Assessing the Environmental Cost of Your Shipping Practices
Shipping is an essential part of modern business as we know it, but ignoring its environmental impacts might have serious consequences; emissions, material waste, and energy consumption all come with their share of eco-costs.
But it's not all doom and gloom. By finding ways to reduce the environmental effects, businesses can continue to grow and thrive, all while being environmentally responsible. It's a win-win!
Below, let's explore the environmental cost of shipping and how your business can make meaningful changes that benefit the planet.
A Closer Look at Shipping Emissions
Ground transportation releases large amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide emissions (CO2). These emissions contribute to climate change and air pollution from nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), negatively impacting air quality.
Emissions from the transport sector significantly contribute to air pollution and climate change, and unoptimized delivery routes only compound the effects. Road damage, natural habitat destruction, and noise pollution are also making the external costs of the shipping industry heavy on an environmental scale. As if that doesn't sound icky enough, the pollution from fossil fuels contributes heavily to global warming.
Greenhouse gas emissions from transportation account for about 27% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions - clearly illustrating the need to improve environmental performance. Minimizing the impact of shipping brings many benefits to the environment and the population, and it's something that sits firmly at the core of Ziing's ethos.
The Impact of Different Shipping Methods
As environmental awareness grows, the focus shifts to determining the impact of different shipping methods. Ground transportation companies are playing catch-up since trains have up to 9x fewer emissions than road vehicles.
Companies that ship via road vehicles must be conscious of sustainable shipping options to remain competitive - but sustainability doesn't have to mean sacrificing flexibility or cost-effectiveness. By leveraging existing technology, companies can reduce environmental impact while ensuring timely deliveries and customer satisfaction.
It’s easier said than done. With the right logistics partner at your side, all this (and more) becomes feasible.
Caring for the Planet (& Your Bottom Line)
Reducing your carbon footprint is more than just the right thing to do; your customers want it, which means it's good for your bottom line. A recent study revealed that 75% of consumers are concerned about the environmental impact of the products they buy, and 64% would be willing to pay more if carbon emissions were offset through sustainability efforts. But the benefits don’t stop here.
As fuel costs remain a concern worldwide, many businesses are turning to alternative energy sources to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels. Alternatives like biofuel, plant-based fuel, and hydrogen power reduce costs and support an environmentally responsible shipping operation.
Technology also promises to revolutionize the way goods are shipped around the world. By using innovative software to plan more efficient routes, companies can reduce fuel costs, reduce emissions, and ensure goods are where they need to be in a fraction of the time. The benefits are twofold - reduced emissions and lower costs.
Where to From Here?
Your shipping practices may have more of an impact than you realize. Everything from fuel efficiency to waste reduction has the potential to affect environmental change, and it's up to each of us to take steps toward sustainability.
As an experienced sustainable logistics provider, Ziing recognizes that transitioning to more sustainable business practices won't be achieved in one day. But if you choose the right partner with the expertise, data-driven technology solutions, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability, you'll be on the path to a greener future.
We’re on a mission to make sustainability the new status quo. Our innovative approach focuses on balancing financial and environmental sustainability through more efficient vehicles, innovative technology, and implementing the 4 R strategy (Reduce, Recycle, Reuse, and Recover.)
Ready to give your shipping process a makeover that matches your environmental goals? Let’s chat.
