During the Covid pandemic, social media was filled with posts about people washing and reusing disposable face masks—designed to be worn once or twice before proper disposal—for weeks. While the irony is amusing, it highlights a long-standing habit in our society: hoarding items with neither sentimental value nor practical utility. Many households in Bangladesh have entire storage spaces dedicated to crockeries, trinkets or possessions that have been used once, or never at all.

This culture of "cluttering" continuously adds to the growing piles of belongings that occupy significant space in the average urban household. Exacerbating this issue is the rise of overconsumption. In an era when products are purchased online and delivered to our doorsteps with just a few clicks, excessive consumerism has taken hold in many households. The convenience of mobile shopping apps, frequent sales, unlimited choices, and enticing discounts fuel an endless cycle of purchasing and accumulating unnecessary goods.

Fast fashion, in particular, has emerged as a major contributor to this problem. It encourages consumers to buy cheaply made clothing in bulk, much of which is discarded after only a few wears. The consequences extend far beyond cluttered wardrobes. Discarded clothing adds to overflowing landfills, with synthetic fabrics taking decades to decompose. Many low-cost garments contain polyester and other plastic-based fibres that do not break down easily, leaching microplastics into the soil and waterways. Moreover, the fashion industry, responsible for massive carbon emissions, water waste, and chemical pollution, further degrades the environment.

Countries like Bangladesh—one of the world's largest garment producers—bear the brunt of this crisis. The dyeing and textile waste disposal processes pollute water bodies, while discarded clothes contribute to mounting waste. When these garments are thrown away, they do not simply disappear; they accumulate in dumping grounds, releasing harmful substances that seep into the ecosystem, contaminating air, land, and water. This relentless cycle of overconsumption and waste extends beyond environmental consequences; it also impacts personal spaces and mental well-being.

Decluttering is more than just tidying up—it fosters a sense of tranquillity, reducing stress and improving focus. By letting go of unnecessary items, we create a more organised environment that enhances relaxation and productivity. In a world where material possessions are often equated with success, we rarely consider the mental burden that excessive accumulation places on us. Overcrowded rooms and overflowing cupboards can trigger anxiety and an overwhelming sense of disorder. Clutter is not just physical—it has a psychological impact, creating chaos that seeps into daily life.

Research shows that a cluttered environment is linked to higher cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. According to the Journal of Neuroscience, individuals living in cluttered spaces often struggle with decision-making, which further fuels procrastination and a lack of motivation. Decluttering, therefore, is not just about aesthetics—it is a step towards improving mental clarity and emotional well-being.

Beyond individual efforts, decluttering is a collective responsibility, one that organisations can actively support. Companies can encourage employees to reassess their consumption habits and find better ways to repurpose unused items. One effective approach is through decluttering fairs, where employees donate items they no longer need.

BRAC, for instance, has introduced such a fair, allowing its employees to pass on items to those who may find better use for them. Initiatives like this promote mindful consumption, foster a culture of sharing, and encourage responsible ownership. By facilitating such programmes, organisations create environments that inspire individuals to rethink their consumption patterns and engage in sustainable practices.

Decluttering is not just about creating space in our homes; it is a conscious decision to reduce our environmental impact. As responsible citizens, we must acknowledge the footprint we leave behind through our consumption habits. Every discarded item—whether textile waste, plastic or electronic waste—has environmental consequences. While large-scale issues like climate change may feel beyond our control, decluttering is a tangible action we can take to mitigate some of the damages. It offers an opportunity to undo, in small ways, the harm already inflicted on the planet.

A truly sustainable approach to decluttering involves more than just discarding items; it requires ensuring that they are repurposed, recycled or donated to those in need. Instead of allowing old clothes, furniture, or gadgets to gather dust, individuals can contribute to local charities, second-hand shops, or community exchange platforms. By adopting such habits, we actively reduce landfill waste, lower our carbon footprint, and support a circular economy in which goods are reused rather than discarded.

Moreover, teaching younger generations the value of mindful consumption and decluttering can foster a culture that prioritises sustainability over reckless consumerism. Because when the last tree has fallen and the rivers are poisoned, we will realise that survival depends not on what we own, but on what we have preserved.

Sultana Jahan is deputy manager of the media unit at BRAC External Communications. She can be reached at sultana.jahan@brac.net.

Views expressed in this article are the author's own. 

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