Archive for the ‘Recycling’ Category

Four Benefits of Recycling Plastic

Plastic is inexpensive, durable, and lightweight, so it makes sense that it’s used abundantly in manufacturing.

Plastics are used to manufacture a staggering number of products we use every day – everything from food and beverage containers to trash and grocery bags and even children’s toys and diapers. But all this product has to go somewhere, right?

Each year, approximately 100 million tons of plastic is produced, and it usually ends up in landfills. When plastic is disposed of in landfills, it can take up to 1000 years to decompose. When burnt, plastic releases highly toxic gas. Keeping these things in mind, the best option for dealing with plastic is reducing the amount we use in the first place, and for the plastic waste we do use, it is essential that we are recycling.

Recycling is crucial to the future health of our planet, and here are four reasons why. Keep reading for four major benefits of recycling plastic.

It conserves natural resources and energy.

Tossing that plastic water bottle in the trash takes less than a second. Reusing it takes the same amount of time and has more benefits. Did you know that it takes twice as much energy to burn plastic as it does to recycle it?

Recycling saves energy by reducing or eliminating the need to make materials from scratch. Making products from scratch is labor-intensive and expensive. Using recycled materials instead of pulling new natural resources, manufacturers can make the same products with less energy and expense.

[Need some recycling tips for this coming summer? Click here!]

Recycling plastics saves so much landfill space.

Our American landfills are growing every day. Because they are so full, they take up large parcels of land which destroys essential natural resources. Waste dumps are also significant emitters of methane gas, one of the primary gases proven to be responsible for climate change. According to an article in EPA, “In 2018, landfills received 27 million tons of plastic.”

By recycling our plastic, we can help slow the rate at which our landfills are filling up and the number of greenhouse gases generated by them.

Helps protect ecosystems and wildlife.

Recycling reduces the need to grow, harvest, or extract new raw materials from the Earth. That, in turn, lessens the disruption and damage done to the natural world: fewer forests cut down, rivers diverted, wild animals harmed or displaced, and less pollution of water, soil, and air.

And of course, if our plastic waste isn’t safely put in the recycling, it can be blown or washed into rivers and seas and end up hundreds or thousands of miles away, polluting coastlines and waterways and becoming a problem for everyone.

Our oceans are in trouble, and the numbers are astounding. According to National Geographic, “there are 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic debris in the ocean. Of that mass, 269,000 tons float on the surface, while some four billion plastic microfibers per square kilometer litter the deep sea.”

Reducing climate-changing carbon emissions.

Because recycling means you need to use less energy on sourcing and processing new raw materials, it produces lower carbon emissions. It also keeps potentially methane-releasing waste out of landfill sites.

Reducing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases being emitted into the atmosphere is vital for stopping disastrous climate change.

The truth is we need to get into the habit of using less stuff. And the things we use need to be reused before being recycled to minimize waste. Many people think that one person can’t make a difference, but when it comes to recycling, one person can make a huge impact. Recycling is a simple way to preserve our natural resources and protect our clean air and water.

With the services and facilities offered by Carolina Fibre, it’s easier than ever to jump on board with green efforts here in eastern North Carolina. Contact us today to learn more about our recycling services!

Seven Tips for Honoring Earth Day

It’s that time again, and while most people love trick-or-treating or spreading yuletide cheer, we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate our favorite holiday of the year – Earth Day! 

Earth Day is a time to celebrate the planet, raise awareness about our need to protect it, and reflect on what we can do to show our respect. 

This year, we challenge you to go beyond contributing just one day this year. We want you to change a habit (or a few!) to take care of our planet all year long.

Turn off the lights. 

It’s pretty simple – if you leave a room and no one else is there, turn off the lights. If your done watching television, turn it off. Being mindful of your electricity usage is one of the simplest things you can do to protect our Earth. So, shut them off, pull back the curtains and let that natural sunlight pour into your home.

Decrease water usage. 

Believe it or not, leaving the water on while brushing your teeth wastes 5 gallons of water a day – yikes! It’s a small thing to remember, but so important that we all do it together because it makes a huge impact. 

Also, be aware of any leaky toilets in your home. Leaks can waste up to 20 gallons of water per day, so pay attention to your bathrooms and ensure everything is working correctly.

Go paperless. 

Does your bank offer paperless services? It may be time to give it a try. Receiving banking statements online means you’ll still get a statement every month, and you can review older statements at any time. Trust us; once you try paperless, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do this a long time ago!

Fortunately, there are many places where you can opt-out of paper. Some of those areas include:

  • Sign up for email billing statements and online digital payments.
  • Request no receipts at grocery stores and Fast-Food restaurants. 
  • Utilize apps for keeping a calendar and creating a to-do list.
  • Consider switching your favorite print media to an online version. 

[Want to know about recycling paper at the office? Click here!]

Avoid plastic when possible. 

It might be easy to buy bottles of water in bulk for your family, but it’s not good for the environment. All those empty bottles pile up in landfills, which release greenhouse gases. 

Want to know a secret? Bottled water is treated tap water, so why not invest in a filter to treat your water? They’re not expensive and overall will save you money compared to your monthly bottled water expanse.

Start composting. 

Composting is an excellent way to give back to the planet, and it’s fun to get the whole family involved to reach a common goal. There is a misconception that food simply breaks down in a landfill without any issue. However, those veggie scraps from that salad you made will rot and produce methane gas if not composted.

There are several ways to compost but if you don’t have a garden, try collecting your food scraps and keeping them in the freezer during the week. When you’re ready, bring the leftovers to your local farmer’s market if they have a compost station. You can also ask your local natural foods store if they compost.

Take electronics to a recycling center. 

Do you have old cell phones, computer parts, cords, headphones, and other electronics sitting somewhere collecting dust? Electronic waste is becoming the biggest category of trash globally, so gather your unused techy items and bring them to the nearest recycling center.

Green up your commute.

The ability to drive a car to any destination is convenient but not so great for the Earth. Each day you leave your vehicle at home, you’re saving over 750 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions each year! Try other means of getting to your destination, such as carpooling, public transit, biking, or walking. In addition to saving the Earth – you will be saving money! 

Earth Day is about enjoying and appreciating the world around us. This Earth Day take a moment to remember why our planet is worth protecting and start giving back to our Earth every day. 

We hope you try some of our tips above and discover new ways to help our world. For more ideas, Carolina Fibre is here to help. Check out our blog for more information, or contact us today! 

Six Tips for Getting Your Eco-Friendly Garden Ready for Spring

The temperatures are rising, the birds are chirping, and the buds are blooming. Spring is almost here! It’s time to get ready for the upcoming season and prepare your garden. While working to create a beautiful and spring ready garden, you can also help to create a more beautiful planet.

You might not realize it, but gardeners play a crucial role in developing a healthy eco-system. In fact, eco-gardening can even impact energy use, reduce common waste and slow down climate changes. It’s time for you to play a part in this amazing environmental impact movement! There are various ways to create a more self-sustaining environment within your very own yard that can have an incredibly positive impact on the world around us. Here are a few tips on how to make your very own eco-friendly garden!

Bugs are not the enemy. 

I think most of us can agree that some insects are downright scary. Who doesn’t scream when they see a cockroach crawling across their kitchen floor? And who doesn’t jump when a spider is spotted on their desk? However, not all bugs are the enemy!

Many bugs can enhance the sustainability of our earth and your home garden. For instance, ladybugs, lacewings, and even ground beetles help reduce the population of bugs harmful to your plants. They play a part in eating aphids (small bugs that suck the sap and nutrients from plants). Let the “good guy” help you reduce the risk and damage that could happen to your gorgeous garden.

The early bird gets the worm.

The good bugs can’t handle all those nasty bugs on their own. They need a little help from their friends. With regard to defeating those slimy snails, caterpillars, and grubs – birds are there to step in and save the day!

These guardians of nature feed on the wormy creatures that tend to destroy your blooms. It’s time to put up bird feeders around your garden to encourage more visits from our beloved bird friends.

Celebrate the natives.

Native plants are those plants that grow naturally in your region, and we should celebrate them! It’s easier to grow and sustain these plants because they’re already suited to your region’s soil and climate. Some Native North Carolina plants include: 

  • Wood-Anemone
  • Carolina Lupine
  • Eastern Blue Star

Native plants will require less effort and even less water to maintain and grow. Additionally, by growing native plants, you will also help preserve the birds and insects in your area by providing food and shelter for them. Ask the local gardening experts about the native plants in your area for more information.

[Check out this post if you want to know other ways to help the environment!]

Keep it diverse.

Healthy gardens tend to be healthiest when filled with a diverse mix of plants. Also, combining specific complementary plans can even enhance growth. Growing a tall plant, such as sunflowers, can naturally provide shade for those sensitive to the bright UV rays.

Consider which plants you want to live in your garden because some plants can hinder others’ vitality. Do your research before planting so that you don’t risk the deterioration of plants in your garden.

Keep composting cool.

Although you can quickly run by Lowe’s to buy dirt, why not participate in composting for creating your soil? Composting is not only simple, but it is also becoming more and more common.

Plus, it provides additional nutrients that your garden needs to grow. Set up a composting bin in your yard, save money at the local gardening store, and protect the environment!

Remember the 3 Rs. 

Reduce, reuse, and recycle – our three favorite “R” words! Yes, it’s easy to use everyday packaging for your plants, but why not recycle your plastic bottles and use them to enhance your garden?

Protect your seeds with those used water bottles by cutting off the base and placing them around your future blooms. Or reuse your recycled plastic a make a DIY watering can for your thirsty crops.

Developing an eco-friendly environment this spring will not only brighten up your home garden but will also play a huge role in making Mother Nature healthy and beautiful. Home gardening promotes a healthier environment and sustainability. Sustainability is all about implementing good habits to help our planet.

At Carolina Fibre Corporation, we believe in sustainability, whether it’s gardening, composting, or recycling.

Fall in Love with Recycling This February – Five Benefits of Recycling

February may be the month dedicated to love, but it doesn’t have to be limited to your significant other. As a supporter of sustainability and an enhanced ecosystem, Carolina Fibre looks for ways in everyday life to show love to our earth and protect the environment. And one of our favorite ways is through recycling. 

According to a new report by the research firm Verisk Maplecroft, the average American produces 1,704 pounds of garbage per year, roughly three times the global average. These staggering number showcase that we need to fall in love with recycling. In addition to reducing carbon emissions, recycling has many benefits. Keep reading to find out about five more.

Increases property value.

Recycling promotes a healthy community and, in turn, can increase property value. 

Communities that recycle will reduce the need for local landfills. Landfills will lower property values because nobody wants to live near a garbage dump. The more you and your neighbors recycle, the fewer landfills your city will need. 

The little bit of effort it takes to separate and recycle your trash each week will eventually pay off big for everyone in the community.

Saves energy.

Tossing an aluminum can in the trash takes less than a second. Reusing a can takes the same amount of time and has more benefits. Did you know that it takes twice as much energy to burn plastic as it does to recycle it? It also takes 64% more energy to make paper than recycling and reusing it. 

Recycling saves energy by reducing or eliminating the need to make materials from scratch. Making products from scratch is labor-intensive and expensive. Using recycled materials instead of pulling new natural resources, manufacturers can make the same products with less energy and expense.

Recycling creates jobs.

Plants and industries are required for effective recycling. If we were to ramp up our efforts, we could create ten times more jobs than landfill management.

According to Eco-cycle, jobs are created in: 

  • Collecting, processing, and preparing materials. 
  • Making new products from recycled materials. Your recyclables then head to manufacturing facilities that use recycled feedstocks, such as paper mills and plastic manufacturing facilities. 
  • Reuse and remanufacturing. Some discards are sorted and fixed up to be used again through computer refurbishers, thrift stores, and auto salvage yards.

[Click here to learn how a recycling program can help your business and save you money!]

Ensures a sustainable future for all. 

There is only so much the environment can offer with its limited natural resources. Recycling ensures that we minimize the immediate effect on the environment and give it time to recover while creating sustainable habits.

Reduces air pollution. 

When companies choose to use recycled materials that come from paper products, plastics, and metals instead of using raw materials, they reduce the number of toxins released in the air. 

Many people think that one person can’t make a difference, but when it comes to recycling, one person can make a huge impact. Recycling is a simple way to preserve our natural resources and protect our clean air and water – and of course, show love to mother nature.

Five Eco-Friendly New Year’s Resolutions

New Year’s resolutions are usually the perfect balance of terrifying, overwhelming, and cliché. They hold you accountable, will push you out of your comfort zone, and force you to reevaluate your life. Or it’s just the opposite, and you come up with something stale and boring – a goal you will forget about in two weeks and will never be reached. 

While most of the trendy New Year’s resolutions are based on personal betterment, the New Year is also the perfect occasion to think about ways you can positively impact the planet. Keep reading to check out five small changes you can implement in 2021 to help the environment!

Go paperless.

Not only will this contribute to your clutter-free resolution, but it will also help the earth. We live in a digital world, but there are still many things that inexplicably still use paper. Studies show that Americans use a lot of paper, and it’s hurting our environment. 

Fortunately, there are many places where you can opt-out of paper. Some of those areas include:

  • Sign up for email statements and online digital payments.
  • Request no receipts at grocery stores and Fast-Food restaurants. 
  • Utilize apps for keeping a calendar, creating a to-do list.
  • Consider switching your favorite print media to an online version. 

Green up your commute. 

Vehicles have a significant impact on our environment, and it’s not a positive one. According to the EPA, vehicle transportation accounts for more than 30 percent of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions.

Anything you can do to reduce your transportation footprint this year by walking, biking, taking public transportation, or telecommuting, even if it’s just one day a week, will help both the environment and your wallet.

Start composting. 

Composting is an incredible way to give back to the planet. There is a common misconception that food simply breaks down in a landfill without any issue. However, those veggie scraps from that salad you made will rot and produce methane gas if not composted.

There are several ways to compost but if you don’t have a garden, try collecting your food scraps and keeping it in the freezer during the week. When you’re ready, bring the leftovers to your local farmer’s market if they have a compost station. You can also ask your local natural foods store if they compost.

Invest in reusable items. 

Investing in reusable items like shopping bags and water bottles will make a huge difference. Because they aren’t easily recycled, plastic bags end up in landfills; however, they don’t always stay there. They’re so lightweight and end up being lifted by the wind and polluting nature, interfering with our water sources, our trees, and animal habitats. Buying a reusable shopping bag is a low-cost, one-time purchase that could significantly impact the environment and will greatly cut down on your plastic consumption.

While you’re at it, make a small investment in a reusable coffee tumbler to bring to your favorite coffee shop and a water bottle to fill up wherever you go. It will be a big investment in our planet’s future.

Revamp your family’s eating habits.

The food we eat is energy for our body, so it’s crucial to think about what we’re introducing into our diet.

Try buying fresh, organic food, fruits, vegetables, and eggs as much as possible. Visiting your local farmer’s market is great for your health and the planet. You’re supporting local organic farming that doesn’t involve pesticides or excessive transportation. You’re also helping out a local business owner who appreciates your support – it’s a win-win! 

Cutting down on meat, even just one day a week, is also an eco-friendly resolution. Get your whole family involved by introducing meatless Mondays and asking for their input on creative meatless menu items. 

Now that you’re equipped with some attainable and sustainable resolutions for 2021 pick some and start saving the world! It may not seem like much, but small commitments like not using plastic straws and buying reusable shopping bags can have a lasting impact on our environment for years to come. 

Hopefully, these ideas will get you started to a greener, more sustainable lifestyle for the New Year. However, if you still have concerns about recycling and eco-friendly living in general, Carolina Fibre is here to help. Check out our blog for more tips, or contact us today!

Five Tips to Make Your Holidays a Little Greener This Year

It’s getting colder (though not as cold as it should be here in Eastern North Carolina), the days are shorter, and nights longer. The holidays are here and with it an opportunity to have fun while creating an environmentally friendly celebration.

Make your holidays joyous in spirit and gentle on the environment with these five tips from Carolina Fibre!

Be conscious of gift wrapping.

When it comes to wrapping those gifts, consider natural, renewable materials over the shiny and metallic gift wrap. Newspaper, cotton, and woods are excellent options that add charming character and a personal touch to your gifts.

Sift through your Sunday paper and find stories that resonate with each gift recipient. For example, comics for the family clown, a sports story for the sports enthusiast in your friend group. Grab pages from old, worn-out, or damaged books for the co-worker who loves to read and write, or various advertisements from an old magazine for the marketer in your life. Old greeting cards are an innovative replacement for gift tags. According to a study at Stanford University, if every family wrapped just three presents in reused materials, it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fields.

Do holiday lights right.

Recent research shows that if everyone replaced their conventional holiday light strings with LEDs, at least two billion kilowatt-hours of electricity could be saved in a month. So, it goes without saying: at home, in the office, and around the tree, make it a point to use LED holiday lights.

They’re more energy-efficient and will save you money on your electricity bill this season!

Decorate with items found in nature.

Avoid buying cheap plastic items that fall apart easily, cannot be recycled, and take up space in landfills. Using green plants and fresh flowers, fruits, pinecones, and evergreens for home decorating are creative and stylish ways to protect the environment.

Natural holiday decor saves money and provides organic beauty. Green holiday decorating ideas are simple and classic, plus they create more time to enjoy the festive season and relax with family and friends.

Compost when the celebrations are over.

When the holiday season is over, try composting your pine garlands, dried up wreaths, and other flower arrangements.

Unlike fake Christmas trees, real trees are recyclable or compostable – so go real this year. If you already have a compost heap, your tree will have a happy home. Tree branches provide a generous base layer for composting. In both cases, chop the tree into smaller, more manageable sections, and add to your compost bin. If you don’t have a compost pile, some cities will convert your tree to mulch for free, which is fabulous for your garden later in the year.

[Click here for more Christmas tree recycling ideas!]

Set an earth-friendly table this year.

The leading cause of deforestation, and another massive source of greenhouse gas emission, is agriculture. The choices you make when you’re at the grocery store can help you reduce your agricultural carbon footprint.

Meat intake is an excellent place to start; just by slightly reducing your meat consumption, you can help reduce food-related greenhouse gas emissions. You can also be environmentally conscience when the meal is over by:

  • Saving scraps.
  • Distributing leftovers.
  • Utilizing your freezer.

Make this holiday season one to remember by creating new traditions with your loved ones, saving the planet, and having a blast by bringing these earth savvy and festive projects to life!

What steps has your family or workplace taken to green the holiday season? We’d love to hear; let us know on our Facebook page.

The Many Benefits of Fiberon Decking

Many companies worldwide recognize the many issues with the way we approach waste and recycling, so they are stepping up with innovative solutions. This new approach these companies are taking is pushing for positive change in their industries and inspiring hope for sustainability.
One company leading the charge of innovation is Fiberon Decking. Fiberon is a supplier of composite decking solutions. They design outdoor spaces that are not only created to sustain, but also to leave the smallest possible footprint. For almost two decades, Fiberon has been working to help those looking to create outdoor spaces, with quality and sustainable products made in the USA.
Beautiful outdoor spaces.
Fiberon takes great pride in creating outdoor living products that offer lasting beauty, maximum value, and easy maintenance.
Outdoor living is nothing without the outdoors and its natural beauty, so Fiberon incorporates eco-friendly materials and sustainable processes into everything they create.
Protecting the environment.
Fiberon’s amazing products are made from recycled materials, they source local recycled content, and utilize a closed-loop water cooling system for zero water discharge.
Their decking materials are made with locally-sourced recycled plastic, leftover sawdust, lumber mill scraps, and other materials. Each year Fiberon prevents more than 60,000 tons of plastic and other waste from ending up in landfills. Plus, Fiberon composites prevent further deforestation, do not contain the toxic chemicals often found in pressure-treated lumber, and are manufactured in a zero-waste process. Some other important facts about Fiberon and their processes include:

  • They are saving more than one million trees every year.
  • 100 million pounds of recycled plastic put to good use every year.
  • Manufacturing composite decking requires a constant source of water and they reuse almost all of it.
  • They reuse 98.5% of the waste from their manufacturing process.

Composite decking is cost-effective. 
While pressure-treated lumber may cost less initially, maintenance costs are significantly higher. Composite decking is a lot like prefinished flooring. It arrives as a finished product and never needs sanding, staining, or painting, just an occasional soap, and water cleaning. Wood needs to be finished after installation and then refinished every 1-2 years, meaning you’ll spend a significant amount of time and elbow grease maintaining that deck.
What’s more, wood decks are susceptible to mold, decay, weather elements, insects, and in general, have a shorter lifespan. Composites continually retain their good looks year after year.
According to Fiberon.com, maintenance costs with composite decking will be about $5-$15 per year, whereas wood decking will cost about $450-850 per year.
[Check out some more outdoor sustainability ideas here!]
Composite decking is safer. 
Wood-plastic composite decks will not splinter, split, crack, or rot, making your outdoor space safer for children, pets, and bare feet.
Fiberon decking looks just like wood.
Today’s composites genuinely reflect the organic beauty of hardwoods, complete with subtle streaking and wood grain patterns. And when it comes to color choices, you’ll find many more options to suit your tastes than with traditional wood.
As summer comes to a close, and the crisper temperatures creep into the Carolinas, start thinking about your outdoor space. Does it offer you the peace and joy that it should? If not, contact the experts at Fiberon today!
And for more tips on living green, whether outdoors or in, stay tuned to Carolina Fibre’s blog.
 

Four Essential Summer Recycling Tips

In most states, summer is beginning to wind down, but in southern North Carolina, we are still in the thick of it.
Our weekends are still filled with day trips, beach days, and pool time. It adds up to a lot of time spent outside in a beautiful environment, and we want to be sure to protect it. So, while you’re soaking up the sun this summer, try to reduce waste, save resources, and protect our earth by following these four essential summer recycling tips.
Road trips.
If you are ready to hit the road, pack some meals and snacks in eco-friendly containers and bring a reusable water bottles instead of buying bottled. Don’t forget to bring along bags to collect recyclables in the car and look for recycling bins at rest stops. Some other things you can do include:

  • Instead of buying small, travel-sized toiletries, fill reusable containers with shampoo, soap, and other necessities.
  • If you stop for a fill-up or a quick bite, commit to picking up a few trash pieces along the way. Try to help make the world better than how you found it!
  • Take only napkins, condiment packets, free brochures, maps, or coupons you will use.

Lawn care.
You will probably be mowing the lawn quite a bit this summer, so don’t let that cut grass end up in a landfill! The EPA estimates that our yard waste accounts for 18% of material in our landfills. Our dumps are quickly running out of space, so it’s important to help where we can. Grass clippings are an organic material that can be reused to benefit the environment.
Rather than bagging the grass as you mow, leave it on the lawn where it will return valuable nutrients to the yard. If you’re worried about the look of cut grass on your lawn, add your clippings to a compost pile. Either way, your grass-cycling will significantly impact the environment and help reduce landfill waste.
[Need more eco-friendly summer essentials? Click here!]
Pool and beach days.
If you have old beach or pool toys, try patching holes or find other uses. These products are usually made of PVC, which are not recyclable, so consider this before buying new ones. If you are shopping for new pool toys, buy those made from recyclable materials to minimize the ecological impact. Other tips include:

  • Reuse plastic or paper shopping bags to pack items for your trip and recycle them afterward. Plastic shopping bags are perfect for keeping dirty shoes and wet bathing suits separate from other things, while paper bags are great for packing snacks.
  • Use old buckets and other items in your house to build sandcastles instead of buying new ones.
  • When visiting beaches and parks, be sure to take out everything you bring in so that you leave places clean and undisturbed.
  • Take a closer look at your sunscreen. Don’t forget to see which cans and bottles are recyclable before throwing them out. Most metal sunscreen bottles are made from aluminum, which is a highly recyclable material.

For the grill.
Barbeques are far and few between these days, but if you decide to host a small gathering, make recycling convenient by putting a clearly labeled recycling bin by the trash.
A barbeque can produce a ton of waste, and because plastic cutlery usually can’t be recycled, it’s essential to try and plan ahead. Provide reusable knives and forks for your guests. If you want to work toward zero-waste, put out reusable napkins, plates, cups, and cutlery at your next party! We know this isn’t always practical, so if you must buy disposable, try to find paper products that are made from recycled materials and are biodegradable or compostable.
By paying attention to a few extra details, you can help make a greener summer possible for everyone, you know. For more great recycling tips, be sure to visit Carolina Fibre online today!

Seven Tips for Green Spring Cleaning and Recycling

Its spring and that means it’s time for a fresh start! This season focus on using cleaning habits that help the environment by only using safe cleaning products, recycling instead of trashing, and donating to charity so that your items can be reused.
If your goal is to reduce clutter this year, combine that with lowering your contribution to landfills by thinking green.
Reduce.
The first step to fighting messes and reducing clutter is to get rid of all those things you never use. Start with places where junk accumulates, such as drawers, closets, the garage, the basement, and attic. Begin the process by separating your stuff into piles—what you really will use and what you know you never will. Be honest with yourself as you sort through those jeans you haven’t seen since high school. Be practical when considering whether you should hang on to that fondue set you’ve never opened.
While it may be difficult to let some things go, the quickest way to cut your cleaning time is to have less stuff to clean. If you haven’t used it recently, you won’t miss it, and you’ll feel free of the burden of clutter!
Repurpose.
Now you have stuff that you’re ready to get rid of, but don’t just trash it all yet. Go through it and see if any of these items could serve a new purpose. Keep the items that you can carve out a plan to use later. Let go of items that someone else could use.
Donate.
Instead of trashing what’s left, consider donating. This includes everything from clothes, books, toys, baby items, home décor, dishes, and holiday decorations. All of these items could find new life in someone else’s home.
If you feel the need to get rid of your clutter quickly, drop it at your local Salvation Army or Goodwill. You could also post your items for sale online. You’d be surprised what people might be interested in. Just because it’s not an object you value anymore doesn’t mean someone else won’t find it valuable.
Recycle
Once you’ve exhausted all the other possibilities, it’s time for our favorite part here at Caroline Fibre. Recycling is such a simple thing to do, yet so many don’t bother with it. Reusing materials and properly disposing of harmful ones is an essential step toward protecting our world. With dozens of recycling facilities and most cities offering recycle pickup, there aren’t many excuses for not recycling.
Check local electronics retailers to find out if they’ll take your broken laptop or vintage VCR. Recycle plastic items the same way you would for plastic food packaging. And if you’re still struggling to get rid of some stuff, always consider Carolina Fibre for your old clutter.
Stock up on organizing tools.
Now that you’ve downsized, you need to find a system for organizing what you’ve got left. To do this, you’ll need some storage containers. Make sure your storage choices are eco-friendly by using cardboard boxes, cloth bags made from old t-shirts, or bamboo baskets. Raise your storage with vertical shelving to free up floor space and make your rooms look bigger and feel more organized.
Make your cleaning supplies.
For a genuinely green clean, make homemade cleaning supplies. Your home can get sparkling clean with a simple combination of vinegar, water, baking soda, and essential oil. Not only are you lessening the exposure of toxins to family and pets, but you’re also cutting back on waste.
Plan ahead.
If you follow these tips throughout the year, then spring cleaning will be that much easier. Don’t let stuff accumulate in your home. Instead, take time to think about things before you purchase, and don’t hesitate to return gifts if you’ve decided you’ll never use them.
Thinking green throughout all areas of life, from your kitchen to your closet, will put you ahead of the game when next spring arrives.
Follow us on Facebook for more helpful tips and tricks. And if you have any questions about recycling, contact us today!