Moving can be a stressful process, but it doesn’t have to be bad for the environment. If you want to make your next move eco-friendly and sustainable, there are steps you can take to ensure that it is as green as possible.
From finding an eco-friendly mover to utilizing energy-efficient appliances during the move, going green with your move is easier than you think! So if you’re ready to make your next move more sustainable and lessen your carbon footprint, let’s get started on this green moving journey.
What is Green Moving?
Green moving is a term used to describe the process of making your move as eco-friendly and sustainable as possible.
This can include anything from finding an eco-friendly moving company to utilizing recycled packing materials. The goal of green moving is to reduce your carbon footprint by taking steps such as:
- Opt to have a garage sale or donate unwanted items instead of throwing them away
- Using biodegradable packing peanuts and bubble wrap
- Using recycled paper tape
Zee Green Bags provides furniture covers that are eco-manufactured, use less plastic, are produced with renewable energy, and can be recycled when no longer in use. [1]
By doing these simple things, you can make your next move much greener and more sustainable.
Advantages of Green Moving
- Environmental Conservation: Green moving helps reduce your carbon footprint and minimize the impact on the environment by adopting sustainable practices.
- Cost Savings: By opting for eco-friendly moving practices, you can save money in the long run by reducing expenses such as fuel costs and packaging materials.
- Health Benefits: Green moving promotes a healthier living environment by minimizing exposure to toxic chemicals and pollutants, creating a safer space for you and your family.
- Sustainable Packaging: Using biodegradable or recycled packaging materials helps reduce waste and landfill accumulation.
- Promotion of Sustainability: By embracing green moving, you become part of a larger movement towards sustainability, inspiring others to make eco-friendly choices as well.
Packing Materials for a Green Move
When it comes to green moving, the packaging materials you choose can make a big difference in reducing your carbon footprint. Instead of using plastic tape and bubble wrap to secure fragile items, opt for biodegradable packing peanuts or shredded paper.
You can also use old towels and bed sheets as extra padding. When it comes to boxes, look for eco-friendly options like sturdy cardboard boxes or even reusable plastic bins that you can move from place to place.
Consider skipping traditional cardboard boxes altogether and using cloth bags or backpacks instead.
If you have any unwanted items that don’t fit into your green moving plan, try hosting a garage sale or donating them to charity instead of throwing them away.
If you are reusing boxes, you may require tape. Additionally, if you have more dishware than pillowcases and need to protect fragile items, you may need padding material. Fortunately, the world of moving supplies offers a variety of eco-friendly options.
For tape, Treehugger Kraft Gummed Paper Tape is recommended. [2] For packing peanuts, starch ones that can be dissolved in water and used as plant feed are suggested by zero-waste influencer Gittemary Johansen. Instead of plastic bubble wrap, Grounded’s recycled-paper honeycomb roll is a good alternative. [3]
By following these simple tips for an eco-friendly move, you can reduce your carbon emissions and make your next move more sustainable!
Reusable Plastic Bins
Reusable plastic bins are the perfect way to reduce your carbon footprint while also saving time and money on your next move. Not only are they sturdy and reliable, but they can also be used multiple times for different moves.
This makes them a great option for people who are looking for an eco-friendly and cost-effective moving solution. Reusable bins come in different sizes, shapes, and colors, and they are stackable, so you can easily store them away when not in use. Plus, since there’s no need for bubble wrap or any other packing materials with these bins, your move will be both cost-effective and eco-friendly.
On top of all that, many companies offer discounts if you purchase multiple reusable plastic bins, making them even more affordable!
Bubble Wrap and Towels for Fragile Items
Not all bubble wrap is biodegradable. Traditional bubble wrap is made from plastic materials such as polyethylene, which is a type of plastic that is not biodegradable. There are biodegradable alternatives to traditional bubble wrap available in the market.
These eco-friendly types of bubble wrap are made of biodegradable and compostable materials such as cornstarch, recycled materials, or plant-based materials. Choosing these biodegradable options is one way to make your move more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
When packing fragile items, it’s important to make sure they are adequately protected. Biodegradable bubble wrap is a lightweight plastic material that can be easily wrapped around delicate items like glassware or electronics. The air-filled pockets help to absorb shock and provide an additional layer of cushioning.
Towels, on the other hand, can be used to add another level of cushioning between bubble-wrapped items, as well as to protect furniture from scratches or scuffs during the move.
When using bubble wrap and towels for fragile items, it’s important to use them in combination with other eco-friendly moving supplies like cardboard boxes and packing paper.
This will ensure that your move is carried out in an eco-friendly way without compromising on protection for your belongings. Plus, you’ll save money by not having to purchase expensive packing materials.
Going Green With Packing Peanuts
Biodegradable packing peanuts and cornstarch packing peanuts are eco-friendly alternatives to traditional styrofoam packing peanuts.
These biodegradable materials are made from plant-based sources and can be composted after use. Not only do they provide extra protection for fragile items during a move, but they also reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting them.
Recycled Packing Paper and Other Eco-Friendly Packaging Materials
Recycled packing paper is a great option for an eco-friendly move. Instead of relying on plastic packaging materials, such as bubble wrap and plastic bags, you can use recycled newspaper and other paper products to protect your items during the move.
Not only is this a more sustainable choice, but it’s also cheaper and lighter in weight than plastic materials. Most recycled papers are made from post-consumer waste, meaning they are diverted from landfills and given a second life.
If you’re looking for something that’s both lightweight and sturdy, consider using packing boxes made from corrugated cardboard or wood pulp board. These boxes provide plenty of protection while being much easier on the environment.
When selecting packing materials, make sure to check whether they have been made with recycled content or certified as biodegradable or compostable.
Avoid Unnecessary Packaging Materials
When moving, it’s important to avoid using unnecessary packaging materials. Not only is this wasteful, but it can also add up to a lot of extra weight and cost. If you’re looking for ways to make your move more eco-friendly, here are some suggestions:
-
Boxes
Use the right size boxes that fit all of your items snugly. Overfilling or underfilling a box will require additional packaging materials like bubble wrap or packing peanuts which can add up quickly. If you are reusing boxes, opt for sturdy ones in good condition that won't need extra protection. If you need extra protection for fragile items. -
Securing Boxes
Be careful not to use too much tape on the boxes as this will require more tape when resealing them after loading them onto the truck. Instead, use paper twine or string to close the boxes securely so they stay closed during transit. -
Bags
Try using reusable fabric bags instead of plastic bags when packing clothes and linens as an alternative to plastic shrink wrap and plastic storage bags.
Managing Unwanted Items in an Environmentally-Friendly Way
When moving, consider what items you need and don’t need in your new home.
Unwanted items can often be a source of unnecessary waste during the move. To ensure that your move is as sustainable as possible, it’s beneficial to deal with unwanted items in an eco-friendly way.
Garage sales are a great way to get rid of unwanted items in a sustainable way. By hosting one,
you can not only make some extra money for your move, but you can also provide someone else with something that may be useful for them.
When considering what items to put up for sale, make sure they are in good condition and priced fairly. A garage sale allows you to sell any unwanted items and can also provide you with additional funds for the move itself.
Donating unused items is another great option when preparing for a move. Goodwill stores and other donation centers often accept furniture and appliances in working condition, while certain recycling centers may accept broken electronics or furniture as well.
Local organizations such as animal shelters or homeless shelters may accept:
- Clothes
- Bedding
- Toys
- Other household goods
By taking the time to properly deal with your unwanted items via garage sales or donations before moving day arrives, you won’t only reduce the amount of waste produced during your move, you’ll also contribute towards helping those in need or making someone else’s life easier!
Hiring a Moving Company
A way to make your own life easier is to hire Matt’s Moving. The movers with Matt’s Moving pack items closely and securely, which reduces the number of vehicles needed, saving time, gas, and money.
Matt’s Moving has locations in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Minnetonka. Please call today for assistance with your move!
Sources:
[1] Bags, Z. G. (n.d.). Eco-Friendly Plastic Bags. Eco-Friendly Plastic Bags. https://zeegreenbags.com/
[2] The Best Eco-Friendly Tape of 2023. (2022, November 22). Treehugger. https://www.treehugger.com/best-eco-friendly-tapes-5191708
[3] Recycled paper-padded honeycomb. (n.d.). Grounded Packaging. https://groundedpackaging.co/materials/recycled-paper-padded-honeycomb
