March 23rd, 2008

Beauty and the Bin

Posted by Monica Schenk

Left-over cardboard boxes work exceedingly well as receptacles for household recycling. Not only do old boxes serve a second purpose, but after many months of reuse, they too can be recycled. Plain brown cardboard boxes even have a simple un-dyed aesthetic appeal, but let’s face it – they’re not exactly the chicest household accessory. If you do not want to choose between beauty and your commitment to waste reduction, there are several more attractive storage options. Some of these bins are so handsome, they may inspire a few non-recyclers to get started.

EcoTrio’s stylish kitchen containers are made of recycled plastic and combine two compartments for trash and recyclables for easy and convenient disposal. The lid on the trash section of the receptacle, which is easily opened with an attractive foot pedal, keeps odors inside and trash out of site. They provide an attractive and environmental solution for storing trash and recyclables in the kitchen.

Heavy Metal Stacking bins (at right) available at The Container Store are constructed from epoxy-coated steel for years of faithful, good looking service. They’re a classic open, slant-front design and stack securely to conserve on storage space. Each has a label holder on the front for easy identification of the contents. They coordinates beautifully with any décor and come in several sizes.

These lightweight and colorful Folding Recycling Bags (below) from Gaiam are easy to carry outside or drive to your local recycling center. Velcro® tabs keep the bags in an organized row, while collecting your recyclables.

TailorMade Bamboo makes these beautiful bamboo and canvas bins (below) that are easily configured with metal rods to offer increased sturdiness for any storage job. These are wonderful for paper recycling.

Amazon’s Woven-Seagrass Laundry Sorter (below) may have been made with laundry in mind, but it would be a great recycling bin for paper, plastic and metal. The metal framed container has a hinged lid to hide ugly old containers and the 3 removable cotton-cloth bags are easily washed and reused.

Finally, if you are the crafty-type, there is nothing to stop you from embellishing that old cardboard box or fashioning your own recycling bin out of items you have on hand. Learn how to make your own Storage Basket at jcarolinecreative.com

Popularity: 1% [?]