you can incorporate into your routine that not only help you stay organized (always our goal at Systems by Susie!) but also reduce waste. Let’s dive into five tips that will help you reach your goals of sustainability this spring.

5 Tips for Sustainable Organization

1. Swap Out Disposable for Cloth Napkins:

This was a big change I made this year at home. I purchased a large quantity of identical neutral cloth napkins at Home Goods so I wouldn’t have to worry about running out. I can’t say my family was excited about the change, but they have adapted and now it’s part of our routine. Since they resisted the change at first, I moved the paper napkins to a different location so they weren’t tempted to grab them. We still use paper napkins when we have anything with red sauce so we don’t have to spot treat the napkins as frequently. Change is always hard, so expect some resistance, but keep with it. It’s been shocking how many fewer paper napkins we go through! One tip is to have a specific container for dirty napkins that is convenient to the kitchen.

2. Embrace Reusable Snack Bags and Food Storage Containers at Lunch:

Ditch the single-use plastic bags and opt for reusable snack bags or smaller Tupperware instead. They come in a variety of sizes and designs to suit your needs, but I recommend finding something that is dishwasher safe, so cleaning won’t be a hurdle that makes you switch back. If you have younger kids, also make sure that what you’re buying has a tight seal, but is also something they can open on their own. I’m a big fan of Rubbermaid Brilliance Snack Size containers.

3. Get Composting:

Turn your food scraps into nutrient-rich soil by starting a composting system. This is a goal of mine for 2024, but a few of my team members are already on the composting train and seeing big returns. In many cases, you can trade in your kitchen scraps for garden compost. Win-win! I know some communities provide free composting, but here in Annapolis, you’ll need to hire a company like Annapolis Compost. If you’d like to try it out, use code ZEROWASTE to get your first month free.

4. Opt for Reusable Towels or Rags:

Say goodbye to disposable paper towels and say hello to a whole lot more room in your pantry. Not only are cloth options more absorbent and durable, but they also help you stay organized by eliminating the need for a bulky stockpile. Plus, you’ll save money in the long run.

How we’ve made this work for clients: place a bin in the cabinet under the sink for clean towels. There they’ll be just as convenient to grab as a paper towel would be. If your laundry is not close by the kitchen, it’s also a good idea to have a bucket or bin for dirty linens. Then, when it’s full or time to do a load, you can toss them in! Easy!

One of our clients who uses reusable towels tells us, “The key to success is ensuring an abundance of towels to prevent the temptation to revert to paper towels. I often fold them while multitasking, such as listening to a podcast or attending a meeting.” These are the towels she uses. She washes used towels twice a week with other white linens in bleach. While she does keep some traditional paper towels on hand for pet messes and handling poultry, she stores them in an out-of-the-way location so she’s not tempted to grab them.

5. Invest in Multi-Purpose Cleaning Solutions:

Streamline your cleaning routine by opting for multi-purpose cleaning solutions. Instead of cluttering your shelves with a dozen different products, choose versatile cleaners that can tackle a variety of tasks. Not only will you save space, but you’ll also minimize waste by using fewer bottles and containers. Look for eco-friendly options that are gentle on both your home and the planet.

If you’re ready to get organized and want to stick to a sustainable setup, we can help! Almost all of our favorite products come in a sustainable option, which we are super happy to source for you. Just let us know during your consult! Here are a few of our favorite sustainable options from The Container Store:

By incorporating these sustainable practices into your home organization routine, you’ll not only declutter your space but also reduce your environmental footprint. So why wait? Start making small changes today and see the big impact they can have on your home and the planet.

Happy Earth Day and Happy Organizing!

Susie