Moving requires fuel, packing materials and other things which have an impact on the local environment. The boxes used, as well as the packing paper and other materials, often end up in the trash. In the next month, several college students will be packing up their stuff and moving back home, to a place of their own, or a new dorm room. Many families purchase their first homes during Spring and Summer. Knowing how to move while at the same time finding ways to limit your waste footstep will require some planning, but is not difficult and well worth it. After all, you will be able to save a decent amount of money in the process with the added benefit of helping your local environment. Follow these easy tips to achieve just that:
How to Organize a Green Move
Use reusable containers
First of all, you should consider borrowing, renting or purchasing plastic containers for your belongings. Although they are made of petroleum products, they are far more reusable than the cardboard most often used. You can keep them around for much longer, allowing you to lower the amount of waste you produce during the moving process. Cardboard boxes usually require tape, which is made of materials that take a long time to completely decompose. Purchasing a set of plastic containers which stack into each other for storage purposes will allow you to keep them organized and under control with ease. This will reduce the boxes you’d need to buy otherwise. If you don’t feel like buying plastic boxes you can always find companies that rent them out for a small fee.
Use recycled moving supplies
As a way to save money and to lessen the impact on the environment, you can save cardboard boxes for your future needs. Whenever you go shopping you should safeguard as many boxes as you can, putting them in storage for later use. Some boxes are more useful than others, such as wine or liquor boxes. They already have compartments as part of their structure, serving as an excellent way of storing glasses and other smaller objects. Fragile items are easy to store within them because of their sturdy material. Check your local stores and ask the owners and supervisors if they can give you any boxes or if you may buy them if needed.
Use online sources to find materials
There are many sources online where you can find information regarding boxes and other packing materials at affordable prices. Classifieds websites (i.e. Craigslist) are a great way to contact people willing to sell or even donate boxes and other packing supplies. You may find listings in your area which fit your requirements, but if you’re not so lucky there are always many alternate ways of going about it.
Downsizing your possessions
When you move all your belongings you will have quite a lot on your hands. The more stuff you move, the more expensive it will be. It will also lead to higher expenditure of fuel and resources. The more resources used, the higher the impact on the natural world around you. It can lead to more pollution and a higher carbon footprint. If you want to lower that impact, one of the things you can do is downsize everything you own to a more manageable amount. Donating to charities and other organizations, even thrift stores, can bring many benefits, including a tax break. While helping protect the environment, you will be helping someone else along the way, letting them enjoy something they may have been looking for for a long time.
~This article was written on behalf of Removals Office.
Related articles
- Moving house? Here’s how to stay green and save cash! (paulsimpson.net.au)
- Greening Packaging Most People Never See (triplepundit.com)
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