There are times when I get into organization mode and everything must have a proper place. When it comes to art and school supplies I often have found myself contemplating different types of storage containers to accomplish this task. The problem I would run into was each time I went to slim line or re-organize, I found myself needing a new container to serve our needs. This meant that I not only had extra containers I wasn’t sure how to use efficiently, but the pressure to re-use them because I had spent money on them.
Over the years I have found creative and environmentally friendly ways to accomplish my organizational goals for Free. Yes I said Free. You can organize your home using a simple green principle that will keep your rubbish output low and your home organization high. Reuse! I have learned to look at packaging from food items that I would normally throw into the garbage (and ultimately
the landfill) and re-use or repurpose themfor home organization. I have written articles demonstrating how to re-use cardboard boxes and aluminum cans for organization, but how about those plastic containers?
Plastic tubs from margarine, whipped topping, chip dip, hummus, cream cheese, etc. all make excellent storage containers to help keep your home organized. You can use them for buttons, legos, crayons, doll accessories, puzzles, etc. The best part about reusing these plastic tubs is that they have a lid and can be easily stacked. Baby wipe boxes also are a wonderful resource for organization for this reason.
When you have plastic containers from products such as pretzels, rice, seasoning, or whatever you may struggle with how to use these, because of their size or the restriction of the mouth of the container. Consider cutting the container in half and using both pieces for storage. The plastic that these containers are constructed from is sturdy. By cutting the container in half you will have two usable organizational containers with a wide mouth, because one will sit on its bottom and the other will sit on the lid, leaving you with a wide opening for placing items in.
Before heading to the store to purchase containers for organizing, look around your home and your recycling bin for an item that might serve your purpose. This practice helps keep garbage out of our landfills and keeps your money where it belongs…in Your wallet!
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Journey to Simplcity © 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
Leslie@leslievaleska.com
