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:

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