It’s Easy Going Green
I’m not a veteran environmentalist, I’m a regular person that loves hot showers, not about to convert my wardrobe to hemp, and I’m not about to go a whole year without buying anything, but I have discovered that you can be responsible and go green without giving up what you love. And it’s easier than you think I’m reminded that when I was in college and that earth-day environmental style equated Birkenstock shoes…and don’t get me wrong, I’m not against those, but that definitely was not me…nor is it now.
So, how did this all begin? Several years back at a NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers) conference there was talk about a new concept “Green” organizing. What I realized is that most organizers already embrace many of the green concepts unconsciously and that with a bit more attention, organizers can truly make a huge impact on our planet with our clients help.
Changes are so very hard…so I start by telling my clients that when we make any changes we must go slow and steady. To really own what you want to do, and, that everyone around you that is going to be affected agrees. This is also true about going green.
But what’s so darn important about going green?
Is it because of Al Gore?
Global warming and weather changes?
Is it because we are paying through the roof in oil prices?
If you think that going green is only a fad, I hope that one day we no longer refer to this new awareness as “green” that green will just be like any other color, but that our conscious consumption and thoughts will be so integrated that it will just be the standard of living and that to me…. will be fabulous!
But in order for that to change we need to understand why. Simply put we are destroying our planet. I know I don’t need to list off the concerns about CO2 emissions, glacier issues, flooding, hurricane and tornado issues, wildfires, global illnesses and the disappearance of bees….by changing our mindsets abut the way we live, seriously reducing our individual contributions and consumerism we will make a dramatic difference.
So that’s where being an organizer and then an organizer with a green consciousness comes in. This new mindset means acquiring less, and with less stuff you have less clutter and less mess and less stress!
Organizers introduces our clients to a life that is calmer, more relaxed and one that is physically more calming. Organizers also push limiting, cutting back and narrowing the universe of products that we use and things that we do. We also explain why we think this way is good for you and your family, community, and the planet. Having a mindset that having less is not about depriving is in many ways a weight loss program for the mind, and carried to the house, a weight loss program for your home.
Change is hard, but in just one fun, educational and interactive session with To The Next Level, I promise I can convert just 1 or 2 issues you are now living with and transform them into a greener, leaner more peaceful system. For example, I can teach you to:
1. Get your kitchen table back by developing a action oriented desk-top file system and teach you how to stop the junk mail.
2. Taking care of you. Did you know that everyday in the shower you pour on hazardous chemicals? I’ll teach you what’s in those personal products, help you get a “green” night sleep and teach you green housecleaning tips.
3. China’s manufacturing has it out for our kids! I’ll educate you in just what’s going on with those recalls and give you alternatives for fun times with out the toy chaos.
This is just a sampling on how retraining the brain can reap joyous rewards, for yourself, your family, your community and for the planet. Contrary to public opinion, it’s easy going “green.”
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Getting organized is easier than you think if you adapt the effective strategies and techniques I recommend to my clients. If you still need help with your organizing dilemmas, give To The Next Level a call at 631-553-0068.
