In this blog post, we will discuss 7 ways how to properly package and ship an item to be environmentally friendly.
7 environmentally friendly ways to package and ship an item
1. Choose sustainable materials: The first step in eco-friendly packaging is to choose sustainable materials. Opt for biodegradable, compostable, or recyclable materials. Biodegradable materials are designed to break down over time when exposed to natural elements, such as air, water, and sunlight. Compostable materials are designed to break down quickly in a compost environment. These are often made from cornstarch or sugarcane. Recyclable materials are those than can be processed and reused, reducing the need for new materials. Avoid using non-biodegradable or non-recyclable materials, such as plastic bubble wrap or Styrofoam. Using environmentally friendly options help reduce waste and protect the environment by reducing the number of materials that end up in landfills.
2. Choose the right package size: Use the smallest possible packaging to reduce waste. Over-packaging is not only wasteful but also increases the shipping cost. It is important to strike a balance between providing adequate protection for the item and minimizing the amount of packaging material used. Consider the weight and the fragility of the item when choosing the package size. It should be cushioned enough to avoid damages while at the same time not overly cushioned to avoid high shipping cost. Read our other blog post about how to properly package a fragile item. This blog post gives you a great overview of how to package these kinds of items efficiently and save shipping costs at the same time.
3. Choose the right package design: The design of the packaging can also have an impact on the environment and the space it requires. Consider the shape of the item that you want to ship. If the item is round, long and narrow, or in a cylindrical shape, it may be best to use a cylindrical packaging to provide a snug fit and prevent the item from rolling around during shipping. This provides extra security to the package by just choosing a different package shape. Not only does it require less space and therefore is cheaper to ship, but the used packaging material is also less when using a cylindrical shaped packaging.
4. Reuse packaging materials: Reuse materials such as boxes, packing peanuts, and bubble wrap. If these materials kept the other delivery safe, why shouldn’t it keep your future deliveries safe? Save materials from previous shipments and use them for your future shipments. Doing this saves you time and money buying these materials yourself. Just make sure that they are still intact and were not damaged during the transportation or during the opening of the package.
5. Use recyclable tape and labels: Use eco-friendly tape and labels made of recycled materials or paper. When tape and labels are not recyclable, they can end up in landfills or pollute the environment. Using recyclable materials help reducing the amount of waste generated. Especially when you use tape and labels made out of paper, you make it easier to recycle the whole package when it is made out of only one material. There are great alternative tape and label solutions made of paper. The Kraft Gummed Paper Tape (Disclaimer: we are not sponsored) is a great alternative to plastic tapes since it is 100% made out of paper. It provides the same strength while using less tape at the same time. You can also use this tape to fixate your printed labels on the packaging box. This allows you to have a package that is completely made of paper and is very environmentally friendly.
6. Use FSC certified materials: Choose materials certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). This certification ensures that the materials used in packaging come from forest that are managed in a responsible and sustainable way, protecting them from over-harvesting and ensuring their long-term health. Also, this certification ensures that these forests maintain and enhance the biodiversity of the ecosystem. This includes protecting endangered species, maintaining wildlife habitats, preserving the balance of natural systems, preserving water resources, and the reforestation of degraded forests.
7. Choose a sustainable courier: You followed our outlined tips and packaged your item environmentally friendly. Now for the last step, you need to ensure that the transport itself minimizes the impact on the environment. Choose a courier that uses low-emission vehicles which have a low carbon footprint and reduced air pollution. Also, your courier of choice should have efficient routes that minimize mileage and fuel consumption.
By following these 7 easy tips, you can properly package an item to be environmentally friendly. These steps can help reduce waste, conserve resources, and minimize your carbon footprint. It is important to take responsibility for the impact of our actions on the environment, and environmentally friendly packaging is an important step in this direction.
Our commitment to environmental protection
We at Numode Delivery understand that we have a responsibility to our planet and the people living on it. As a result, the majority of customer shipments are completed in our hybrid vehicles. Our fleet of trucks is 2016 or newer. They are also fitted with exhaust gas recirculation filters (EGR) and emission standards that reduce particulate matter and NOx emissions. As a member of LOCO BC, we have a sustainable purchasing policy which is based on supporting local companies that share our vision.
Choose Numode Delivery to send your items environmentally friendly!
Take a look at our individual delivery options, our service locations, or just get in touch with us! We are looking forward to delivering your items!
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