Eco Simple Challenge: Simplifying in January

I've put a lot of focus on the eco friendly portion of my Eco Simple Challenge this year, but the time has come to talk about simplifying. 

When I started this challenge for myself, I wanted to see how I could improve our life by being more intentional about the products I use and trying to repurpose things that aren't being used: clothes I don't wear, things taking up space and items that could make other people happy. I didn't realize I was right in front of a phenomenon. 

"Tidying Up with Marie Kondo" hit Netflix in January and now everyone and their mother is simplifying their life. I think it's absolutely amazing! I've even used some of Marie's techniques to make simplifying our life easier. As excited as I am about simplifying our home, I'm even more excited to learn more about organizations that are doing amazing things. It's been so easy to collect things and it's super humbling, even embarrassing, to realize how much I'm not using and could be given to people who really need them. 

Each month I'll be donating to one or more new organizations than the month before. I'll be trying to think outside the box of your usual donation hot spots. Now, there is nothing wrong with Goodwill, but I'd like to see if I can make my donations go the extra mile, either by making them more easily accessible to people or finding niche locations for items that are harder to find at typical secondhand stores. I've also made a pact with myself to not sell my goods. This isn't me on a high horse, I just want to ensure that by donating our things and simplifying, I'm not then using that money to buy more things.

This month I'm donating my five items to Joseph's Coat here in St. Paul. This amazing organization is strictly volunteer run and has been doing amazing things for the community since 1989. Their focus is on providing no-cost clothing and necessary items for people in the Twin Cities. As equally as important, they work by values of providing each person who walks through their door, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation or religion, with acceptance and respect. It was an easy choice to support Joseph's Coat this month. 

If you're interested in donating, they have a very helpful list on their website that tells you how to donate and what items they do and do not accept. 

Find Joseph's Coat on West 7th St. in St. Paul. Donation hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

So what have I gone through and simplified this month? 

1. Women's winter clothes
I konmarie'd the crap out of my closet and broke down all of my donations by what could be most used seasonally and if things are more specific items people look for. In January, winter clothes are obviously the most important items of clothes. 

2. Hangers
This is an item that can get forgotten about in your closet, but can be used by everyone, but also by the organizations you're donating too. I donated a large box of plastic hangers in numbers we never got close to using. 

3. Sheets and blankets
Another winter necessity. Not only did we have some mismatched sets, we had so many sheet sets we never really used. Typically, we swap through two sets, which means the others just sit there unused. This is was very obvious choice to add to our donations to Joesph's Coat. 

4. Women's coats
I had quite a few coats that had been forgotten about in the back on my entry closet. These gently used items will be super helpful for others as temperatures continue to drop. 

5. Women's winter boots
Again, I had somehow collected several different styles of boots that just didn't get used. They ranged from fuzzy, lined boots to water proof winter boots. I'm happy to know these will be used by other people and not gathering dust in my closet. 

---

I know so many people have been going through their own closets and I'd love to see what you've donated. I'd also love to know your favorite organizations that accept donations. 

You can also share in the comments below, or on Instagram by tagging @thesownseed and using the hashtag #ecosimplechallenge.

See you at the beginning of the month for the five items I'm swapping.