The following is a guest post submission.
Moving to a new home doesn’t need to be a wasteful experience. There are easy steps you can take to go green while you go home. Even though moving is generally a stressful experience, using these eco-friendly tips, at least you can rest assured knowing that the unpleasantries did not spill over onto the environment.
If you are staying in town, you can pack efficiently to make as few trips as possible between the two houses. Obviously, this would not work, or be eco-friendly, if you are moving across the country. Pack your boxes as tightly as possible to conserve space, and then pick a vehicle based on the amount of materials you are moving. A large truck rental with plenty of room may seem the quickest, but a larger vehicle will use far more fuel. A smaller vehicle that needs two trips is better than a giant van that only takes one.
Lighten your carbon footprint through packing materials. Store bought boxes and bubble wrap are useful, but they are not always the most eco-friendly option. They may not be biodegradable, and they may just be a waste of your money. Plan in advance. Call family, friends, and even local supermarkets to ask if they have anything they would be willing to donate. Many retailers even use boxes and padding that are made from recycled materials. If after all this, you still do not feel as though you have enough, try using pillows and blankets. Fragile items wrapped up in a fluffy comforter are almost impossible to break.
We’ve all heard the phrase, โWhen in doubt, throw it out.โ This is an incredible waste. Instead of throwing things away, donate them to charities, friends, or shelters. For a little extra cash, hold a garage sale. Even broken items can be useful. Recycling facilities and even many electronic stores will gladly make use of your broken computer or stereo. This even goes for food. Many people do not want to transport uneaten food from the pantry or refrigerator, especially when moving long distances that might cause them to spoil. Give these items to a soup kitchen or friends.
In order to cut down on mail waste, notify the post office and any subscriptions that you may be receiving. You may even consider opting for the email option to cut down on wasteful mail even further. Trees will thank you.
Finally, clean your old home before you say goodbye to it for good. This prevents a cleaning crew from having to come in and potentially use products that are toxic. Use your own eco-friendly cleaning supplies.
These may seem like very small actions you can take, but they all add up. If everyone used these methods when moving, the carbon footprint we leave on the world would be much lighter. Do your part for the sake of the planet and future generations.
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