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Finding Green Packing Materials |
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If you take the time to locate and use a green moving company, you're probably also looking for some green packing materials to protect your belongings in the most environmentally conscious way possible.
This feat is relatively easy for DIY packing if you take advantage of your resources and remain open minded.
Reduce what you plan to bring
 One way to have a greener move is to reduce what you plan to bring with you, which will in turn reduce the number of packing supplies you will require -- along with the weight of your move and in turn fuel costs.
This can easily be achieved by decluttering your home before your move and deciding what to bring with you, what to donate, what to re-sell (on the internet, a local paper or through a garage sale) and what to throw in the trash.
Re-use packing materials
Packing material is readily available if you know where to look for it and how to ask to see if it is up for grabs,
- Check local recycling centers for boxes and packing materials tossed by their original owners
- Ask nearby businesses such as liquor stores and retailers if they wouldn't mind parting with their recent shipment materials
- Keep your eyes peeled for useable materials through the mail in your own home and at work
- With permission from your boss of course
- See if rummage sales nearby are looking to unload boxes or if someone is advertising a desire to get rid of packing material
- Talk to your friends and family about doing the same
- Have friends who are moving save all their packing supplies for you after their move
TIP: After your own move, donate all your packing materials to a loved one who may need them or put an ad on Craigslist or a local newspaper for any takers in your area.
Make use of things you already own
Another way to keep your packing materials green and environmentally friendly is by using household items you were going to move anyway. This is also another way to reduce space and save money.
- Use pots and pans to store small kitchen items inside of
- Pack items in previously owned tupperware, laundry baskets or storage containers
- Wrap more fragile belongings in towels, pillows, clothing, blankets and other linens that provide cushion
Be creative
As with the suggestions above, just because an item isn't a traditional packing material doesn't mean it can't be used as such to keep your moving as green as possible.
- Shred circulars and various other junk mail to use as packing material
- Fill plastic grocery bags or resealable sandwich bags with air to replace air packs
- Air popped, un-buttered and unsalted popcorn has also been used if you want to be that creative
Buy green
Have the budget to buy eco-conscious packing material? Look into purchasing green materials such as biodegradable packing peanuts made of cornstarch, re-usable moving containers and natural rubber packing tape. Mushroom roots turned into boxes that can later be used for compost have also become very popular.
Your moving company will also likely offer packing and wrapping services for you with their own materials. Ask your company about the pricing on their services to decide if you would like them to do the job for you or if you will tackle eco-friendly packing on your own.
Recycle your packing supplies
Regardless of which option you choose, don't forget to recycle your materials when you're done with them. Most likely another mover will want them just as much as you did. |
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