Green Moving Tips

There is no doubt about it that everyone has become quite concerned with the state of the environment and our planet. Most are doing all that they can to conserve it and one way of doing that is by preserving the earth by going green and using more natural products in all that we do. Today every industry and company is striving to become more eco-friendly. With most of the industries and not to mention private companies going green, the moving business is not too far behind.

One would be surprised to how much they can conserve when they decide on an eco-friendly move. One of the first things that you should do when moving from one place to another is to try to locate a moving company that has gone green. This company would more than likely utilize a bio-diesel truck to move you from point A to point B. When you opt for biodiesel over traditional carbon fuels, you reduce carbon emissions by as much as 74%.

You can also contribute to saving the planet by reusing packing materials. A huge amount of the paper and cardboard that people use is thrown directly into the trash; in fact, a third of the trash we generate every year is paper and corrugated cardboard. Instead of throwing out your cardboard, if you know you will be moving soon, start saving boxes from the mail and stores. If you do not have time to build up a box stash, go around to local stores to ask for moving boxes.

Clothing stores get great boxes; grocery stores are good in a pinch, but many of the boxes they have end up damp and can be weak. If you absolutely must buy boxes, look for ones with a high content of recycled corrugate. If your moving company is packing for you, request that they use recycled materials. Recycling paper and cardboard saves 17 trees, 7000 gallons of water, and 463 gallons of oil for each ton recycled.

Moving experts have also recommended that you rent or purchase packaging containers. Not only are they made from recycled plastic but they are also durable as well. Similarly, you would be better off if you also use plastic bins when you move. Whether you choose to purchase it or reuse one that you have or received from someone else, you would find that in the long run, these bins are also great for stacking loads of items. Recycled plastic uses 80% less energy than "virgin" plastic!

There are many products on the market that you can incorporate into your moving plans. For instance, use recycled paper towels to cushion your items during the move, then use them to clean up as you unpack. If you plan on eating takeout for a day or two while you unpack, get compostable materials instead of ones that will go into a landfill. Replace your tape with recycled plastic zip ties. These zip ties are also very versatile to use when trying to secure cable wires and plugs among other things. Moving experts also advise that you store your plants and food items in a safe place.

Perishable and flammable items should also be kept away in safety. Do not keep batteries in your electronics for a long time. Change them as often as you can. When your move is complete, ask around; does anyone need your moving supplies? If not, make sure to recycle them instead of just throwing them out. Many curbside trash companies will pick up your recycling as well, but if your company does not, check out Waste Management for a recycling drop off location near you. Keep moving day green, and help protect our environment for ourselves and our kids.