The Posh Blog

I was recently working with a client sorting through her old medications.  Many of her prescriptions were expired and would need to be disposed of, and I recalled that there have been many reports  on the news stating that traces of prescription drugs have been found in the public drinking water supply.  There have also been reports regarding the rise of the abuse of prescription drugs among teens. 

With that news on my mind, I wondered “what is the safest way to dispose of expired prescription drugs”?  Coincidentally, I know someone who is in the medical waste disposal industry.  He told me the best way to dispose of expired prescription drugs is by removing the drugs from the original containers and placing them in a different container with old coffee grounds, kitty litter, or something that would discourage a person from finding and taking the drugs.  He also sent me a link to a Press Release from the Office of National Drug Control Policy regarding what to do with expired prescription drugs.  The Press Release also states that you should only flush prescription drugs down the toilet if the package specifically instructs that this is safe to do. 

 So as you are clearing out your medicine cabinet, keep in mind how you are disposing of your old medications.  You can still dispose of old or unused prescription drugs in a way that is safer for the environment and to your community.   Enjoy the good life,Angela  Copyright (C) 2008 Angela Ploetz, POSH Space  www.theposhspace.com. 

  Last week I had the opportunity to attend the National Association of Professional Organizers Annual Conference in Reno, Nevada.  It was a fantastic event!   The ever so dynamic Peter Walsh, seen regularly on The Oprah Show and TLC’s Clean Sweep, delivered a stellar Keynote speech that inspired and motivated the hundreds of attendees.   

So what did Peter talk about that was so earth shattering?  One thing he talked about that really struck me was about how as a Professional Organizer my job is to help my clients realize their relationship with their stuff AND that I need to help people reassess their material goods.  This being something I do already, I was thrilled that I was on the right track, but it is always reaffirming to hear this from someone with such influence and impact.   

If you have heard me speak or keep up with my newsletter or blog you know that talking about reducing clutter and letting go is one of my favorite subjects.  It is something I that I understand.  I know what it feels like to want to keep so much stuff, I understand how it feels to be suffocated by the stuff, and I also understand how it feels when the switch goes off and you realize you don’t have to keep so much stuff.  It’s an incredibly freeing and joyous feeling.   

Not only is my job to help people reduce the clutter and feel good about it but also to coach my clients on getting into the habit of only buying what they need and love.  This is such a pertinent topic right now with an uncertain economy and it being so close to Earth Day (April 22^nd).  Most people are probably really making conscious choices right now about their purchases.  They are carefully considering where they spend their money and what they buy and bring into their homes.  This is a great habit to continue even after the economy recovers.  Think of how much money you would save if you never bought anything you didn’t need or want?  Think of how much less stuff you would have to manage in your home?  Of course, if everyone did this that would put me out of a job, and that would be fine by me.    

Enjoy the good life,

Angela   

Copyright (C) 2008 Angela Ploetz, POSH Space  www.theposhspace.com.  

The oh so fabulous Melanie Spencer, writer for the Style section of the Austin American-Statesman, interviewed me for an article on Sunday titled “Recycle the Easter Basket”.  The article features tips, from yours truly and Sarah Blanchard owner of Homegirls in Austin, for storage ideas and unique uses for Easter accessories after the last Easter egg has been found. 

So take a peek at the link while it is active and let’s get our Easter bunnies packed away for next year while we still have a little energy left from those chocolate eggs.    

Enjoy the good life,

Angela   

Copyright (C) 2008 Angela Ploetz, POSH Space  www.theposhspace.com. 

If you are an avid reader here is a really neat (pun intended) product for you!  Amazon.com has released the Kindle, which is a portable electronic device with instant access to thousands of books, blogs, newspapers, and magazines.  If you are a frequent traveler the Kindle will help you keep your carry on baggage to a minimum without having to loose the comforts of a juicy book, an indulgent magazine, the stock market, or your favorite blog.   

Weighing only 10.3 oz the Kindle is said to deliver book like readability.  Many New York Times Bestsellers are available for only $9.99 and are delivered to you Kindle electronically within minutes.  Now that’s service!  The price tag is a little steep at $399 but there is no monthly wireless bill or service plan. 

 I like the idea of this product because it can cut down on the book clutter in peoples’ homes and offices.  It also allows you to have all the books you want on a trip without having to lug around the books and magazines themselves.  This is a great “green” product because it is preventing you from purchasing the throw away items like magazines and newspapers while still getting all the content you want. 

Amazon, I think this is a fantastic product and if you wanted to gift me with one, I would graciously accept! 

Enjoy the good life,

Angela    

Photo from Amazon.com

Copyright (C) 2008 Angela Ploetz, POSH Space  www.theposhspace.com. 

   “One less bag a day keeps clutter away”.  If you are like many households you are losing the battle of the bags!  From shopping bags to grocery bags they seem to multiply over night and are easily one of the most common causes of clutter.   

One way to dramatically reduce the number of bags coming into your home is by purchasing reusable shopping bags.  Whether you’re a tree hugger or not these bags are great for many reasons.  Using reusable bags versus plastic bags cuts down on the plastic bags in your home.  I know that may sound obvious, but I was shocked at the result in my own home.  It’s great!  I used to have a wad of plastic grocery bags that lived in our laundry room awaiting our next trip to the grocery store so we could recycle them.  Now, we typically can get all our groceries in 5-6 bags instead of 10-15 plastic bags and we don’t end up with more plastic bags cluttering our space.  These bags are also easier on the hands when you are carrying them, they are extremely sturdy, and can hold a ton.  Did I mention these bags can be used for more than just groceries?  We know one person who used them to move!   Once you have emptied your reusable shopping bags, don’t forget to take them back to the car for your next trip. 

The bags seen in the photo above can be purchased at Whole Foods Grocery Stores and H-E-B Grocery Stores for about $0.99.  The Container Store also has reusable bags available.  The reusable bag is the MUST have item for 2008!  If those are not good enough reasons, just think of all the bags you are preventing from entering the landfill.  There is definitely a “Green Movement” going on and what could be better than helping the environment and keeping the clutter down in your house. 

Enjoy the good life,

Angela Ploetz 

 Is clearing out your closet on your list of New Year’s resolutions?  If it is you may run into the problem that you have some old athletic shoes that need to go.  If you have “run” your shoes into the ground and don’t think ANYONE would want to stick a toe in them, there is another option besides the trash.  Recycling! 

Yes that’s right Nike has an outstanding program that collects used athletic shoes, grinds them up, and then makes different parts of sports surfaces around the world.  Check out Let Me Play to find out where you can drop off shoes in your community.  If you’re in the Austin area the Nike Outlet in San Marcos accepts shoes.

Clearing your clutter in an eco-friendly way, that’s gotta feel good!

Enjoy the good life,

Angela