Reducing Waste and Tips for Greener Moving

“If your resolution for 2013 was to curb your carbon footprint, you might find it a challenge when there’s an impending move: the dozens of cardboard boxes, rolls of packing tape, the white ocean of Styrofoam packing peanuts, reams of plastic bubble wrap.” (Allstate blog)

It can seem impossible for you to move and stay green all at the same time. However, simple steps can make your move eco-friendly.

Supplies

Supplies are rarely green in any way. In fact, if you use about 60 boxes for one household move, then you are using up one tree that weighs half a ton. You have several options to be a little friendlier to the environment.

• Borrow boxes from someone else who has moved recently.
• Use recycled plastic bins for the move instead. They can be used again for storage purposes or you can give them away to someone else who is moving.
• Use boxes made from all-recycled materials.

In addition to the boxes, other materials can be extremely bad for the environment, but you can make greener decisions. Instead of using plastic bubble wrap or Styrofoam peanuts, you can choose biodegradable alternatives. They are often made from vegetable oil or cornstarch. They will break down quickly and they are made from renewable resources. You can choose recycled paper to pack dishes and other kitchen supplies as well.

You can also use bedding, clothing, and linens from your home to wrap up breakables. This way, you won’t have to purchase any packing materials.

Declutter Your Home

Before you move, get rid of as much as you can. It’s better to go through everything and declutter in advance so that you aren’t relocating extraneous things. This will use less packing material and will save in gasoline. Go through each room in your house and determine what belongings you simply don’t need. Be realistic and practical about this as well. Don’t hold on to something just because you hate throwing away anything.

On that note, don’t throw away belongings that you are getting rid of. Instead, donate anything that is still useful to a charity. That way, you aren’t putting more things in a landfill and you will be helping someone else.

Start Off on the Right Foot

When you move in your new home, get things started on the right food. Be as green as you can be in the new place, and take the following steps:

• Use CFL light bulbs throughout the house
• Buy a house fitted with ENERGY STAR™ appliances
• Install power strips so that you can easily turn off electronics all at once
• Check doorways and windows to ensure there are no air leaks and install stripping to stop any leaks

There are numerous ways you can go green when you are moving. This way, you can keep your carbon footprint small instead of putting more things in the landfill and doing more harm to the environment. Simple steps can make a big difference, so be sure to plan in advance and you can enjoy a green move.