Every business recognizes the significance of an efficient shipping process. However, it’s crucial to consider the environmental impact of shipping methods as well. Given the growing concerns surrounding climate change and sustainability, we must reevaluate our shipping strategies. In this blog post, we’ll explore several ways to make your shipping methods more sustainable.
Keep Packaging Small
While ensuring that items remain well protected within the box is important, overloading it with unnecessary filler material or using a box that’s too large for the object can lead to waste. As a result, this also wastes space in the shipping truck. This means drivers need to make more trips to deliver items, increasing the carbon footprint of your shipping process.
To determine the ideal size for your packages, consider the dimensions of the item that you’ll ship, as well as the necessary protective materials. Aim for a snug fit that keeps the item secure without any wasted space.
Use Environmentally Friendly Packing Materials
Many companies use bubble wrap or Styrofoam packing peanuts to secure items in transit. However, these materials take a long time to break down and contribute to plastic pollution. Consider switching to eco-friendly alternatives, such as recycled paper or biodegradable packing peanuts from cornstarch.
Furthermore, consider buying a wholesale supply of quality used corrugated boxes for packaging your items. These boxes are cheaper than new ones and reduce the demand for resource-intensive cardboard production.
Focus on Ground Shipping
While offering worldwide shipping to reach a more extensive customer base might be tempting, focusing on local areas helps reduce carbon emissions. By prioritizing ground shipping, you can significantly lower the carbon emissions from the process. So this is a perfect way to make your shipping methods more sustainable.
To attract local customers, consider providing discounted or even free shipping rates to those within a reasonable driving distance. This strategy reduces the need for long-distance shipping and helps build a loyal local customer base.
Properly Store Materials
When it comes to sustainable shipping, don’t overlook the importance of storing your shipping materials correctly. For example, storing cardboard boxes in a damp warehouse can lead to mold, rendering them unusable and increasing the need for new boxes.
By ensuring proper storage, you can prevent damage and keep them readily accessible for future use. By taking these steps, you can minimize waste, save money, and avoid the need for the constant replacement of damaged materials.
