If your love of home extends around the globe, consider these sustainability tips as you sort and stash your stuff.

choose wisely

Reuse. Repurpose. Readjust-but don't replace. When choosing storage solutions, look for durable products that adapt again and again for a long lifespan. Before you buy, find out what's inside... Does the product contain recycled materials? How does it affect air quality?

know before you go

Extra trips to the grocery store cost you time, money, fuel and frustration. Plan a menu for the week so you buy only what you need. Set up your pantry space for quick inventory so you know what you have before heading out the door. Sort by food type. Turn food labels outward. Group items often used together. Stack back to front in descending size.

get fresh

Stock your pantry with pull-out baskets to store and display fresh, local produce (many goods like tomatoes and potatoes fare better outside of the fridge). Plus, local foods require less fuel in their transport and fewer preservatives since they get to your table sooner.

work smart

By showing the boss that you can work effectively from home, you're likely to get the go-ahead to do so more often, saving gas and time. Get the day started early before the kids are up. Locate your workspace near natural light to improve alertness; use shades to reduce screen glare. Change up your posture and take breaks from time to time to keep your mind fresh and your focus sharp.

refine recycling

Locate recycle bins in a place where it's convenient for you to sort recyclables right after use.This makes your weekly recycling day a cinch. Give recyclables a proper rinse-ensuring they don't contaminate the batch (or attract pests). Situate a paper-only mini-recycling center near desks and craft areas and consolidate weekly.

simplify cleaning

When you don't give grime time to build up, you'll be less likely to resort to harsh chemical cleaners. Organize for light, frequent cleanings. Consider storage solutions that lift your stuff off the floor, making way for a swift sweep or speedy scrub. Use see-through baskets and hooks to keep earth-friendly cleaning supplies at the ready: microfiber cloths, spray bottles, baking soda, vinegar, lemon.

gather your giving

Designate a space to store items destined for charitable donation. There's no point in letting good things from last season languish in the back of your closet when someone else could put them to use. By establishing a zone for this stuff, you'll also make it easier to remember to take it along on your next errand.

be a lifelong learner

What we know about sustainable living is always changing, always growing. Expand your knowledge by checking out these websites:

earth911.com dailygreen.com thegreenguide.com

ORG offers a complete line of home organization solutions for closets, pantries, basements, laundry rooms, garages, home offices and more. Fully trained and authorized ORG dealers provide design services, organization advice and professional installation. Visit