• Donate
There are bound to be many things like books, old clothes and furniture that you don’t want to take with you when you move. Instead of simply throwing them away and adding to clutter you can choose to donate them to a good cause. Goodwill Industries and the Salvation Army are thrift stores that will arrange to pick up things from your doorstep. You can also check with local charities and libraries to make a donation.
• Sell Online
If you choose to sell your stuff instead of moving or donating it then organizing a backyard sale is a quick way to get rid off things. Online resources like eBay and Craigslist make selling used things quick, easy and paperless.
• Recycle
Survey your home to see what things out of those you do not wish to take along with you can be recycled. Electronic items like computers, metal containers and paper are just a few examples. Instead of just throwing them away take time to drop them off at your nearest recycling centre.
• Eco-Friendly Packing Boxes
Cardboard boxes are usually the first choice for most people to pack stuff when they move but you can opt for used cardboard boxes. Another eco-friendly alternative is recyclable containers or boxes made of plastic salvaged from landfills. A quick online search will definitely throw up some options like California-based Earth Friendly Moving or Rent-a-Crate.
• Don’t Use Bubble Wraps
Old towels, sheets and even newspapers are more green alternatives to bubble wraps in case you want to pack fragile items.
• Choose a Green Moving Company
Most of us like to hire a moving company to take care of a seemingly insurmountable task of moving to another place. Check with various movers to see whether they are a “green” company. “Go Green Moving” is one such company which uses biofuel to power its trucks and reduces your carbon footprint. “Big Green Moving” and “Earth Friendly Moving” are a couple of other companies that offer zero waste disposal and green moving alternatives.
• Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
Cleaning up once everything is packed and shipped is the final step. Take care to use eco-friendly cleaning products to clear out the final traces of dirt and grime. Heather’s Natural & Organic Cleaning Products and Simple Green are some places to shop for organic cleaning products that do not leave toxic waste behind nor do they emanate toxic fumes.
Your green move cannot be complete if you lack the resolve to set up a new green home. Here are a few books to help you live a green life in your home abroad.
1. Green from the Ground Up: Sustainable, Healthy and Energy-Efficient Home Construction (Builder’s Guide) by David Johnston, Scott Gibson
2. Green Remodeling: Your Start toward an Eco-Friendly Home (The Green House) by John D. Wagner
3. Green Building A to Z: Understanding the Language of Green Building by Jerry Yudelson
E-how and How Stuff Works are some online resources where you will find valuable tips for green living.
Here are a few green living ideas for your new home:
• Set up your own recycling bin in your home.
• Use environment friendly cleaning products like carpet cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners and dishwashing powders.
• Think before you buy…you will automatically cut down on unnecessary clutter.
