Making up just 5% of 的 world’s population, 的 US consumes 30% of 的 world’s resources 和 creates 30% of 的 world’s waste.  We have so much stuff that finding a place to put it is big business; 的 self-storage industry is booming. 今天, it is physically possible for every American to st和 at 的 same time under 的 canopy of self-storage roofing in 的 US.  这并不奇怪, 然后, 近藤麻理惠, author of best-selling book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up,” started a de-cluttering craze.

On her Netflix show, Kondo teaches clients to make 的ir homes more livable through her special organizing process. The result is large piles of garbage bags filled with clothing, 家居用品, 和 o的r items that no longer “spark joy” for 的ir owners.  Read on for tips to break free of clutter, sustainably! 

The true solution to too much stuff, 当然, is to consume less, 买到更好的, 和 care for what we already have—this makes it easier to maintain a comfortable home, 和 helps 的 planet too!  Next time you put your stuff on 的 curb, consider that for every garbage can placed out for collection, 的 equivalent of 71 garbage cans' worth of waste is created in mining, agriculture 和 o的r industrial processes to convert raw materials into finished products 和 packaging. 

Tips to Responsibly De-Clutter Your Life:

1:清理干净.  To achieve 的 highest use for unwanted items, choose to 交换 or 捐赠 什么是可用的.  For items such as electronics, household chemicals, 和 personal documents, check out 本地资源 和 特别活动 to 回收 or safely dispose.   Need a little extra help getting started? 看看 How to Declutter Your 首页 Fast: A Checklist for 的 Messy.

2 .做事有条理.When you’ve successfully pared down, reorder your home for daily life.Good organization keeps you from buying things you don’t need or already own, 和 can create a happier, less stressful living environment.看看 10 Ways to Unclutter Your Life.  

3 .改变习惯.To remain clutter free, slow 的 flow of new things into your home.  Prevent future waste buy buying wisely—choose high quality items you truly need 和 intend to use.  Try out zero waste practices like repairing what you already own 和 love,  (see 调停者的集体, 星期一修补, 修复星期五), buying bulk 和 package-free groceries.  Spend less time shopping 和 managing stuff, 和 more time on non-commercial activities like enjoying culture, spending time in nature, 和志愿服务.

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