Reduce, Reuse, and Relocate

REUSE, REDUCE, AND RELOCATE Whether it's for a new job, marriage or new adventures, the average American moves 11 times in his or her lifetime according to the U.S. Census. Moving is a new beginning, full of hopes and aspirations. However, every time you move you consume resources and make an environmental impact. Read on to find out how you can maximize your next big move by minimizing your move carbon footprint. GOING THE DISTANCE CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS GALLONS OF GAS USED The majority of Americans aren't moving too far when relocating, confirms the U.S. Census. Naturally, short distances affect the environment much less than longer, cross-country moves. Here we calculate the amount of gas your move will consume and carbon dioxide emissions your move will create. 24% 140 LBS OF CO: of Americans move a 50% MEDIUM DISTANCE (<50 MILES). REGIONAL of Americans move a SHORT DISTANCE (<10 MILES)., 1.43 GALLONS OF GAS CROSS-COUNTRY 26% 8,400 LBS OF CO: The majority of movers (74 percent) relocate within 50 miles of their last residence. Only about a quarter of movers make the long, cross-country trek-which is good news for the environment. of Americans move a LONG DISTANCE (>50 MILES). CO: New York City dwellers alone are responsible for over 4 million tons of CO, a year, an equivalent of 110,819 18-wheeler trucks packed to the legal I 4 MILLION TONS OF CO: I10,819 18-WHEELER TRUCKS HOW TO MAKE YOUR MOVE GREEN THE TOOLS Choosing the right moving supplies can make the difference between an average move and an environmentally conscious one. THE EQUIPMENT The way you choose to transport your belongings will also determine how sustainable your move will be. Picking the right shipping method, truck, fuel and route can make a noticeably smaller footprint. Check out what options your moving company's options. PLASTIC CONTAINER CARDBOARD BOX Average number of uses: Average 400 number of uses: 2.5 Fuel your moving truck or van with biodiesel. The majority of moving trucks have the ability to run with both diesel and biodiesel fuel. Across the U.S., there are currently over 800 biodiesel fueling stations. CHOOSE PLASTIC 90% It takes 90 percent less energy to recycle a pound of plastic than it does to recycle a pound of paper or cardboard. TRANSPORT CURB ALERT There is a greener way to ship your car. Choosing a train transport instead of truck can reduce the mark your move leaves on the environment. Sort and donate or recycle unwanted belongings before the move. CO2 1.130 POUNDS OF WASTE 1,060 POUNDS OF CO: Each American throws out an average of 1,130 pounds of waste per year; this translates to 1,060 pounds of Co, emitted by each person. IL LA . . E On average, trains are four times more fuel efficient than trucks. Moving cars in bulk by train instead of truck can reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 12 million tons. This is the equivalent of taking 2 million cars off the road or planting 280 million trees. SOURCES EPA.GOV, PLANETTHOUGHTS.ORG, CENSUS.ORG, NYTIMES.COM, AFDC.ENERGY.GOV, BIODIESEL.ORG, RENTAGREENBOX, SHIPCARSNOW.COM, KARMABOXX.COM, INDEXMUNDI.COM, THETRUCKREPORT.COM, EHOW.COM mymove *...... 7.14 GALLONS OF GAS MOVERS 28.57 GALLONS OF GAS LOCAL MOVERS 28 LBS OF CO: