I get it. We all shopped some crazy things during the pandemic. But after reading four articles about decluttering in rather large publications in the last few days, I was ready to throw up a little bit. Let me explain why and how to declutter sustainably.

Decluttering isn’t only a method achieving a tidier living space, it’s also a way of life that ranges from superficially trendy to philosophical mindfulness. Often, minimalism is the end goal, with all the problems that concept brings with it.

Minimalism is mainly a concept for the privileged (you very likely won’t hear from an unemployed mother of two trying to scrape by how great it is to own only five bowls). It’s also deeply consumerist, because let’s also face it – in the glossy world of Marie Kondo, it’s not about making do with what you have: it’s throwing out and acquiring BETTER things (this New Yorker article reflects on this excellently).

This quote from a professional stylist in the New York Times shows what I mean: “Get rid of the stuff that doesn’t feel like it fits your lifestyle anymore. (…) Get rid of the stuff that you’ve never liked.”

Or, maybe… change that attitude of buying things you don’t like?!

Why it’s a sustainability problem

how to shop your stash
Should I declutter that?! – Declutter sustainably! (Yup, actual pic of my vanity – it’s the ‘before’ pic to the one above.)

There’re two major problems with decluttering: first, donating stuff isn’t really a good option. When it comes to clothes, early in the pandemic charities begged people not to donate clothes any more, showing in sharp relief the problem: generally, we wear clothes only seven times before we get rid of them. (In case of some lipsticks, I can truthfully say I’ve worn them even less before they went off.) (More about that in this Guardian article.)

Second, (not only in the case of cosmetics) not only they’re difficult to donate, but even more problematic to discard: it’s really difficult to recycle these tiny containers (and clothes, too).

If you still want to declutter your stash, here’s how to do it sustainably.

Declutter sustainably!

how to delutter sustainably
What I’m doing with lipsticks that’ve gone off and that I B2MAC: creating a library of colours

Don’t.

IF that means trashing things you no longer like, as voiced by the stylist above. No-brainer, but buy things that you like and will use. Curb those instant gratification urges, and research before you commit – I mean, there’s the whole internet full of reviews for you to peruse! (Don’t rely on Instagram and TikTok – too glossy, generally.) Also, manage and shop your stash with the following easy tips.

Recycle

If you want to throw away products – it happens. I usually go through my stash twice a year to make sure nothing has gone off. If it has, recycle as responsible as possible. Terracycle is a good option, shops sometimes take in products you want to recycle and a general rule of thumb is to dismantle the product as much as possible.

Donate

This is easier in the US and UK than in Germany, but women’s shelters, hospitals and so on might take your unopened products. (I wouldn’t know of any organisation in Germany that allows that, but please enlighten me!)

Gift, swap or sell

Nothing easier than that – products you no longer like might be just the thing for a friend or relative. I’ve sold gently used products on second hand platforms as well.

Repurpose

I mean, Karl Lagerfeld was famous for drawing with Shue Uemura eyeshadows, so if it’s good enough for Karl, maybe turn your unloved eyeshadow palette into your next art project? I took on my box of skincare and makeup samples recently and found an astonishing number of ways to repurpose products even if I didn’t want to wear them on my face.