Using paper packaging for shipping is one of three ways businesses are going green- Jiaxing Hengchuang Packaging Technology Co., Ltd.

In recent years, with the rapid growth of green consumerism and the popularity of healthy lifestyles among individuals, the "going green" mindset has undoubtedly gained momentum and support. Today, businesses are also finding that environmentally conscious practices often have a positive impact on their customers, brand awareness and profits. As a result, many businesses have recently started to follow suit within their own organizations. The use of paper, recycling, controlling energy use and utilizing paper packaging materials for transportation have all come to the forefront of social awareness for many companies and have been implemented into core operating practices.

Paper Mailing Supplies, Paper Use and Recycling

Implementing standardized policies and practices on paper use, reduction and recycling is an excellent and practical way for companies to measure and curb waste, such as:

Replace oil-based plastic mailing supplies with paper alternatives, such as bubble envelopes and tape. Wherever possible, specify recyclable content and/or reusable functionality in these types of paper supplies.

Adopt a paperless approach to internal procedures by using electronic databases and email tracking to eliminate the need for hard copies of documents.

Implement internal paper collection measures for recycling.

Help coordinate recycling programs with community or third-party organizations within business networks and associations.

It's also important to remember that paper isn't the only thing that can be successfully recycled. Instead of throwing away used office furniture and equipment, businesses can donate these types of items to charities or nonprofits, and can often get tax deductions as an added bonus. Doing so diverts unwanted items from the waste stream (landfill) and further extends their life cycle.

energy use

Consider strategies aimed at reducing energy use to reduce the overall impact of your carbon footprint and increase operational savings, such as:

Install solar panels and/or energy efficient lighting.

Retrofit an existing light switch with a motion sensor with a timer that automatically turns off the light within a specified time frame or if no movement is registered in a specified area.

Contact federal, state and local governments to see if there are additional incentives available for businesses working to reduce energy bills.

Take advantage of renewable energy usage plans offered by your local or state utility.

Use paper packaging

Another great way for businesses to manage foreign waste and go green is to use paper packaging in outbound small parcel shipments. Unlike paper packaging, oil-based materials such as bubble wrap and air pillows are made from non-renewable resources and consist of plastic film that end users typically cannot recycle through community-based curbside recycling programs. This largely means that these types of materials end up in landfills, with further adverse effects on the environment. When purchasing paper packaging materials, companies should consider the following:

Choose packaging made from paper certified as produced from sustainably managed forests by recognized programs such as the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) or the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

Choose a supplier who has been certified by a third-party chain of custody to ensure that the raw materials used to manufacture the paper packaging under consideration are sustainably sourced.

Consider paper packaging that contains post-consumer or post-industrial recycled content.

While a growing number of initiatives are aimed at increasing environmental awareness, by implementing the simple strategies outlined here, businesses can easily become active participants in “green” initiatives and reduce the overall cost of day-to-day operations.