Guide to eco-friendly packing materials for your next move

Moving to a new location can be challenging. Especially when you think about how much waste gets generated during the relocation. From bubble wrap and moving boxes to other packing materials that are used to keep fragile items intact, there are lots of opportunities you can take to reduce your carbon footprint and make eco-friendly decisions. So before you hire commercial movers Memphis offers for your next relocation, here are the eco-friendly packing materials for your next move.

The Importance of Eco-Friendly Packing Materials for Moving

Moving isn’t just a stressful event in our lives, but it is also bad for the environment. To make moving less stressful, you can hire Spyder Moving and Storage. They will help you move your home in no time. Usual packing materials like styrofoam packing peanuts, plastic bubble wrap, plastic bags, etc., are the most common ones people use for moving. However, they aren’t environmentally friendly at all. It can take hundreds of years for these materials to decompose completely. This releases toxic chemicals and adds more to the global waste issue. On the other hand, using eco-friendly packing materials for your next move that are recyclable, biodegradable, or reusable will be a much better option.

Sustainable Alternatives to Traditional Packing Materials

One of the most used moving supplies is styrofoam peanuts. These aren’t biodegradable, and they are difficult to recycle. As an alternative that is eco-friendly, you can use peanuts that are made using natural materials like wheat and cornstarch. These materials can be easily broken down and composted after you move with the help of professional movers Memphis TN has to offer, or you can use air pillows. They are an eco-friendly alternative to packing peanuts giving your items cushioning without taking up a lot of space. You can even reuse them multiple times or recycle them. Another great option is recycled paper. You can use it for wrapping fragile items or crumple it and use it as padding.

Natural, Organic Materials for Packing

If you want something that is more natural, you can use linen, wool, or cotton as packing materials. These materials are gentle and soft, which means they are great for wrapping fragile items like fine china and artwork. Also, these are biodegradable, and you can compost them after the relocation. Or you can reuse them for other things like pillow stuffing or cleaning rags.

Eco-Friendly Boxes and Containers

When it comes to eco-friendly packing materials for your next move, boxes and containers are just as important as packing materials. Try to find moving boxes that are made out of recycled materials like corrugated cardboard, for example. It will be very easy to recycle them after the relocation.

Additionally, some moving companies offer plastic containers and boxes that you can rent and return after use. Renting moving boxes from a moving company will reduce your carbon footprint. You can also buy reusable containers like metal storage boxes and plastic bins. These are also great options, and you can use them multiple times even after the move.

Innovative and Sustainable Packing Materials

There are also some innovative and sustainable packing alternatives that are a bit different compared to traditional options. For example, mushroom-made packaging is made using agricultural waste, and it’s completely biodegradable. Seaweed wraps are also eco-friendly packing materials for your next move, and they are biodegradable as well. There are even some companies that are even exploring the use of biodegradable plastics from plant-based materials.

Balancing Sustainability and Practicality

Even though it’s important to use eco-friendly packing materials for your next move, you shouldn’t forget about practicality either. Some items will need more protection than others. For example, while wool is perfect for wrapping your fine china, it’s not really good for heavy items like kitchen appliances or furniture. Looking for the perfect balance between practicality and sustainability is crucial to making eco-friendly choices.

How to Dispose of Eco-Friendly Packing Materials

After you have moved and unpacked your belongings with the help of packers and movers, you should think about how to dispose of your eco-friendly packing materials in a responsible manner. You can recycle or compost most of these moving and packing supplies which makes them very eco-friendly.

Recycling is probably the best option when it comes to materials like recycled paper and cardboard boxes, and even packing peanuts. However, when you are disposing of these items, make sure to clean and dry them before you put them in recycling bins. Call your local recycling to be completely sure that they will take these items because there might be specific guidelines when it comes to recycling.

Additionally, you can compost your packing materials like seaweed wraps, air pillows, and biodegradable packing peanuts. These can easily break down naturally in compost. This is great if you have plants because it will provide them with nutrients and even reduce waste. However, be completely sure that these are made from natural materials and don’t contain any contaminants before you add them to the compost pile.

Conclusion

Choosing eco-friendly packing materials for your next move isn’t just good for the environment. It can also be cheap and practical. By considering sustainable alternatives, eco-friendly containers and boxes, natural and organic materials, and innovative materials like seaweed wraps and mushroom-based packing, you will reduce your carbon footprint while protecting your items during the relocation. Additionally, you can hire Memphis moving services to make the move smooth and stress-free.

However, when choosing packing materials, make sure to find a perfect balance between practicality and sustainability, ensuring that you are making eco-friendly choices while keeping your belongings safe. And after you are done with the move, make sure to dispose of your packing materials in a responsible manner.