The Eco-Friendly Move How-To!

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Moving can be both a stressful experience as well as an environmentally damaging occurrence. The packing, the cleaning, the frantic tearing apart of boxes looking for the baking sheet you were sure you didn’t pack. For the most part, the stress is just part and parcel of the upheaval of transplanting yourself from one locale to the next. However, there are a few very simple steps one can take in order to limit the impact they have on the environment when they move, thereby limiting stress and making positive lifestyle changes to go with that great new place you will call home.

1) Ensure that you purchase boxes from a company that resells gently used moving boxes: We have all heard of the 3 R’s (Recycle, Reduce, Reuse and close the loop…) This suggestion will not only save you money when you need it most, but it also translates into reduced landfill waste, something for which we can all be thankful.

2) If buying used boxes isn’t possible, purchase new boxes made from 100% recycled materials: Boxes made from 100% recycled materials are just as strong as new boxes and will serve their purpose just as well. If 100% recycled is not possible look for something 70% and above.

3) Avoid making numerous trips back and forth: Driving uses gasoline, and the burning of fossil fuels is responsible for increased CO2 emissions which has ultimately resulted in global warming. Making numerous trips during your move will not only be an annoyance, but will use unnecessary fuel.

4) Ensure that the truck you rent is in good working order: Not all people need to rent a truck for their move, but if you do, ensuring that the truck is in good working order is not only a good idea from a safety perspective, it will also save CO2 emissions. Inspect the tires to ensure the pressure is high enough and where possible rent a diesel truck (diesel engines are more fuel efficient).

5) Reduce unnecessary items from your packing list: Cleaning out your closets before you move is just one example of how to avoid moving unnecessary or unwanted items before you move. Doing this will not only reduce the number of boxes you have to pack and move, but it will also help to get you off to a more organized start in your new home. Donating items to a local charity will also help to reduce landfill waste and help people find affordable items when they need them.

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