Declutter Diaries: Plastic and Paper Goods

By Y.M. Lowy

Welcome back to Declutter Diaries! This week, we’re tackling the plastics and paper goods drawer. Whether you keep it in a drawer, cabinet, or random bin, let's organize the Ziploc bags, aluminum foil, parchment paper, gloves, paper plates, and those reusable shopping bags you mean to use but never do.

Organize This:

Keeping items organized helps prevent a chaotic mess. It’s worthwhile to invest in storage bins, like Ziploc containers, specifically for your Ziploc bags to maintain organization. Another valuable addition is a holder with a cutter for aluminum foil and parchment paper, which makes it easier to access and use these materials.

Keep your plastic plates on a space-saving stackable dispenser, and your hot cups in a rotating bin with space for both the cups and the lids. 

Store reusable shopping bags in a designated container to prevent them from spilling out every time you open the door. Using clear storage bins can help keep both garbage bags and plastic bags organized. To maintain a tidy appearance, consider purchasing a pack of black disposable bags instead of reusing colorful bags from local stores.

One Item Purge Challenge:

If you have any extra disposable decorated napkins or fancy plates from a party or tablescape, it’s best to part with them. They’re not something you want to keep as a collection, especially since you likely don't have enough in the pack for another complete table setting. 

Myth Buster:

Myth: All plastics are endlessly recyclable. 

Truth: Most plastics can only be recycled once or twice if at all. Even recyclable plastics degrade in quality with each cycle. 

Did You Know?

Plastic isn't just in containers; it's often in your food itself, like sea salt, tea, or canned foods. Many chewing gums are made with synthetic polymers, also known as plastic, as a base. Even bottled water can contain microplastics, especially if it has been left in a hot car or out in the sun. While research is still ongoing, it doesn't take a scientist to imagine that regularly ingesting bits of plastic probably isn't doing our bodies any favors. 

How Do You Do It?

Do you store extra items on top shelves where they're hard to reach, or do you have enough space in a pantry? Please share your favorite organizing solutions for your bulk plastic goods. We’d love to hear how you make it work!!