I was thinking about Marie Kondo. I believe she touched on something deep and spiritual there. We have a problem with utilitarianism and materialism in Western society. The distress we experience when throwing things out is the result of the disconnect between our attachment to an object, and the 'knowledge' that it's "just a thing". Marie gave people permission to formally end a relationship with the thing, which at least allows for some closure.

It's probably psychologically healthier, and the environment would probably be in better condition, if we interacted with 'things' as beings worthy of our thanks. (In the end, a utilitarian argument.)