Cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, Styrofoam… At first glance, it doesn’t seem possible to move without generating a certain amount of waste. However, there are many steps you can take to reduce your environmental impact. Are you interested in making your move more eco-friendly?
Follow the guide!
Why move in a more eco-friendly way?
According to the French Agency for Ecological Transition (ADEME), nearly 3 million French people move each year. And on average, we move five times in our lifetime!
That gives you an idea of the sheer volume of boxes (about 60 per family for each move), rolls of bubble wrap, and packing tape used.
Let’s not forget the carbon emissions from transport trucks either!
As you can see, the environmental impact of moving is far from negligible. It is therefore urgent that we rethink the way we move in order to protect the planet.
How to move in an environmentally friendly way?
There are many simple things you can do to limit the environmental impact of your move.
Sort your belongings
Moving house is a great opportunity to sort out your belongings! Room by room, take stock of what you want to keep, sell, give away or throw away. Give a second life to objects and furniture that won't fit in your new home. They're sure to delight associations and recycling centers. Note that the fewer m3 you have to transport, the more you'll save on the cost of your move!
Diversify your packing containers
While cardboard boxes are indispensable for carefully packing your belongings, they aren't the only possible containers. Suitcases, large bags and storage boxes can also do the trick. It's also possible to rent moving bins. Ask your moving company for details.
Need cardboard boxes? Instead of buying them, opt for second-hand boxes and stock up at your local supermarket. Delivered daily, these stores have large quantities of cardboard boxes at their disposal, which they generally give away free of charge to anyone who asks. You can also find second-hand boxes at our members' stores.
Limit the use of bubble wrap
A major plastic waste product, bubble wrap can easily be replaced by newspaper, towels, tea towels, etc., which will provide effective protection for your fragile objects.
Review your mode of transport
To reduce the CO2 emissions associated with transporting your goods by truck, consider groupage moving. This widespread practice enables the moves of several people to be transported in the same truck. Costs (fuel, tolls and labor) are divided by the number of customers. This reduces the carbon footprint of transport and saves you money: good for both the environment and your budget!
Choose an eco-responsible carrier
More and more moving professionals are incorporating responsible practices into their business. This is notably the case for members of the Gentlemen du Déménagement network, certified Quality & Environment since 2015 (ISO 9001 & 14001 standards). Waste reduction and recovery, use of sustainable packaging, reduced consumption of paper, water, electricity and fuel: these are just some of the individual and collective efforts aimed at ensuring a more eco-responsible move.
Review your energy contracts
Gas, electricity... what if you took advantage of your move to change suppliers and maybe even reduce your bills ? Today, many suppliers offer green energy and support renewable energies, which are better for the environment.
Les Gentlemen du Déménagement are here to help you with your eco-friendly move.
Contact us right away for more information or to get a quote.