As Americans, we make up just 5% of the world’s population, but we use more than 25% of the world’s resources.  Below are some tips to responsibly reduce the amount of stuff in your home and to keep down the clutter in the future:

• Recycle, repurpose, re-gift, sell, swap, or donate any and all usable items, remembering that one person’s trash may be another person’s treasure!

   

• Share your stuff with family and friends—especially items that are only used occasionally (sports equipment, camping gear, garden tools, luggage, party tables, etc.).

  
  

• Only buy what you really need (avoiding non-consumables when possible). 

• Shop the secondary market first (thrift stores, yard sales, eBay, Craig’s list, etc.) to keep useful items out of the landfill.

   

• If you buy one item, get rid of two—or MORE.  Give your stuff to a nonprofit charity and get a tax deduction to boot!

   

• Avoid the trendy and the temporary—look for well-made, classic items that will be useful and attractive for many years to come.

   

• Watch the video at www.StoryofStuff.com before your next shopping trip (and show it to your kids!)