Spring Cleaning with Sustainability in Mind: Declutter Responsibly & Reduce Waste - PRW Made

Spring Cleaning with Sustainability in Mind: Declutter Responsibly & Reduce Waste

Spring is here, bringing longer days, fresh air, and that annual urge to declutter and refresh our spaces. But before you grab those garbage bags and start tossing, consider a more sustainable approach to spring cleaning. Every year, millions of pounds of perfectly usable items end up in landfills simply because they were thrown away instead of responsibly repurposed, donated, or recycled.

At PRWMade, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, from using eco-friendly materials in our handcrafted wooden jewelry to ensuring our packaging is biodegradable and plastic-free. In this guide, we’ll share how to declutter responsibly while keeping the planet in mind.

1. Decluttering the Sustainable Way

Cleaning and organizing don’t have to mean waste. Here’s how to minimize environmental impact while tidying up:

Donate Instead of Discarding

Before tossing anything, ask: Could someone else use this? Many items—clothing, books, furniture, household goods—can be given a second life through donation.

  • Local thrift stores & shelters: Many charities accept gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories. Look for local homeless shelters, women’s shelters, or veterans’ organizations that need donations.
  • Libraries & schools: Books, art supplies, and educational materials can often be donated to schools, libraries, or after-school programs.
  • Buy Nothing groups: Check out Facebook’s Buy Nothing Project, where you can give away unwanted items to neighbors for free instead of throwing them away.

👉 Pro Tip: Before donating, check with the organization to see what they actually need.

Repurpose & Upcycle

One person's trash is another’s DIY project! Instead of discarding, get creative:

  • Old T-shirts → Cut into cleaning rags instead of buying disposable wipes.
  • Glass jars & containers → Perfect for bulk shopping, meal prep, or storage.
  • Broken jewelry & accessories → Use parts for DIY crafts or new designs.
  • Wood scraps or old furniture → Can be sanded down and refinished instead of being tossed.

Recycle Smartly

If an item truly can’t be reused, find the proper recycling method:

  • E-Waste: Don’t throw out old electronics—drop them off at an electronics recycling center.
  • Clothing & Fabric: Many brands (Patagonia, Levi’s, H&M) have take-back programs where you can recycle old clothes.
  • Household items: Check Earth911.com for local recycling centers for everything from paint to furniture.

2. Choosing Biodegradable & Sustainable Packaging

Decluttering responsibly also means rethinking how we package and store our belongings.

How PRWMade Keeps Packaging Green

At PRWMade, we believe packaging shouldn’t create more waste. That’s why we’ve made sure our materials are:
✅ Plastic-Free – No bubble wrap, plastic mailers, or unnecessary waste.
✅ Biodegradable & Recyclable – Our packaging can be composted or recycled instead of ending up in a landfill.
✅ Minimalist & Reusable – We use simple, beautiful, and functional packaging that you can repurpose.

Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Common Packaging Materials

If you’re sending gifts, moving, or organizing, choose sustainable materials:

  • Instead of bubble wrap → Use shredded newspaper or fabric scraps.
  • Instead of plastic mailers → Use biodegradable kraft mailers.
  • Instead of Styrofoam packing peanuts → Choose compostable cornstarch peanuts.

These small swaps make a big difference in reducing plastic waste!

3. Creating a Sustainable Cleaning Routine

Decluttering is just the first step—keeping your home clean and green is the next!

Ditch Toxic Cleaning Products

Many conventional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that pollute indoor air and waterways. Try these natural cleaning swaps instead:

  • White vinegar & baking soda – Great for scrubbing, deodorizing, and disinfecting.
  • Lemon & essential oils – Perfect for freshening up surfaces and fabrics.
  • Reusable cleaning cloths – Replace disposable paper towels with cloth rags or bamboo towels.

Adopt a “Less Is More” Mindset

The best way to keep waste down? Buy less, choose quality, and opt for sustainable alternatives.

  • Before purchasing something new, ask: Do I really need this?
  • Invest in well-made, long-lasting items instead of disposable products.
  • Support brands (like PRWMade!) that prioritize sustainability.

Final Thoughts: Small Changes, Big Impact

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to create more waste—by donating, upcycling, and choosing eco-friendly packaging, we can make decluttering a sustainable practice. Every small effort—whether it’s repurposing an old T-shirt or choosing biodegradable packaging—adds up to a big environmental impact.

At PRWMade, we’re committed to helping people live more sustainably—from the materials we use to the way we package and ship our handcrafted jewelry.

Ready to refresh your space the eco-friendly way? Start today by making one small sustainable swap!

Sources

  • Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2017). A New Textiles Economy: Redesigning Fashion’s Future.
  • Earth911.com (2024). Find Recycling Centers Near You.
  • Buy Nothing Project (2024). A Community for Free Sharing & Gifting.

 

Back to blog