Today, more people than ever are realizing just how much of an impact what we do has on the environment. And a lot of that impact is quite negative. Many of us are looking for ways to become “greener” and reduce our carbon footprint in the fight against climate change. This goes beyond just recycling our daily trash. It can also go into making sure that we are using eco-friendly materials in everything we do. One place to start is with packing and moving.
What’s Wrong with Using Bubble Wrap for My Next Move?
Before we look at the best eco-friendly packing supplies, let’s talk about one of the most common. Bubble wrap has been a huge asset to the moving industry for years because it is so easy to use, and it does such a good job of cushioning and protecting items for moving.
However, because it is made from plastic materials, it is not biodegradable. While it is possible to recycle bubble wrap along with your other plastic items, it will still have a negative impact on the environment in the long run. With that in mind, let’s look at items that are good to use for packing that is also good for the environment.
Environmentally friendly packing materials can be found all over your home if you just look closely. Basically, you want anything that is soft enough to put in your breakable items so it doesn’t scuff or scratch them while also providing cushioning between the items so it doesn’t crack, chip, or break.
Your Clothes, Towels, or Linens Can Be Used for Packing Material
One of the easiest options to use for this is your own clothes and towels. Think about it—you are going to have to pack these items and move them anyway, so why not give them double duty as packing material?
For instance, you can take a good flannel shirt or jacket and use it to wrap breakables before packing them. The same can be said for your nice fluffy bath towels. All of these can be used for packing materials.
Fabrics For Packing Material
Another good option for biodegradable packing materials would be fabrics. These don’t have to just be clothing. If you do any kind of sewing or craft work and have a few pieces of old fabric material, you can use these for packing.
Or you can head down to the craft store and buy several long pieces of soft fabric and use these to pack your breakables. Then, when the move is over, you can put these materials to another use in your sewing projects.
Biodegradable Bubble Wrap
Research packing materials that are specifically designed to be ecologically friendly. While bubble wrap isn’t biodegradable, there are a few new brands that make bubble wrap that will break down over time. It may be a little harder to find or more expensive, but it could still be a good option for you. You can also look at biodegradable packing peanuts and corrugated cardboard for your packing needs.
What Else Can I Do to Make My Move “Green”?
Extend your ecological-minded move by hiring professional movers with a record of being more environmentally conscious. Seek out (and ask) about what type of packing materials are used, if they offer eco-friendly options, and what type of recycling the company takes part in. This is a great way to use the power of the purse to fight climate change.
Doing Your Part Doesn’t Have to Be Tedious or Time-Consuming
Going green doesn’t just mean driving an electric vehicle or putting out soda bottles to be recycled. It is a conscientious effort to reduce your carbon footprint in as many ways as possible. To achieve this, you need to look at sustainability in everything you do. One such area is with moving—so you might want to consider ditching the bubble wrap for these eco-friendly options.
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