COMMITMENT to sustainability

Calm Space LA supports clients interested in more sustainable living by offering an earth-friendlier approach to home organization. Below you’ll find an ever-expanding list of  local donation, recycling and sustainable living resources. Have ideas to add?

DONATING SUSTAINABLY

“Being intentional about what we choose to do with the items we let go of is just as important as the letting go process itself.”

—Christine Platt, author of The Afrominimalist’s Guide to Living With Less

Having the choice to let things go is a privilege. After helping you clear your clutter, I ensure your belongings are donated where they are most needed or recycled with minimal impact to the planet. 

COMMUNITY CARE PROGRAM

I collect unwanted storage bins, baskets, labels, hangers and other organizing supplies from clients who pay my Regular and Supporting rates so that I can offer these resources to Reduced Rate clients who cannot afford to buy new.

DONATE

Please check links for more details on what they accept and how to donate. Thank you for giving a second life to your belongings and helping those in need! 

RECYCLE

Recycling keeps trash and dangerous chemicals out of oceans and landfills, reduces demand for raw materials, and helps combat climate change.

RECYCLING AT HOME

What goes in which bin? Find an updated guide on how to sort your trash, compost and recycling here.

OK TO RECYCLE IN BLUE BIN

  • Glass: bottles, jars (including broken ones EXCEPT drinking glasses, Pyrex, windows, ceramics)

  • Paper: mail, office paper, newspaper, magazines, phone books, paperbacks, gift wrap and greeting cards that are NOT shiny or glittery, sticky notes, milk cartons and other paper cartons

  • Cardboard: shoe boxes, snack/cereal boxes (remove bags or liner first), toilet paper and paper towel tubes, egg cartons

  • Plastic: clamshell containers, yogurt tubs, milk jugs, water bottles, laundry baskets

  • Aluminum: empty aerosol cans, soda cans, foil and clean disposable aluminum cookware

  • CDs and DVDs

DO NOT RECYCLE IN BLUE BIN

  • Greasy pizza boxes (you can remove and recycle a clean box lid)

  • Polystyrene (styrofoam) containers and cups

  • Plastic grocery bags (recycle at Target)

  • Shiny or glittery gift wrap and greeting cards 

  • Fast food cups including to-go coffee cups

  • Drinking glasses, Pyrex, windows, ceramics

  • Incandescent bulbs

  • VHS tapes

  • Coffee pods

  • Drink pouches (Capri Sun etc)

  • Old hoses

  • Chip bags and candy bar wrappers

  • Pet food bags

  • Biodegradable and compostable plastics

  • Plastic cups and toys

  • Wine corks (recycle at Whole Food or BevMo)

LIVING SUSTAINABLY

Click below to find sustainable alternatives for common household products. Brand mentions are based on personal use not paid promotion. Got ideas to add? Get in touch!

  • A bidet attachment is a sustainable alternative to baby wipes. It's also helpful for rinsing cloth diapers and soiled undies when potty training.

  • My kids love these biodegradeable flossers. I use a refillable floss that comes in a glass container.

  • Biome sells refillable biodegradeable wipes. Unfortunately compostable paper products and wipes can't go in the green trash can but you can compost them at home.

  • Last Object makes reusable cotton swabs for cleaning ears and applying makeup!

  • Detergent Sheets are a sustainable alternative to laundry detergent sold in plastic jugs. Did you know most of the plastic you put in your recycling bin isn't actually getting recycled?

  • Refill stores are sustainable alternative for restocking pantry and personal care staples. Instead of buying new containers (most of which cannot be recycled and may leach unsafe chemicals into your food), you can refill  reusable containers like OXO or old mason jars!

  • Who Gives a Crap offers subscription delivery services for toilet paper tissues and paper towels made from bamboo or recycled paper.

  • Menstrual cups, period panties, reusable pads - there are TONS of options for a more sustainable period!

  • I use these compostable trash bags in my Simply Human kitchen trash can.

  • I LOVE the Fellow Carter mug. It keeps drinks hot/cold for the entire day and never leaks. You can throw it upside down in your purse and not a drop will spill out. I don't leave the house without it