Congratulations on graduating. Graduating college is no small feat. To those of you who have been reading my column throughout the semester, thank you. To those of you who have actually taken some of my advice, thank you doubly. Now, for some practical tips as you move around the country to a new job, a new school or just back home.
I often wonder whether it's worth it for me to take all of my furniture with me when I'm moving. There are several aspects to consider when looking at the implications to the sustainability of moving. 1. What will you do with your items if you don't take them with you? 2. If you are taking them with you, how will you get them there and how far is it? 3. How long will you be gone and can someone store things for you? And 4. If you are not taking your furniture with you, where will you be getting your furniture for your new place?
What will you do with your items if you don't take them with you?
If you are going to sell them then you are making a fairly sound environmental decision. By selling your items, you do not have to transport them and are not throwing them out, which would effectively end their life cycle. The weight of an item's life cycle can be determined by taking the initial costs, both financial and material - even labor inputs count - and weighing that against how much use that item actually received or will receive.
If after you are done using it, the output (the item or what is left of it) is still enough for another to use and enjoy, then do not recycle it or throw it out.
Comparatively, if the item in question is the ratty old couch in my living room with the stuffing sticking out and the bottom falling off, it might be time to call the city of Medford and beg them to drag it away for you.
If you are taking it with you, how will you get it there and how far is the trip?
If you are planning on shipping your furniture across the country, choose your method wisely. Compared to planes and boats, trains are by far the most efficient method for shipping, since their emissions outputs are far lower. If you are driving and can fit the piece of furniture with you in the car, then just do that. The added weight might decrease your miles per gallon a bit, but you won't be increasing the item's carbon footprint exponentially like you would be if you loaded it on a plane.
How long will you be gone and can someone store things for you?
Basically, if you are only going to be gone for six months and don't need it, don't bring it. Before bringing anything with you on this next step in your journey, really ask yourself how important it is, how much you need it and how much you'll use it. If the answer to any of these questions is anything less than "really" or "a lot," then just leave it.
If you are not taking your furniture with you, where will you be getting your furniture for your new place?
If you can get it used, do it. Craigslist is an invaluable resource when it comes to checking out used furniture. Use it if you can to get furniture used rather than new. This will reduce your impact significantly.
Take care on your new adventures. I hope this column has helped you to make strides towards being a sustainable citizen, or at the very least helped to clarify some of the grayer areas of green living.
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Danielle Jenkins graduates today with a degree in English and environmental studies. She can be reached at danielle.jenkins@tufts.edu.
