Judith Sutton ABR CRS IDS PMN ASP IAHSP SRES GREEN
Judy@JudithSutton.com 908 803-0472
PEOPLE PROPERTY PLANET PROSPERITY
EXPECT MORE
Note: I have earned my GREEN Realtor designation with the commitment to GREEN PRACTICES towards more sustainable homes
After the recent U.N. climate change report, we are all asking ourselves what can I do to stop climate change? We’re looking at our homes, our recycling practices, and the behaviors we are modeling for our children. We are looking for greener solutions for everything. No more, “I will do this tomorrow.” Now is the time to get our green game on, by preserving our one and only beautiful earth.
Unfortunately, when we move, we can create more waste than at any other time of our lives. We finally clear out those closets, garages, and attics. We throw away most of the stuff. We use lots of boxes and plastic. But, there is always a better green solution.
Here are the top 5 ways to make your move green:
1. Create Less Waste: Use Recyclable Materials
Moving creates a lot of waste that contributes to our landfills. When you think about moving, think boxes, boxes, and more boxes.
From boxes to bubble wrap, use 100% recyclable materials on moving day. Look for boxes that are certified to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) Certified Sourcing standard, which means their fiber comes from responsible and legal sources. And use biodegradable eco-bubble instead of bubble wrap. Old fashioned bubble wrap can take hundreds of years to decompose. In a much shorter amount of time, the Polycell eco-bubble will biodegrade into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass.
Not only can you use recyclable boxes, but you can also save money by asking moving companies for used boxes made of recyclable materials. Some green moving companies will even give you a refund for returning your boxes at the end of your move.
2. Give Back: Recycle Your Stuff
Because you are moving, finally, the garage and closets get cleaned out. But, don’t just toss things out.
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Look to your local charities to donate furniture and clothing you no longer use, as well as domestic e-waste recyclers to dispose of your old computers, microwaves, etc. This will ensure that your electronics are recycled in facilities that follow U.S. environmental regulations and not shipped off to unregulated third-world environmental disaster dumping grounds. You can also hire a mover that takes care of the donations for you. A green mover can connect you with charities who can really make use of all those old clothes, and food banks or Move For Hunger that can use those larger-sized items.
3. Breathe Easier: Seek Biodiesel
Trucks that use diesel fuel emit harmful toxins into our air and are responsible for the majority of outdoor air pollutants, contributing to the risk of cancer.
Choose a moving company that runs their trucks on biodiesel fuel which is a cleaner-burning fuel made from naturally renewable sources such as vegetable oils. Also, inquire about the lift gates on their trucks. Moving trucks with battery-operated lift gates ensure there is no need to leave the trucks idling at your curb while the move is taking place. (I never thought of that!)
4. Save Land: Use Warehouse Storage
Old fashion self-storage facilities with inefficient garage-type self-storage facilities employ poor land-use practices.
Earth-friendly storage is warehouse-based and not long paved rows of self-storage “garages.” Your belongings are stored inside the warehouse in recyclable and reusable wooden vaults. Not only is this storage greener for the environment, but it is also greener for your wallet. You only pay for the space you actually need.
5. Green Conscious = Customer Conscious: Choose an Eco-Minded Mover
When using a moving company that is environmentally friendly, you are also gaining movers that go the extra mile in providing top-of-the-line client service. Chances are if they care about the earth, they care about people that inhabit it too. They care about lasting relationships. It is a great place to start.
So, use your “GREEN” to influence and encourage green habits by hiring companies that use environmentally-friendly practices in their offices and warehouses. They care about their entire environment and they practice giving back to the community. Call me to see how to help our planet prosper-GREEN DESIGNEES have the knowledge, resources, and experience to help advise- I can help!
COLDWELL BANKER Guiding People Home Since 1906
Judy@JudithSutton.com
908 803-0472
"...the right relationship means everything..."
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