Ways to Reduce the Environmental Impact of Moving

Moving can be a difficult and busy job that almost everyone goes through at some point. When transitioning to a new place, there are numerous factors to consider, including packing, finances, and the assistance of movers. With so many responsibilities to manage, it’s unsurprising that the environmental consequences of the move often slip our minds. Many individuals are unaware that moving homes can indeed impact the environment. Regrettably, a move can have adverse effects on the environment. However, there is a solution to mitigate these environmental impacts caused by relocation.

The impact of moving on the environment

Over the past decade, climate change has become a big deal for the moving industry. With the growth of the population and the increasing creation of new communities, moving businesses have flourished. But this also means that the industry is harming the environment more, which puts pressure on governments, organizations, and consumers to make moving more sustainable.

The moving industry is responsible for about 5% of all the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere worldwide. If we don’t do something about it, this number could go up to 18% by the year 2050, as the European Environment Agency warns. The pollution caused by the relocation process, like truck carbon emissions, doesn’t just worsen global warming. It also harms our health directly, causing problems like lung diseases and heart issues, and in some cases, even leading to premature death.

What measures should be taken to mitigate the environmental impact of moving?

Ways You Can Reduce Your Move’s Environmental Impact.

Although the prospect of electric trucks powered by renewable energy sources holds transformative potential for the moving industry, their widespread implementation remains a distant future. However, eco-friendly moving companies are currently available that follow environmentally friendly relocation processes to minimize their carbon footprints.

Look at EkoMover’s simple ways to make relocation more environmentally friendly and the ways to reduce the environmental impact of moving.

• Opt for Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Plastic Covers

Many companies use thick plastic covers when you move and need to cover big furniture and upholstery. Plastic harms the environment, so using blankets as an alternative can help reduce your move’s environmental footprint. These moving blankets can be versatile and serve multiple purposes beyond protecting your items during the move. Blankets provide adequate protection for your items and can be reused for various uses. By making this simple switch, you contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally-conscious move.

• Use Eco-Friendly Packing Materials

When you pack your things, some materials like cardboard boxes and packing peanuts are unsuitable for the environment because they take a long time or don’t break down at all. Using eco-friendly materials like reusable boxes and shredded paper for cushioning your items is a great idea. Shredded paper is biodegradable and easily recycled, making it a sustainable choice to protect your belongings during the move. By opting for these eco-friendly materials, you not only contribute to reducing waste but also minimize the overall ecological footprint of your move, promoting a greener and more sustainable approach.

• Opt for an Environmentally-Friendly Moving Company.

When you require the services of a moving company for your relocation, selecting a company that prioritizes eco-friendly practices is advisable. The eco-friendly moving company permanently eliminates the adverse effect of your relocation process on the environment. Green moving companies often utilize trucks that operate on biodiesel instead of conventional petrol. Thus, reducing the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Additionally, eco-friendly moving companies can provide you with reusable moving boxes, contributing to a reduction in waste generated during the moving process.

• Embrace Eco-Friendly Transportation Methods.

Electric and hybrid vehicles are still relatively new, especially in long-distance moves, but their popularity is growing. These vehicles have the potential to be environmentally friendly, with net-zero greenhouse emissions if powered by renewable energy sources. Furthermore, electric and hybrid vehicles operate with reduced noise levels, contributing to a quieter and more peaceful environment. They also emit significantly less air pollution than traditional engines, improving air quality for communities. Embracing these eco-friendly vehicles promotes sustainability and is vital in achieving greener logistics, particularly for local deliveries. We can pave the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future by switching to electric and hybrid vehicles.

• Maximize Fuel Efficiency for a Greener Move.

Fuel is a significant factor in harmful emissions that harm the environment. If you’re considering managing your move independently, you must be mindful of fuel efficiency to minimize your impact. One effective strategy is to aim for fewer trips, consolidate your belongings, and optimize the use of your vehicle’s capacity. By reducing the number of journeys, you save fuel and decrease the emission of pollutants into the atmosphere. Additionally, maintaining proper tire air pressure is crucial in maximizing fuel economy. Underinflated tires can lead to increased rolling resistance, which requires more energy and fuel consumption. Regularly checking and inflating your tires to the recommended pressure levels improves safety and helps you achieve better fuel efficiency during your move. By adopting these fuel-efficient practices, you can actively contribute to reducing the environmental footprint associated with transportation and promote a greener approach to your move.

• Reduce Waste: Recycle or Donate Unwanted Items.

Suppose you have household items, furniture, clothing, or equipment that are still in good condition but no longer serve a purpose in your life. There are meaningful ways to give them a second life. Consider donating these items to charitable organizations, thrift stores, or community centers that can distribute them to individuals and families in need. By doing so, you not only prevent these items from ending up in landfills but also allow others to benefit from them. Additionally, for broken electronics, some computer stores offer recycling programs. By donating or recycling items, you don’t plan to take with you to your new home. You can make a big difference in reducing the environmental impact of your move.

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to make the move more sustainable. Moving companies can contribute to the global goal of reaching net-zero emissions by finding and eliminating unnecessary trips and using greener routes and vehicles. New technologies can also help manage warehouses in an eco-friendly manner and reduce the use of plastic packaging.

EkoMovers always follow the above-mentioned procedure to reduce the adverse environmental impact of moving. We implement sustainable moving practices that benefit our business, customers, and the environment.

Businesses benefit by:

• Building sustainable practices that align with up-to-date industry standards.
• Attracting new, environmentally conscious customers
• Standing out among their competitors as industry leaders
• Reduced operational costs thanks to fuel-efficient vehicles.

Customers benefit by:

• Reducing their environmental impact
• Avoiding the waste of large quantities of single-use packaging materials
• Limiting the costs of their move by sharing vehicles or selling items that are no longer necessary.
• Contributing to national emission reduction goals

The environment benefits through:

• Reduced GHG and fuel consumption of fuel-efficient vehicles
• Reduced waste of packing materials thanks to reusable options.

Get in touch with us today. We know that you not only want your move to be easy, but you want your move to be safe for your family and the planet.