Moving homes can be messy and wasteful, but what if you could turn that around by recycling your moving supplies? Boxes pile up, and tape rolls run empty, yet these materials can find a new life with the right approach. Learn how to give your moving supplies a second chance and reduce waste.
This blog will guide you through recycling moving supplies after the move, exploring why it’s beneficial, and detailing the steps to do it effectively. Join Bronko Box in embracing environmentally friendly moving practices to make your move as eco-friendly as possible.
How Moving Impacts the Environment
Moving from one home to another is a common experience, but few of us stop to consider how it affects the environment. Unfortunately, it can get worse than we think.
Excess Waste Generation
During a move, the amount of trash generated can be staggering. Many find themselves throwing away old items, whether because they no longer need them or they don’t have the time to sort them properly. From unwanted furniture to outdated electronics, these items often end up in landfills, where they contribute to the growing waste problem.
What’s worse is that in the U.S. alone, we produce over 12% of the world’s trash, according to Environment America. That’s a lot of garbage, which you can lessen with environmentally friendly moving practices.
Increased Use of Packing Materials
Packing involves a lot of materials, mostly cardboard boxes and plastic wrapping. While cardboard is biodegradable, it often comes with tape and labels that are not. Plastic wrap, meanwhile, is far less eco-friendly, taking years to decompose and posing a risk to wildlife.
Emissions from Moving Vehicles
Think about all the trips back and forth during a move. According to Reuters, heavy-duty vehicles, which are often used in moving processes, are responsible for 25% of all greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. Considering transportation makes up 29% of total U.S. greenhouse emissions, it’s clear that moving can significantly contribute to our carbon footprint.
Best Environmentally Friendly Moving Tips
Moving to a new home often leaves you with a pile of boxes and packing materials. Not sure how to handle them? Here are nine tips on how to start environmentally friendly moving practices.
Flatten Cardboard Boxes
Cardboard boxes are one of the most recyclable materials. Make sure to flatten them to save space in your recycling bin or at the recycling center. Most curbside recycling programs readily accept flattened cardboard.
Reuse Packing Materials
Bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and foam can be stored for future use. If you don’t foresee another move, consider offering them to friends, family, or local businesses that can use these materials for shipping.
Donate Boxes to Local Shops
Many small businesses, like bookstores or grocery stores, appreciate the donation of good-conditioned boxes. They can reuse these for storage or shipments, reducing the need for new materials.
Use Cardboard as a Weed Barrier
Cardboard can serve a second life as a weed barrier in your garden. Lay flat sheets of cardboard on the soil and cover them with mulch. This eco-friendly trick suppresses weeds and eventually biodegrades, enriching the soil.
Craft with Leftover Supplies
Get creative with leftover packing supplies. Cardboard can be transformed into DIY projects or art, especially for those with kids. This not only recycles the material but also provides a fun activity.
Offer Materials on Community Platforms
Platforms like Craigslist or Freecycle are perfect for offering your unused moving supplies to locals who can repurpose them. This reduces waste and helps out someone in your community.
Recycle Plastic Packing Materials
Check local recycling guidelines for plastic wraps and covers. Some grocery stores collect plastic films and bubble wraps for recycling, as these cannot usually go into the standard recycling bin.
Compost Biodegradable Packing Peanuts
If your packing peanuts are biodegradable (usually made from starch), you can compost them. Dissolve them in water to ensure they are indeed compostable, and then add them to your compost bin.
Schedule a Recycling Pickup
Some cities offer special recycling pickup services for large amounts of recyclable materials. Contact your local waste management facility to find out if this service is available.
Eco-Friendly Moving Made Easy With Bronko Box
At Bronko Box, we know that following environmentally friendly moving practices can be overwhelming. Figuring out who can help and how to move without harming the planet adds even more stress. That’s where we come in. Our team is dedicated to providing you with an eco-friendly moving experience that’s as stress-free as possible.
Reliable Reusable Moving Boxes
Our specialty lies in offering durable, commercial-strength plastic moving boxes. You don’t have to hunt for boxes or tape them up. We deliver them ready to use. These boxes aren’t just sturdy; they’re also reusable, making your move greener.
Flexible Box Options
Choose from two sizes of plastic boxes to best fit your belongings. Whether it’s the large or extra-large box, you can select what works best for your items, ensuring everything is packed securely.
Hassle-Free Delivery and Pickup
We bring the boxes right to your doorstep and pick them up once you’ve settled in. This service saves you time and effort, allowing you to focus on getting into your new home without worrying about waste.
Easy Online Ordering
Plan your move with ease using our website. Schedule your box delivery and pickup at your convenience, with our secure system making it simple to arrange everything online. You can customize your order to suit your specific moving needs.
Partnering for a Smooth Move
While Bronko Box isn’t a moving company, we partner with Jackson of All Trades, a local moving service in Austin, to ensure you have access to top-notch moving services. Combine their expertise with our eco-friendly boxes for a seamless relocation.
At Bronko Box, we strive to make your moving experience better for you and the planet. Let us help you move the right way.