To Drive or Not To Drive, That is the Question

National bestselling author and NOW Magazine columnist Adria Vasil says the average car produces between 10,000 and 12,000 pounds of climate-changing, globe-warming carbon dioxide molecules every year. It clearly follows then that the Eco-Conscious Diva will consider using mass transit instead of a car during her move. But let's be realistic here taking a bus is highly unlikely when moving with your clothes, shoes, smoothie blender and snowboard. Unless you are transferring less than 100 pounds of stuff (that's the maximum weight for a bag being shipped on a Greyhound bus), what options do you have?

Car Rentals

If you are your own moving company, you can reduce the amount of air polluting hydrocarbons by choosing a fuel-efficient car. Vasil says Discount Car and Truck Rentals has started renting hybrids. If a hybrid is not available, choose one of the top fuel-efficient vehicles listed on this site: http://www.greenercars.com.

Get a Car Check-up Before the Long Drive

Another green moving tip: reduce your mileage by making one longer trip instead of several shorter ones. Diane MacEachern, author of Big Green Purse Use Your Spending Power to Create a Cleaner, Greener World also advises to avoid quick starts or stops, which expend extra fuel. MacEachern says a responsible driver is a clean driver. Pump up your tires, keep your engine tuned and use cruise control on the highway since driving at a steady speed can improve fuel economy by four to 14 percent.

Carpool

If your goods won't fit into your fuel-efficient car, then consider sharing a van or truck with a friend or roommate. Carpooling splits the cost and reduces emissions.

Hire Movers, Take a Bus

Another option, of course, is to hire a private company do the shipping for you. That way you could listen to your iPod and relax on a train or bus while your goods get shipped (And avoid a few broken nails and stubbed toes during the process).

Little decisions can make positive differences to our environment. As David Suzuki, one of Canada's most well-known environmentalists, says, The small steps cost us little in the way of effort, money or time, but the cumulative effects can be enormous.

Remember to bend your knees when lifting heavy boxes. Happy packing and safe travels my Eco-Conscious Divas.

Tania's Eco-Conscious Diva Takeaways

- Give yourself enough time to prepare for the move: less rushing, less waste.

- Purge while in your old home; lighten your load to the new home.

- Shredded paper is the new bubble wrap.

- Carpool is cool. Car-sharing is earth-caring.

By Tania Leah Haas