Utilizing eco-friendly packing materials can save money, lower environmental impact and protect belongings during transit. Consider paper, cardboard boxes, and biodegradable packing peanuts when selecting eco-friendly supplies for packing purposes.
Packing materials can be found both locally and online. They serve to replace harmful substances like Styrofoam and plastic for easy, effective transporting.
Reusable plastic containers
An eco-friendly move may not solve the climate crisis on its own, but it can reduce single-use waste. To begin going green, reuse boxes and containers that you already own; when purchasing supplies, look for those that can be recycled and biodegraded - such as opting for biodegradable packing peanuts instead of plastic ones for tape applications or replacing plastic tape with paper ones like Package Free Kraft Tape.
Use other household items as packaging such as towels, linens, and clothes. This method optimizes space in the box while protecting fragile items while simultaneously selling or giving away unneeded items on Craigslist or white elephant parties. An eco-friendly alternative would be furniture pads made of recycled denim material; these pads can either be purchased as reusable plastic models or rented through local moving companies for protection during transit.
Recycled paper
When moving, one way to reduce its environmental impact is by choosing eco-friendly packing materials made from recycled materials and made with recyclable components that reduce raw and non-renewable resources used in production. They are also compostable and biodegradable compared to traditional packing peanuts or plastic wrap which take many decades before disintegrating completely into nature.
Consider purchasing cardboard boxes certified FSC (Forest Stewardship Council). They ensure their wood comes from sustainably managed forests.
If you can't locate these supplies, ask local grocery stores, hardware stores, and friends for old boxes and plastic bins that can be used for storage after the move and save you money on packaging supplies.
Also, inquire if any curbside recycling programs exist in your area for cardboard and other packaging materials; and use blankets and towels to protect fragile items instead of plastic bubble wrap - doing this will reduce both trash production and cleaning up costs after your move!
Biodegradable packing peanuts
Packing peanuts and bubble wrap often end up in landfills after moving, but there are environmental-friendly alternatives that are equally as effective such as corn starch peanuts and recycled newsprint. Plus, they're non-toxic so can even be added directly into compost piles after just one use!
These eco-friendly packing materials can be purchased either online or at local hardware stores. If you're unsure which items to purchase, try looking around online marketplaces such as Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace for used packing peanuts and boxes.
Reusable Moving Boxes
A great option for your upcoming move is a reusable moving box. You can rent these boxes for your move and they are not made of cardboard, so there is no need to recycle when you’re done moving. Instead, they are made of plastic and stack very easily in the truck.
These durable boxes are great for an eco-friendly move. You can get your boxes in the Chicago area from The Chicago Green Box. With these moving box rentals, you will be able to make your move more sustainable.