Moving day doesn’t have to be a day of waste

  • Published
  • By 47th Civil Engineer Squadron
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The idea of moving often brings chills to the spines of battle-tested warriors and groans to the lips of separation-hardened spouses.

As moving season draws to a close and the final boxes are unpacked, the 47th Civil Engineer Squadron wants to remind Laughlin that, while the stress of moving usually ends with the unpacking of the last box and the filing of damage claims, there are effects
that can last much longer.

Moving produces tons of waste in the form of boxes, bags, newspaper, bubble wrap, tape and other packing materials. Moving day also serves as a time for families to clean out closets and storage areas leading to unwanted toys, clothes, household goods and even furniture to be thrown away. All this waste adds up and takes its toll on the environment. With landfills filling up, reducing solid waste needs to be a priority for everyone.

Reducing waste during a move is easy. Start with saving the shipping boxes your computers, televisions and other electronic equipment are delivered in and pack the items back into their boxes for moves. These boxes pack better and won't require the moving company to use new materials.

Try cleaning out your closets, basement and garage before the movers come so they don't package and ship things you'll just get rid of later. Donate unwanted items in good condition to charities instead of throwing them away.

There are also ways to help the environment after the move. Some moving companies will take the boxes and packaging material with them to use again. If not, try saving and using what you can for your own needs, offer them to others through a yard sale page or take the material to a recycling center.

Next time you move, remember that the earth will feel the stress of waste longer than you feel the stress of the move. Make the commitment to reduce waste and you can help yourself, your wallet and the Air Force at the same time.

For more information on reducing waste when moving, visit www.epa.gov/epawaste/index.htm or contact 2nd Lt. Kathleen Deiters, 47th CES environmental engineer at 830-298-4298.