How To Make Trucking For Business Greener

Julie Starr • June 23, 2021



The environment has become a bigger priority for many businesses, and for very good reason. More consumers are looking for sustainable businesses and many business owners are making green practices a priority. Gas and fossil fuel emission are one of the leading causes of greenhouse gases. However, there are some ways to reduce the emissions that are released into the environment, and most of these ways start small. If you use trucks for your business, here’s how you can make them more eco-friendly.

Why Should I Make Trucking For My Business More Eco-Friendly?

There are several good reasons for doing this. 

More eco-friendly trucking saves you money. One of the main benefits of more sustainable business transport is that it can keep some more money in your pocket, especially if you choose used trucks from somewhere like Piedmont Trucks . 

It’s better for the planet. Truck drivers ought to try to go green because it’s better for the planet. Greenhouse gases are one of the main causes of global warming. If businesses that use trucks for delivery took a few more precautions to conserve energy and prevent waste, it would go a long way to making a difference. 

It’s easy. It’s less effort than you might think to prioritize sustainable transportation for your business. 

How Can I Make Truck Driving More Eco-Friendly?

If you have vehicles on the road all the time for deliveries, then you might be worried about your greenhouse emissions. With a few simple changes, you can reduce your emissions and make your business more sustainable. 

Plan Your Routes

If you need to make a delivery, plan out how you’re going to get it there. Greener trucking can be easy if you make good use of GPS technology or take the time to work out the optimal route the day before. Getting lost on the way means that your trucks are using up unnecessary gas, which is damaging to the environment. Using more gas also means you have to fill up the tanks more often, which will hurt your transport budget too. 

If you can, try to have your fleet on the road at times of day when there is less traffic. If you know your route, you can work out how much traffic there will be when, and take steps to avoid it. If your trucks are sitting in traffic with the engine running, they will burn through gas quickly. Instead, aim to have any truck you use at a rolling speed throughout the whole route. If you can leave earlier or later to avoid rush hour traffic, then you can drive more efficiently. 

If you’re making a delivery to an area that you’re unfamiliar with, you can estimate the traffic using apps designed for truckers. These apps can be downloaded onto your smartphone, where they will predict traffic and hazards for you. Encourage your drivers to use these so they know where the traffic is and what the fastest route will be. Look for an app that does all this in real-time, so if something changes on a planned route, they’re not live idling and can keep going.

Drive Smarter

One of the simplest ways to make driving a truck more eco-friendly is to encourage more sustainable habits. If your trucks need gas, fill them up in the morning. Fuel expands in the heat, so if you fill up in the morning when the temperature is lower, you can get a little more gas in your tank per gallon than you would if you filled up later in the day when it’s warmer. 

Make your fleet more sustainable by encouraging your drivers to maintain a normal driving speed while they’re on the highway. Stopping and starting makes the engine work harder, so the truck will need more fuel. Leaving the engine idling does the same thing, so if the engine can be turned off, it should be done. 

Go Paperless

A lot of companies with a delivery fleet require their drivers to manually log their hours on paper. This uses up a lot of paper, but you can do it electronically instead. Not all drivers are big fans of these systems, so consider it carefully. Automatically tracking their hours electronically does save on paper though. 

Even if you don’t log hours automatically, encourage your fleet drivers to log their hours on the phone instead of on paper. Saving money on paper products will help the environment too. 

Recycle

If you’re trying to get your truck drivers to think green, recycling should be near the top of your list of priorities. If you can’t go paperless, recycle. 

Fit all your trucks with somewhere to store waste paper and plastic products, even if this is only a clip to hang up a bag. A huge amount of the products that drivers use every day can be recycled instead of thrown away. A lot of truck stops and gas stations have places to drop off recycling too, so it’s easy to do. 

Encourage your fleet of drivers to bring any snacks or food in reusable containers in order to cut down on products in paper or plastic they need to buy when they’re on the road. Put branded canvas bags in the trucks so your drivers don’t need to use plastic ones. Perhaps you could also provide them with branded reusable coffee cups so they don’t need to use a to-go cup that will just end up in a landfill. 

If you have old tires or cartons at the depot, recycle them. Almost everything can be recycled into something else. Some places offer discounts or tax breaks for recycling products. Helping the planet can help your wallet too if you put in the effort. 

Maintain Your Truck

Taking care of your truck can help you care for the planet. Keeping your fleet running well can make it more sustainable. Regular maintenance on a semi-truck reduces the amount of carbon monoxide emissions that it produces. Keeping the engine air filter clean can improve fuel efficiency by up to 10 per cent.

Eco-Friendly Garden Prep: Summer Tips for a Greener Business Space

By Julie Starr • June 5, 2025
If you're lucky enough to have a garden as part of your business, taking some time to set it up for summer is a great investment of your energy. Not only will it be ready for your customers to spend time in, but you can also incorporate some eco-friendly elements into it. Many people just think about the property and what eco-friendly updates they can make , but there are plenty that you can implement in your garden. This gives you the best of both worlds. You own a sacred and beautiful place for your customers to spend their summer, and at the same time, you can do your part for a better planet. If this is the route you want to take, then you also need to consider how to do this with the different seasons. To help you on your journey, here are some top tips for preparing your garden for summer. Plant trees and flowers Planting trees and flowers in your garden is a must. It will make a beautiful scene of nature for everyone to enjoy. Trees will provide people and animals with shade, as well as provide a habitat for wildlife. More trees are needed in the world because they purify the air that we breathe. Flowers, especially if you plant with pollinators in mind, can be an excellent way to attract bees and butterflies, which contribute largely to the earth. Use natural pest control When preparing your garden for summer, you can do this more sustainably and kindly by using natural pest control. Simply by planting trees and flowers, you are likely to attract lots of different wildlife, some of which may destroy your efforts. While all wildlife should be considered, you may need to take measures. Some better and more eco-friendly ways you can do this, as opposed to spraying toxic chemicals onto your plants and into the air, you can implement companion planting, using protective nets over your crops, choosing resilient plants, using natural repellents, and encouraging natural predators so nature can do its thing. Maintain your garden Maintaining your garden in itself can make it more eco-friendly. Composting your garden waste regularly, and kitchen waste can help you to reduce overall waste and create nutrient-rich soil. This is a great cycle of sustainability. You can also keep on top of things that need cleaning and replacing, so you can recycle the materials for other garden structures and projects, and repurpose things around your garden before they become waste. If you have features in your garden like a swimming pool, then a regular pool maintenance service is going to be vital in keeping your water consumption to a minimum, as when it is cleaned and maintained, it will need to be drained and refilled less as well as using less energy. You could also consider how you can use natural purification methods to reduce chemical usage and support biodiversity right in your backyard. Your garden is just an eco-friendly project waiting to be built. Use these top tips to help you get started.

The Impact of Sustainable Practices on the Food Service Industry

By Julie Starr • June 3, 2025
Sustainability is no longer something that can be considered optional in many businesses, including the food industry. From fast casual to fine dining, businesses face pressure to reduce waste, cut emissions, and use resources responsibly. Customers noticed, so too did regulators. This shift isn't about trends; it's about long-term business health. Operators now rethink everything: ingredients, packaging, equipment, and even furniture. The choices that they make affect cost, reputation, and the environment. Forward-thinking brands see sustainability as a chance to stand out, align with customer values, save money, and future-proof their business. Let's look at how sustainable practices are shaping the future of food service and why furniture choices matter more than ever. Sustainable Sourcing and Supply Chains Restaurants are choosing local, seasonal, and organic ingredients. More often, this reduces transportation emissions and supports nearby farms. It also appeals to customers who want food with a story. Sourcing matters; a restaurant that serves organic produce imported from thousands of miles away loses credibility. Local sourcing, when possible, keeps the supply chain shorter and more resilient. They also build community relationships. Sustainable seafood, fair trade coffee, and certified humane meat are becoming menu standards. But it's not just food; suppliers that use low-impact materials, avoid single-use plastics, or operate zero-waste facilities are getting more attention. Working with responsible vendors reduces environmental impact and strengthens the restaurant's reputation. It also makes it easier to meet sustainability benchmarks and certifications. Reducing Food Waste and Single-Use Plastics Food waste is expensive. Restaurants are responding with better forecasting, smaller portions, and creative ways to repurpose ingredients. Many now donate leftovers or compost scraps. Smart kitchen systems have reduced waste by tracking usage and spoilage. Front of house, more places encourage guests to take home leftovers or offer flexible portion sizes. Single-use plastics are also being phased out; straws, cutlery, and containers are switching to compostable or reusable versions. Many cities now require this, but even without mandates, customers expect it. Small changes make a big difference, such as swapping plastic lids for fiber-based ones or using reusable containers for takeout. In the long run, it also sends a clear message about your brand Energy Efficiency and Equipment Choices Energy use is a major cost for food service businesses. Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and HVAC systems can contribute significantly. Induction cooktops, LED lighting , low-flow faucets, and energy-saving refrigeration reduce the environmental footprint. Some kitchens are even going all-electric to reduce reliance on gas. Smart energy monitoring systems provide real-time insights; this helps operators find waste, track trends, and make better decisions. Beyond the kitchen, some restaurants invest in solar panels or purchase renewable energy. It shows leadership and appeals to customers who care about climate action. Designing with Sustainability in Mind Interior design now plays a role in sustainability. Choosing eco-friendly materials and modular furniture reduces waste and supports the circular economy. Furniture companies that sell food service furniture offer tables, chairs, and booths made from recycled or responsibly sourced wood, metal, and plastics. Their products are durable, stylish, and built to last, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Long-lasting furniture means fewer items in landfills. Plus, some suppliers offer take-back programs or extended product life. The right furniture also supports flexible layouts, which is important for adapting to changing service models like outdoor dining or shared spaces. Aligning with Customer Expectations More diners care about sustainability than ever before. It’s something that is extremely prominent in today’s dining experience. They want to support places that reflect their values. Transparency matters too , diners want to know exactly what businesses are doing to be more sustainable. Posting sourcing details, using certifications, and showing behind-the-scenes efforts builds trust. Sustainability isn't just a back-of-house concern; it should be visible throughout the customer journey. Guests notice packaging, signage, cleaning products, and even furniture. If your chairs are made from reclaimed wood or your tables are built from recycled metal, it becomes part of the story you tell. Employees also want to work for businesses that care; sustainability efforts can boost morale, improve retention, and create a strong workplace culture. Being consistent across all touchpoints helps turn sustainability from a checklist into a core part of your brand identity. Tracking Progress and Measuring Impact To stay on track, businesses need to measure what matters. Sustainability isn't guesswork; it's data-driven. Many restaurants now set goals for waste reduction, water usage, and carbon emissions. Digital dashboards, smart meters, and waste tracking apps provide clear feedback. Certifications like LEED , Green Restaurant Association, or B Corp can help validate progress, but the real value comes from aligning with goals and quickly reporting results. This transparency involves sharing results with staff and customers. This builds trust and shows accountability. Food service brands that track their impact tend to improve faster; they spot problems early and share wins more confidently. A culture of measurement helps maintain steady progress and keeps sustainability top of mind. Collaborating Across the Industry No restaurant can do it alone. Real change happens through partnerships. Food services need ot consider teaming up with local farms, recycling programs, and talking to local councils about any green schemes . This collaboration speeds up progress and helps avoid mistakes. Industry groups and supply networks now host workshops and certifications focused on sustainability. These shared resources help smaller businesses catch up and stay competitive. Technology platforms also make collaboration easier. Apps that connect surplus food with charities or tools for joint purchasing of sustainable goods are helping restaurants work smarter together. By building strong networks, the industry strengthens itself. Working together, sustainability leads to better outcomes and stronger communities. Conclusion: Building a Sustainable Future in Food Service Sustainability touches every part of the food service industry, from menus to materials. The shift toward responsible choices is clear. Restaurants that act now gain a competitive edge; they reduce costs, attract loyal customers, and stay ahead of regulations. The transition doesn't have to be all or nothing; small steps lead to big changes. Choosing eco-friendly furniture, like the options from food service furniture, is one of the smart steps. It shows commitment, supports long-term value, and elevates the dining experience. Sustainability is no longer an add-on; it’s a business essential. For those who embrace it, it can be a source of growth, loyalty, and resilience.