Are Electric Vehicles Enough to Cut Your Fleet's Carbon Footprint?

Julie Starr • March 13, 2024

If you are looking to improve the carbon footprint of your business, if you have a fleet, switching to electric vehicles is probably one of the first things you will think about, but are EVs really eh magic solution we have all been led to believe?


First things first, EVs, like the ones at edmunds, are definitely a step in the right direction. They whisper along the roads without the carbon monoxide serenade you get from their fossil-fueled cousins. But if you think plugging in a fleet of EVs is your golden ticket to environmental sainthood, you might want to pump the brakes. Here's why:


The Not-So-Green Side of Green Cars


1. The Power Grid Problem


Charging your EV fleet is a bit like a dance with the electricity grid. If your local grid is doing the cha-cha with coal or natural gas, then your EVs are indirectly still puffing out greenhouse gases. It's like being on a diet but only eating low-fat cookies. Sure, it’s a better choice, but you’re not exactly hitting all your nutrition goals.


2. The Battery Conundrum


EV batteries are the lifeblood of your electric fleet. Yet, they're also a bit of an environmental paradox. Mining the lithium, cobalt, and nickel that go into these batteries has its own set of eco-dilemmas. It's akin to saving water by drinking exclusively from plastic bottles. You’re solving one problem but contributing to another.


Beyond Electric: Novel Ideas to Truly Green Your Fleet


1. Tire Tech Revolution


Don’t overlook the rubber hitting the road. Investing in the latest eco-friendly tires can reduce fuel consumption (or electricity usage for EVs) and lower carbon emissions. It's like choosing running shoes made from recycled materials – good for you and less taxing on the environment.


2. Route Optimization Software


Harnessing the power of AI to optimize delivery routes isn't just about saving time; it's about slashing emissions. Fewer miles means less energy used, regardless of your fleet's power source. Think of it as carpooling to work, but with packages.


3. Solar-Powered Pit Stops


If you’re going electric, why not go the whole nine yards? Equipping your facilities with solar panels to charge your EV fleet can significantly cut down on your reliance on the grid, especially if it's still flirting with fossil fuels. Imagine your vehicles as sunflowers, soaking up rays to keep them buzzing along.


4. Employee Eco-Training

Sometimes, the most significant change comes from within. Training your drivers on eco-friendly driving techniques can make a substantial difference. Smooth acceleration, proper tire inflation, and mindful energy use can turn your fleet into a parade of efficiency.


So, are EVs alone enough to cut your fleet's carbon footprint? Not quite. They're a crucial piece of the puzzle, but true environmental stewardship requires a number of solutions all working together in harmony to truly cut down on the amount of carbon your company is pumping out. Luckily, the above ideas are all excellent places to start, so your journey to greater fleet sustainability really is within reach.

Sustainability in Ecommerce: 3 Ways to Make Progress Where It Matters

By Julie Starr • May 21, 2025
Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have—it's essential. That’s true across every industry, and ecommerce is no exception. But let’s be honest: building a more sustainable ecommerce business isn’t always straightforward. From packaging to supply chains to last-mile delivery, the challenges are real—and often feel like they’re outside your control. But here’s the good news: sustainable ecommerce is absolutely possible. And it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Small, strategic shifts can make a meaningful difference—not just for the planet, but for your customers and your brand’s longevity. Here are three actionable ways you can move the needle toward a more environmentally responsible ecommerce business. Choose Sustainable Packaging That Works for People and Planet Packaging is often one of the most visible and wasteful—aspects of ecommerce. From oversized boxes to plastic fillers, the impact adds up fast. But it doesn’t have to. Thoughtful, sustainable packaging design can dramatically reduce your environmental footprint. Start by right-sizing your shipments to reduce excess material and emissions. Opt for recycled, recyclable, or compostable materials that align with circular economy principles. Better yet, one option is to design custom boxes with sustainable materials, for example. These custom packaging solutions eliminate unnecessary layers while enhancing your brand’s presentation. These aren’t just more sustainable choices, they’re smarter ones. Today’s customers care about where materials come from, and where they end up. Your packaging can reflect your commitment to both. Partner with Purpose: Choose Sustainable Suppliers Your supply chain is an extension of your brand and one of the most powerful levers you have to reduce your environmental impact. You could end up using more than a few suppliers when you’re running an ecommerce company . It’s always worth making sure these are as sustainable as possible . While you may not control every aspect of your suppliers’ operations, you do control who you choose to work with. Prioritize suppliers who share your commitment to sustainability. Look for transparency in sourcing, third-party certifications, and a clear track record of environmental and ethical practices. Ask the right questions: Are their materials responsibly sourced? Do they minimize waste and emissions? How do they treat their workforce? Choosing partners who align with your values not only improves the sustainability of your products—it strengthens your brand’s integrity and resilience. When your supply chain reflects your mission, it creates trust and long-term value across your business. Lead with Impact: Promote Environmental Awareness Sustainability doesn’t stop at your supply chain. As an ecommerce business, you have a unique platform to elevate environmental causes and inspire meaningful change within and beyond your operations. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of highlighting and supporting various sustainable initiatives and causes around the world. One powerful way to do this is by supporting organizations and initiatives that align with your values. Whether it’s donating a portion of your profits, partnering with mission-driven nonprofits, or amplifying important causes across your website and social channels, your advocacy matters. By shining a light on solutions and inviting your customers to participate, you strengthen your brand’s purpose and build a community rooted in shared responsibility. This isn’t just good for the planet; it’s good for business. Sustainable ecommerce is entirely possible. With the right mindset and a few strategic shifts, your business can lead with integrity, reduce its footprint, and become part of a much-needed transformation in the digital economy.

Cutting Cost Without Cutting Corners

By Julie Starr • May 20, 2025
No one likes having to tighten their belts, especially when it comes to running a business or managing a big project, but sometimes cutting costs isn’t just a good idea - it’s actually the only way to keep things moving. The tricky part, of course, is doing it without sacrificing quality or ending up with a long list of regrets you’ll be paying for (literally in many cases) later. The thing to remember is that cost-cutting doesn’t have to mean cutting corners, and if you can be a bit creative and rethink how you usually do things, you can reduce your spending and still get great results. With that in mind, keep reading to find out more. Not only does this support your project, but it can support sustainable business initiatives as well. You Don’t Have To Buy Everything One of the most common ways money disappears in business is buying things you don’t need to buy. If you’re in the trade or construction field, you already know how expensive equipment can be, especially when it’s only needed on occasion, which is why it’s crucial to get out of the idea of having to buy everything - there are other ways. Rather than buying every tool, machine, or device upfront, it’s worth thinking about short-term options instead, and that way you don’t have to commit thousands to something you’ll only use once or twice a year. Instead, renting can help bridge the gap between affordability and getting good results, and you’ll still have access to the tools you need. For example, if you’ve got a job coming up that needs specific welding gear but you don’t use it regularly, you’re better off exploring welding equipment rental rather than buying it. You’ll get high-quality, up-to-date equipment, but you avoid the ongoing expense of maintenance, storage, or even depreciation. And when the job is complete, it just goes back with no wasted budget or clutter. Aim For Better Planning Another area where money leaks is in poor planning . The fact is that scheduling and communication are basically very often the difference between staying under budget and going over budget. Over-ordering materials, miscommunication between suppliers, last-minute bookings, and so on all has an impact and the ability to add up and cost significantly more. Spending a bit more upfront in the planning process can save considerable amount of funds later, which is why it’s worth planning projects in phases, double-checking inventory before you place any new orders, and staying as realistic as possible about delivery times. In doing so, you’re not just avoiding waste, you’re keeping the entire project on track, and that’s going to give you much better results and success in the future. Use Tech In Useful Ways We’ve all seen the impressive new software packages with prices to match, but tech doesn’t have to be expensive to work well, and in fact, using a few smart digital tools can save hours of time and lots of paperwork, especially if you’re managing a team or you’ve got multiple projects to juggle all at once. Free or low-cost apps for time tracking, job scheduling, or being able to share communication can help you avoid missed communications and reduce admin hours. And of course, spreadsheets can still work if you like using them, but adding a digital tool to the mix could be just what you need to reduce confusion, mistakes, and having to repeat work. Invest Where It Counts Saving money doesn’t mean always choosing the least expensive option or not buying something when you really do need it. Sometimes, saving money just means choosing the best value item over time, and factoring in sustainable concepts taht support the project and business case. Be mindful and invest in the right things. You’ll want to fund equipment and purchases that support safety and the items that your team use every day that support the business. Cutting corners on essentials might save you money at the start, but it usually just creates more problems later on, and it’s just not worth the risk. Invest wisely.