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Stacks of boxes, bubble wrap, plastic wrap, and several other goods are frequently used while moving and usually end up in the garbage, adding to the waste. However, smart planning may prevent packing and relocating from becoming a wasted operation. You may make your relocation more sustainable by using these five suggestions.
A Sustainable Move Is...
A sustainable move, usually referred to as a "green" move, occurs when decisions are made throughout the moving process to support the community and reduce garbage that would otherwise end up in landfills.
Compared to traditional movements, sustainable ones:
- The materials you select are frequently biodegradable, recyclable, and reusable and are created in a way that generates as little trash as possible.
- You look for ways to recycle items wherever feasible or give them to the community rather than tossing away unwanted or disliked goods.
- Your moving business goes above and above to employ environmentally friendly methods, such as biodiesel for transportation and energy-efficient facilities.
Let's now look at some sustainable moving methods you might use for your forthcoming relocation.
1. Utilize recyclable packing materials
There are several 100 percent recyclable packing options available to replace conventional packaging supplies and contribute to cleaner, greener surroundings. The nice thing about boxes is that they can be used repeatedly. Visit your neighborhood moving firm to check if they have any old boxes available for purchase at a reduced price. For returning your old boxes at the conclusion of your move, some moving firms will even give you a reimbursement. Packaging paper: Look for packaging paper that has been completely recycled, or even better, use your own post-consumer recycled paper. Traditional saran wrap is constructed of too-thin plastic to be recycled. Try using compostable cling wrap instead; it is composed of plants and will biodegrade. There is also eco-friendly bubble wrap that is biodegradable, so you may bust them guilt-free. Instead of plastic packing peanuts, you can use biodegradable ones produced from wheat or cornstarch. Even packaging tape may be created from recycled paper in a sustainable manner.
2. Make Wise Moving Container Selections
Plastic packaging is no longer used. Some environmentally friendly businesses rent moving boxes and deliver them right to your house. They pick up the robust plastic storage containers when your move is over, saving you from having to decide what to do with all the excess containers lying around your home. The best thing is that for every storage container you hire, one fewer piece of cardboard or plastic packaging ends up in the trash.
3. Give gently used goods
You'll probably have a stack of your 10-year-toddler old's clothes and all those cans of soup and tuna you bought before the last winter storm as you organize your closets, garage, and pantry in preparation for your move. However, avoid throwing those things in the trash. Here are several options for giving. Clothing and home goods: Support your neighborhood by giving clothes and other trinkets to your preferred local thrift shop or charity. Old furniture may be donated to thrift stores and organizations like Habitat for Humanity ReStores. Non-perishable commodities such as canned food are constantly needed by charities, religious institutions, and food banks in the area.
4. Treat your electronics with care.
Your vintage microwave may not be wanted anymore, but that doesn't mean you have to toss it in the trash or throw it out. Recycling electronic waste is one method of conserving natural resources, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the United States. Remember that 3,500 American homes consume the same amount of electricity each year as one million laptops do in terms of energy consumption. Likewise, a million mobile phones have the following materials in recoverable quantities:
a 35,000 pound copper mine
Silver weighing 772 pounds
75 lbs. of gold
33 kg of platinum
Donate or recycle your old electronics to prevent resource waste. Use our electronic recycling directory to find a certified domestic e-waste recycler so that your outdated computers, microwaves, phones, and other electronics are recycled in the United States in compliance with stringent environmental regulations rather than being transported abroad.
5. Work with a moving company that uses sustainable methods.
You actively support and promote nearby companies who are concerned about their environmental effect when you use a moving company that employs sustainable moving techniques. Here are some queries to put to your moving business regarding environmentally friendly moving methods:
Do the employees recycle?
Are the warehouses and offices built with energy efficiency in mind?
Do the trucks at your workplace operate on biodiesel? If yes, what steps is the business doing to reduce its fuel consumption?
Are all the materials they use recyclable?
Are used boxes sold there? At the conclusion of the relocation, do they purchase them back?
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