jelena djurdjevic – The Environmental Blog https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org The Environmental Blog Wed, 10 Sep 2025 07:23:08 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/cropped-mobilelogo-32x32.png jelena djurdjevic – The Environmental Blog https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org 32 32 When to Visit an Emergency Vet Clinic in Huntersville https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/2025/09/when-to-visit-an-emergency-vet-clinic-in-huntersville/ Wed, 10 Sep 2025 07:23:08 +0000 https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/?p=9794 Pets are cherished family members, but sudden illnesses or accidents can happen at any time. In Huntersville, where many households share their homes with dogs and cats, knowing when to seek emergency veterinary care is essential. While routine issues can often wait for your regular vet, some situations require immediate action.

This guide explains the warning signs of emergencies, what to do on the way to a clinic, and local considerations specific to Huntersville pet owners.

Breathing Problems or Choking

If your pet suddenly struggles to breathe, wheezes, or appears to choke on a toy or bone, it is a medical emergency. Warning signs include pale gums, drooling, and labored breathing.

Clinics near I-77 and around Lake Norman offer 24/7 services for respiratory distress cases. Because time is critical, reaching a clinic quickly can determine recovery outcomes.

Serious Injury or Sudden Paralysis

Accidents like being struck by a vehicle or falling from a porch or deck can cause injuries that aren’t immediately visible. Internal bleeding, fractures, or neurological damage may only show through shock, limping, or sudden inability to stand.

Emergency vets in Huntersville are equipped with imaging technology to diagnose hidden trauma. Delays in treatment can worsen the damage, so prompt care is essential.

Repeated Vomiting or Diarrhea

Mild stomach upset is common in pets, but repeated vomiting or diarrhea over a short period—especially with blood or lethargy—can indicate poisoning or infection.

Local risks: Pets in Huntersville may ingest yard chemicals, spoiled food, or contaminated lake water from Lake Norman. Bringing a stool or vomit sample to the clinic can help with diagnosis.

Seizures or Loss of Consciousness

Seizures can appear as uncontrolled shaking, drooling, or brief paralysis. A single short episode may not be life-threatening, but repeated or prolonged seizures are emergencies. Loss of consciousness may also indicate cardiac issues or low blood sugar.

Bloating or Swollen Stomach

A distended stomach with restlessness or failed vomiting attempts can point to gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). This life-threatening condition is most common in large dogs and requires immediate surgery. Huntersville clinics are trained to stabilize and operate on these cases without delay.

Toxic Ingestions

Pets are curious explorers. Common toxins in Huntersville households include:

  • Chocolate and grapes
  • Antifreeze (especially dangerous in colder months)
  • Certain local plants (azaleas, lilies, sago palm)
  • Essential oils (tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint)

Bring packaging, plant samples, or labels with you to the clinic. Quick identification allows faster and more accurate treatment.

Common Local Pet Emergencies in Huntersville

  • Heatstroke: Summers in Mecklenburg County bring high heat and humidity, raising risks for dogs left outside. Signs include heavy panting, drooling, or collapse.
  • Snake bites: Copperheads are common across the Carolinas, including wooded areas near Huntersville. Swelling and sudden pain at the bite site require urgent care.
  • Blue-green algae: Pets swimming in Lake Norman can ingest harmful algae, leading to vomiting, seizures, or liver damage. Immediate vet attention is necessary if symptoms appear after lake exposure.

First Aid Before Arriving at the Clinic

While professional care is essential, pet owners can take steps to stabilize their pets on the way:

  • Choking: Try gently sweeping the mouth to remove objects. For dogs, a modified Heimlich maneuver may help.
  • Bleeding: Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or bandage.
  • Seizures: Move pets away from sharp objects and keep them safe until the episode passes—do not restrain them.
  • Heatstroke: Cool the pet with damp towels and offer small amounts of water.

Avoid giving human medications unless directed by a veterinarian.

Emergency Vet Clinics & Costs in Huntersville

Several clinics serve Huntersville and nearby areas:

  • Carolina Veterinary Specialists (Huntersville): 24/7 emergency care with surgical facilities.
  • Animal Emergency & Specialty Care (near Lake Norman): Handles urgent cases after hours.

If you’re searching for a trusted Huntersville emergency vet, both of these facilities provide critical care for pets during accidents, sudden illnesses, or after-hours needs.

Typical costs:

  • Exam fee: $100–$200
  • Diagnostics (X-ray, bloodwork): $150–$500
  • Emergency surgery: $1,000–$3,000+

Pet insurance or payment plans can help manage unexpected expenses.

Preventing Emergencies

Many emergencies are preventable with simple steps:

  • Secure trash and toxic household items.
  • Fence yards to prevent traffic accidents.
  • Avoid leaving pets outdoors in extreme heat.
  • Schedule regular vet checkups to catch health problems early.

FAQs

What’s the average cost of an emergency vet visit in Huntersville?
Expect $500–$2,000 depending on diagnostics and treatment.

Are there 24-hour clinics near Lake Norman?
Yes, multiple emergency facilities serve Huntersville and surrounding Lake Norman communities.

How do I know if it’s a true emergency?
If your pet struggles to breathe, is unresponsive, has repeated vomiting/diarrhea, or suffers a major injury, it’s always safest to seek immediate care.

Final Thoughts

Emergencies are stressful, but preparation and awareness make all the difference. In Huntersville, knowing the risks—heat, lake exposure, and local wildlife—helps pet owners act quickly. Always trust your instincts: if something feels wrong, an emergency vet visit is the safest choice for your pet’s well-being.

]]>
Transportation Revolution: How E-Bikes Make Commuting Smarter https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/2025/03/how-e-bikes-make-commuting-smarter/ Mon, 17 Mar 2025 11:45:21 +0000 https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/?p=7672 The way we commute is changing fast and e-bikes are at the forefront of the revolution. With pedal power and electric assistance e-bikes are making daily travel more efficient, flexible and accessible. Unlike traditional bikes they reduce physical strain so you can go further with less effort. Unlike cars they are faster and more predictable by avoiding traffic and parking headaches. These smart tech driven rides are proving to be one of the best solutions for modern urban mobility.

This article explores how e-bikes are making commuting smarter than ever.

E-Bikes Make Commuting Smarter

E-Bikes: The Smart Way to Travel

E-bikes are the go-to choice for city dwellers looking for a practical way to get around. With built-in electric motors that kick in when you need them e-bikes remove many of the barriers to cycling such as exhaustion on long rides or the challenge of steep hills. They’re for everyone regardless of age or fitness level.

Cities around the world are adapting to this trend by building more bike friendly infrastructure. More dedicated lanes and parking areas are being created to accommodate the growing number of riders. The shift to e-bikes is not just about convenience it’s about making everyday travel smoother, faster and more accessible for everyone.

E-Bike Technology: Making it Accessible for All

Technology has made e-bikes more efficient and user friendly. Battery life has improved HUGE amounts so you can go further on a single charge. Smart features like GPS navigation, app connectivity and customizable riding modes have turned e-bikes into high tech mobility solutions. Motor technology has also made the ride smoother, quieter and more intuitive.

One example is the Heybike ALPHA mid-drive ebike designed for both urban commuters and off-road adventurers. It has a 500W motor with 105 N·m maximum torque so it’s powerful across different terrain. With improved suspension and a lightweight frame it’s a comfortable and stable ride making it perfect for all ages and lifestyles. E-bike technology is evolving fast making these rides more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Health Benefits: Fitness + Convenience

E-bikes are the perfect blend of fitness and convenience. While the motor helps, you still have to pedal. This is great for those who want to stay active without overdoing it.

For those recovering from injuries or with mobility issues, e-bikes are a way to cycle without overstraining. The ability to adjust pedal assist makes it easier for people to fit cycling into their daily routine without worrying about exhaustion or joint strain. By making cycling more accessible, e-bikes encourage a healthier lifestyle for more people.

Cost Savings: A Budget Friendly Commute

The cost benefits of using an e-bike for daily commuting are hard to ignore. While the initial investment in a good e-bike can seem steep, the long term savings will outweigh the cost. E-bikes require minimal maintenance compared to cars. How? You can eliminate fuel, insurance and high parking fees with an e-bike. The cost of charging an e-bike battery is a fraction of what it costs to fuel a car, making it a cost effective option for city dwellers.

Many governments and local authorities also offer subsidies or incentives for buying e-bikes, so the cost barrier is even lower. Whether personal or professional, e-bikes are a affordable and practical alternative to traditional transport.

Increased Commuting Efficiency: Beating Traffic with Ease

One of the biggest frustrations of urban commuting is getting stuck in traffic. Whether it’s rush hour congestion or unexpected road delays, traditional commuting methods often waste time. With dedicated bike lanes in many cities, e-bike users can skip the traffic and get to their destination faster.

In dense urban areas, parking is another big issue. Finding a spot can be time consuming and expensive. With an e-bike, you can avoid the hassle altogether. Many workplaces and public spaces have designated bike parking, so you can just lock up and go. Being able to cut through traffic, park easy and reduce commuting stress makes e-bikes one of the most efficient way of urban transportation today.

E-Bikes and Public Transportation: A Match Made in Heaven

For those who commute long distances, e-bikes work beautifully with public transportation. Many train and bus systems allow you to bring your bike on board, so you can cover the first and last mile of your commute. This integration means you can get rid of your car and still arrive at your destination on time.

E-bike sharing programs are also popping up in big cities. These services let you rent an e-bike for short trips so you can ditch your car and taxi.

By combining e-bikes with buses, trains or subways, you can travel further without needing a car.

Safety and Regulations: Making it Safe to Ride

As e-bikes become more popular, safety and regulations are key. Many cities have introduced rules for e-bike use, including speed limits, helmet requirements and designated riding areas. These rules help create a safer environment for riders and pedestrians.

Manufacturers are also prioritizing safety in modern e-bikes. Many bikes come with integrated lights, reflective surfaces and advanced braking systems to increase visibility and control. Some e-bikes even have built in alarms and GPS tracking to reduce the risk of theft.

Education is also important for safe riding. Many cities now offer cycling safety courses that include e-bike training, teaching you how to ride responsibly in traffic. As more people switch to e-bikes, responsible riding will be key to making our roads safer for everyone.

E-bikes are more than just a trend—they are redefining urban commuting. As technology continues to advance and city infrastructure adapts, these intelligent rides will become an even more common sight on the streets. Their ability to make commuting faster, easier, and more flexible ensures they will play a major role in the future of transportation.

For those looking for a smarter way to get around, e-bikes offer a perfect solution. With their blend of convenience, efficiency, and adaptability, they are proving to be one of the best alternatives to traditional commuting.

]]>
What are the Causes of the Pigeon Problem in Las Vegas? https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/2021/10/what-are-the-causes-of-the-pigeon-problem-in-las-vegas/ Mon, 04 Oct 2021 07:34:43 +0000 https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/?p=4168 Pigeon

In recent years, pigeon overpopulation has become such a problem in cities worldwide, such as Las Vegas and New York, that they are commonly regarded as pests, placing them on the same level as rats, mice, and insects like ants and cockroaches.

City folk have polarized views on urban pigeon populations. Some love the birds and go out of their way to feed them. Others despise them and have no problem categorizing them as vermin. Regardless of how they feel about them, city dwellers must contend with substantial pigeon populations. Here are the reasons pigeon populations around Las Vegas and other cities have exploded:

Natural habitat

According to a Las Vegas pigeon removal service, pigeons have found their way to every corner of the globe, although they are not indigenous to these areas. Charles Darwin expounded the extraordinary resilience and adaptability of pigeons in his world-famous work ‘On The Origin Of Species’, in which he set out his theory of evolution and natural selection. Indeed, Darwin was fascinated by how more than 300 pigeon species arose from a single one.

Before humans began with agricultural and industrial endeavors, rock pigeons would nest along cliffs, predominantly along coastal areas. Their lifespans were short due to harsh living conditions until these wily creatures discovered that there were easier ways to survive. They began to follow human settlement patterns, finding safer nesting locations that afforded them more protection from natural predators.

Once people began to live in cities with large buildings, pigeons found the perfect habitat. They could nest in the eaves of such structures or on their roofs, safely tucked away from danger. Pigeons adapted to a new natural habitat, jam packed with conveniences and protections that made breeding conditions favorable. The temperate Las Vegas climate suits pigeons perfectly.

Reproductive habits

Pigeons living in urban areas reproduce more frequently than their country cousins. Life in the wild still poses a substantial danger to pigeons. However, urban-dwelling pigeons are prolific breeders as there is nothing to interrupt their reproductive habits. Pigeons mate for life and are ready to start breeding from the age of six months.

An average pigeon pair living in an urban setting could breed as many as eight times a year. Most female pigeons lay and hatch two chicks each time they reproduce. That means that one couple could be responsible for adding 16 pigeons to the local population annually. Within six months of their birth, each of those 16 pigeons is ready to start producing another 16 pigeons. At this breeding rate, the reasons for pigeon population explosions in city centers become self-evident.

Experts believe that the most effective way to bring pigeon populations under control is by interrupting the reproductive cycle. Therefore, pigeon birth control products are introduced into a flock’s food supply. This causes females to lay eggs that fail to hatch and can reduce the number of pigeons in an area by up to 50% within a year.

Food and water supply

Pigeons are living on easy streets in urban centers. They have ready access to food and water as they are excellent scavengers. From discarded hotdog buns to stagnant puddles of water, pigeons have their dietary requirements met by the humans they share a living space with. These birds are not above rooting through open garbage cans in their quest for food, and nothing seems to disagree with their digestive systems.

An abundance of food, water, and safe nesting locations create ideal breeding conditions, and pigeons take advantage of them by reproducing in significant numbers, as mentioned before. Cities provide all these necessities, facilitating overbreeding and its subsequent population explosion.

Lack of predators

Like all animals, pigeons form part of a food chain, having natural predators that hunt them. Pigeons are ill-equipped to fight off predators, with their only defense mechanism being to fly away. This is not an effective strategy when dealing with flying predators, such as falcons, hawks, and owls.

A pigeon’s land-bound predators include foxes, ferrets, snakes, and raccoons. However, these animals do not tend to make urban areas their preferred habitat. They tend to move on to other sites once human habitation takes over a location. Those that do not are trapped or killed to keep them away from human settlements. Since pigeons are not indigenous to all areas, there is often a lack of natural predators to keep the population numbers down at acceptable levels.

Navigation

Pigeons have powerful homing instincts so well-defined that armed forces used them to carry messages during the First and Second World Wars. They use these abilities to return to their residence even after being captured and released a long distance away.

Indeed, pigeons are such excellent navigators that pigeon racing and homing have become popular pastimes in many countries worldwide. Their ability to turn up again like bad pennies makes them a challenge to get rid of.

]]>
Sustainable Countries to Visit in 2020 https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/2019/12/sustainable-countries-visit-2020/ Sat, 14 Dec 2019 05:40:18 +0000 https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/?p=3359 Every so often, it’s good for the soul to get away from the grindstone for a few days (or weeks) and see what another part of the world has to offer. There’s no shortage of attractive tourist destinations around the world, offering historical buildings, beautiful landscapes, and modern technological wonders.

But in recent years, the tourist industry has shifted to meet another demand; we’re all looking to reduce our carbon-footprint, and several destinations stand out as being especially laudable in their eco-friendly efforts. Let’s take a look at a few of them!

New Zealand

New Zealand

This little island nation is packed with natural beauty, and it’s on course to be entirely free from fossil-fuel reliance by 2025. It’ll meet this goal by transitioning to geothermal energy, which is abundant throughout the two islands. In this part of the world, you’ll find natural wonders that simply can’t be obtained anywhere else, including distinctive beaches, mountains, forests, and underground caving expeditions. The only downside is that you’ll have to fly to the other side of the planet in order to reach it; if you want to be truly carbon-efficient, you can either wait until the electric plane is invented, or you can go on a single long break and pack in as much stuff as possible.

Iceland

Iceland

Closer by we find Iceland, which is similarly reliant on geothermal power. The island’s capital, Reykjavik, is among the cleanest cities anywhere on the planet. In fact, this part of the world produces the most green energy per capita anywhere. Among the wonders on display here are the famous northern lights, but there’s also an abundance of hot-springs and other marvels to uncover via Iceland tours.

Netherlands

Netherlands

When it comes to environmental policies, the Netherlands is something of a trailblazer on the European mainland. For more than two decades, the country’s National Environmental Policy Plan has been in place, driving it toward cleaner air, cleaner rivers, and cleaner everything. Take a trip here, and one of the most obvious differences you’ll spot is the extent to which the locals travel by bicycle. There are almost ten thousand kilometres of cycle paths strewn around the country, which are used daily and often in all weathers!

Finland

Finland

Finland is famously dedicated to preserving its natural biodiversity and habitats. There are forty national parks crammed into a relatively small landmass, spread among which are more than a thousand different species of flowering plant, and more than 200,000 individual reindeer. The country has topped in the Environmental Performance Index in recent years, making it among the foremost contenders for greenest country in the world.

 

Free Photos: https://www.pexels.com/

]]>
The Sustainable Solution for Dog Waste Removal https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/2019/09/sustainable-solution-dog-waste-removal/ Sat, 07 Sep 2019 04:27:47 +0000 https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/?p=3216 dog waste removal

Eighty-nine point seven million. That’s how many dogs live in the United States, according to the 2017 APPA National Pet Owners Survey. Each of these said dogs produces, on average, 275 pounds of poop each year. Some quick arithmetic tells us that we have a major waste problem, 24.7 billion pounds a year, to be exact.

Now that we’ve established that our dogs produce enough crap to outweigh the Washington monument, 152 times, we need to do something about it.

Currently, pickup and disposal methods are lacking, or simply not happening at all. When dog waste is left in the park or on the sidewalk, it is detrimental to the environment. It washes into the water supply, polluting rivers, streams, and other local waterways. Another major issue, especially in cities, is that dog waste becomes a leading food source for rats, which are linked to a number of diseases that can easily be passed to humans.

When responsible dog owners do pick up their dog’s waste, what happens next? They’re either using plastic, biodegradable, or compostable bags, none of which are ideal. Plastic bags are not  environmentally sustainable, biodegradable bags stay in landfills for extended periods of time, and compostable bags still require the dog owner to come in direct contact with the dog waste. The ideal solution is one that is easy, refined and eco-friendly. Curbicus, a patent pending technology that eliminates the “gross factor” when handling dog waste, is all of these things.

With the signs of climate change becoming stronger year by year and day by day, it is clear that we need to make our planet a priority. Nobody really thinks about dog waste when they think about how to combat climate change, but it is a huge issue. Many people have the mentality that if they do not pick up after their dog just once, there will be no impact, which is slightly true. Everybody can make an impact. If one person leaves one pile of poop behind, it seems like a small impact. However, when almost every urban pet parent leaves just one pile of poop behind, a huge issue arises–and the reality is far crappier. This is why technology that can address these issues is necessary to keep both dog owners and city dwellers, as well as the environment, happy. Cubicus is that technology. It’s easy to carry, easy to use, and will solve the dog waste dilemma, one poop at a time.

]]>
Eco-friendly Packaging To Save On Shipping as Easy as A, B, C https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/2018/05/eco-friendly-packaging-to-save-on-shipping-as-easy-as-a-b-c/ https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/2018/05/eco-friendly-packaging-to-save-on-shipping-as-easy-as-a-b-c/#respond Wed, 30 May 2018 05:03:34 +0000 http://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/?p=2202  

Do you want to build your brand image, make a positive impact on your customers and be a caretaker of the environment?

Who wouldn’t?

The best way to achieve these goals is to reduce your carbon footprint. And following is your A-to-Z guide on how to develop an eco-friendly packaging plan. 

Always Be Testing: Think about how your product will be shipped, how it will be handled, how long it will be housed on a container vessel and what affect temperatures may have. Think about the pressure of stacking, vibration and impacts. Outline your testing around these factors. Proper testing combined with continuous improvements will save you money.

Begin Establishing a Waste Reduction Policy: Engage your staff to assist in separating packaging waste for recycling. Give them guidance on the weight and pressure packaging can take to reduce waste. Teach them to reuse that in the packaging process that cannot be eliminated. Guide them on how to be both careful and meticulous in packaging. 

Cartonization Software and Technology: Use cartonization software, which is used to design and produce custom boxes for your products or can help you better fit your products into your existing boxes. The best option – if you have the resources and production volume – is to make custom boxes for each item. 

Design Your Packaging to Minimize Waste: There are computer-aided design (CAD) systems you can utilize that will help your more efficiently design packaging that will minimize waste material. Using fewer larger packages rather than several small ones is another option to strongly consider. 

Efficient Use of Materials: By simply reducing excess materials is a fast and simple way to become more eco-friendly. It will make your operation considerably more efficient and will have a positive impact on a customer base that is growing increasingly eco-conscious. 

Future Availability of Packaging Needs: Determine how accessibility is impacting your packaging needs. Your options will depend some on your needs and location. Whatever your choice, it will lessen the mount of transport packaging material sent to landfills, will help the environment and could save you money.

Get More Consumers To Buy Bulk: This is a challenge, as it all boils down to customer preference. Bulk means larger boxes hard to handle and store. However, customers know buying in bulk means saving money. By fitting more of your product into smaller packaging it will reduce packaging costs and save on fuel and trucking emissions. 

Historical Sales Trends: Know and understand the consumption and demand for your goods. That will allow you to avoid ordering too much raw materials for packaging and thus ensure you only have what is needed in stock. Remember, every dollar you save on packaging material is one more dollar added to your bottom line. 

Incorporate Educational Materials Into Your Packaging: Information is power, so include an easy-to-see recyclable logo on each box, or add a sticker explaining how to dispose of shredded paper and air-filled bags. Recycling can be tricky, so helping your customers make the right choices not only helps them and the environment, but it raises your company’s value in their eyes. 

Just Drop Some Weight: Think lightweight materials for packaging at all times to, most likely, help reduce costs. But, remember dimensional (volumetric) weight (the amount of space a package occupies in relation to its actual weight). Lightweight doesn’t automatically mean it will be cheaper to ship. 

Keep Your Packaging Materials Separate, or Stop Packaging Altogether:  This should be avoided at all times but, sometimes you have no choice but to mix packaging materials. Since they have to be recycled separately, make it easy for a “breakaway.” Staples are a great option as they can easily be removed in the recycling process.

Lighten the load: Heavy shipping materials mean more fuel consumption, more carbon emissions and greater shipping costs. Instead of using wood pallets, think about using reusable recycled-content plastic containers. They cut waste and weight and, as a result, and cost. And they can be reused. 

Maintaining Business: Simply try to meet and anticipate your customers’ – and potential customers’ – demands to patronize eco-friendly suppliers. By switching to green materials, it can help maintain and possibly grow your business. 

Necessary vs. Unnecessary Costs: Is your packaging the best solution for your product? Not sure? Itemize your costs. Find out what is necessary for performance and what is there just for looks. Is what you’re paying for aesthetics more costly than their added value? Find out what elements can be improved and what elements can be eliminated. 

Optimize Your Packaging Space: Adjust your packaging strategy so more of your products can be packaged with less use of materials. Changing packaging designs and using custom-sized boxes will save you on space and packaging material, and will mean less waste while saving you money. 

Prioritize Research and Development: These are smart people. Put them to work testing various designs and material choices for your packaging. Your goal is have an efficiently designed package that is stout enough to survive journeys by land, sea and air. This will mean less damaged goods and more happy customers. 

Question How You Are Implementing Safety: Make the safety of your customers and employees a priority. Remove the possibility of injury. If possible, ship materials with lids similar to shoe boxes to reduce the need for tape and the need to use a knife to cut the tape and open the box. No knife means no injuries. 

Responsible Packaging Steering Team: A Responsible Packaging Steering Team was created by Unilever in 2007 and focused on five ideas: remove, reduce, reuse, renew and recycle.

1.       Remove, where possible, unnecessary packaging layers like outer cartons and shrink-wrap film.

2.       Reduce shrink packages to optimal size and weight for their contents. A redesigned Suave shampoo and conditioner bottle was 16 percent lighter with a 12-percent lighter cap. That mean reducing the amount of resin by 670 tons in the U.S. alone.

3.       Reuse packaging materials sent by factories. Unilever takes reusable totes, which some cap suppliers use to ship their products, and return them to the supplier to reuse.  

4.       Research the technical viability of biodegradable and compostable material to maximize the percentage of packaging from renewable resources.  

5.       Recycle by increasing the use recyclable components in packaging for easy sorting and recycling at the end of its use.  

Source Responsibly: Find a supplier who thinks like you. In other words, buy from someone who already uses recyclable material to pack your products. You can not only save money by cutting out the middle warehouse step entirely, but it will add value to your business and your customers. 

Think Big, Pack Small : Your objective is to protect the product inside your packaging. With that in mind, use a CAD-based system like Solidworks to figure out the required dimensions and strength for your packaging. It can help save money on damaged goods, customer returns and product rework. Yes, size matters. 

Use spatial reasoning: In Brazil, a business added an extra layer of parts in a container, eliminating the need for 23 extra boxes. They also eliminated 38 boxes by rearranging the packaging compartment design from a linear grid to a geometric pattern that took advantage of extra space. These are great ideas; use them. 

Value Proper Training: To avoid waste, educate your employees of the processes you have put in place for proper disposal of excess.  A training program is the best way to ensure your employees receive the proper training as well as making sure everyone in the workplace is on the same page. Reward eco-friendly efforts. 

Ways Can You Increase Consumer Attraction: Bear in mind that many shoppers are like-minded; they too prefer and will often choose a product that is environmentally friendly over a traditional package. Be sure to make them aware – and educate them – when it comes to your packaging products. 

Xeriscape Your Supply Chain: If you phone a friend you can begin a co-shipping arrangement where you would share freight space. This could lead to less fuel consumption and reduced shipping costs for both parties. Monitoring your results can improve your supply chain sustainability performance. 

Yield Higher Profits Through The Way You Buy: To keep a lean inventory, order packaging in smaller bunches to lessen extra or obsolete inventory. Or you can opt to buy in bulk and try and negotiate price breaks with your packaging supplier. Printing companies often have unadvertised high-volume discounts. 

Zero Waste: Put down on paper what you plan to do to meet and execute a zero waste policy in your business. It’s an evolving process, but by putting a plan in place it will allow your organization to become more efficient and sustainable in the future. 

As you can see, finding a way to reduce your packaging waste is as easy as picking any letter of the alphabet. So which letter would you like to introduce into your business?  Don’t be shy. Pick as many as you want.

]]>
https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/2018/05/eco-friendly-packaging-to-save-on-shipping-as-easy-as-a-b-c/feed/ 0
The Breathtaking Technologies We’ll Use To Save Our Planet https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/2017/07/the-breathtaking-technologies-well-use-to-save-our-planet/ https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/2017/07/the-breathtaking-technologies-well-use-to-save-our-planet/#respond Mon, 24 Jul 2017 13:18:32 +0000 http://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/?p=1369 green planet

Lots of people are focused on how we’re going to escape our planet. They want to colonize another world because it’s only a matter of time before earth becomes inhabitable. Maybe they’re getting too far ahead of themselves and they should be focusing their efforts on something else.

Nobody is saying the planet isn’t currently in a bad state, but think about how fast technology is evolving. If we work hard enough new technologies have the power to save the world. Here are a couple of big ones geniuses have already came up with you’ll want to know about.

Using Organic Flow Batteries

We’re all excited about the advancements in renewable energy, which will one day replace the fossil fuels we use at the moment. One of the biggest issues we face is how all the energy is going to be stored. Harvard researchers think organic flow batteries will be the ultimate solution.

It’s unlikely you’ll know all of the technology stored inside a battery anyway, so when you picture flow batteries envisage external tanks with some of the components inside them. When you combine them with organic molecules in place of the metal required it makes the technology cost-effective.

Introduction Of The Smart Grid

Everyone has heard about the cool smart gadgets being released, but we’ll need to start using a smart grid too. There is no way the grid you use at the moment will be able to handle renewable energy as it’s collected right now. It’s not designed to handle unplanned breakages or sudden shifts in energy demand throughout the day.

Smart grids will take care of the problem and allow everything to run smoothly. Energy will be able to flow from a house back into the grid when it’s needed. People will even be able to see when the energy demand is high, which will tempt them into waiting to turn on their appliances.

We’ll Start Recycling Carbon

Look at the way we recycle things like ink cartridges and materials at the moment. It’s been wonderful for the planet over the years, but it’s simply not enough. We need to improve our recycling abilities and we’ll start doing it with carbon to prevent it from destroying our atmosphere.

You’ll probably be wondering how on earth it’s going to be done, but it’s rather simple when you think about it. We’ll build CO2 capture plants to collect it straight out of the sky. Instead of burying it deep underground it will be used to make certain products until the whole cycle repeats itself again.

The Growth Of Vertical Farming

We’ve seen or heard about vertical farming in the past, but I don’t think anyone could have imagined what it would look like on an industrial scale. It will be possible to grow a tremendous amount of crops in the middle of a large city and they’ll be ready to eat much quicker too.

It will save a lot of gas from being sent into the atmosphere as trucks drive our food across the country. Less food will be wasted because we’ll be able to control the conditions carefully. It will even need around 95 percent less water, which is going to be a game changer.

GPS Will Be Tracking Animals

It’s not only humans inhabiting the earth, so we need to look out for our animal friends. One of the ways we’ll be doing this is by using the power of GPS. There are lots of ways the technology can be used, but the biggest one is probably protecting endangered species before they go the way of the woolly mammoth.

Leatherback turtles are in the endangered species category and their numbers are dwindling. Now we can use GPS to track where they go when they’re swimming around in the ocean. If we have a good idea where they’ll be it will reduce the chances of them being killed due to commercial fishing.

There Is So Much More To Come

First of all, we’ve only talked about a few technologies. There are plenty more we could have covered, but it would have taken all day. Everything we’ve came up with so far will go a long way towards saving the planet.

The interesting thing will be what happens in the next decade or two. It’s impossible to guess what we’re going to come up with next. Maybe we should think about staying here a bit longer before leaving earth.

]]>
https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/2017/07/the-breathtaking-technologies-well-use-to-save-our-planet/feed/ 0