Climate change and a deteriorating environment is the most discussed subject around the world. In fact, it would not be remiss to say that issues related to environmental degradation and climate change have already begun to emerge in various parts of the world. In some places it is in the form of floods, storms, hurricanes, others it is showing up in the form of famines and long dry spells. In a few parts of the world, a distressed environment is protesting in the form of unbreathable air and shortages of clean drinking water.

 

It’s time to wake up and take positive action.

Irrespective of the way in which the environment is showing its displeasure, it is sending the same message everywhere – it’s time to wake up and take positive action.

While each one of us is responsible for protecting the environment and managing climate change, businesses can lead the way in creating positive change by making their supply chain environment – friendly and following sustainable business practices.

 

Why is it important for businesses to participate in this movement?

Given the negative impact certain business activities or accidents have on the environment, it makes sense for businesses to take preventive actions proactively. Sometimes the impact of these incidents lasts for years to come or worse, irreversible. While one doesn’t have any control over accidents, organizations can try to reduce activities such as throwing out untreated industrial waste, air pollution, noise pollution, energy wastage, and oil spillage. The other reason is that big corporations and brands tend to influence how people think and behave, this can be used to encourage people to practice sustainable living.

 

How can you contribute?

Overhauling an entire supply chain or changing business practices takes time. So, while all of us may not be equipped to build and operate a distribution based on renewable energy like Nike is doing or put up a fight against the ruling administration like the State of California, all of us can do little things to help the cause. Here are some ways in which you can make your business and supply chain environment friendly:

 

1. Eliminate Single Use Plastic: This should not be difficult to do. Whether it is a part of your product-straws, bottles, stirrers, and packaging or a part of things you use within the company like drinking bottles and disposable cutlery in your canteen, plastic can be replaced with other eco-friendly materials. These 22 companies are doing it, so can you.
2. Participate in The Community Discussion: This is a critical step to finding sustainable solutions that can help both businesses and communities live sustainably. At BlueGrace, we believe in working with the community. Our CEO, Bobby Harris joined the Northwestern University Transportation Center (NUTC) Business Advisory Council (BAC) last year. This group comprises of highly respectable senior – level business executives from the transportation industry. The group meets regularly to discuss the latest NUTC research and to consider solutions to the economic, technical and social problems facing national, local and global transportation systems. Connect and work with your local administration, research institutes, and environmental associations to find plausible and implementable solutions for the community. This will not only work for finding solutions to the environment problem but will also aid in identifying and finding solutions to other issues that impact the lives of the people who live in the community. Isn’t that what businesses are for?
3. Use Energy-Efficient Lighting: Save electricity. Use lighting solutions that consume less power. Encourage your employees to switch off lights that are not centrally controlled and turn off the switches to their charging points or desktop connections when not in use. If possible explore if you can install solar panels to generate electricity in the office and other facilities like your warehouses and factories.
4. Go Digital: One of the easiest ways to start the sustainability project is to eliminate or minimize the use of paper. Start digitizing company-wide communication, and bring all processes and systems online. While it may seem costly at the beginning, digitization will not only help you save paper but will also make your operations more efficient and easier to monitor. If you’re looking for an integrable logistics solution, connect with our team and let’s work on making your supply chain environment-friendly, effective and efficient.
5. Optimize Logistics: Movement of goods is essential for both businesses and consumers. So while trucking is an integral part of logistics, it also causes air pollution. However, the threats to the environment from trucking can be controlled and minimized by making better transportation plans and optimal planning of loads. And as we said earlier, transportation is our area of expertise.

If you’re looking to optimize your logistics and contribute to reducing pollution levels, then let’s talk. Contact us at 800.MY.SHIPPING or fill out the form below to speak to one of our experts today.