http://www.care2.com/greenliving/plastic-free-storage.html
Plastic-Free Storage
Frankly, it is hard to find alternatives to the big plastic storage bins that are as cheap, long lasting, durable and convenient. But given that these containers emit the plastic smell for months, using alternative storage containers is well worth it.
If you are hesitant to give up all your large plastic storage bins, one rule to follow for a healthier home is to only use these in the basement, garage and other areas, where most people do not spend a lot of time.
For your living quarters, cardboard boxes, wood crates, chests, old suitcases and/or metal storage boxes are good alternatives. A good place to find these types of storage containers are yard sales, the Container Store and online.
Searching online I found some unexpected plastic-free container bins, including “Newsprint Bins” made from old newsprint that has been woven. The Container Store also has fabric bins, eco-fabric open bins, and bamboo bins!
I also found metal bins and wire mesh bins at mass merchandisers such as Lowe’s and Home Depot, canvas storage bags, and wooden crates.
More from Annie B. Bond (3248 articles available)
related stories
-
(8 comments)
-
(31 comments)
-
(1 comment)
Robyn
Melissa
Deepak
Eric
Dave
Dr. Brent
Isha
Susan
Delia
Michelle
Wendy
Megan
Hilary
Ann
Judi
Ronnie
Kelly
Lily
Terri
Betsy
Cait
Andrew
Jana
Annie B.
Veronica
6 comments
add your comment »thanks...
Kabin
Konteyner,Prefabrik
mega kabin
Konteyner
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
I'm in a catch 22 down here in South Florida. Our climate is very prone to silver fish, which really love paper, cardboard and the like.
What's a anti-silverfish person to do? Plastic to keep them out or live with coming back to one's belongings to find them partially infestested and destroyed.
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Sometimes being green comes as a benefit of just being frugal. I save boxes from purchases such as vcr, computer monitor, mail order items. When I was working I would also bring home office paper boxes from work. It kept them from going in the trash(up to the time I was able to implement an office recycling program) and provided me with a supply of non-toxic, reusable storage and mailing materials. Most grocery and box stores will save boxes for you if you request them a day ahead of time. I find that the various sizes and weights allow me to store some items under the bed, and the different markings help me to remember where items are. One word of caution: rodents will chew through cardboard more quickly than plastic, so if you are storing outside, make sure sheds or garages don't have holes where field mice can get in. The presence of cats or dogs will discourage most gnawing rodents. If we all evaluate the impact of our purchases as our responsibility from cradle to grave(including the packaging it comes in)and make greener choices, I believe manufacturers will respond by using more biodegradable materials such as cardboard and plant fibers. I have cigar and candy boxes made from cardboard that my grandmother saved for storage that are still in great condition and look attractive as well. I hope to pass this legacy of thrift onto my grandchildren.
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
I wish I had been armed with this when my apartment manager insisted I get rid of my cardboard storage boxes. They were IN THE CLOSET and yet she deemed them a "fire hazard." She wanted me to get plastic bins, spending money I didn't have on something I didn't want.
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
I have found some inexpensive non-plastic storage in both Homegoods and Marshalls!
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
My daughter found some nice, inexpensive ones at IKEA. I myself still have quite a bit of plastic storage but, as you suggest, most of it is in the garage.
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Facebook account: