We know that recycling is important, but do we all know why?
The Importance of Recycling
Recycling is an important step in the fight against overflowing waste streams. With plastic use expected to double in the next twenty years, the time to act is now. It is important we take action against the environmental impacts of over consumption combined with irresponsible production. The transportation of goods is an invaluable service provided globally. Unfortunately as a result of the rise in consumerism, the demand for fast shipping has generated massive amounts of pollution. Container ships carrying cargo generate 3% of greenhouse gas emissions yearly. The transport and logistics sector as a whole contribute up to 24% of those emissions every year. Changes are quickly influencing these industries in hopes to reverse the damage. The question will be, is it soon enough? A deadline has been given to the shipping industry to completely decarbonize their methods by the year 2050.
Implementing greener energy sources is important but it is a long process. Many countries are nearshoring production hubs and fulfillment centers to avoid delays. Reducing the distance required when transporting goods. Moving the factories closer to the markets consuming products is good for greenhouse gasses, but tricky for the circular economy. Experts say that the next step in our evolving world of logistics is to reform our current methods to become digitized. Investing in technologies that optimize the shipping process is the key to getting ahead of the next supply chain crisis. Climate change is impacting the means of production in more ways than one. Factories have been forced to close on account of extreme weather events like droughts, hurricanes and severe winter storms. Changes in weather conditions are becoming increasingly difficult to predict. Preparing for sudden delays will be key moving forward.
As the world of shipping changes we at Kaebox are forging ahead with it. By creating courier communities that use greener traveling methods we believe we are stepping in the right direction. Our Kaeboxers fulfill shipments quickly and are able to drop off multiple packages at once at the shipping counter. Using a courier service for the transportation of goods helps money flow into local economies and cuts carbon emissions. We believe in building a better future for our planet and for each other. The effects of global warming impact us all. It will not be enough to simply switch from gasoline guzzling trucks to rechargeable electric fleets. The changes implemented amongst affordable delivery providers must be widespread and deep rooted. The supply chain is being forced to evolve in this globalized industry. As an on demand package pick up and delivery service, Kaebox is proud to be a leader in implementing greener methods. We supply couriers with only the supplies they need. Most shipments contain far more packaging materials than are actually necessary. Cardboard boxes contain a large volume of space which requires use of packing peanuts, plastic air pillows, and styrofoam boxes. Some of these materials may take up to 500 years to completely break down once they enter landfills. Kaebox avoids the need for filler in our packaging by using strong parcel bags made from recycled plastics.
The process of creating new life from used items is perhaps our only option when it comes to excessive landfill abuse by major corporations. As a package delivery company it is our duty to recycle responsibly. Policies have passed in countries like Ireland and the United Kingdom placing tax on businesses vending single use plastics. We must unlearn the toxic practices previously accepted by the predecessors of logistics management.
Our approach to this issue is to embrace reverse logistics. This process takes different materials, such as plastic, and turns them into raw material to use in other product manufacturing processes. Kaebox uses this procedure to generate our packaging. Our couriers carry seven different sizes of parcel bags all made with lightweight recycled plastic. Reducing the volume of packaging entering waste channels is key. This is why our developers worked diligently to remove extra packaging without compromising the strong, durable nature of our parcel bags.
Our Solution
Of course plastic is not the final answer to this looming problem. The goal we should all have our eyes on is creating alternatives to plastic that are completely biodegradable. Removing the need for recycling completely. We are working on new solutions to eliminate plastic waste from our process entirely. Currently we are sorting through organic materials to determine which is the most natural and capable product.
This is a process that will take time. The manufacturing cost combined with a delicate formation process means we need to have patience when unveiling this plastic substitute. Time is however, of the essence. Reports suggest that 99% of retailers plan on offering same day delivery in the next three years. This means the waste produced by the shipping industry will likely get exponentially worse if we do not act soon.
Many retailers are offering solutions to consumers who would like to ship greener. Small business owners are by and large opting for swaps like compostable mailers and water activated sticky tape. However it can be inconvenient for business owners to handle running their service and shipping fulfillment. This is where Kaebox steps in with our on demand courier service. We help save time, gas and money by making the post office trip for you.
Kaebox couriers complete shipments by car, bicycle, moped or walking. We provide unique options for all potential delivery needs. Our cyclists and walking couriers are an eco friendly option when shipping smaller parcels. Drivers are able to carry multiple shipments at once to the shipping store. This substantially reduces the carbon footprint that would have been generated if each sender took their item to the post office themselves.
Be the Change
In the meantime there are ways we can help the environment outside of manufacturing. We all share the responsibility of caring for our planet. Join us in our efforts to multiply the power of the many to outweigh the damage caused by a few. Try out collecting your own garbage and properly separating materials based on their contents. Finding the appropriate drop off location varies depending on your area and the waste you are trying to dispose of. Programs such as Earth911 are useful for finding specific centers simply by entering keywords related to your item and your zip code. Mixing materials when throwing out the trash will result in overcrowded landfills.
We can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by composting food waste at home. Less organic matter in the waste stream will help heal the atmosphere, improving Earth's ability to self regulate our temperature. Composting not only helps our air quality it also serves as an excellent fertilizer. Using food scraps such as egg shells, banana peels, apple cores and so on (no meat, dairy or oil) leave nutrients in the soil as they break down. There are many easy ways to build an at home compost.
Outside of the home there are a myriad of ways we are able to help the environment. When shopping, take notice of unnecessary packaging used by certain companies and opt for the less wasteful brand. If you see oranges that have been peeled and wrapped tightly in cellophane or corn cobs pre-shucked and vacuum sealed, consider seeking produce elsewhere if you are able. Many communities set up farmers markets where vendors can sell locally grown fruits and vegetables directly to their neighbors. Sourcing your food from nearby farms helps cut down on carbon emissions that would be generated by flying in produce from other countries. Growing food at home is another great way to combat pollution. Try planting vegetables in a garden or place a few herbs in a pot next to the kitchen window.
It is important to watch out for greenwashing in the grocery store as well. The product painted with green imagery and a leaf on the label is not always the eco-friendly item it is marketed to be. Certain companies will spend more on projecting the image that they are environmentally friendly choices without actually making those changes. Always take special care when researching products you plan on switching out.
While these responsibilities do not rest on our individual shoulders, the effects of climate change are happening now. Our friends and neighbors deserve a helping hand as they face the effects of the climate crisis. Countries all over the world are already feeling the wrath of nature. It is our time to act. They say that many hands make light work, then it is time for us all to come together and stand up against the climate crisis. Any small act of kindness can cause ripples that create waves. Our mission at Kaebox is to cultivate a world where we can all thrive. We hope to become a leader in green logistics and revolutionize the way packaging is manufactured.
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