According to a 2017 PEW Research poll, 74% of Americans said the country should do whatever it can to protect the environment and make moves to live in a more sustainable fashion. Shipping is one corner of commerce that could stand to be more environmentally friendly, and could be taking further steps to move to a more ecologically sustainable place.
Approaching shipping in a more sustainable way isn’t as complex or costly as some may think, and some small steps can be taken to ensure your carbon footprint is lessened in a convenient and cost-effective way. A few tips for a more environmentally friendly shipping strategy are:
• Use recycled products – From packing materials to keep contents safe, to the boxes you’re packaging in, using recycled content is a very simple way to ensure a green shipping process. If recycled packaging materials are too expensive or out of the question, these paper products can also be found from companies using sustainably managed foresting practices by looking for the FSC certification.
• Eco-friendly filling – Styrofoam is a popular choice for those looking to insulate or protect shipments, but there are better options available. SureTemp materials are produced using eco-friendly methods and last up to 10 years or more, and when their life is over they can be recycled. For insulation, they help to keep cargo holds and pallets temperature controlled without the negative environmental impact. As for packing materials, recycled cardboard or brown paper offers an option with a lesser footprint than disposable Styrofoam.
• Ship green – When choosing a shipping company, look out for companies that place focus on green technology and green transport. CO2 emissions during transport of freight can have a large environmental impact, and some shipping partners are placing a strong focus on limiting these emissions and getting deliveries to where they need to go in a more sustainable fashion.
• Consider size – Packaging has great curb appeal for shoppers, but it doesn’t need to be large to get attention. Most outer packages will simply be thrown away, and keeping it small will ensure less waste. When shipping, smaller packaging is also a benefit when loading products onto pallets and covering them with thermal pallet covers or container blankets, as more product can fit into a single shipment.
A green focus on shipping can help to eliminate quite a bit of waste from our world. Through sustainable shipping and insulation, brands can lessen their carbon footprint in a convenient and cost-effective way.
