We're all concerned about the environment, and most of us find ourselves in a category of not knowing what to do to help, as opposed to having a rich knowledge bank of green living. A change in mindset takes time and requires education. In order to help make everything a little more green, here are a few great tips for making a move as green as possible.
Pre-Plan Your Green Move
While it won't take weeks to sit down and plan an eco-friendly move, it does take thought and consideration to achieve a move that offers the least amount of stress to the environment. Consider the use of renewable, recyclable and biodegradable resources for your packing, transport and unpacking process and you'll be on the right path.
Hiring a Green Moving Company
There are green movers who are skilled in planning and executing green moves without busting a hole into your relocation budget. Whether you're planning a residential or a commercial move, a green moving company will build your moving contract upon a green foundation, from recyclable and reusable packing supplies to the transport of goods with eco-friendly moving trucks.
Reuse Moving Supplies
Reduce, reuse, recycle. That order will offer Mother Nature the greatest helping hand. Check Craigslist for boxes, packing paper and peanuts, and take advantage of anything you have on hand before purchasing more moving supplies.
Accumulate Recyclable Boxes
You'll need boxes for any type of move. Always overestimate the amount you'll need, and don't be shy about using boxes that have been “previously enjoyed.” When the cardboard begins to lose its ability to hold shape, that's when you can trade it out or offer it to the nearest recycling center.
Use Old Newspapers
Instead of buying new packing paper, consider the use of old newspapers. You'll more than likely want to wash your dishes after they've been hauled anyway, so newspapers will allow you to save some money while taking stress off of the environment. Begin collecting papers several weeks in advance, and you'll be set for a greener move when the day arrives.
Use Recyclable or Biodegradable Peanuts
No more traditional foam peanuts – you know, the kind that stick to everything? There are excellent options for packing peanuts, including the recyclable plastic-foam varieties as well as peanuts made from biodegradable cornstarch. They both do the trick, don't stick to the boxed items, are reusable and the cornstarch variety dissolves in water.
Transport With Eco-Friendly Bio-Diesel Trucks
Attempt to rely on the cleanest fuel possible for your transport. This will really help in combating the carbon footprint left by your move. Bio-diesel isn't a perfect fuel, but it is renewable, sustainable, cleaner and oftentimes more efficient than #1 or #2 grade-refined diesel.
Offer Balance for the Carbon Footprint of Transport
Follow the example of the masters of sustainable moving, MoveGreen, from Santa Barbara, CA. This team of professional green movers plants trees and purchases carbon credits to offer ecological balance to all of their contracted moves. This is a gesture that anyone and everyone can offer to make a move as green as possible.
Recycle All Electronic Waste
For residential, and especially for commercial moves, there are always opportunities to recycle electronic waste that could be easily left behind or tossed into a landfill. Refined goods such as computers, monitors, TVs, stereos, phones, cell phones – the list goes on – should be recycled appropriately. This is a free service at local recycling centers, and many centers offer compensation for specific electronic goods.
Reuse, Donate or Recycle Leftover Moving Materials
You've packed, moved and unloaded, now it's time to get rid of the supplies no longer needed. It is simple to offer supplies for free on public forums such as Craigslist if you will not reuse them. If donation is not an option you can run recyclables to your local recycling center.
