Five Fab Tips For Eco-Organized Summer Fun

Summer has officially begun and the kids are out of school for the summer break. It's time to have some eco-organized summer fun! Did you know that a few simple steps will keep your household organized and stress-free so you can focus on fun family activities? You'll also be teaching your kids important lessons about caring for the environment.

Eco-organizing is the art of getting organized while going green. Here are some ways to get started:

1. Make Outdoor Eating a Time to Reuse - Keeping a picnic basket packed with reusable cutlery, cups, dishes, and cloth napkins is a wonderful way to make sure you're prepared for your next fun adventure. You can also bring a reusable BPA free plastic or stainless steel water bottle to fill with your favorite beverage, instead of buying plastic bottled beverages. If you must use disposable items, opt for the ones made from recycled materials. You'll save money and reduce the trash!

2. Eco-Lunch

· Have kids and adults try reusable lunch bags instead of disposable paper or plastic bags. Establishing a place for the bag when they come home each day will help them to remember to empty it each night.

· Reusable containers that can be rinsed out are great for storing food, rather than using disposable wraps. Just think of how much junk can be kept out of landfills with one month's worth of reusing packed lunch supplies!

3. Buy Supplies Not Stuff - When you're tempted to purchase trinkets, ask yourself if they are really going to improve your life, or just create more clutter. You'll help your kids learn not to become clutterbugs, which will surely result in cleaner rooms. Try buying only what you truly need for one month and see if you are really missing anything. Chances are you will have more time and money to focus on the things that truly make you happy.

4. Have a Ball! - Buying gently used sports equipment at Play it Again Sports or visit the Free section of Craigslist.com and FreeCycle.com for items folks are giving away. These are also great places to sell or donate your used sports equipment.

5. Make a Plan - Coordinating your errands and car pool activities allows you to execute them more efficiently. You'll save time and gas money, and be kinder to the environment.

Most importantly, do what you can. You'll love the results of having an eco-organizing mindset. Please share your tips and successes with Lauren Guiditta, Owner of Organize For Today (www.Organize4Today.com).

By Lauren Guiditta and Ilene Moyher.

Lauren is a professional organizer based in Glastonbury, CT specializing in helping her clients design simple home organizing solutions with an emphasis on green practices. For questions or more information contact Lauren at 860.805.7833 or Lauren@Organize4Today.com.

Ilene Moyher is a Marketing Specialist focusing on writing for and promoting small businesses. Contact her for personalized strategy and implementation of traditional and new media marketing programs. ilenemoyher@yahoo.com.