Although Canada’s “Moving Day” is traditionally associated with Montreal, it still provides a good opportunity for a reminder that it’s possible to move without all the mess. Unfortunately, Moving Day (which falls on Canada Day) has become a time when people who are moving from apartment to apartment leave their unwanted items on the street, much to the chagrin of those who are eco-conscious. Although some of the unwanted goods are picked up by others, most of the stuff becomes a permanent part of Canada’s growing landfills.
The good news is that there’s a greener way to celebrate Moving Day (even if you don’t plan to relocate on or around July 1st!) Below are some of the better options for those moving this year who wish to remain smart stewards of the environment:
- 1. Choose plastic moving boxes.
Plastic moving boxes like those from Toronto-based Blue Bins can be rented for a very modest amount, and they hold up better than their cardboard counterparts. Plus, they can be reused and eventually recycled to make new Blue Bins. It’s the perfect way to clean up any move!
- 2. Try to sell unwanted items, or give them away.
It’s nice to get a little money from the items you no longer need. Try selling your merchandise on Craigslist or Kijiji. If you’re unsuccessful, see if you can donate any usable things to a nonprofit that specializes in helping those who are less fortunate.
- 3. Use greener packing materials.
When you’re packing valuables, such as glasswares, use towels instead of Styrofoam “peanuts” to keep them from rubbing around in the plastic moving box. When you get to your new home, you can simply throw the towels in the laundry and use again.
- 4. Clean your old apartment and new home with environmentally-friendly solutions.
There is absolutely zero need to rely on toxic sprays to get your former or new place sparkling. With white vinegar, soap, water and some old-fashioned “elbow grease”, you can clean up and know you aren’t hurting the earth.
You don’t have to do what everyone else does. Make a stand for the environment this year during Moving Day and show off your eco-consciousness.
Blue Bins supports the movement to make Canada a cleaner place to live and move! Check out our Blue Bins website and Facebook pages to find out how we’ve helped tidy up our planet.