Spring Cleaning: Declutter With the Planet in Mind

Published on 3/15/25

Written by Jessica Colla

Spring has officially sprung—and that means it’s time for the annual tradition of decluttering and deep cleaning our living spaces. But before you toss everything into trash bags and sprint to the store for single-use swaps, let’s talk about how to make your spring cleaning sustainable. By approaching this seasonal ritual with intention, you can reduce waste, repurpose items, and make eco-conscious choices that benefit both your home AND the planet!

As sustainability expert Annie Leonard reminds us, “There is no such thing as ‘away.’ So, when we throw anything away, it must go somewhere.” So, let’s dive into how to declutter and refresh your space the sustainable way!

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1. Decluttering with Intention

Okay, you’ve set aside the afternoon to declutter ... now what? Start by sorting items into four categories: Keep, Donate, Repurpose, and Recycle. If you're indecisive like me, you can also have an Undecided pile. As you go room by room (or category by category), ask yourself:

• Do I use this regularly?

• Is it still in good condition?

• Could someone else benefit from it?

Be honest—but not hasty. Remember, sustainability isn’t about tossing everything out to start fresh—that defeats the purpose! It’s about thoughtful choices that reduce your overall consumption and minimize your environmental footprint. As Bea Johnson, author of Zero Waste Home, puts it: “Living with less does not deprive your life; it improves it.”

Hot Tip: The average American produces nearly 5 pounds of trash daily (EPA). Every item you toss adds to the 292.4 million tons of waste generated annually in the US—more than half of which ends up in landfills. So avoid the landfill whenever possible. Local thrift stores, community groups, Buy Nothing groups, or donation centers like Goodwill can be great ways to pass on useful items.

2. Get Creative

Before you buy new containers or decor, take a look at what you already have. Can you:

• Turn old T-shirts into cleaning rags, tote bags, or dog toys?

• Use glass food jars as pantry organizers, bathroom storage or planters?

• Repurpose baskets, trays, or bins into home, closet or garage storage?

Getting creative with what you already own is not just sustainable—it’s also budget-friendly and give your home character using old memories! #style

Hot Tip: Check out “Recycle, Reuse & Repurpose” Facebook groups for creative ideas on upcycling “disposable” items into something new!

3. Recycle Responsibly

Recycling is AWESOME—when done correctly. Here are a few recycling rules of thumb to remember:

• Know your local guidelines. Not everything with a recycling symbol is accepted curbside, or at your local redemption center. Check local recycling rules to ensure nothing is wasted!

• Recycle electronics separately. Old phones, chargers, and small appliances should be taken to special e-waste recycling centers.

• Special disposal items: Batteries, light bulbs, and leftover paint often have special disposal requirements too. Check local regulations and find collection sites in your area.

Resource: Check out Earth911.com and your local municipality’s website can help you find drop-off sites and recycling programs near you.

Important Note: Only 5–6% of plastic waste in the U.S. is actually recycled (Greenpeace USA Report). This means the most powerful step you can take is to reduce plastics and reuse items whenever possible, rather than relying on recycling alone.

4. Switch to Sustainable Cleaning Products

Spring cleaning is the perfect excuse to swap out toxic or single-use cleaning products for more sustainable options and healthier alternatives! Imagine … making these swaps now will save you from purging again next spring!

Instead, consider:

• Refillable glass spray bottles for your cleaning solutions

• Concentrated or dehydrated cleaners (like powders or tablets)

• Reusable cloths, scrubbers and mop heads

• DIY cleaners: vinegar + baking soda still works wonders!

• Biodegradable sponges and scrapers made from coconut coir, luffah or bamboo

Brands to Try: Blueland, Grove Collaborative, TruEarth, Ethique or check your local bulk store for refill options.

Bonus Tip: Switching to non-toxic cleaners can help improve your health too! Indoor air is often 2–5x more polluted than outdoor air, partly due to conventional chemical cleaners (EPA).

5. Find Hidden Opportunities for Sustainable Solutions in Your Home

Spring cleaning is more than just wiping down counters and reorganizing closets—it's the perfect chance to rethink how you live in your space and discover new opportunities to make sustainable choices every day.

Here are a few home-focused ideas to keep the spring-cleaning momentum going:

• Swap Out Single-Use Items:
  Look around your kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room. Could you replace disposable paper towels, plastic wrap, sandwich bags, or cotton rounds with reusable alternatives like beeswax wraps, silicone bags, cloth towels, or washable facial pads?

• Choose Natural Materials:
  If you need to refresh worn-out items (like shower curtains, rugs, or linens), opt for natural fibers like organic cotton, bamboo, jute, or hemp instead of synthetic, petroleum-based materials that shed microplastics.

• Upcycle and Refresh Instead of Replacing:
  Breathe new life into old furniture with a DIY paint job or reupholstery project. (There are tons of eco-friendly, low-VOC paints and stains available today!) Repurposing furniture not only saves money, but also reduces the demand for new raw materials.

• Invest in Air-Purifying Houseplants:
  Adding greenery like snake plants, spider plants, or peace lilies improves air quality naturally—no plug-in air fresheners or chemical sprays needed! Plus, they bring a calming touch of nature indoors.

• Switch to Eco-Conscious Home Goods:
  When it's time to replace everyday basics like light bulbs, batteries, or kitchen tools, choose energy-efficient LEDs, rechargeable batteries, and durable, plastic-free alternatives. Small upgrades make a big impact over time.

• Mind Your Water Use:
  Install simple fixes like faucet aerators, low-flow shower heads, and dual-flush toilets to reduce water waste. (Bonus: You'll lower your utility bills too!)

Remember: Spring is the season of renewal—and that includes the habits and choices we make inside our homes. Every swap, repair, and conscious purchase creates a ripple effect toward a healthier planet.

6. Set Up Systems for a Cleaner, Greener Home

Now that you’ve decluttered your space, its important to set up long-term systems that keep your space tidy and eco-friendly year-round!

• Donation/consignment bins: A designated bin to continually purge items you no longer need

• Home recycling and compost stations: Pick a personalized system that works for your space & lifestyle

• “One-in, one-out" rule: regulate your shopping using this great method (it works great in my closet!)

• Water-saving habits: Turn off taps while scrubbing and run only full loads of laundry or dishes

These simple systems make sustainability a natural part of your daily life. Thanks to your organization this spring, your future self will thank you—and so will the planet! 🌎

Conclusion: A Fresh Start for You and the Earth

Remember: spring cleaning doesn't have to mean filling up your garbage can. With a little creativity, intention, and care, you can refresh your home and help the environment. Sustainability starts with the little choices we make every day—and what better time to begin than right now?

Need help making sustainable swaps?

✅ Check out our favorite eco-friendly products in our Kaimana Conservation Shop (the “Sustainable Solutions” section)

✅ Download our FREE Sustainable Spring Cleaning Checklist to get started (coming soon!)

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