One event that is not exactly well known for its earth consciousness is moving. Between throwing away junk and packing valuables in cardboard, tissue, Styrofoam popcorn and tape, there is a lot of waste involved while shuffling your stuff to new housing.
But moving doesn’t have to be a wasteful affair. Here are six ideas for making your next move greener.
1. Scope It Out on Satellite
Depending on how far away you are moving, it may not be possible to take multiple trips, or even one trip, to scope out your new place. Instead, start your apartment or other housing search virtually. Use satellite images from Google Earth to view potential living spaces.
You can also rely on any friends, family or future coworkers in the area to take a look at prospective houses for you. They may also be able to recommend safe places to live and affordable complexes to check out. Then use sites like Google Maps to explore your new neighborhood. In the process, you can save money and reduce travel emissions journeying back and forth.
2. Recyclable Packing
When it comes to packing up your whole life and preparing for the actual move, buying cardboard boxes can be an expensive and unnecessary waste of paper. Instead of investing in one time use materials, find moving supplies for rent. Green moving supply companies will rent easy-to-use moving boxes and then take them away to use again in another way. Not only does this reduce waste, but it also solves the trouble of having bulky cardboard boxes lying around in need of disposal after the move.
3. Conserve Your Own Energy
In the hurry and bustle of packing items, sorting through old stuff and hauling everything to a new location, it is easy to feel run down. While you are working hard to help the environment, make sure you conserve some of your own energy, too. A smart tip is to pack one room each day to help prevent feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
4. Reuse While Reducing
As you pack boxes, you will also find things that you would really rather not take with you. A move can be the perfect opportunity to sift through old belongings and clean things out. But rather than dumping all your old stuff, find ways to recycle, sell and donate belongings. Take clothing to resell shops and furniture to consignment stores to make a little extra cash. Donate things that boutiques won’t take to places like the DAV or Goodwill. Finally, be sure to appropriately recycle any ancient electronics.
5. Hire Eco Movers
Do some research when employing a moving company as well. Find a business that tries to be efficient and eco friendly. From using fuel and servicing equipment to caring for your belongings, it is important to find an ethical and environmentally conscientious group to work with.
6. Fuel and Transport
Finally, pay attention to the types of transport you choose when journeying from point A to point B. Bio-degradable fuels are the best. If renting a vehicle to drive, find one that uses flex fuel. Also, try to limit the number of trips you make between destinations. This will cut down on emissions and time.
With these tips, you can make your moving process environmentally safe.
Image from www.naturallifemom.com
