9 plastic-free organizing products
We all know it: plastic is a bad for the planet. That means it’s bad for us, our non-human neighbors, and our descendants. Its production relies on fossil fuels and releases greenhouse gases like CO2 into the atmosphere. It pollutes our land, seas, and air, wreaking havoc on ecosystems and leaking toxins into the ground over the hundreds of years it needs to degrade. Microplastics from synthetic fabrics, tires, and numerous other sources poison our soil and threaten our health.
So as we strive to create more sustainable lifestyles, a great starting point is reducing plastic use within our homes. Let’s take a look at plastic-free organizing products that beautifully merge functionality, aesthetics, and a commitment to making more earth-friendly decisions.
If not plastic, then what?
Ok, so you know that plastic = bad news. But what should you buy instead? Here’s a quick break-down of some great alternative materials that are much kinder choices for Mama Earth.
Bamboo. Bamboo is one of the most eco-friendly materials today. Unlike most trees, bamboo reaches its full maturity in just a few years, thanks to being the fastest-growing plant on Earth. This rapid growth enables sustainable harvesting without depleting natural resources. Bamboo's strong root system also helps prevent soil erosion, making it ideal for preserving fragile ecosystems. To top it off, bamboo is naturally pest-resistant, reducing the need for harmful pesticides and chemicals. Plus, it’s super pretty!
Natural fiber weaves. Jute, water hyacinth, and sisal are great examples of these quick-growing renewable resources. Sturdy and easy on the eye, when containers made of these grasses eventually reach the end of their lifecycles, they will decompose easily in just a few years.
Wood. While it’s not as fast-growing as bamboo, wood is still a respectable alternative to plastic. Target has several nice wood storage bins. Bonus points if you can re-use wooden shipping crates or fruit boxes!
Metal. Metal organizing products have a clear advantage over plastic ones in terms of eco-friendliness. With longer lifespans and durability, metal shelves and storage bins require fewer replacements, reducing the demand for raw materials and energy consumption in manufacturing. Moreover, metal is highly recyclable, allowing for easy transformation into new products without harming the environment.
Recycled plastics. Sometimes it’s surprisingly difficult to entirely avoid plastic. The good news is that more and more companies are embracing the use of recycled plastic in a wide range of their products. This not only reduces a company’s carbon footprint, but also promotes a circular economy where materials are reused and repurposed instead of ending up in landfills or oceans. Some companies, like iDesign, offer entire lines of organizing products made from recycled materials.
What about glass? While glass is, in some ways, eco-friendly (non-toxic, infinitely recyclable), the production and recycling of glass is actually more resource-intensive than plastic. And the big issue with glass is that we often use it only once before we chuck it in the recycling bin - think of a your favorite kombucha drink, for example (guilty!). That’s if you recycle it at all; here in the States we only recycle about 30% of our glass. The other 70% goes to landfills, where it will take 1 MILLION years to decompose. So while there are definitely benefits to glass, it only really becomes “sustainable” if you’re going to use it over and over. Luckily, when it comes to organizing products, we generally do. So go ahead and use those mason jars for your bulk foods, but keep in mind that the sustainability of glass isn’t as straight-forward as you might have thought.
The products ✨
So now that we’ve reviewed our go-to materials, here are a few examples of some of my favorite eco-friendly products:
Woven Jute Cubes
The Container Store
Storage cubes are possibly my favorite category of organizing product. They are just so versatile! I use them on shelves, in wardrobes, in entryway closets, even in my car. Handcrafted of naturally durable jute, these particular cubes add style while keeping things orderly. The cutout handles make for easy carrying and are the perfect place to pop a label.
Omaha Stacking Bin
The Container Store
These bins come with a dash of urban sophistication. Made from durable epoxy-coated steel and fitted with sleek cutout handles, they're stylish and sturdy. Whether you're organizing bottles, cans, or those pesky packaged goods that always seem to wander around the pantry, these bins have got you covered. You can set them side-by-side or even stack them up to maximize space.
Bamboo Bin
Walmart
These solid bamboo bins are incredibly lightweight, even when filled! The integrated handles make it easy to slide them off the shelves, and the straight sides allow you to take advantage of every centimeter of space (unlike bins that slope inwards at the bottom). Another bonus is that they're warp-resistant and safe for storing food.
Bamboo Turn Table
Walmart
Turn tables are one of my go-to products for kitchen organizing, but the majority of the options out there are made of plastic. This bamboo version provides a more eco-friendly alternative, with the same great functionality. These are perfect for spices and oils - especially your favorites that you use every time you cook. Just pop one in the cabinet nearest the stove and voila - you’ve got all your most-used items in arm’s reach! Plus, spinning these guys is pretty fun :-p
Felt Basket
Target
I love this bin because it’s lightweight and has a soft, interesting texture. The open top makes grabbing stuff a breeze, and the stitching adds a subtle design detail. These come in different sizes so you can get the perfect fit for your shelving.
Bamboo Spice Rack
Target
Keep your spices and small condiments organized with this bamboo rack. It features an expandable design that lets you take advantage of the width of your cabinet space. I recently set this up for my mom’s spice collection, and it’s now one of her favorite parts of the kitchen!
Glass Jar with lid
Ikea
Glass jars are a great way to beautifully store pastas, flours, grains, and even pickled veggies. The airtight seal keeps things fresh much longer than if you left them in the original packaging, and allows you to see how much you have at any given time; no more "out of sight, out of mind" moments.
Small Rattan Bin w/ Handle
The Container Store
I stumbled upon these Rattan Bins recently, and oh my, they're an absolute treat for the eyes! Handwoven and oozing quality - they're not just bins, they're a style statement for anyone looking for a simple, natural and neutral look.
Used Products
Your local thrift store
The last “product” is perhaps a bit of a cheat, but it’s a perfectly viable option! If you need to use plastic, try your luck at the home section of your local thrift store. You can often find great, gently used organization products that still have plenty of life left in them!
I hope this has given you some ideas about how to make more earth-friendly purchasing decisions. The more we support products like this, the more we send the message to manufacturers and retail stores that these products and materials are worth making. It may be a small change, but it’s certainly one worth making.
xo,
Joanie
Recycling correctly is more than just sorting waste; it’s about keeping items clean for better reuse. We’ve created a free guide to help both new and experienced recyclers. Check it out, do your part, and remember every effort helps our environment.
Happy Recycling!
