Being eco-friendly is an easy thing to do at home, but a process like moving can make this a challenge. Driving a large moving truck will have a bigger impact on the environment compared to driving a hybrid or electric car, but you have to make some sacrifices to have a positive moving experience. It is important to look at the other ways that you can minimize your carbon footprint when moving to a new home.
Packing Fragile Items
Framed pictures, televisions, monitors, glassware, and some other things are all quite delicate. It makes sense to get a huge roll of bubble wrap to protect these items for moving. But, bubble wrap is not good for the environment because it takes so long to breakdown and ends up stockpiling in landfills. Using plastic at all has its disadvantages because it can cost even more money to purchase recycled plastic.
The best alternative is to use what you already have to pack your fragile items. Towels, clothes, blankets, sheets, pillowcases, pillows, and comforters are some things that you can use for protection. Start with large electronics first as you do not have many alternatives for wrapping them. If you know you are going to run out of room, try to save the glassware and picture frames for last, which you can wrap in newspaper. Instead of buying newspaper for packing, ask your family, friends, and neighbors for their old issues.
Using Boxes
Buying brand-new moving boxes only contributes to how many used boxes are in circulation. So, you should make it a priority to get your hands on second-hand boxes. If you find anyone is moving into your neighborhood, see if they are willing to let go of their boxes after they finish unloading. Check nearby yard sales in the late afternoon because they may have extra boxes from selling some of their possessions. The less you end up driving to get these boxes, the less impact you will have on the environment.
Hiring Movers
Moving without professional assistance, like Dixie Moving and Storage Inc., may not be something that you are interested in, but this does not mean that you have to sacrifice eco-friendliness altogether. Some moving companies use renewable energy, drive trucks that run on biodiesel, or rent out moving boxes that have been recycled. The most important thing to do is ask, and then you can base your decision off of the answers that you receive.
With a little bit of planning ahead of time, you can enjoy an extremely eco-friendly move.
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