Ever heard this one?
“I was going to throw this out, but thought I’d check to see if you wanted it first?”
And suddenly, you’re standing there, holding an item you don’t need or want. Your mind buzzing with what to do.
When someone offer us perfectly good items they’re ready to throw out, it can feel almost impossible to say no. Most of us hate the idea of perfectly good ‘stuff’ going to landfill!
Before feeling like the only answer is to accept the item, take a moment and think…
What does accepting this item mean to your space and wellness?
- Pause and think about the consequences. Ask yourself, “Would I buy this for myself?” and “Am I comfortably managing what I already have? How will I cope with even more?”. If the answer to either is no, consider whether accepting the item stems from some form of guilt rather than need.
- Has your home become a respite for landfill? This one can be particularly hard to accept, but if the item is likely to sit in your home unused and unwanted, only to end up in landfill later, it’s just delaying the inevitable. Maybe you’re hoping a solution might appear down the line. But ask yourself “How long am I willing to wait? How much has already accumulated? And how much harder is it to manage as time goes on?”
- Are you the easy ‘go-to’ person? Out of kindness to others or wanting to help the environment you may have unintentionally become the person people turn to when they don’t know what to do with something, or perhaps feel guilty about throwing it out. Instead of taking on the responsibility yourself, could you be the advocate for a sustainable outcome? If you do not need or want the item, instead of accepting it, suggest alternatives. Many communities have recycling initiatives, men’s/women’s sheds or ‘buy nothing’ groups where functional items are appreciated. Charities like some Salvo’s accept working electrical appliances. These options help the owner take responsibility and may help them redirect the item to someone who truly needs it while keeping your home free of unnecessary clutter.
- Set kind but firm boundaries. While many of us want to do our bit, we can’t manage all the world’s waste issues. It’s okay to say no thanks. Try responding with kindness to the giver’s intentions while protecting your space. “That’s so thoughtful of you, but I don’t have the space for it. Maybe there’s a community group or neighbour who could make good use of it?”. This approach shows gratitude for the offer without compromising your space. This might take practice (it does for me!). We can still contribute to being sustainable by being mindful of what we allow into our homes.
- Navigating emotions. Saying ‘no thanks’ to a well-meant offer can stir up a mix of feelings. It’s okay to feel these, they are part of the process. But don’t let those emotions pressure you into taking on more than you can manage.
A home that reflects you
Our homes should be a sanctuary, that reflects our personality, wishes and needs. By being mindful of what comes into it, we can create a space that supports us, especially during challenging times.
We all deserve homes like this.
Don’t delay, start today
Sara
