Organizing + the environment.
We believe this work is inherently connected to the environment. Much of what we help with - chronic overwhelm, disorganization, too-muchness - is so intertwined with (caused by) consumerist culture and capitalism...which are becoming (finally?) well known to have major impacts on the climate and environment. In fact, way back in 2015, the production and use of household goods and services was responsible for 60 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions! Eeek! Buying stuff is like voting for more of it to be produced which provokes producers to make more by extracting more resources, creating more emissions and more toxic environments, and eventually more waste leading to more emissions and more toxic environments and therefore, a lower quality of life for all. 🥴 We say all of this not to shame anyone, but to empower you to know that it's not you! It's the societal pressures and the capitalist traps we all get into...especially those of us living in the US. But we can resist! And taking the step to deal with your stuff and your habits is a great place to start.
As you can see we're featuring the "chasing arrows" icon ♻️ (above), which symbolizes recycling (though don't be fooled...not everything with chasing arrows on it can be recycled, reach out to us to hear more about this!), and though we really prioritize recycling as much as possible on the job, we don't believe recycling is the end all be all of waste reduction. Hence the "zero waste triangle" (below)! This is kind of a newer take (not invented by me) on promoting waste reduction. Starting with the most effective, Refuse! Because the best way to reduce waste is to not consume it in the first place. And ending with the least effective, Recycle. Because recycling is complicated, energy intensive, and flawed. I added Repair to this one because amongst my Master Recycler peers, this one is added into the "R's" of waste reduction.
So, back to how this is all connected to organizing - On a real tangible level, we are very knowledgeable in what is actually recyclable and where to bring it/put it. We also are well connected (to say the least) to the re-use centers/thrift stores and charities in the area, so we can always be assured that donations are going to good homes. No more excuses to keep the stuff you don’t want going to the landfill! We are savvy with repurposing, and very very rarely encourage clients to buy any organizing products. We even help people repair things sometimes!
On a less tangible level, we humbly align with how the writer/anthropologist, Carrie M. Lane, described professional organizers - as "therapists of capitalism". We have so many discussions and heart to hearts with clients about how this world can be too much to keep up with. What is expected of people in our society is too much! We work with clients to strip away some of the layers of excess and overwhelm and help them figure out ways to thrive better within their circumstances.
