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Environmentally Friendly Moving Boxes
Instead of just picking up the cheapest or strongest boxes, first do some
research to make sure that your box is recycled or can be recycled. There are
two types of place to pick up some moving boxes; from a supplier or from
someone who is getting rid of boxes. The latter is obviously cheaper and
environmentally friendly because you’re reusing a box that otherwise might’ve
been thrown out. If you’re only in a position to purchase moving boxes, then
there are certain things you should avoid to stay environmentally friendly.
Sometimes a cardboard box looks like cardboard, feels like cardboard, and may
even smell like cardboard. But the truth is, it may not be 100% cardboard.
Sometimes boxes are contaminated with other materials such as wood, polystyrene
foam, metal, plastic, wax, and newspaper can be found within your cardboard
boxes. What’s the big deal? The problem with these contaminates is that they
interference with remanufacturing the boxes because they have to be separated
from the actual cardboard. This is a difficult, time consuming, and expensive
process. Consequently, contaminated boxes often get thrown by the wayside.
Although cardboard is biodegradable, the process is long and slow resulting in
a large buildup of cardboard waste in landfills. To help prevent this needless
waste, be green with your moving boxes.
So what can you do? Ask friends, co-workers, local supermarkets, and anyone and
everyone if they have extra boxes that you can use for your move. This is a
cheap and environmentally friendly way to obtain cardboard boxes. Or, if you
buy moving boxes, make sure that they are not filled with contaminates and can
be recycled. When you’re done with your
moving boxes, you can then pay it forward and see if anyone you know
needs any cardboard boxes or just recycle them yourself.
Although 65% of cardboard is recycled per year, and is the most recycled
material in the United States, it is up to all of us to keep that number steady
if not raise it. Who knew that something as simple as cardboard could be so
complicated? This being true, it is extremely simple and uncomplicated to make
sure you’re being green when choosing cardboard boxes for your upcoming move.
