Green Moving is IN!

Moving season is fast approaching and we’re unpacking great green resolutions just in time. Here are 5 tips from the pros for making your next move as green as can be.

 
As Quebec’s ambassador for the Net Zero energy home consumption program, we’d like to take this occasion to remind you of how critical it is to be eco-responsible throughout the construction, acquisition or renting of a new property. A green move is, in a way, the cherry on the sundae. Where does one start?

 

1. Conduct a Massive Purge

It’s hard not to accumulate things throughout life! Take advantage of moving time to purge your personal belongings. Still haven’t used that thingy you got at the 2006 Christmas gift exchange? Might be time to let it go. On top of lessening the number of boxes and packing paper you need, you’ll lighten the load in your truck and reduce the amount of gas consumed for your move.

 

2. Recycle, Sell, Give Away

Take all your unwanted items to the dump? Definitely not! One man’s trash is another’s treasure. Consider a garage sale, reselling your furniture and accessories on free sites like Kijiji or Facebook, or simply giving them away to friends or community organizations like the Saint-Vincent de Paul Society.

Cans of paint, batteries, electronics and the like can be dropped at a number of collection outlets. Everyone wins in the end!

 

3. Opt for Used Rather Than New

To keep new box and packaging paper use to a minimum, head to your local grocery stores and pharmacies. On top of saving used boxes from the nearest dump, they won’t cost you a dime. Cartonnerie Montréal offers used boxes at minimal price, if you don’t find enough for your needs. Save newspapers, napkins and other wrapping paper to pack your belongings. It’s the small deeds that really add up.

 

4. Opt for Eco Products

You’ll likely want to give your new home a good scrubbing before settling in. Want to clean with eco products but not partial to the smell of vinegar? You can create your very own mixes (french only) and scents, or opt for a number of excellent non-toxic eco cleaning products that smell great, like Bio-Vert or Attitude, and help preserve the environment with every spray. Opt also for eco paint, free from volatile compounds, recycled or all natural, or latex paints.

 

5. Move Without Polluting

Did you know that there are companies completely dedicated to sustainable moving? Blue Bins rents recycled plastic moving bins, an excellent alternative to conventional cardboard boxes.

Déménagement Myette has specialized in bicycle moving on the island of Montreal for over 7 years. A simple, eco option at attractive prices that doesn’t skimp on quality. Today, a number of European moving companies like Enviroderm have zero-waste trucks, materials and policies. We hope this trend will make its way to Quebec. Until then, you can always calculate the carbon gas emissions produced by your move and compensate by buying carbon credits from Quebecois company CO2 Environnement.

 
Happy Moving Day!