Moving can really add to your Carbon Footprint. Ways to move green!
Moving is one of the most stressful things you can do in your life. Especially when you are downsizing and you have too much stuff. Trust me- I am going through it now. Newly married (to a wonderful, loving, PACK-RAT) and moving into a slightly smaller home that is under construction staying green was not at the top of my priority list for once. In fact, I wasn’t really even thinking about it until I started packing and my mother called to suggest that I use the shredded paper from my office as packing material instead of the bubble wrap and Styrofoam peanuts. Genius, I thought! I mean, naturally I was reusing old newspapers and packing material from our wedding gifts, but that was second nature. I decided it was worth some further brainstorming:
1. Start getting rid of your stuff! (THINK GEORGE CARLIN!) By giving away or consigning rather than trashing your unwanted items, they will get reused by others- reducing the need for manufacturing new items. In addition, reducing the amount of things that you put on the moving truck will reduce the amount of packing material and of gas you use!
2. Get free boxes! I know first hand that UHAUL has a free box section. This is kind of like the leave-a-penny, take-a-penny jar at the corner store and the boxes are pretty picked over. If you don’t get lucky there, stop by your local liquor store. Not only do they have a plethora of boxes, but they are just the right size for books, dvd’s, glasses, small appliances, your own wine collection, and more! When you are done with your boxes, reuse or donate!
3. Packing material can be made of almost anything: old newspapers, shredded office paper, plastic grocery bags, those lonely socks from the dryer you never found the match for, old t-shirts, dish towels, the pages of your senior thesis- be creative!
4. Rent the smallest moving truck that you need. This will save on gas and emissions.
5. When cleaning buy the non-toxic stuff. In most cases it works just as well as the harmful products. In fact, when you are forced during the move to come face to face with all of your stuff, audit yourself and see how you can integrate more eco friendly products into you new life in your new house!
I hope these tips were helpful. A few more would include
a. if you are packing up the UHAUL at night, don’t leave the light in the truck on too long. A UHAUL battery will die faster than a car’s battery. Believe me. I know. And I was shopping for jumper cables at 12:30 in the morning the other night!
b. be extra mindful of your pets. Moving is even harder on them since you can’t explain to them what is going on. They need extra love and care and a close eye while that door is left ajar when you are loading up your things. They can escape, and in my case they did- but we caught those little buggers!
Over and out.
It IS Green to watch TV some times!
Hello Philadelphia. When you think about the changes that you can make in your life to realize your more sustainable self and reduce your carbon footprint, one of the first and easiest things to do is use less electricity. In my own home, I let that be the straw that broke my inner camel’s back [...]
Great Mixed Use Property For Sale in South Philly!
2501 S. 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Just Listed: Commercial Space with 2 Bedroom Apartment Above: 9,900
This is the perfect investment and great for someone who wishes to be an owner occupant in South Philly! The first floor is currently occupied by a security and PI business. The office is fully outfitted with reception area, kitchenette, [...]
2419 South Marshall Street in South Philadelphia!
Just Listed for 7,700!
3 bedrooms, 1 bath, 900 Square Feet!
Beautiful renovation in South Philadelphia! Ceramic tile bath and kitchen with stainless steel refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave and range, plus granite counter tops and new cabinetry. Brand new windows, doors, hardwood floors, wall to wall carpeting, recessed lighting with ceiling fans in bedrooms. Central heat, central A/C, [...]
1555 South Capitol Street – Great buy in South Philly!
Just Listed! 1555 South Capitol Street
3 beds, 1 bath, 840 Square Feet
Beautiful all new Renovation in South Philadelphia. Ceramic bath and kitchen with stainless steel refrigerator, range, microwave, granite counter tops, new windows, doors, carpet, hardwood floors, plumbing, electric with recessed lighting and ceiling fans, hot water heater, roof, stucco, nice backyard, and washer/dryer [...]
Nutter Butter: Budget Cuts Don’t Compromise Philadelphia’s Recycling Efforts
by RE/MAX City Space’s very own Rachel Lipton
Happy New Year, everyone! Good news for everyone- Mayor Michael Nutter announced this week that recycling will now be picked up every week! I know that this won’t tickle everyone’s fancy as much as it does mine, but you can all admit it will simplify the process! And [...]
Instead of the Winter Blues, Try Winter Greens and Save Money!
The weather has been crazy lately with temperatures in 60’s one day to blustery winds and highs in the 20’s the next! Either way, we know that even though gas prices are finally dropping our energy bills are going to be rising over the next few months. I thought that I would share some tips [...]