Saving the earth, one shipment at a time
by Jarrett Streebin, CEO, EasyPost
According to the EPA, ground transportation accounts for 29% of total human-caused planet-warming pollution in the United States. It is the single largest factor in greenhouse gas emissions today. As a CEO of a technology company that builds shipping solutions for e-commerce brands, I believe we in the shipping industry need to make a commitment to the planet we live on to ensure that we are acting responsibly and thoughtfully as it relates to sustainability.
Research shows that 62% of consumers identify climate change as an extremely or very serious issue. And because the supply chain industry is one of the leading contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions globally, it is critical we leverage our cutting edge technology to help address this looming problem.
It’s not just the right thing to do for business. It’s the right thing to do as a citizen of the world. It’s critical that we be part of the solution, not a part of the problem.
With that mission in mind, I believe there are tactics we can collectively undertake to galvanize action from partners, customers, and industry peers, to foster a collective movement toward a more sustainable future in shipping.
- Offer a carbon-neutral shipping option
Businesses everywhere are grappling with both sustainability challenges and regulatory pressures. By offering a carbon-neutral shipping option, you are empowering shippers to contribute to a more sustainable future without any extra costs or hassle. By promoting sustainability, they immediately become a more attractive brand to consumers, thereby enhancing brand loyalty.
- Determine the carbon footprint of each shipment
By utilizing reputable sources for calculating emissions that take into account factors such as fuel type, distance traveled, package information, and more, we can create a more detailed measurement of our carbon output. It’s incredibly valuable to offer insights into total grams or tons offset for shippers, enabling transparent reporting on individual contributions to sustainability. This is a strong selling point for businesses wanting to share their eco-friendly efforts with their customer base.
- Realize That Waiting To Act Is No Longer An Option
The United States’ aim for net-zero emissions by 2050, underscores the urgency of making sustainable changes. As noted by the National Climate Task Force, there is a real urgency to building a clean energy economy that benefits all Americans that will drive new and good paying jobs, lower costs energy bills, and best of all clean air and water for generations to come.
Consumers have spoken. They demand companies prioritize eco-friendly solutions. A recent study from The Economist revealed that over 7 out of 10 people reported they were actively buying more environmentally friendly products than they did five years ago, while 8 out 10 Americans said they expected to buy even more over the next five years.
It’s time the shipping industry makes sustainability a priority. It’s a win for your business. It’s a win for your partners. And most of all – it’s a win for our collective shared future.
