Moving can produce a lot of waste. Packing materials account for most of it, so following a few basic green practices will reduce the amount of waste your move creates. A lot of packing materials are harmful to the environment. For example, mountains of used cardboard boxes, plastic bubble wrap and packing peanuts can easily be replaced by creative, eco-friendly alternatives that can help turn your move green.
This guide will help provide you with some ideas for creative alternatives to the common packing materials that you're familiar with, as well as some tips on how to go green when you move by reusing packing materials and finding creative ways to cut out the waste and use items that are environmentally friendly when you pack.
1. Completely reusable boxes, made of recycled materials
If the thought of using cardboard moving boxes gives you a headache, there are now green packing supply companies that specialize in reusable plastic crates or environmentally safe packing containers made out of recycled materials. They can be rented or bought and used as an alternative to cardboard boxes. They are a great way to cut down on your moving waste for an environmentally-friendly move.
Other green alternatives to moving boxes:
- Storage containers or totes
- Latch bins
- Milk crates
- Large duffel bags and suitcases
- U-Haul Ready-to-Go boxes
2. Creative eco-friendly supplies that you might not know about
One of the more recent developments in the packing industry has been the use of innovative new eco-friendly packing materials that use natural products to replace other, less environmentally safe materials during the packing process. Here are some of the most common new green packing materials that are beginning to surface in the moving industry and are being used by more and more people looking to go green when they move:
- Mushrooms: A company called EcoCradle combines the roots from mushrooms with agricultural crop waste to create completely biodegradable blocks that can be used as compost after the move as been completed.
- Bamboo: Bamboo is now being utilized as packing material. Major corporations, such as Dell, have begun using it to protect some of its more lightweight and delicate products like laptop computers.
- Geami paper: This 100 percent recyclable and biodegradable paper is the perfect environmentally safe replacement for bubble wrap.
3. Other creative alternatives ways to pack, wrap and protect belongings
For example, rather than wrapping things in bubble wrap, you can use old t-shirts, towels or blankets to wrap and protect your items during the move.
Also, a smart alternative for packing peanuts is recycled unprinted newspaper. Crumpling up recycled newsprint will serve as cushioning for delicate items in the same way packing peanuts will and with half of the mess. Make sure to fill in all the empty spaces in the boxes with the newspaper to create the most effective cushion.
These creative alternative packing supplies are only a few examples of how the moving industry is beginning to embrace the eco-friendly movement. More and more moving companies are adopting green practices and offering eco-friendly packing options for their customers.