13
Jan

Non Plastic Storage Container Solutions

by Tiffany in A Green Home

Storage Suitcases

When I was doing some deep cleaning in my kids bedrooms last week I decided to research some non plastic options for storage containers. We have several of the plastic ones already and certainly don’t want to add to that number by buying more. So I decided to see what was out there that was non-plastic. Since I was looking for my kids rooms obviously some of these will be kinda kiddie looking.

I ended up purging so much stuff that I didn’t need to buy containers… I settled for thrift store baskets. But just in case anyone else has looked for options like these I thought I would list them here. I found them all at Land of Nod which has a lot of natural and greener options.

The picture above is the Kids Mini-Suitcases for Storage. They were what I likely would have bought… so cute!! They are cardboard and thread, so unless the thread is polyester (which it may be – it didn’t say) they are almost completely plastic free other than the handle, which looks plastic.

I also liked the Metal Locker Baskets. Front side features three old school locker vents and an authentic looking locker number plate. I liked these so much that it made me look for old lockers (the real ones) on Craigslist and I actually found several so next time I need  storage or shelves I may go that route.

Metal Locker Storage Containers

Colorful Large Canvas Bins – I like these for under the bed or laying inside the closet. They have three roomy, divided sections ideal for organizing toys, laundry and other stuff. Imagine if you get your kids to sort their laundry before they brought it out! You can fold these and likely wash them too, so that is a plus. Here are some other canvas bins that would look good on shelves.

Canvas Storage Containers

I thought these Kids Flea Market Wire Bins would be awesome for my boys and for our sports equipment. In fact I still might get these for the latter cause they are so cool. They would also work for toys and laundry. They are non-toxic, powder-coated and handmade.

Wire Ball Baskets for Storage

The Color Me Organized Storage Collection is perfect for kids and adults, and a great way to organize desks, hutches, closets and more. They are made of sturdy cardboard and you can choose a 4-Drawer Storage Box, Art Box, Magazine Butler, Pencil Cup or Photo Box. The Butler, Art Box and Photo Box include a name plate and labels.

Organizer

They have quite a few more options too but I just highlighted my favorite. Here are some others. Do you find it hard to move away from plastic storage tubs? If not, how do you handle it?

Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

7 Comments

  • http://theylife.blogspot.com Michelle Y

    Thanks, Tiffany! We’re moving our two-year-old son in with our four-year-old son soon, and these are some great ideas for me to get their room a little more organized. I love the idea of lockers!

    I thought I’d add Ikea, too–I purchased some storage boxes for kids toys on our bookshelf in our living room. They’re sturdy cardboard, covered with a rough fabric. They look nice and have stood the kids wear and tear for over a year now.

  • http://blog.franklingoose.com sheri

    WayBasics cubes are also a great solution. They are completely recycled & recyclable paper made into incredibly sturdy cubes, desks, tables, etc. The company is super green, and incredibly giving! Plus, they look great and they start at 20.00 so they’re super affordable too.
    http://www.franklingoose.com/categories/Furniture&category=Way%20Basics%20No%20Tools%20Assembly

  • mary shah

    i like to use old pillow cases.

  • Doris

    One of my goals this year is to reduce the amount of plastic my family touches. Thanks for the post, reposted to my FB.

  • http://bryanking.net/ Bryan

    Nice post! I have been looking for that kind of container to have my kids’ things properly organized. Keep posting!

  • Laura

    We must be on the same wave link…first dry, itchy skin and now trying to organize the toys. Thanks for the post and I welcome any other ideas you have.

  • http://twitter.com/onelovelivity Terri Henry

    These are beautiful and certainly more aesthetic than
    plastic. I would use these in some instances but I live in a rainforest area in
    the Caribbean and the closeable plastic containers are essential for preventing
    clothes and important documents getting damp as well as storage for items
    during hurricane season. I’d love to read about a solution that is closeable
    and watertight!