Okay, so you’ve decided to live out your wonderful dream and move to Maine! If you’re like most folks who move here, you cherish nature and the environment, and want to be as eco-friendly as you can be. So how do you move in the most eco-friendly way possible? Here are 7 proven tips for doing just that!
Recycle, Sell, Donate & Gift
Preparing your move is the perfect time to purge items you no longer need or use. But don’t just throw them in the trash, because many of them could be of real use to someone else. Instead, practice responsible recycling by gifting, donating, or selling your items. It will be a perfect win-win!
Ask About “Pre-Loved” Moving Supplies
Do you have friends or family members who recently have moved? If so, ask them if they have moving materials they no longer need. This will eliminate your need for buying new supplies, and ensure that moving supplies aren’t going to waste. This is one of the easiest, most effective ways to make moving eco-friendly.
“Go Green” with Your Packing Materials
Rather than use plastic wraps or “packing peanuts’—which often end up in landfills—use instead towels, soft blankets, or dishcloths, all of which are more eco-friendly because they can be used for this and other purposes.
Use Eco-Friendly Moving Boxes & Bins
If you determine that your move will require additional boxes or bins, purchase ones that are reusable, so they won’t just immediately go to a landfill after moving. And here’s another thing: By getting reusable boxes and bins, you’ll ensure that you have more eco-friendly storage options at your new home.
Dispose of Chemicals in an Eco-Friendly Way
After you clean floors, cupboards, counters, etc. while preparing your move, make sure you dispose of cleaning solutions in an eco-friendly way. Most cleaning products have instructions for safe, eco-friendly disposal, so be sure to follow those instructions.
Avoid Unnecessary Trips
If your personal and/or moving vehicles operate fully or partly on gas, that will leave a carbon footprint while you are moving. This means the more trips you take back and forth from your old home to your new one, the more impact you’ll have on the environment. So minimize the number of trips, if at all possible. One way to do this might be to call one or more of your new neighbors to see if they can resolve an issue for you.
After Moving, Recycle Your Moving Supplies
Once your move is over, don’t just dispose of moving materials you no longer need. Post on Facebook or other social media to see if someone else might be able to get good use from your supplies.