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Moving doesn't have to be the money draining, environmentally-polluting, back-breaking day that it tends to be. It's easy to place only a little strain on your pocketbook and the planet if you just plan ahead. The back-breaking part… well, unless you enlist a few friends to help, you're on your own on that one.
We asked Laura McHolm, co-founder of NorthStar Moving, an LA based eco-luxury moving and storage company to let us in on the little green tips that can save you lots of money on your move. She reminds us that moving green doesn't mean that you're packing up your life into bamboo baskets and grass-stitched boxes. It means being conscientious of the environment and using moving methods that are not harmful to the earth. She suggests:
1. Choose a Company that Uses Biodiesel Fuel
Many moving companies still use diesel powered trucks and charge their customers extra for fuel. Diesel fuel emits harmful toxins into the air, a problem that is exacerbated when moving trucks are left idling. Choose a moving company that has converted trucks to biodiesel fuel to cut costs and protect the environment. To minimize idle fuel burning, look for a moving company that uses battery operated lift gates while loading or unloading your belongings.
2. Think Before Packing Up
Instead of simply tossing all of your belongings into boxes, think about if you really want and need all of your pack-rat stuff. Are there old clothes, electronics, books, or furniture that you don't want or won't fit in the new digs? Schlepping unnecessary stuff requires more costly boxes on the front end, and makes more trash on the back end. Instead, sift through your belongings first and decide what can be donated and sold or freecylced to lighten your load.
3. Buy New or Used Moving Boxes Made of Recycled Materials
You can often find used moving boxes at discounted rates from moving companies or places like Craig's List. It's a great way to reduce waste. Companies like NorthStar sell used boxes made of 100% recycled materials for a 25% discount, then they will actually buy them back form you after for 25% of the original price. That's 50% in savings and a lot less waste!
4. Make Your Own Packing Peanuts
Unless you get the packing peanuts made from puffed up potato starch, conventional packing peanuts are not biodegradable, and even worse—they're made from chemicals. Instead, save money and protect the environment by making your own out of popped Popcorn! They buffer valuables just as well, without harming the environment (just remember to skip the butter).
5. Choose Recycled Packing Paper Instead of Newspaper
Contrary to popular belief, using newspapers isn't actually the cheapest or greenest way to pack. Why? Because once you're done unpacking you'll need to run the dishwasher countless times to remove newspaper print from dishes and silverware. Purchase professional white packing paper made of recycled materials and you'll save time, money and energy.
6. Use a Green Storage Facility
If you're planning on putting anything in storage, think green. Storing your stuff in moving company warehouses is cheaper and greener than self-storage options. Self Storage facilities have rows of storage rooms with individual doors. They are not only more expensive for you, but they are more taxing on the environment as they require a lot of land, light, and energy to power the constantly going AC and ever illuminated lights. Moving companies often offer warehouse storage for less money and use less resources. Their vaults can be stacked on top of each other, plus green companies use recycled wooden vaults that are reused over and over again.
7. Re-Sell your Used Boxes
Instead of breaking your boxes done and dumping them in the recycling bin, sell them back to your moving company or, if you did the move yourself, put them up on Craigslist. It's a great way to get green and go green.
More on Green Moving:
Move in With Someone
How to Go Green: Cars
Green Your Dorm Move-Out
Green Your Move: Haul it With Biodiesel
Green Your Move: Get Recycled Boxes Sent Right to Your Door
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