How to be green? 5 solutions that help you be more eco-friendly
The supply chain industry is one of the biggest contributors to environmental pollution and the times of consumerism we live in only emphasize the need to reduce the impact of delivery systems on the planet. More than half of consumers are even willing to change their purchasing behavior to help reduce the environmental impact. Why do companies change their approach to environmental issues? And how could your business hop on the eco-friendly bandwagon?
Source: www.canva.com
What is green logistics?
Green logistics is a strategy or process during which companies focus on reducing their impact on the environment. They do so by regulating the waste they produce and the carbon footprint of their operations by lowering the air, soil, and sound pollution or using recycled materials.
The trend of being environmentally cautious is spreading amongst all industries. The green-oriented businesses tend to prefer the services of logistics and freight companies that are environmentally friendly.
Advantages of green logistics
The biggest advantage of green logistics is lowering its impact on our planet and environment, of course. Governments and other authorities try to support this step forward with regulations and new legislation. Even society is being more aware of its impact on our planet, lately.
Setting up the green system can cost you some initial expenses. However, in the long run, the measure would not only pay for itself but would also start to save you money. Eco-friendly solutions come together with reducing costs.
Green logistics solutions
Being environmentally conscious is easier than you would think. By putting some of these solutions in place in your business, you are already saving both the planet and your money.
1. Sustainable materials
Probably the easiest solution with the least initial cost is exchanging the materials you use for more eco-friendly materials. Instead of wasting tons of plastic for packaging or storage purposes in the warehouse, start using biodegradable or recycled materials. Make sure you let the recipients know the packaging can be recycled if they can do so.
2. Loading optimization
By optimizing the loading process, you not only increase the efficiency of the transport, but you save money and reduce the carbon footprint of the trucks. With modern solutions and load-planning software, the logistics providers can reach the truck’s full potential and load it in the most efficient way possible. While planning your loadings with EasyCargo, you reduce the free space in the container to a minimum as well as the number of trucks needed to transport the cargo.
3. Digitalization of documents
The whole shipping process is full of paperwork and that offers huge room for improvement. New technologies and applications help companies with the digitalization of their processes and attached paperwork.
4. Eco-friendly transportation
There are many ways to improve distribution channels and reduce their emissions and we don’t talk about delivering the shipments on bikes. That’s beneficial for the planet and your own health, for sure, but for transporting heavier cargo it probably wouldn’t be the right thing. Focus more on having newer trucks with more efficient engines that don’t consume as high amounts of fossil fuels thus polluting the air compared to older engines.
5. Using renewable sources of energy
Not being reliant on fossil fuels can only benefit you. Stock of fossil fuels will become smaller and smaller until there isn’t any left. Therefore, the sooner you exchange them for alternative sources, the better. Implementing this solution would probably cost you the most in the beginning, but the cost would be reduced over time. Also, try to acquire solar panels in your warehouses and office buildings.
