Packing Up Home And Moving: 3 Environmentally Friendly Packaging Options
Let's face it. Moving is not that environmentally friendly. On average, families use 60 cardboard boxes to move -- cardboard boxes that will never be used again. Then, there's packing tape, bubble wrap, wrapping paper and foam. All of these things help you get your things to your new home in one piece. But when you're done with them, they usually end up in a landfill, contributing to the overload of garbage that's already there. Fortunately, there are a few packaging options that will make your move a bit more environmentally friendly.
Rent Totes
Some moving companies have reusable plastic totes or bins that you can rent. If yours doesn't, you might be able to rent them from a box rental company. When you rent totes, the company will deliver them to your home several days or a week or more before your move so you can pack. They also give you time at the new place to unpack. Not only are plastic totes environmentally friendly, they are more sturdy than cardboard boxes and will protect your prized possessions much better than an ordinary box.
Reuse Items
Getting used boxes from your local department store is also a great way to cut down on waste. You can also use things that you already have around your home for packaging materials instead of buying some. For example, towels, sheets and pillow cases are great for wrapping up breakables. The key is to use what you already have as much as possible. Clean, crisp and new materials may look more appealing, but you will only use them once, so it's really not worth it. What's more, reusing items saves you money.
Go Green
If you must buy new materials, go green. Look for eco-friendly, biodegradable options that will break down easily in the environment. For example, instead of using plastic bubble wrap, opt for recycled paper products. Also, look for packing materials that are made from recycled materials. In some cases, you can find items that are made from 100 percent recycled materials.
In addition to packing your stuff in green materials, make sure to recycle what you use. Don't simply throw your materials away. Take them down to your local recycling center or put them in your recycling bin for pickup. Each little decision you make determines how environmentally friendly your move will really be. With proper planning, you can lessen your impact on the environment and save some money to boot.
For more information, contact M Dyer & Sons Inc or a similar company.
