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Moving is never an easy task. The to-do list in preparation for the undertaking can be long and laborious. Keeping the environment in mind when planning a move may be the last thing you want to worry about, but it’s easier than you think. Doing little things like opting for eco-friendly moving containers and supplies can cut back on excessive cardboard uses, and greatly reduce the amount of unfriendly packing materials you might use, like plastic bubble wrap and Styrofoam. Additionally, finding ways to soundly dispose of hard-to-recycle items you might not want to move – think that old television, dusty, unused books, or a dilapidated table – can help reduce moving costs AND stay kind to the environment.
Asheville GreenWorks offers an easy solution with its Hard 2 Recycle events. Founded in 2011 by Rainbow Recycling, the free events bring to the public an awareness of alternate modes of recycling in Buncombe County. Held five times throughout the year (four events around the county and one central event in downtown Asheville), Hard 2 Recycle aims to collect and divert items that would otherwise end up crowding a landfill.
Working with various community businesses to recycle or repurpose discarded items, Hard 2 Recycle will accept everything from electronics, appliances, Styrofoam and packing peanuts to furniture, hardware, plumbing, rolls of chain link, even cooking oil. Finding the next Hard 2 Recycle event is simple; just visit http://www.ashevillegreenworks.org/hard-2-recycle.html for a schedule, along with which items will be accepted at the upcoming event.
If you’re planning to move, taking advantage of the next Hard 2 Recycle event – either to avoid moving unnecessary items, or to properly dispose of any hard-to-recycle packing materials you may use in the move – is just one way of applying an eco-friendly approach to the task. Here are some other ways to do so:
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Instead of buying a bunch of brand-new moving boxes – which usually last for a handful of uses before they need to be recycled – ask friends or local businesses if they have any you can take off their hands. You can get creative with moving containers as well. Suitcases, laundry baskets, clean garbage bins, furniture drawers and trash bags can all pull double duty when transporting possessions.
· Substitute packing materials like plastic bubble wrap and Styrofoam packing peanuts with more eco-friendly options. You can wrap and cushion delicate items with blankets, towels, sheets or clothing.
· Moving your belongings yourself, in piecemeal, may seem like a good idea, but the back-and-forth car trips can tax the environment. Instead, leave the job to the movers on your designated moving day, and concentrate on packing efficiently so as to minimize the number of boxes they’ll need to transport.
For more information about Asheville or about real estate in Asheville, contact Mike Figura at Mike@MyMosaicRealty.com, or call him anytime at 828-337-8190.
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