Every year, millions of Americans move from one home to another. Relocating generates vast quantities of waste materials ranging from cardboard boxes and bubble wrap to emissions caused by moving trucks, planes, cargo ships, and trains.
Before you decide to move, it’s important to understand some statistics about green moving. Let’s look at some of the ways you can help save the environment simply by making your move green.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
According to the Institute of Transportation Studies at the University of California, Davis, around 30% of the total greenhouse gas emissions in any industrialized country come from transportation. Every gallon of gas that is burned by a moving truck will put about 24 pounds of carbon dioxide into the environment.
Energy used to power fuel-guzzling moving trucks contributes significantly to climate change, so eco-conscious movers often opt for biodiesel fuel as an eco-friendly alternative. Biodiesel's less harmful byproducts (like carbon dioxide) make it far better suited than gasoline for use in moving trucks.
Green movers also reduce transportation emissions by optimizing routes and packing efficiently, such as by packing items like silverware and dishes last to minimize trips between homes, as well as helping protect items from becoming damaged in transit. Furthermore, these professionals suggest decluttering prior to moving so as to eliminate extra storage containers - all of which contribute to a reduction in your environmental footprint.
Cardboard Boxes, Bubble Wrap, Tape, etc.
Moving is an incredibly wasteful activity. From cardboard boxes and bubble wrap, countless items end up in landfills where they can pollute our environment with toxic substances such as lead, mercury, dioxins, and furans that pose significant health risks.
Each ton of recycled cardboard and paper will save around 17 trees and 3.4 cubic yards of space in a landfill. It will also save around 7,000 gallons of water and 380 gallons of oil.
You can eliminate the need for cardboard boxes and much of the tape you would use for a traditional move by using eco-friendly moving boxes. These boxes can be reused for multiple moves, which eliminates many tons of cardboard and paper from ending up in the landfill.
Storage Units
Self-storage units might not seem like they impact the environment that much, but they do. These facilities require 24-hour lighting, temperature control, and security. This is not exactly a good thing for the environment and it’s an industry that is expanding rather quickly.
It’s not uncommon to use a storage unit during a move. This is especially true if you are downsizing or renting a furnished apartment while trying to buy a home in your new location. However, there are alternatives to self-storage units, such as Neighbor.com. This website takes advantage of unused space in garages, offices, and other buildings so that you don’t have to use a self-storage facility.
There are many stats that go along with green moving. When you choose to go as eco-friendly as possible, you can certainly make a difference. The right green moving company, the best green moving boxes, and avoiding self-storage units can certainly help reduce waste and emissions.