Moving is stressful and things can end up forgotten. When you decide to move and you want to make your move as eco-friendly as possible, recycling becomes a big part of the process.
Using eco-friendly moving boxes from The Chicago Green Box is a good first step towards a more environmentally-friendly move. However, there are several other things you can do, including recycling anything and everything you can. Here are three things you want to make sure you don't forget to recycle during a move.
Cardboard Boxes
While you should certainly ditch the cardboard and rent eco-friendly boxes, you may still end up using some cardboard boxes, especially if you already own them. Don't forget to recycle these boxes as they serve very little purpose once they've been used in a move.
If you decide to purchase cardboard boxes, make sure you get boxes that can be recycled. The real problem with cardboard comes when a box gets wet or something else on it, such as soap or oil. Once the box has become wet or soiled, it can no longer be recycled.
When you need boxes for your move if you want to ensure it's as eco-friendly as possible, rent boxes from The Chicago Green Box. You won't need to worry about recycling cardboard boxes when you're done moving or which boxes can be recycled and which cannot.
Packing Materials
An eco-friendly move means you'll likely try to use all your soft goods as packing materials before buying anything additional. While towels, sweaters, t-shirts, and bedding make great packing materials, you may end up needing more than what you already own.
Make sure to only purchase packing materials you can recycle. Then, when the move is over, gather all your packing materials and find a local recycling facility to drop them off at.
Old Electronics
Moving presents one of the best times to go through your things and get rid of what you don't need or want anymore. If you've been hoarding old electronics, such as laptop computers, tablets, smartphones, or anything else, now is the time to sell or recycle your old electronics.
Even if you cannot recycle the entire item, you can usually recycle the battery. By recycling old electronics, you'll be protecting the environment from the chemicals found within these devices. You'll also be helping to save energy and ensure the harmful chemicals in these devices don't end up in the environment.
Make sure to choose a certified electronics recycler for your devices. Not all recyclers are certified to properly recycle electronics.
Of course, if you have an electronics item you don't need, but someone else can use, you may want to consider selling it first. If the item is too old to sell or doesn't work, make sure to recycle it.
Moving is a great time to go through the things you own and sell, donate, or recycle anything you don't need or want. Take the time to go through everything you own, including your electronics. You might be surprised what can be sold, donated, or recycles before your move, which will reduce the number of boxes and, potentially, the size of the truck you need for your move.
