Plastic Container Blog

Find an assortment of closet organization solutions including bins, totes and containers by reading this artcle; click
here.

by Meryl Shana
When you’re using a spare closet for out of the way storage, you need to know your options when it comes to closet storage systems. There are thousands of types of boxes, bins, and shelving out there, and any of them could be right for you.

First, decide whether you’re going for form, function, or a combination of both. If you don’t care about coordinating the look of your storage space, you have a lot more options for types of storage. Plastic tubs, rolling bins, and canvas totes are just some of your choices.

You can find a wide variety of Rubbermaid plastic totes and bins that you can use to enhance your closet storage. You could use little containers normally used for leftover food to store craft items or hardware; you could use giant totes for some of your biggest items, such as cushions from the patio furniture or the holiday decorations.

Place the very largest bins on the floor, underneath wall mounted shelving, and fill the shelves themselves with an array of different sized bins.

A key to good closet storage systems is labeling. Each tub, tote, and bin should be clearly labeled with what is inside it.

You should keep all similar items together, and you should be able to tell at a glance what’s in any box. A label maker gives you an easy way to do this, and you can peel the labels off and change them later if necessary.

Alternatively, a permanent marker is a quick way to label storage, as is taping a piece of paper with the contents to the side (front) of the bin.

Clear or translucent bins are the favorite of most professional organizers, because labeling no longer has to be so detailed with these. When you can see the contents, you’re even more organized, and you save yourself more time.

Rubbermaid has a wide selection of these as well, which you can incorporate into your closet storage systems. Also, remember that you can get specialty storage items for your closet too, specially made for gift wrap, craft items, and other hobby supplies.

Find an assortment of closet organization solutions including bins, totes and containers by reading this:
http://www.my2live.com/home-and-family/how-to-design-your-own-closet-organization-systems

by Meryl Shana
When you’re using a spare closet for out of the way storage, you need to know your options when it comes to closet storage systems. There are thousands of types of boxes, bins, and shelving out there, and any of them could be right for you.

First, decide whether you’re going for form, function, or a combination of both. If you don’t care about coordinating the look of your storage space, you have a lot more options for types of storage. Plastic tubs, rolling bins, and canvas totes are just some of your choices.

You can find a wide variety of Rubbermaid plastic totes and bins that you can use to enhance your closet storage. You could use little containers normally used for leftover food to store craft items or hardware; you could use giant totes for some of your biggest items, such as cushions from the patio furniture or the holiday decorations.

Place the very largest bins on the floor, underneath wall mounted shelving, and fill the shelves themselves with an array of different sized bins.

A key to good closet storage systems is labeling. Each tub, tote, and bin should be clearly labeled with what is inside it.

You should keep all similar items together, and you should be able to tell at a glance what’s in any box. A label maker gives you an easy way to do this, and you can peel the labels off and change them later if necessary.

Alternatively, a permanent marker is a quick way to label storage, as is taping a piece of paper with the contents to the side (front) of the bin.

Clear or translucent bins are the favorite of most professional organizers, because labeling no longer has to be so detailed with these. When you can see the contents, you’re even more organized, and you save yourself more time.

Rubbermaid has a wide selection of these as well, which you can incorporate into your closet storage systems. Also, remember that you can get specialty storage items for your closet too, specially made for gift wrap, craft items, and other hobby supplies.

Find an assortment of closet organization solutions including bins, totes and containers by reading this:
http://www.my2live.com/home-and-family/how-to-design-your-own-closet-organization-systems

by Meryl Shana
When you’re using a spare closet for out of the way storage, you need to know your options when it comes to closet storage systems. There are thousands of types of boxes, bins, and shelving out there, and any of them could be right for you.

First, decide whether you’re going for form, function, or a combination of both. If you don’t care about coordinating the look of your storage space, you have a lot more options for types of storage. Plastic tubs, rolling bins, and canvas totes are just some of your choices.

You can find a wide variety of Rubbermaid plastic totes and bins that you can use to enhance your closet storage. You could use little containers normally used for leftover food to store craft items or hardware; you could use giant totes for some of your biggest items, such as cushions from the patio furniture or the holiday decorations.

Place the very largest bins on the floor, underneath wall mounted shelving, and fill the shelves themselves with an array of different sized bins.

A key to good closet storage systems is labeling. Each tub, tote, and bin should be clearly labeled with what is inside it.

You should keep all similar items together, and you should be able to tell at a glance what’s in any box. A label maker gives you an easy way to do this, and you can peel the labels off and change them later if necessary.

Alternatively, a permanent marker is a quick way to label storage, as is taping a piece of paper with the contents to the side (front) of the bin.

Clear or translucent bins are the favorite of most professional organizers, because labeling no longer has to be so detailed with these. When you can see the contents, you’re even more organized, and you save yourself more time.

Rubbermaid has a wide selection of these as well, which you can incorporate into your closet storage systems. Also, remember that you can get specialty storage items for your closet too, specially made for gift wrap, craft items, and other hobby supplies.

This link will give you the top 10 reasons why you should rent IBC’s. Click here.

Top 10 Reasons to Rent Intermediate Bulk Containers

There is no need to wait for available capital; a rental program can be set up in minutes.

Eliminate nonworking assets - You never have to worry about your IBCs not being utilized when you rent totes - simply return the tanks when you are done with them.

Enjoy tax benefits - The cost of renting IBCs may be an operating expense that may provide more tax benefits than the depreciation expense of buying the IBCs.

Budget flexibility - The ease and cost savings of renting high-quality stainless steel IBCs for both short-term and long-term projects increase productivity while lowering costs.

Additional financing options - Companies can finance their utilization of IBCs by participating in our rental programs.

Eliminate obsolete equipment - Renting stainless steel IBCs means never having to deal with your equipment becoming obsolete.

Environmentally correct - Stainless steel IBCs are returnable.

The benefits of renting intermediate bulk conta! iners are wide-ranging and can boost not only your company’s bottom line, but your own peace of mind, as well:

Conserve capital - Use stainless steel IBCs without the large capital outlay. Make sure to visit Metano’s website to learn more about the advantages of stainless steel IBC rentals.

Renting intermediate bulk containers can make a difference in your company’s business productivity, especially when you find the right provider to partner with.

Tom Wilkins is president of Metano IBC Services, Inc., a long-time leader in the IBC rental and services market. Save money by eliminating wasteful drum disposal and the associated disposal costs.

State-of-the-art equipment - Always be assured that renting provides the latest equipment and technologies available. No down payment and small monthly payments allow your company to use its cash resources to finance long-term growth.

Preserve credit lines - The financial flexibility of renting stainless steel IBCs enables your company to reserve valuable lines of credit for other growth opportunities.

Immediate results - Stainless steel tote rental programs allow you to start using IBCs today!

By custom-designing reusable, durable packaging solutions, this company can help their customers reduce their overall logistics costs.
Read more about this here.

Branded, reusable packaging totes
At Scholler Arca Systems (Booth 3045), a variety of smaller, handheld reusable plastic totes are on display.
By Staff — Modern Materials Handling, 4/23/2008 11:27:00 AM
“We have a global presence in over 50 countries,” said Kati Linna, president. “Our strength is our ability to custom-design reusable, durable packaging solutions that help customers reduce their overall logistics costs, while using returnable packaging to enhance their brand.”
Linna highlighted the company’s line of beverage crates, popular in Europe. “We worked closely with the beverage manufacturer to develop these containers with extensive marketing and branding integrated into the reusable packaging,” she explained.
“These units actually sit on the shelves in stores, and the consumer pays a deposit that is refunded when the container and the empty bottles are returned to the store,” she said. “It’s an area we see potential for in North America, with the growing interest in green, returnable packaging in all market segments.”
Also on display are postal trays used by governments around the globe, including Russia and Italy, said Linna. The company is also showcasing foldable, stackable handheld containers targeted at American companies focused on their role in protecting the environment.

The move away from plastic bags to plastic totes has begun!  Read more here.

The Revolution has Begun
Ever so slowly, the Green Revolution has begun. It’s now time for all of us to rise up! Vive la reusable bag! Yes that’s right. The Revolution I’m speaking of is the move away from plastic and towards reusable bags. And it’s true, it’s happening slowly, very slowly it seems in terms of other revolutions, but it’s happening nonetheless. Cities all over the world are banning the use of single use plastic shopping bags…

San Francisco became the first city in North America to ban the use of plastic bags. And it seems that the move, the brainchild of city politician Ross Mirkarimi, is inspiring major cities in other countries to follow his lead. According to Mirkarimi, he’s been contacted by officials in London and Paris to discuss the ban.

Leaf Rapids, Manitoba, population 550, became the first Canadian city/town to kick the bags to the proverbial curb.

Modbury, UK was the first European plastic-bag free town - all 43 retailers in the town voted to make the switch to “biodegradable, organic, fairtrade, unbleached, recycled carrier bags of every description - except plastic.”

All the way back in 2002, Ireland introduced a levy on each and every plastic bag. According to Wikipedia, this resulted in a 90% (!) reduction in the use of plastic. The money collected from the levy will be put into an environmental fund and will be used to support waste management, litter and other environmental initiatives. The Wiki article also highlights a number of other countries and their actions regarding plastics.

In Japan, people are being told it’s BYOC. That’s Bring Your Own Chopsticks. And your own bag. Sure, they haven’t passed an outright ban on plastic bags yet but they’re laying the groundwork for it.

And one of the last places you’d have thought of, CHINA, has also banned the use of plastic bags. Yes, you’re reading that correctly. China. Home of the 2008 Summer Olympics. The folks that are arresting Buddhist monks in Tibet. China. I’m as shocked as you are. As the article says, “Yet, in a bolt from the blue, it looks like the red has embraced green.”

Now, if other cities all over the world (and not just small towns and villages), and WHOLE COUNTRIES can enact bans on plastic bags in order to encourage people to think about their actions and carry reusable bags, why can’t my city? Or the province? Look at Superstore. They’ve been charging $0.04 per plastic bag for as long as I can remember. Many shoppers purchased reusable heavy duty plastic totes instead of having to buy the bags each time they shop there. Now they also offer the perfect sized reusable fabric bags (as do most major chains). There’s really no reason why we need plastic bags. Heck, back in the 80s when we lived in New Brunswick, a store there was charging for plastic bags! That was 20 years ago!

Come on folks. make the switch. If your city has not yet made a move to reduce the use of plastic bags, I encourage you to write to your mayor, city council, state representative, Senator/Governor/Premier, Opposition party leaders, Prime Minister or President asking them to step up to the plate and become a world leader in environmental change. Here are a few addresses in case you don’t want to look them up yourself:

Fresh Direct, a New York based home delivery grocery service, plans to start using recyclable plastic totes within 3 years.  You can read more about this here.

Fresh Direct: Tiny Choice or Greenwashing?
By Jenn | April 3, 2008
I recently received an email from Fresh Direct (a NYC-based home delivery grocery service) letting me know that they’ve finally begun making deliveries within my zip code. I’d frequently seen them nearby, but guess I lived on the wrong side of the tracks… until now. More likely, there are now enough potential customers on my side of the tracks that it makes financial sense for FD to come knocking.

But, I’m not so sure about using their services. There have been times in the past where I dearly wished I could just click around their website and have my groceries magically appear at the door. Sure, you pay more for these services, but it’s like having your very own magical grocery fairy– and some weeks, we all need one of those (also needed: a cat litter changing fairy).

On one hand, Fresh Direct offers a large variety including organic and local options, and selected offerings from many natural foods lines. On the green front, they’re going to start running their delivery trucks on a biodiesel blend this spring, and they give the used fry oil from their prep kitchens to Tri-State Biodiesel for collection and processing. Their boxes use 100% recycled cardboard, and within three years they’ll be ditching the boxes in favor of “recyclable plastic totes“–FD is pretty infamous for underpacking their boxes and using way more than necessary for deliveries, but I’m not sure that “recyclable” bags is the way to go– are they recyclable in NYC? How about reusable bags, which would cut down significantly on waste and pollution, instead of generating more trash?

The thing is, when I carry my own groceries home from the store, it’s a low-impact operation– I’m using my reusable bags and taking mass transit. Sure, I can only carry a limited amount per trip, but depending on how much stuff I buy it can also count towards my cardio for the week. Those FD delivery trucks might be using some biodiesel mixed with their regular diesel fuel, which is a good start, but they’re still idleing and double-parking their way around the city all day, every day.

So, I’m not sure. Perhaps Fresh Direct will come in handy on an emergency basis (like when I had the flu two weeks ago, one week prior to the start of my neighborhood deliveries!), but I think the lower-impact way to shop is to keep on truckin’ the goods home with my own two hands.

This article offers tips for using and shipping plastic totes and how to re-use them after the move.  You can read this article here.

PersonalProperty Office offers tips for moving, shipping plastic totes

By:JPPSO NE

When preparing for an upcoming Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move, there are certain things that need to be considered when shipping plastic totes.

Many people have invested a considerable amount of time and money getting organized prior to an upcoming move, and as a result, have accumulated plastic totes. Customers should be aware that these containers can be used when relocating. Just make sure that these simple rules are followed.

Since there is no “packed by owner” permitted on military shipments, and the carrier assumes liability for whatever they pack, the carrier has the right to inspect all items and should be using the appropriate carton(s) to pack all items (i.e., clothes go in wardrobe boxes), thereby affording items the proper protection. Shipping offices should ensure that items are shipped in sealed cartons for stacking in trucks/crates and avoid pilferage. Therefore, one of two things must occur:

You can let the carrier pack all contents in cartons and then stack the totes/tubs separately for onward movement. If you elect to provide an already-packed tote/tub, the carrier will then inspect it and decide to either empty the tote/tub and place its contents in a carton, or ship the tote/tub as is with contents. It will be the carrier’s responsibility to ensure the tote/tub is adequately protected for safe movement. Tape may not be placed directly on the tote/tub. The intent is that at no time will any adhesive touch the tote/tub.

The above decision is at the carrier’s discretion. Service members/employees cannot insist that the contents must remain in the tote/tub, since the carrier assumes liability for the tote/tub and the contents.

Additionally, when items are destined for permanent storage, non-temporary storage (NTS), the use of plastic containers (Rubbermaid or similar) shall not be used.

If you have any questions regarding the movement of totes, ask your personal property counselor, or contact JPPSO-NE at (800) 235-7776, (781) 377-7627 or DSN 478-7627. For additional valuable information, visit the Air Force Move Web site at http://afmove.hq.af.mil/.