The Eco-Friendly Move

Moving often requires lots of fuel and packing products, but there are ways to relocate with a greener state of mind. Here are some tips:

• Downsize your move: The less stuff you have to pack up and move, the less packing materials you will need. Get rid of any unnecessary clutter by donating things to charity and thrift stores, or selling items on Craigslist or eBay.



• Be on the lookout for boxes: The more boxes and packing materials that you can reuse instead of buying new, the better. You may even be able to find free moving boxes on Craigslist or through some moving companies' recycling programs.



• Rent-a-Crate: Available in 13 U.S. locations, this company rents reusable plastic moving crates that they will deliver to and pick up from any location.



• Use eco-friendly cleaning supplies: You'll probably be doing a lot of cleaning at both your old and new places. Avoid harmful chemical cleaners and opt for natural, biodegradable cleaning products.

To a Good Home: Not Just You, But Your Pet Too

Unfortunately, one side effect of the poor economy is that more people are abandoning their pets. Some people make a terrible choice on moving day and abandon their pets. Perhaps they are moving far away and don't want to pay for the transport of their pets, perhaps their new homes don't allow pets, or perhaps they just don't want Fluffy or Scruffy anymore. Stray pets end up fending for themselves, sometimes reaching the brink of starvation until they are taken in by animal welfare agencies, where their fate is uncertain. If you make the commitment to be a pet owner, it is your legal responsibility to make sure your pet is safe. Call your local humane society or animal control if you are not able to move your pet. If you know of a pet that needs a new home, check out 1-800-Save-A-Pet.com, an online database on which people can offer to provide foster care for animals whose owners may not be able to keep them for as long as a year.