Our environment is grappling with severe issues such as global warming, pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. It is high time for us to act responsibly and stop taking Earth for granted. From everyday lifestyle and professional choices to relocation, we must take considerable actions so as to reduce carbon footprints.
If you are planning to relocate any time soon and wish to do your part in safeguarding our environment, you must read this elaborate guide on realistic green moving. We have curated sustainable practices to contribute to environmental protection without hampering your shifting experience.
Keep reading to know more!
What is Green Moving?
Green moving is a sustainable technique that helps one significantly reduce the ecological footprint associated with relocation. Conventional shifting methodologies involve meaningless wastages, such as disposable packing materials, fuel emissions from relocation carriers, etc. But green relocation is an innovative and realistic approach to sustainable shifting whereby you can easily contribute to environment protection through:
(a) Conserving energy and resources
(b) Reducing landfill wastage
(c) Lowering carbon emissions
Although initially, it may feel like green moving involves minute changes. However, these small but impactful changes in the right direction help safeguard the ecosystem.
So, how do we relocate the “Green” way?
1. Get rid of unnecessary belongings: Before you start packing for relocation:
(a) Check your belongings carefully
(b) Discard every item that you don’t use at all. You will need
fewer packing boxes, and the actual shifting process will be swift and easy
(c) Consider donating, recycling, or selling out the unwanted
items.
2. Opt for minimalist packing methods: Grab your phone and search
“efficient packing for relocation” on YouTube. You will learn multiple easy but
reliable packing techniques for sustainable moving. Our top favorites are:
(a) Nesting items within one another
(b) Disassembling furniture when possible
(c) Tight packaging to reduce empty space
3. Choose eco-friendly packing materials over regular ones: Get over closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam and bubble wrap. These traditional packing materials end up in landfills, contributing to soil pollution. Go for eco-friendly packing materials such as:
(a) Biodegradable bubble wrap - These are made of recycled plastic. So once you are done with them, they can be easily decomposed.
(b) Reusable containers - Instead of using single-use containers such as cardboard and plastic, go for reusable ones. Make sure they are either made using recycled materials or already used.
(c) Recyclable packing papers - Get rid of plastic fillers and Styrofoam peanuts. Instead, choose to go for recyclable packing papers.
(d) Household items for padding - You don’t always need additional packing materials. Sometimes, being innovative and choosing environment-friendly options saves the ecosystem and your hard-earned money. Use items that are already available at home, such as blankets, towels, and clothes, for additional packing support.
4. Rent moving equipment: Are you someone who moves places
frequently? Do you keep purchasing moving supplies every time? Here’s a great
alternative. Start renting relocation supplies such as moving blankets, carts,
and reusable plastic bins. Once you are done, another family or individual who
wants to relocate can use the same supplies. It’s more like carpooling!
5. Research and plan an energy-efficient route: If you wish to reduce your
carbon footprint while moving to the new place, here’s what you must do. Sit
down and figure out a safe but shortest route to your destination. This
minimizes fuel consumption to a great extent. Also, peak traffic hours should
be avoided to save time and the ecosystem. Lastly, note the errands you must do
on the way to your destination and finish the tasks en route. This will again
save you time and fuel.
6. Dispose of hazardous materials with utmost care: While relocating, you will
generate waste materials such as used batteries, cleaning supplies, paint,
rusted iron equipment, etc. Do not discard them in a hurry. Learn about local
hazardous waste programs and dispose of the waste materials accordingly. Also,
try to donate paints, cleaning supplies, and household chemicals to your
neighbors or those in need.
7. Pay attention to electricity and utilities before and
after relocation: As you leave, turn off fans, lights, and air conditioning.
Mindfully unplug appliances that are not in use. This significantly reduces
unnecessary power consumption.
8. Hire an eco-friendly relocation company: If all the above-mentioned
methods overwhelm you, the best thing for you would be to hire the best eco-friendly relocation company near you. There are leading
relocation companies that specialize in green moving. Choose one that offers
fuel-efficient vehicles, uses eco-friendly packing materials, and runs carbon
offset programs.
Conclusion
Green moving is a significant lifestyle shift. Responsible
relocation takes you one step closer to protecting our fragile environment for
future generations. Choose eco-friendly shifting; choose a healthy planet. As
they all say, we are just caretakers of this planet, not owners.
