Because of global warming and diminishing natural resources, eco friendly living has become a very popular choice for millions of people. There are a number of big and small things we can do to protect our environment. Because so many of us move each year, there is now a growing trend to find ways to make the moving experience more environmentally friendly.
Traditional moving had been quite unfriendly to the environment because of the huge amount of stuff we took with us and the large amount of fuel that produced toxic pollutants in the air. There are now many ways to relocate responsibly. The following list provides a number of helpful tips that will make your move more environmentally friendly:
Inventory: Before you start packing, you should take an inventory of all of your household and garage items. You will probably find many things that you no longer need or have not used in years. This can include old electronics, clothes, and other items that have been sitting around collecting dust. You can donate them to the appropriate charities. You can also donate old books to your local library. Take electronic goods such as stereos, cell phones, and other items to an electronic recycle facility. Neighborhood yard sales and giveaways are another option. You can also sell items online or in the classified section of the newspaper.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Supplies: Before packing, many people will clean all of their belongings. Consider using eco friendly cleaning supplies. Biodegradable and non-toxic cleaners are safe for people, pets, and the environment.
Earth Friendly Packing: Packing materials such as foam peanuts and plastic bubble wrap produces a lot of waste that ends up in the landfills. Using old sheets, towels, newspaper, and recycled plastic wrap will reduce waste. Substituting honeycombed recycled paper products for bubble wrap is another good choice.
Packing Containers: Used and recycled boxes are great for packing items. They are strong and durable. There are many sizes and shapes and you can acquire them at recycled box retailers, supermarkets, stores,etc. After you finish with the boxes, you can give them to the moving company so they can reuse them. You can also take them to a recycling depot or give them to someone else who needs them for moving. You can also rent recyclable containers. You can purchase rubber tubs at many stores. They are great for packing small and fragile items. Recycled plastic containers are another great choice. After your move, you can use them to store items such as tools and other hardware.
Hazardous Items: Certain items such as flammables, corrosives, and explosive that can include fertilizers, car batteries, acids, ammunition, paint thinners and bleach, can be very dangerous for people and the environment. Take them to a facility that properly disposes of hazardous waste.
Earth Friendly Movers: There are many environmentally conscious movers. They provide recycled containers, boxes, and packaging. Some companies have “Poopy Pallets,” which are made from recycled baby diapers. Many also use biodiesel-powered trucks and will drop-off and pick-up boxes before and after the move.
After you have packed and shipped your items, you will need to clean. The best way to do this is to use eco-friendly cleaning products. They are made of all-natural and organic ingredients. These are safe to use because they don’t release any toxins in the air or environment, and they won’t damage your skin.
Moving can be a time consuming task, but making it green will help the environment. You will feel good knowing that you are reducing your carbon footprint and saving our natural resources.