Natural Home Decorating
 Sustainable Home Furnishings
Earth-friendly, enviornmentally friendly, eco-living, and sustainable living all have something in common: an approach to social and economic activities that are compatable with the preservation of the environment. These terms are one in the same, as they all share the philosophy to respect for life and non-living parts of nature, and of the responsibility for future generations (taken from the Sustainable Living Network).
What does this have to do with organizing, you ask?
Well, when we make the effort to improve our environment and life through better organization, often times it may bring the art of design or decorating into the mix. Combined, both of these make our areas "home-friendly" to its inhabitants and guests.
When changes are made to our environment, I feel it is important to move toward a sustainable lifestyle, and not just make changes without thinking about our environment. In the current issue of Natural Home Magazine there is an article "Decorating Your Natural Home" that provides four principles:
1) Salvage, reuse, reclaim or repurpose it.
2) Choose natural and renewable.
3) Buy recycled.
4) Seek out the least harmful option.
I can't elaborate too much about these principles in the article or it would violate copyright. But, I can direct you to some previous related blog posts about these:
In decorating, you can search out materials that are grown, made, organic, nontoxic, reusable, compostable, and recyclable.
There is natural paint, wood, metal and biocomposite boards for furniture, and natural textiles that all contribute to the sustainability of home decorating items. There are also many natural products for countertops and flooring.
You will find that many home furnishing stores manufacture furniture out of recycled wood or other material, so try to seek these out when replacing items in your home. I've found some real treasures worth restoring at second-hand shops, and it's sometimes like a real treasure hunt to find that right piece for your home! Makes it all fun that way.
Just try to re-think your shopping habits and see how you can make a difference!
Words of Organized Wisdom
What is a home?
Every now and then I find a quote that is worth mentioning and this time I found two in one magazine! I couldn't write them down fast enough and bring them to you here:
"Every time you come home you should feel like you've arrived." (unknown -- stated in an ad)
"The real measure of a home is how it restores you at the end of the day." (Oprah)
Wow. I almost feel like I shouldn't comment about them and just leave the words for you to soak in yourself. To me, they are powerful words. I wish I said them :-)
Menu Organizers
 Organizing Products for Everything
Just when I thought I knew all the various types of organizing products out there, a friend had to surprise me with a Take-out Menu Organizer for my birthday! Who would've thought?
The one on the left is what I got and it is so cute, I had to display it in my kitchen where everyone would be sure to see it when they come in. It's a TableCraft Menu Minder and adds a little nostalgia.
I had to see if there were other products like this in the marketplace and, sure enough, there were!
Check out this one available at Stacks and Stacks:
Take Out Menu Organizer -Includes Sheet Protectors
Gooseberry Patch also has one, along with other organizers, like a coupon organizer, a special occasions organizer, a holiday planner, a receipt keeper, an online organizer, and a recipe organizer.
My goodness, does it get better than this?
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