By: Megan Spears, CPO® 

As professional organizers, we know clients thrive when they experience progress rather than feeling stuck or focused on what they haven’t accomplished. 

Anne Marie Bonneau, the Zero Waste Chef, wisely said: “We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need a million people doing it imperfectly.” 

This quote has become my mantra, perfectly capturing the essence of our work. It reminds us that small wins create momentum (this is the “imperfect work” that matters).  

On my own sustainability journey, this philosophy has helped me recognize that while environmental challenges are enormous, my engagement and consistent effort—regardless of scale—make a difference. It’s taught me to accept setbacks and keep trying. 

This April marks my 21st business anniversary. I truly love inspiring clients to envision new possibilities for themselves. My greatest satisfaction comes from witnessing them actively improve their lives through our work. I believe everyone has the capacity for positive change—the key is taking that first imperfect step. 

This Earth Day, consider how this approach might help you embrace sustainable change. What small, imperfect steps could you take that, when multiplied across many people, would create a significant positive impact? 

Here are 25 things you can do to celebrate this Earth Day: 

1. Create a home composting system. Divert organic waste from landfills where it produces methane gas. 

2. Use public transportation. Buses, trains, and carpooling reduce emissions compared to driving alone. 

3. Eat more plant-based meals. Even going meatless one day a week can significantly lower your carbon footprint. 

4. Reduce food waste. Meal plan, store food properly, and compost scraps rather than sending them to landfill. 

5. Shop locally and seasonally. Locally grown produce requires less transportation; seasonal foods need fewer resources to grow. 

6. Invest in energy-efficient appliances. Look for ENERGY STAR-certified products when replacing old appliances. 

7. Install a programmable thermostat. Reduce heating and cooling when you’re not home or when you are sleeping. 

8. Improve home insulation. Properly insulated homes require less energy for temperature control. 

9. Wash clothes in cold water. Most of the energy used in washing machines goes to heating water. 

10. Line-dry clothes when possible. Dryers are major energy consumers in many households. 

11. Switch to LED lighting. LEDs use about 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last much longer. 

12. Reduce single-use plastics. Carry reusable bags, bottles, and containers for shopping and takeout, and use cloth napkins at home. 

13. Practice mindful consumption. Before buying new items, consider if you really need them and look for secondhand options first. 

14. Reduce water usage. Install low-flow fixtures, fix leaks promptly, and take shorter showers. 

15. Start a garden. Growing even some of your own food reduces transportation emissions and packaging waste. 

16. Switch to renewable energy. Consider solar panels or choose a green energy provider for your home electricity. 

17. Maintain vehicles properly. Regular maintenance ensures optimal fuel efficiency and reduces emissions. 

18. Support sustainable brands. Research companies’ environmental practices before purchasing.

19. Advocate for climate policies. Get involved in local sustainability initiatives and support climate-conscious legislation. 

20. Go paperless. This simple step reduces deforestation, saves water and energy used in paper production, and cuts down on landfill waste and carbon emissions. 

21. Unplug electronics when not in use. Reduce phantom energy usage by unplugging devices that use standby mode. 

22. Limit fast fashion. Buy fewer, higher-quality clothing items, support sustainable brands, and thrift, when possible, to reduce waste and emissions. 

23. Fly non-stop. Booking non-stop flights reduces carbon emissions because take-off and landing are the most energy intensive. 

24. Install a rainwater system. Collecting and using rainwater for gardening or outdoor cleaning reduces the demand on water treatment facilities, which use a lot of energy, and can help reduce your own water bill. 

25. Reduce consumption. Reducing the demand for resources helps to protect the environment and conserve energy and is a sustainable option for the people and the planet. 

This Earth Day, may you be inspired to do one thing, or a few, or all of them—imperfectly, and remember, it’s about progress.  

Need help shifting to a more eco-conscious perspective in your own decluttering and organizing journey? Find a local expert near you (you can select “eco-organizing” from the drop-down for an environmentally friendly organizer): https://napo.empowereddirectory.com/  

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Meet the author, Megan Spears, CPO®