How Having an Organized Home and Life Positively Impacts Our Planet & Ourselves

By: Heidi DeCoux

[ Posted On: 2009-11-17 ]

Most of us would agree that when we are organized we have a sense of calm and we have more time to spend doing the things we love with the people we love. But did you know that by being organized we can positively impact our planet? One result of being disorganized is that we consume more than necessary. For example, on a small scale:

• Purchasing a new plastic bottle of ketchup or BBQ Sauce, when there are one or two (or more) half-full bottles hidden in your refrigerator.

• Purchasing new batteries because rummaging through your “junk drawer” is a daunting task and you are not sure if the batteries in there are good or not.

• Purchasing clothing, such as, shoes, neckties, or belts, when there are similar items hidden in your closet, which you have forgotten about.

The small things add up. Purchasing duplicate small items, such as plastic bottles of consumables may seem trite, however, not all plastics are recycled and the ones that are, typically are made into non-recyclable products. In addition, recycling plastic consumes a significant amount of energy and capital investment.

On a larger scale, consider that in the last 30 years the average size of a home in the US has doubled even though the number of people in the average household in the US has decreased by half. We are collecting and consuming more and more “stuff” and require more and more space for all of our “stuff”. According to the Marine Sanitary Service, the US population comprises 5% of the world’s population yet we generate 30% of the world’s garbage! While recycling and reusing is certainly beneficial, consuming less has a larger impact1.

When you are organized, you can live more comfortably in a smaller space and with less “stuff”. How many duplicate items do you have in your home simply because you couldn’t find something so you bought another one? On a larger scale, consider the amount of utilities, land, and other resources consumed by a 5,000 square foot home compared to that of a 1,500 square foot condominium. If you choose to live in a smaller space, being organized makes it possible to live comfortably.

Living in a smaller home is not for everyone however, having an organized home (regardless of the size) and life helps reduce unnecessary consumption.

How much less driving could you do if you were organized about your errands and your schedule? How often do you make extra trips to the grocery store or drug store? How often could you carpool or use mass public transportation if you planned ahead?

In addition to protecting our planet, being organized gives you the freedom and time to pursue areas of your life that give you happiness. According to Real Simple magazine, the average American spends 55.2 minutes everyday looking for things2. Yikes, that's two weeks every year! Is there anything else you would rather spend your time doing? Maybe take an extra 2-week vacation?

Over the next few days, take a look at what you are spending your time looking for, what you are purchasing and what you are throwing away. You may find that by just being more organized you and your family will consume less, save you time and money and save our planet.

Article Source: http://www.afroarticles.com/article-dashboard

About The Author: Heidi DeCoux -- is publisher of Life Made Simple e-Magazine, a professional organizer and creator of the Fast-Filing Method home office filing system. Heidi energizes her readers’ by simplifying their homes & schedules. For more info, free tips, and to receive her FREE Report: Visit ClearSimpleLiving.com

| View Profile & All Articles By: Heidi DeCoux |

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