A great way to create storage that is interesting and functional is to use vintage containers.

Anything goes from wine crates to vintage locker baskets; you can store and organize your stuff in interesting and usable ways.  You don’t have to hide everything away in cabinets or a closet, using interesting containers gives a space personality.   In an entry way or mud room you can label vintage baskets and bins for everyone in your home, helping to keep you from searching for the keys, shoes or soccer balls just before it is time to head out the door.  Be creative!

Today I thought we could focus on some of the great, sustainable storage solutions out there.

image via Iannone Design

First up are these sustainable chic filing cabinets by Iannone Design.  Constructed of bamboo, FSC maple plywood and cork, they have touch release drawers, which allows for that amazingly smooth face front.  Stainless steel handles can be added for those wanting a more traditional look.  Best part?  The fronts double as cork boards, for those who like furniture that can multi-task.   Price $995 – $1,175

image via Legare

For those just needing a little file storage, comes this cute, FSC certified bamboo file cart from Legare.   Arriving flat packed, Legare furniture is designed to be assembled by the customer using no glue, nails or screws.  The file carts are designed to stack up to 3 high, and are quite affordable.  Price $69

Image via inModern

Another great storage piece that is assembled using no tools is the Linear Bookcase with Storage by inmodern.  Constructed from only twelve pieces of FSC certified Smartwood, this striking shelf unit has the added feature of sliding doors top and bottom, providing a nice, concealed storage area.  Price $720

Image via Housefish

For those of us prone to clutter (who me?), sliding doors are heaven sent.  If that describes you too, then check out all the great, colorful door options available on this console by Housefish.  Available in either maple or walnut veneer over FSC certified plywood, there are also ten different fun colors you can choose for the doors.  A similar unit, without legs, can be stacked on top to provide additional storage.  Ships flat pack.  Price for unit as shown above $598

Image via Cleveland Art

No place to put all those samples for your various projects?  Like the industrial vintage look?  This steel dresser with zinc drawers by Cleveland Art could be your dream solution!  Specializing in reclaimed factory pieces and other industrial cast-offs, Cleveland Art creates new furniture out of old parts.  With it’s honest, aged patina, this set of drawers would look fantastic in a design studio.  Hmmm…, maybe I should check this one out myself…  Call for pricing

Image via Way Basics

Peel and stick.  How much more simple to assemble could it be?  Configurable into a seemingly endless variety of storage cubbies, these cubes by Way Basics are made of post-consumer recycled paper with a laminate surface, all of which is 100% recyclable.  Lightweight but amazingly strong, the cubes are available in six different colors, as well as plain board.  Price for a single cube $22.99

image via West Elm

And finally, for the ultimate in low-tech, sustainable storage, there is always the woven basket.  The grasses most baskets are made from are rapidly renewable, and bio-degradable – a far better alternative to any kind of plastic bin or metal box you could use.  Plus there is something soothing about their timeless simplicity. The baskets pictured above are from West Elm.  Price $39 – $79

The solutions above are but a scratch on the surface of what is available out there.  Please take a moment to look at all the great options from these, and other companies offering sustainable solutions.

Tomorrow we will explore one of the several ways to avoid having so much to store in the first place.

Tomorrow – Let’s Get Organized, Day 4 -  iPhone Applications

Monday – Let’s Get Organized, Day 1 – Sustainable Desks

Tuesday – Let’s Get Organized, Day 2 – The Naked Binder