WASHINGTON —
Whether it's across the hall or across town, moving can create a lot of waste. Things like tape, bubble wrap, – even boxes can all end up in the landfill after just one use. But REUZE, a local business, is trying to change that.
REUZE co-founder, Narissa Heggs, told WUSA9 that her business is helping people in the DMV make the moving process more eco-friendly by offering sustainable moving supplies.
“REUZE is an eco-friendly moving and packing supplies company that can help the average person, everyday person, and businesses insert sustainable alternatives into the way that they move,” says Heggs.
REUZE boxes are much stronger than the cardboard alternative, meaning you can pack more things in fewer boxes.
“I'll take a bookshelf, for instance. If I was trying to pack a bookshelf up, I need probably about six to eight boxes. Versus like one or two REUZE boxes because it can hold that kind of weight,” said Heggs.
REUZE boxes also securely close on their own so there is no need for single use plastic, like tape. Plus, the company will provide you with biodegradable labels that you can put on the boxes to help you stay organized.
Here’s how it works. Simply book the time that you are moving on the REUZE website, and they will drop off the boxes at your door. You just pack them up and move however you choose. Once you empty the boxes, REUZE will pick them up from your new location and prepare them to be used again. That means you don’t have to worry about breaking down and disposing of boxes and other moving supplies. The boxes will then go through a lengthy cleaning process to ensure maximum cleanliness.
Heggs said, "The boxes get cleaned, they get sanitized and then they get quarantined.” The quarantine process is an extra step, so people know that the boxes they are using weren't used the day before.
Moving can be a grueling process on an individual and on the planet. But with the help of REUZE it’s possible to eliminate some of the stress. From securing and disposing of moving supplies to lowering your carbon footprint, you can feel good knowing you were kind to the environment while moving somewhere new.