Every second, a forest the size of a football field is torn down. Read that again.
There goes another one. In the U.S. alone, cities lose over 36 million trees every year.
Now, the question is, should this make us worried?
The short answer is yes. It should make us very worried.
We all know about the importance of recycling and doing our part to decrease the impact of our own carbon footprints. But it’s easy to feel powerless over major environmental hazards like deforestation. Every small effort we make seems like just a drop in the bucket.
A word of encouragement…
It counts. I promise.
Let’s go back to the “why” behind deforestation which, by the way, is a main contributor to global warming, frequent fires, and increased natural disasters.
Well, there are many reasons but paper is one of them.
I know what you might be thinking…
Since the dawn of the digital age, haven’t we reduced the average amount of paper we use?
One word: cardboard.
46.5 million packages are shipped in the U.S. every day. And 95% of those packages are made of cardboard.
While people have been using cardboard boxes to pack, ship, and move since the 1800s, it might be time to use something else.
Cardboard does have its advantages. Which is why it gained so much popularity and is still used to this day. It’s lightweight, cheap, easy to recycle, what’s not to love?
The reality is that only 60% of cardboard gets recycled correctly and each single-use cardboard box produces carbon emissions equivalent to 20% of a gallon of gasoline.
So, on that note, let’s look at 4 valid reasons why cardboard sucks and why you should never use it again. Plus, we’ll explore a different alternative that will not only benefit the environment, it will make your life easier too.
Production Process
Cardboard is kind of like the fast food of the moving world. They’re quick, cheap, and convenient but not exactly great for you or the planet. These boxes start life as paper pulp which is a process that guzzles water and energy faster than a teenager at an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Not to mention that it involves cutting down a lot of trees. Like I said earlier, deforestation can have a wide range of harmful environmental impacts, including loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, and increased carbon emissions.
So, even though cardboard is recyclable, the recycling process still requires energy and resources.
The alternative?
Sure, making these bad boys isn’t a walk in the park either. It takes a bit more energy upfront to create these durable, long lasting containers. But remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint. These boxes are designed to be used hundreds of times, reducing the overall environmental impact in the long run.
They can even be reused up to 500 times.
Think about it. One reusable storage bin can replace 500 cardboard boxes. That’s infinitely better.
Usage and Longevity
Cardboard boxes are like that flaky friend who promises to help you move but bails after the first couple of hours. They might be able to handle a move or two but they’re easily defeated by moisture, weight, and the general chaos of moving day. Use them once and they start looking like they’ve been through a war zone.
Plainly stated: they just don’t last.
Which is probably why 900 million cardboard boxes are wasted on residential moves on the regular.
On the flip side, reusable storage bins are the reliable sidekicks you never knew you needed. These sturdy containers can survive multiple moves and offer better protection for your valuables. They’re less likely to tear, crush, or turn into a soggy mess if you spill your coffee on them.
Recycling and End-of-Life
When it comes to recycling, cardboard boxes are like that straight A student who just doesn’t quite make valedictorian. I mean, they’re good but not good enough. And when the future of the planet is at stake, it damn well should be.
Sure, they can be recycled and all but each time they go through the process, the fibers get shorter and weaker, leading to downcycling. Eventually, they’re more useful as papier-mâché than as sturdy storage solutions.
Reusable storage bins however, have a longer career ahead of them. When they finally do retire from their moving duties, they can be recycled into new products without losing their strength and durability. It’s a classic case of “reduce, reuse, recycle” done right.
Overall Environmental Impact
If you’re a fan of quick fixes, cardboard boxes might seem like the way to go. But remember, for every move, you’ll need a fresh batch of boxes, adding to a mountain of waste over time. Even if you recycle, the energy and resources spent on making and remaking these boxes can be significant.
But their superior alternatives are like the gift that keeps on giving. By investing in these once, you significantly cut down waste and the need for new resources. Plus, their robustness means fewer boxes are needed overall, which is a win for both your wallet and the planet.
Speaking of convenience, companies like Juujbox not only offer great deals on reusable storage bins, they provide pickup and delivery services so you don’t have to go scouring the earth for cardboard boxes.
They’ll deliver them right to your door and pick them up when you’re done.
The Verdict
On average, it takes about 300 seconds to read 1,000 words – which is roughly the length of this blog.
That’s 300 football field-sized forests that were just cut down.
Let that sink in.
In the ultimate showdown between cardboard boxes and reusable storage bins, it’s obvious who the winner is.
Being the champions of sustainability, they might have a higher upfront cost but their longevity, durability, and overall lower environmental impact make them the clear winners in the long run.
So, next time you’re gearing up for a move, consider going green with reusable moving boxes. Not only will you be doing your part in helping with the current environmental crisis, you’ll also enjoy a smoother, more organized moving experience.
And let’s face it, anything that makes moving less stressful is a win in our book!
Go ahead, make the switch.
