Storage units have become very popular nowadays. Given the fact that many basements are being turned into laundromats, this trend should not surprise us. On the contrary, we should expect the number of storage units to rise. In the consumer society that we live in today, gathering more and more things that we do not need on a daily basis has become a reality. As time passes, people are going to need more and more space to store their stuff. Just like any other building, storage units also influence nature and the planet Earth itself. In times of enhanced worry for the state of the Earth, the true question of sustainable development arises. The time is now for you to ask yourself how can you participate and going green in your storage unit is one of the ways to do so. After all, Earth is the only planet we have. Unfortunately, we have neglected it.
Why should you be going green in your storage unit?
There are several reasons why you should be going green in your storage unit. Before we go through them, why don’t you ask yourself why do you think that going green matters? Given the fact that you are reading this article, surely you know something about being eco-aware. At least you are looking into the possibility of turning your business into a sustainable one. So, write down your answers and compare them to ours:
- Going green in your storage unit will help remedy our planet and enhance its health in the long run. The biggest issue that our planet is facing at the moment comes from deeds done by humans. We need to take action and protect it from further devastation. By going green in your storage unit, you will play a small role in this epic journey. If everyone does their part, we will get to live in a healthier environment.
- Climate change is real, no doubt about it. More rainfall and more snow are the true evidence of this. As the planet gets hotter, more water evaporates into the atmosphere which means it needs to come back down. Therefore, no matter what skeptics tell you, use your own brain and go green!
- Save money by going green in your storage unit. Equip your storage unit in such a way that you use as little energy as possible. If you do this, your monthly bills will be lower. Lower bills mean more profit. What would you know, maybe you can lower your operating expenditures so much that you may lower the rents in your storage units. The lower the rent, the higher the competitiveness.
Be sure to choose an eco-aware storage company
If you really want to reduce your carbon footprint and are thinking about different ways of going green in your storage unit, then it’s important to know which storage company to choose. There are many storage options to choose from, so be sure to do some research before landing a decision. However, whatever your choice might be, you should make sure that you are using the services of a company that uses renewable energy sources. Look for a storage unit that uses solar or wind power to generate electricity. This will help reduce the amount of carbon emissions generated by the facility. Also, by choosing to hire eco-aware companies over other, more conventional storage companies, you are helping the whole industry to switch to renewables.
Also, consider the location of the storage unit facility. If it’s closer to your home or workplace, you will spend less time and fuel to access it. This will reduce your carbon emissions. On the other hand, if you are constantly traveling to and from your storage unit, not only will you lose more time, but you will emit more gasses from fossil fuels.
How can you go green in your storage unit?
First of all, when you rent a storage unit, you need to follow the packing guidelines. Many people find out about the perks of renting a storage unit when they need to move. On such occasions, they tend to rent storage units larger than those that they actually need. Consolidating your storage needs into a single unit can help reduce the number of trips you need to make to and from the facility. This will lower your carbon emissions and reduce your fuel consumption. So, one of the best ways of going green in your storage unit is to find storage of adequate size. If you need multiple units, try to choose a facility that offers them all in one location.
Given the fact that you are left with not enough time to get thoroughly informed on the perks of having a storage unit is no excuse to rent too big. That’s why picking the right-sized storage unit is crucial. If everyone rented the size of the unit that they actually need, then there would be less need to build more. Therefore, we would be saving resources and guarding our planet as we ought to. In case you have already rented a storage unit, follow these tips on what you can do to comply with going green in your storage unit.
Light bulbs
Change light bulbs first since they are the easiest to change. Instead of using standard light bulbs, go for environmentally friendly ones. They are not cheaper than ordinary ones that are certain. However, they will save you money in the long run. Firstly, they consume less energy lowering your bill for electricity. Secondly, they last longer than the ones that are in general use. Given their extended lifespan, you will be, once more, keeping some money inside your pocket. It should help you with enhancing other aspects of your storage unit. Also, if you are in need of storage units while moving, using one that is eco-friendly can positively impact your moving budget. Any kind of relocation, especially long-distance ones, will go a lot smoother if you manage to save up a few bucks during the process.
Another way to save money, while going green in your storage unit, is to use items that are energy-efficient and sustainable. LED light bulbs are a perfect example of this, but you should also consider using reusable shopping bags. Properly discard any plastic bags (even better if you can recycle them) and use paper bags. This will help reduce your energy consumption and waste production when you use these items again.
Insulation
Invest in insulation. In case your storage unit needs to stay cool, you should most definitely invest in insulation. Insufficient insulation leads to excess consumption of electricity leading to, you’ve guessed it, high electricity bills. Invest in insulation and save in the long run. Inadequate insulation can also lead to other worrisome problems. Having proper insulation set up will help you prevent moisture in your storage unit, which is a big plus.
Some need to use climate-controlled storage. However, these types of storage units almost always consume more energy than standard ones. So, if you can, always try to use regular storage units with proper insulations. If it can do the trick, then not only will you save money, but you will also be a step closer to going green in your storage unit. Leave the climate-controlled storage units for only those belongings and items that require them.
Reuse packing material for going green in your storage unit
Use eco-friendly packing materials such as recycled boxes, paper, and biodegradable packing peanuts. Packing material is something that movers in Arkansas, or any other state for that matter, can provide you with for your move. Once you move, you should try and keep that material for further use. In case you are renting a storage unit, you can reuse that packing material. This will reduce the amount of waste generated during the packing and moving process.
First of all, you will probably have loads of cardboard on hand. That cardboard that you made boxes from can be great to store your stuff in. It will help you keep your storage unit organized. Also, you can leave some of those boxes unopened. Whatever you do, make sure you mark your boxes with numbers. Then, make an inventory. This will help you locate your stuff in the future. Furthermore, you can use your cardboard as an insulator as well. The fact that cardboard is a very bad heat conductor makes it a fairly good insulator. Therefore, go ahead and make some use of it.
Solar roofs are the best for going green in your storage unit
Solar panels allow you to trap the sun’s energy, turn it into electricity and use it for your benefit. If you are living in a sunny area, you should be familiar with this. Many people who move to Arizona or California look for homes with solar panels. In some countries, you can even sell excess electricity that you generated from the sun to your electric company. Anyway, solar panels are the ultimate step in going green in your storage unit. Go and make that step!
Always turn off and unplug electronics and appliances
A crucial part of going green in your storage unit, that lots of us forget, is to store items responsibly. Before storing any electronics or appliances, make sure to turn them off and unplug them. Not only will this help you keep said appliances healthy and operational. This will also reduce their energy consumption and save you money on your utility bills. Additionally, be sure to properly dispose of any old or outdated electronics that you no longer need. Recycling them is the best idea, of course, but whatever you do, don’t toss them out. Almost all electronic devices have traces of different elements and metals. Discarding them inadequately can always cause pollution. So, if you are someone who considers yourself an eco-aware person, make sure to responsibly discard your old and outdated appliances and electronics.
There is no going green in your storage unit without recycling!
You can recycle a myriad of materials in your storage unit. Here are some common items that can be recycled:
- Paper and Cardboard: This includes items such as cardboard boxes, paper bags, newspapers, magazines, and office paper. Make sure to break down and flatten any boxes to save space.
- Plastic: Many plastic items can be recycled, such as plastic bottles, containers, and bags. Make sure to check the recycling symbol on the plastic to confirm that it’s recyclable.
- Glass: Glass bottles and jars can be recycled. Be sure to remove any lids or caps and rinse out the container before recycling.
- Metal: Aluminum cans, steel cans, and other metal containers can also be recycled. Make sure to rinse out any food or drink residue before recycling.
- Electronics: As we’ve already mentioned, many electronics can be recycled, such as computers, laptops, printers, and cell phones. Check with your storage unit facility to see if they have a program for electronic recycling or if they can direct you to a nearby electronics recycling center.
It’s important to note that not all storage unit facilities offer recycling programs, so be sure to check with your facility to see if they have recycling options available. Additionally, make sure to properly sort and prepare your recycling before placing it in the designated recycling bin or area. By recycling in your storage unit, you can help reduce waste and conserve valuable resources.
Even if it seems like a small step, going green in your storage unit is very important
By following these simple tips for going green in your storage unit, you can create an eco-friendly space that helps reduce your carbon footprint and protect the environment. Therefore you can help in the ultimate goal of sustainable development. Remember that every small step counts, and together we can make a big difference in preserving our planet for future generations.