With many Chicagoans striving to lead more eco-friendly lives, zero-waste moving methods are becoming more and more popular. In addition to using sustainable moving materials like rentable plastic bins and plant-based wrapping and padding, you can learn to reuse and recycle packing and moving supplies to lower your carbon footprint even further.
Why It’s Important to Use Eco-Friendly Moving Supplies
The moving industry has a reputation for generating a lot of waste. And unfortunately, it’s a valid reputation. Each year, tons and tons of used cardboard boxes, tape, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and other moving-related materials end up in landfills.
However, there’s some good news: many moving companies and their customers are keeping a close eye on eco-friendly moving trends. The movement toward sustainable moving materials and methods is growing, and every small step is healthier for the planet. By learning how to reuse and recycle packing and moving supplies, you can help the Earth one cardboard box at a time.
Where to Find Reusable Packing Materials
It’s relatively easy to find reusable packing materials for your upcoming relocation. If you’re moving to a new home, you can ditch cardboard boxes and wasteful tape entirely by renting multi-use plastic bins that don’t require a single strip of tape.
Your home is also a treasure trove of reusable moving supplies. Your duffel bags, suitcases, and storage bins make for eco-friendly packing materials that you already have lying around. Don’t be afraid to borrow some of these items from your family and friends as well. When they see that you’re making an effort for a zero-waste move, there’s a good chance they’ll want to pitch in. In addition to helping you protect the planet, they can also save you some money by lending you some free items.
How to Recycle Packing and Moving Supplies
Not all packing materials are reusable, and that’s ok! Instead of filling up the trash bin, just recycle packing and moving supplies after your move.
Here in Chicago, you can recycle packing paper and cardboard boxes (just remove the tape first). Some other materials, like plastic bags or film (including shrink wrap) and Styrofoam, cannot be recycled. To strengthen your sustainable moving effort, try to avoid non-recyclable materials. Instead, opt for plant-based and biodegradable supplies that are made out of corn starch, seaweed, or mushroom fibers.
When the recycling bin at your home fills up, don’t worry—there’s another option. You can recycle packing and moving supplies at two drop-off centers in Chicago. You don’t even have to sort or separate the recyclables by type, so it couldn’t be easier!
Plan a Zero-Waste Move with Our Eco-Friendly Packing and Moving Supplies
Are you ready to join the zero-waste move revolution? Then get ready to reuse and recycle moving supplies for your upcoming relocation. Our eco-friendly materials include reusable plastic totes, rental wardrobe boxes, and recyclable packing paper—and for your convenience, we’ll deliver them to the home you’re moving out of and pick them up from your new place after you’ve unpacked.
Place your order today, or drop us a line with any questions you have about our sustainable moving supplies!