Businesses have a significant impact on the environment. In fact, according to the EPA, transportation is responsible for almost 30 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions in the United States.
While it might not seem like there are many options when it comes to shipping, there are quite a few things businesses can do to make their shipping methods more sustainable. Let’s look at a few ideas.
Use Recycled Materials
One way to make your shipping more sustainable is to use recycled materials, including:
- Recycled paper for packing material
- Recycled plastic for packaging
- Recycled wood for pallets
Not only does this reduce the number of resources needed to ship your products, but it also helps to reduce waste.
Use Biodegradable Materials
Another way to make your shipping more sustainable is to use biodegradable materials. Your business can use dissolvable packing peanuts and starch-based packing materials that will break down over time.
You can also use biodegradable shipping labels and tape. There are even some companies that offer entirely biodegradable shipping envelopes.
Use Alternative Transportation
Consider using alternative transportation methods to ship your products. Alternatives include using rail transport, which is more energy-efficient than shipping by truck.
You could also look into using waterways to ship your products. Water is an excellent option if your business is near a port.
Use Carbon Offsets
One way to offset the emissions from your shipping is to purchase carbon offsets. These offsets compensate for the emissions produced by your shipping by investing in projects that reduce emissions elsewhere.
You can purchase carbon offsets through a variety of organizations, including:
- The Carbon Fund
- The Climate Neutral Group
- NativeEnergy
We all need to do our part to protect the planet. By taking these steps, you can help reduce your business’s environmental impact. These are just a few ways you can make your shipping more sustainable.
Sustainable practices are not only good for the environment, but they can also be good for your bottom line. So, start making some changes today and see how you can make your shipping more sustainable.
