How Having An Organized Home And Life Positively Impacts Our Planet and Ourselves

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 mustard while there are one or two half-full bottles hidden in the refrigerator.

* Purchasing new batteries because looking for them in "junk" drawers is a daunting task.

* Purchasing clothing (perhaps necklaces, neckties, or belts) while there are similar garments hidden in your closet, which you have forgotten about.

It may seem trite, but the small things do add up. In fact our landfills are filling up and even recycling consumes some un-renewable natural resources.

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 impact.

You can live more comfortably in a smaller space and with less "things" when you are organized. How many duplicate items, such as hammers, tape measures, and so on, do you have in your home simply because you couldn't find it when you needed it so you bought another one? 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.

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 things. 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.