In order to help our Earth stay beautiful, green practices have cropped up, and created awareness in communities all over the world. The importance of using clean energy, recycling, alternative fuel sources, and energy consumption limits is being realized again and again by individuals, families, and businesses alike.
The shipping and mailing industry is no exception. Many shipping companies worldwide are integrating new methods of delivering products to consumers. So, when buying recycled, up-cycled, or sustainable products, you’ll be glad to know that shipping services complement your way of life. Some methods are being considered ‘break-through’ for the green movement. Some ways that shipping companies utilize green practices include the following.
Smart pickup
Businesses such as UPS have been establishing routes for smart pickup. This way, companies don’t have to send and receive mail orders daily. Smart pickup shows a truck driver when specific businesses in route have a package for pickup or delivery. This ensures there are no extra trips. It saves fuel consumption as well as time.
Reusable boxes
In their own effort to use greener practices, eBay is starting to utilize reusable boxes. These are to be filled, delivered, returned, and refilled again and again. Any box should get about seven uses. According to eBay, if each box is reused even five times, it could save about 4,000 trees, 2.4 million gallons of water, as well as conserve energy enough to power 49 houses annually. Keep in mind that you don’t have to count on eBay to do the recycling for you. It’s easy for anyone to save and reuse shipping boxes.
Paperless shipping
Many of the major shipping businesses like UPS, FedEx, and USPS are now offering paperless shipping methods. Things like E-labels, E-receipts, and other E-notifications are helping save on the cost of paper as well as saving trees.
CNG vehicles
The initials CNG stand for “clean natural gas”. UPS boasts a fleet of trucks and vans that now function on this type of natural gas. The company hopes this measure will help reduce gas emissions.
Alternative packaging
Some businesses are doing away with plastic materials such as bubble wrap, and even cardboard boxes. Instead, they’re creating and using alternative bio-degradable fillers to package products, including products that are hypoallergenic.
Shipping and Delivery Is Going Green republished with permission.
