The environmental movement has been gaining momentum for a number of years and like many Americans, you may want to help out. While moving can seem like a burden on the environment, there are ways to make your move more environmentally friendly. Here are three tips to make your move as green as possible:
1. Donate or Sell Items
Even if you’re moving to a larger home, you’re probably going to be getting rid of some things from your old house or apartment. Instead of throwing away items you don’t need, consider donating them. That way, rather than filling up space in a landfill your furniture or clothes will go to someone who needs them. If you need some extra cash around the time of your move, you can also put some of your possessions for sale. There are a number of mobile apps that can help you to sell your items. Whether you decide to donate or sell your unwanted items, both options are far better than throwing things in a landfill.
2. Reduce Box Waste
According to the Wolf Point Herald, cardboard is the single largest component of municipal solid waste in the world. If you have the environment in mind while moving, you won’t want to contribute to that waste. As it turns out, there are a number of options available to reduce the waste of cardboard boxes. One option is to ask your moving company if they allow the rental of reusable moving boxes. Or, you can purchase your own reusable moving boxes. Once you’ve finished your move, these boxes can be used for storage. There’s also a service called Rent a Green Box that can assist you in reducing your box waste. At the very least, if you don’t utilize reusable boxes, use recyclable ones. Using large cardboard boxes only to throw them away creates a large amount of waste. Also, remember that cardboard boxes can be repurposed in a number of ways.
3. Find Alternative Packing Materials
Foam packing peanuts are one of the most common packing materials used in moving, however many of these small pieces go to waste. When you’re done using your foam packing peanuts, don’t just throw them away. There are plenty of things you can do with foam packing peanuts, as you can see on Pinterest. While foam packing peanuts can be recyclable, they may not be taken in a roadside pickup. If that is the case, it may be wise to protect your items with a material that is always recyclable. One option is to shred up newspapers to protect fragile items. Then, once you’re done with your move, the newspaper can be easily recycled. Whatever you decide to use as packing material, make sure that is either reusable or recyclable.
If you’re an environmentalist, you may be wary of making a move. However, if you follow a few simple steps, your move will have a minimal environmental impact. By donating or selling any excess items, using sustainable boxes, and recycling packing materials; your ecological footprint will be relatively small. If you’re already striving to live a sustainable lifestyle, why wouldn’t your move be the same way?
