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Recycling and Reusing Packing Materials | 3,570 Views |
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| After your move, you can be left with piles of boxes, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts. You can find ways to reuse these items, or you can bring them to a recycling plant or give them to someone else. |
| There is no denying that moving can be stressful. You might not realize that your move can also cause stress to the environment. With all of the cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts used to transport your goods from place to place, moving can create a lot of waste. However, these packing materials can often be recycled and reused. By keeping your packing supplies out of the landfill, you can take another giant step toward a greener move. Cardboard Boxes |
| The cardboard box is perhaps the most iconic moving supply, and you are likely to have plenty left over after the move. There are many things you can do with them, though. If you happen to move frequently, you could always hold on to them until your next move. You could also give them to a friend or relative who will be moving soon. |
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Photo by slafko, sxc.hu |
Cardboard boxes can also have a few functional uses. They can be:
- used as storage containers for mail, books, magazines, etc.
- torn apart and used as compost in your garden
- given to children for arts and crafts projects
If you do not have any additional use for your cardboard boxes, then you can get rid of them. Instead of putting them in the garbage, though, you can find different ways to recycle them. You could bring them to a recycling facility, or, if your community offers it, put them on the curb for pick up. Additionally, you may want to donate your boxes to charities that can put them to good use.
Bubble Wrap Bubble wrap does a great job of protecting your dishware, artwork, electronics, and almost anything else that you want to protect from scratches and other damages during the move. While it is a great tool during the move, afterwards, you are left with sheets of the stuff. While popping the bubbles is a fun and stress-reducing option, there are many more things you can do with your bubble wrap.
You can simply hold on to it and use your post-move bubble wrap for when you have to send something in the mail. Bubble wrap can also be taped to windows during the winter to provide extra insulation. You could even save it for your next camping trip and use it as cushioning under your sleeping bag. |
| TIP: There is almost an unlimited amount of ways to reuse bubble wrap. You can read about some more ideas on how to reuse it here. |
If you have exhausted all uses for your remaining bubble wrap, then you can recycle it. Find out if your local recycling center will accept it. If not, you can send it to a Sealed Air Corporation (the maker of bubble wrap) manufacturing facility, where it will be recycled and made into new bubble wrap.Packing Peanuts |
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Whether sending packages to your new home or transporting them yourself, you are likely to use packing peanuts to help protect your goods during the move. While there are biodegradable packing peanuts on the market, the regular ones are more universally found and used. After the move, there are several ways to reuse your packing peanuts:
- Put the peanuts in an empty cushion and use as a bed for your dog or cat
- Place at the bottom of a potted plant to help with drainage
- Cover your packing peanuts in glue and glitter and put on a string to make a decorative garland
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Photo by saavem, sxc.hu |
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You can probably think of other ways to reuse packing peanuts, but, if you can't, don't worry. As with the other packing materials, you can always recycle them. Some stores may accept your unused packing peanuts and then reuse them for their shipping and packing needs.
The last thing you want to do after your move is send all of your packing supplies off to the landfill. Instead, you can find plenty of creative ways to reuse them. If you find that you have no use for your leftover moving supplies, then you can easily find a responsible way to dispose of them. |
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