Making your move environmentally friendly is easy! Here are a few guidelines to color your move green!
Sell or Give Away non-essential items:
Moving is a great way to get rid of things that are no longer needed, which will in turn reduce the cost of your move!
- Yard Sales, CraigsList, Ebay are great resources to sell your items that you no longer need.
- Donating items to charities, which are tax deductible and are helping others in need.
- Books can be donated to local libraries, and most schools will be happy to make use of old computers.
- Donate your excess food to local food pantries or to Move For Hunger.
- Cut down on junk mail at your new address by filing a temporary change of address with your post office rather than a permanent one.
Use recyclable and reusable packing materials:
- Your local Bekins agent can provide you with gently used cartons for a reduced fee, or no charge.
- Use towels, sheets and blankets to wrap breakable items rather than bubble wrap, peanuts or packing paper.
- If you do need to use peanuts, use cornstarch peanuts because they are biodegradable.
- If you have room in your basement, garage or attic, keep some boxes for your next move or use them for storage of holiday décor and out of season clothing and shoes.
- Use recyclable packing paper.
- If you don’t want to keep your boxes take them to your local recycling center.
Use Eco Friendly Cleaning Supplies
- Look for products that are non-toxic, biodegradable, and made from renewable resources (not petroleum).
- Since cleaning supplies are not permitted for a move, you can make your own cleaning products with some vinegar, baking soda and warm water.
Staying Green Post Move
- Set up a recycling station in your kitchen or garage.
- Upgrade your insulation – this can improve your home’s energy draw by 20-30 percent.
- When buying new appliances, consider buying Energy Star-qualified.
- Buy a new houseplant to improve air quality in your home.
- Filter your tap water to avoid buying water bottles.
- Pay your bills electronically, usually there are discounts and perks when you do this.
- Reduce use of bug sprays and pesticides.
- Unplug phone and computer chargers when not in use.
- Use compact fluorescent, LED or halogen light bulbs.
- Adjust your heat/air conditioning when no one is home.
