Hey earth muffins! Moving into college is an exciting milestone, but (without thought) it can create a lot of extra waste just like any other move. Never fear – there are plenty of conscious choices you can make that align with your values to reduce your environmental impact! In this blog post, we’ll explore how to move into college the eco-friendly way to reduce your impact from day one. Let’s jump right into it!
1. Use plastic free packing materials!
When packing your belongings, opt for eco-friendly packing materials. Use suitcases, bags, and boxes you already have to minimize waste. If you need extra padding for those breakable items, use clothing or towels instead of bubble wrap or Styrofoam. This is a great alternative because you have to pack those soft items anyway! For all the non-eco packing materials you end up using, make sure to repurpose them or recycle them on campus.
Hey earth muffins! As many of you know, I am currently in the process of moving across the state. My boyfriend and I are (finally) moving in together! 😍 I will officially be moving out of my Ann Arbor apartment this weekend, so this week has been full of packing. All of this moving excitement has inspired me, so I wanted to write a post today all about how you can have an eco-friendly move. This fits perfectly with the spirit of Plastic Free July!
Tips for Staying Green When Packing
The number one thing I would recommend is to use boxes you already have. I was lucky enough to have a lot of extra closet space in my current apartment (as well as a storage bin in the basement of the complex); when I moved in last summer, I just kept all of the boxes! If you end up collecting more things throughout the year, I suggest saving the boxes from anything you get in the mail. You can also ask family and friends to save some boxes for you!
If you have to buy extra boxes or other packing materials, try to buy those that can be recycled. Many cardboard boxes can easily be recyled, but plastic tapes and bubble wrap are difficult to recycle. I suggest avoiding all plastic altogether – utilize clothing and linens you need to pack anyway to cushion fragile items! Not only is it more eco-friendly but it also saves space in your packing. 🙂 In terms of tape, there are actually paper tapes you can buy instead of the plastic ones. I personally don’t even use tape to close my boxes, but I would definitely check out the paper options!
As you pack, declutter!! When will you be going through everything you own again in the near future? It is the perfect opportunity to minimalize and downsize your possessions. But, make sure the items you don’t want anymore are reused in some way: sell them on Facebook Marketplace, donate to your local thrift store, or give to those who need them in your community.
How to Stay Eco-Friendly During the Actual Move
Make sure you take EVERYTHING with you from your old place! It is a common practice in a college town like Ann Arbor for students to just leave everything (even furniture) and buy new at the next place. This is, obviously, terrible for the planet. 🌎 Even if something is a hassle to move, still take it with you! Because you own it, you are responsible for its lifecycle. This also goes for little things: clean your shower rings, save your wall decals, keep the nails you remove from the walls, etc. These will have a use in your new place! 😀
Lastly, try to reduce your trips going back and forth to the new place. Because I am literally moving across the whole state, I hired movers to ensure I would only have to move once. Not only do I drive a tiny Kia Soul, but I will be lugging a queen mattress too – so movers were a must! Taking trips back and forth might seem more budget friendly, but I encourage you to borrow a friend’s van or something to reduce the trips you take!
Wish me luck on the move this weekend, I can’t wait to update you all on my new place. 🎉 What do you do to reduce waste when you are moving?
