Eco-friendly solutions for your next move: Seek a company that has adopted green practices

How to reduce the impact of any business operation on the environment is a challenge that has come to the forefront of the public's attention. It's safe to say that, "Green is in, and it is here to stay." Driven by government incentives and increased public concern, environmentally friendly or green practices have been embraced across many major industries including construction, building and manufacturing. The moving sector is not excluded from this trend. Much can be done to make your next move a green move. When planning a relocation project making small changes during the planning stage can ensure an eco-friendly transition. We suggest that planners research moving companies and find out what they are doing to reduce their impact. The moving industry has not typically been thought of as a sector that could have a significant impact on the environment. However, moving companies do have the opportunity to offer services that can aid in reducing emissions, increase recycling and reuse of items such as furnishings. One of the most important services a moving company can offer is recycling. During large commercial relocation projects, companies often discard old furniture, equipment, (computers, copiers, printers and fax machines) and files in order to reduce costs, reduce clutter or replace out-of-date items. Recycling or donating old furniture, equipment and raw materials not only saves landfill space, but also can benefit nonprofit organizations. Many items may be old but continue to be in perfectly good and usable condition for years. Recycling raw materials including paper, metal and wood can be easily incorporated into the relocation process. Another way moving and storage companies can make a significant impact on the environment is by using plastic crates opposed to cardboard boxes. Plastic crates can be used over and over again eliminating the need for cardboard boxes. If a company uses cardboard boxes, question whether they are made of recycled materials and if they are bleached. The process of bleaching cardboard for boxes can have a negative impact on the environment. Explain to the companies you may be dealing with that you would prefer the use of plastic crates or cardboard boxes that are unbleached and made from recycled materials. The practice of using plastic crates instead of cardboard boxes by the Advance Relocation Resource Group, for example, has eliminated the need for more than 100,000 cardboard boxes annually. When Advance does use boxes, they compact the cardboard into large bails for recycling after separating out any other materials. Using technology can also help moving companies become more environmentally friendly. The use of trucks with battery operated lifts has proved to be a positive innovation. Often trucks used for large, commercial relocations idle for long periods of time waiting to be used for loading and unloading. This results in wasted fuel and unnecessary emissions. Now, trucks equipped with heavy duty battery operated lifts are operational while the truck's engine is shut off, saving money, fuel and reducing emissions. Green practices are important in daily life and in doing business today. When selecting a company to use for your next relocation, seek to find a company that not only understands green concepts but has adopted practices that demonstrate consideration for the environment. James Molloy is the CEO of Advance Commercial Movers, Old Bethpage, N.Y.