Going Green: Responsible Packaging & Shipping Decisions

States Logistics is offers green shipping with bio diesel transportation. It is very important to work towards sustainability in our community. Businesses can take a look at the following article to enhance their packaging practices. Let us take care of the green shipping and transportation efforts!


"Product packaging and shipping practices play a substantial role in a business' carbon footprint. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, product packaging currently makes up approximately one-third of the non-industrial waste produced in most of the developed world. This is of significant importance to anyone that is looking to run an environmentally responsible business. By making green packaging and shipping choices, we can greatly reduce our waste production and encourage our customers to do the same.

So, where do we begin? Let's first look at packing/shipping materials. A good place to start is with the materials that we receive from our own vendors. If you receive books, supplies and other materials that come in less than environmentally friendly packing materials, reusing rather than discarding them is always a wise choice. If the packaging does not suit your product(s), or is not in good enough shape to reuse for shipping, look for other ways to use them. A banged up box may still be good for storing some supplies or transporting products, for example. Recycle and/or reuse what you can. Giving existing materials a longer life is a great way to reduce our impact on the environment, while also reducing costs.

Another environmentally responsible shipping decision is to choose environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional packing materials. When packing items for shipping, you can recycle and save money at the same time by using shredded paper as a padding material. If your a die-hard fan of packing peanuts or bubble wrap, seek biodegradable and recycled alternatives. Staples carries biodegradable packing peanuts made from cornstarch that dissolve in water, as well as recycled packing peanuts made from the remains of other loose fill. As an alternative to the traditional plastic bubble wrap, Bio-Bubble wrap is a 100% biodegradable bubble wrap option that breaks down naturally when exposed to environmental factors. When selecting shipping boxes, you can choose 100% recycled boxes produced from post-consumer waste... .

If you take the time and effort to ensure that your packaging and shipping materials are eco-friendly, be sure to include a small statement about your green shipping practices on your shipping invoice and on your website. Always let your customers know what steps you take to operate an environmentally responsible business. It does make a difference.

Learn more about waste prevention and source reduction via Project Green."

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