When you move, you are going to have a huge impact on the environment. Any time someone moves, they inevitably do away with loads of belongings that they no longer need. You have probably seen the curb of your neighbor's house when he moved piled high with junk and items that were once valuable to him.
Of course, when you move in to your new home, you are also going to face a situation where you are going to impact the environment. Once you are done unpacking, what are you going to do with all of those cardboard boxes? One way to help reduce your impact on the environment when you move is to look into your options for recycled boxes.
Environmental Impact of Moving Boxes
You may not think that the moving boxes you use when you move will make that big of an impact on the environment, but they do. Think about the fact that one ton of cardboard takes up nine cubic yards of landfill space. While you do not have one ton of cardboard after your move, you do have quite a bit, and what you recycle is kept out of the landfills. Also, corrugated cardboard boxes are the most prevalent type of paper waste, so recycling your boxes and using recycled boxes makes a huge difference in the environment.
Creative Ways to Get Recycled Moving Boxes
If you want to use recycled moving boxes, you have several options to consider. The tried and true way to gather moving boxes for your move, without buying them, is to contact your local grocery and other local merchants and ask them if you can have their boxes. You may or may not be able to have them, but it never hurts to ask.
Keep in mind that these boxes are not always ideal. Sometimes they are damaged, as grocery store workers are not careful when they open them since they do not need to keep them. Sometimes the cardboard has been damaged by the knife when the boxes were opened, so they will not hold up well for another use. There is also the risk of pests when you get boxes from a retail store, especially when they originally held food. Some boxes may have been spilled on as well, so you may end up throwing away many of the boxes that you receive. This, of course, eliminates some of the benefit of recycling.
Another option is to purchase recycled moving boxes. These boxes are typically more affordable than regular ones, and they are made as durable as brand new moving boxes. You can order them online or from a local box recycling company. Either way, you will get what looks like new boxes but will be benefiting from the fact that you are using recycled materials to house your belongings during your move.
If you do decide to use recycled moving boxes, be sure to check the dimensions of the boxes before you order. What one person labels a "wardrobe" box to another is not large enough. Rather than relying on the labels the box recycling company places on the boxes, take out a tape measure so you can visualize what the actual measurements will be. Make sure you have boxes that will hold your valuables.
Using recycled cardboard boxes when you move is easy and does not have to cost much. You simply need to know where to look to find great boxes that are going to be thrown out or are made from recycled materials, make your order or request, and start packing. You will rest easier knowing that your move is going to make less of a negative impact on the world around you.
Of course, when you move in to your new home, you are also going to face a situation where you are going to impact the environment. Once you are done unpacking, what are you going to do with all of those cardboard boxes? One way to help reduce your impact on the environment when you move is to look into your options for recycled boxes.
Environmental Impact of Moving Boxes
You may not think that the moving boxes you use when you move will make that big of an impact on the environment, but they do. Think about the fact that one ton of cardboard takes up nine cubic yards of landfill space. While you do not have one ton of cardboard after your move, you do have quite a bit, and what you recycle is kept out of the landfills. Also, corrugated cardboard boxes are the most prevalent type of paper waste, so recycling your boxes and using recycled boxes makes a huge difference in the environment.
Creative Ways to Get Recycled Moving Boxes
If you want to use recycled moving boxes, you have several options to consider. The tried and true way to gather moving boxes for your move, without buying them, is to contact your local grocery and other local merchants and ask them if you can have their boxes. You may or may not be able to have them, but it never hurts to ask.
Keep in mind that these boxes are not always ideal. Sometimes they are damaged, as grocery store workers are not careful when they open them since they do not need to keep them. Sometimes the cardboard has been damaged by the knife when the boxes were opened, so they will not hold up well for another use. There is also the risk of pests when you get boxes from a retail store, especially when they originally held food. Some boxes may have been spilled on as well, so you may end up throwing away many of the boxes that you receive. This, of course, eliminates some of the benefit of recycling.
Another option is to purchase recycled moving boxes. These boxes are typically more affordable than regular ones, and they are made as durable as brand new moving boxes. You can order them online or from a local box recycling company. Either way, you will get what looks like new boxes but will be benefiting from the fact that you are using recycled materials to house your belongings during your move.
If you do decide to use recycled moving boxes, be sure to check the dimensions of the boxes before you order. What one person labels a "wardrobe" box to another is not large enough. Rather than relying on the labels the box recycling company places on the boxes, take out a tape measure so you can visualize what the actual measurements will be. Make sure you have boxes that will hold your valuables.
Using recycled cardboard boxes when you move is easy and does not have to cost much. You simply need to know where to look to find great boxes that are going to be thrown out or are made from recycled materials, make your order or request, and start packing. You will rest easier knowing that your move is going to make less of a negative impact on the world around you.
About the Author:
Specializes in moving boxes, used and recycled moving boxes and supplies and promotes green-to-green environmental savings. Visit our Eco Blog
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