(Editor’s Note: Today, we’re joined by JK Moving Services with tips on sustainable moving practices.)
For today’s consumer, sustainable practices are part of their everyday lives, even in the home buying process. EYA has answered the call, providing eco-friendly options and materials for its new homes.
After you’ve selected your new EYA home, all the finishes, and eagerly anticipate your closing date, another thought springs to mind – the actual move into your new home. You may wonder, is there such a thing as a “green” mover?
Absolutely, there is! Here are four questions you can ask your potential mover during the in-home estimate, as you prepare for your upcoming move.
1. Do you have recycling and reuse programs?
These programs can run the gamut. What you want to know is that the mover has a plan for keeping waste out of the landfill. For example, some movers offer free, “gently-used” packing boxes to their customers as a way to re-use materials. Also, your mover may offer pick-up services for your boxes, to ensure they are properly recycled or re-used.
2. How are your trucks maintained?
Trucks are an inherent part of moving, and your moving company can help lessen the trucks’ impact on the environment. Just like a passenger car, a higher miles per gallon (MPG) for trucks means less fuel consumption overall. To improve MPG, a rigorous maintenance schedule for the truck fleet can ensure optimal fuel consumption. Other sustainable practices can include recycling vehicle batteries and anti-freeze, upgraded power units (on tractor trailers) with environmentally-friendly generators to reduce idling, and use of ultra-low sulfur diesel to reduce vehicle emissions.
Proper maintenance of JK's fleet improves reliability and reduces overall fuel consumption.
3. How “green” are the packing materials?
These days, movers’ cardboard boxes should be composed of about 30% recycled material. Too much recycled material in moving boxes, and they would not be sturdy enough to protect your belongings. Another area where recycled materials come into play is moving blankets or pads, which are used to protect your furniture. These can also be produced with recycled fabrics.
4. Does the company employ sustainable practices in its overall operations?
Just like any business, you should expect the mover’s corporate office to integrate sustainable practices in its operations. For example, motion-sensors may be used for lighting in the offices or warehouse to reduce energy waste. Or the company may have moved to paperless driver logs and payroll for its employees to lessen the amount of paper that is consumed.
At JK Moving Services, we track our green efforts each year, publishing a report of what materials we kept out of the landfill. This year, we even published an infographic on what was accomplished! You can check that out here.
As you prepare to move into your new home, we hope you’ll ask your mover about their sustainable business practices. Even small steps add up to a significant, positive impact on our environment.
What's more, EYA homebuyers receive $10 off per hour for local moves and 10% off the purchase of new packing materials with JK Moving Services. Simply mention that you are an EYA homeowner when you received your free, in-home estimate.
JK Moving Services has provided local, long distance, and international moving services for residential and commercial customers for more than 30 years. Visit their blog, This End UP, for more tips and resources about creating a worry-free move.