Make The Most Out Of Your Materials

Working in warehouses and with heavy machinery doesn’t scream “Save the Environment!” But did you know that there are multiple ways in which you can make working in your warehouse a little greener?

How Much Do You Know?

1.     Are pallets recyclable?

a.     Yes

b.     No

2.     One way to reduce waste in the warehouse is by using __________ packaging.

a.     Biodegradable

b.     Plastic

c.     Cardboard

3.     Waste from packaging can be reduced greatly by recycling and reusing such materials.

a.     True

b.     False

4.     Which forklift fuel type is better for the environment?

a.     LP

b.     Electric

c.     Either, they have the same overall impact

5.     Both electric and LPG forklifts rely on renewable resources to run properly.

a.     True

b.     False

   

Get This…

LPG and electric forklifts are both incredibly common but utilize two different sources of fuel. LPG forklifts run off a liquid propane, while electric forklifts are battery powered. Both types of forklifts have their advantages and disadvantages. However, the question remains, is one type of forklift more environmentally friendly than the other? For the most part electric forklifts are more environmentally friendly. They eliminate the use of propane fuel (a non-renewable resource), and the disposal of many of the fluids used in LPG trucks. Electric forklifts also eliminate tailpipe emissions. Not only is this elimination of emissions better for the environment, but also for your employees because it reduces the amount of chemicals and smoke they are inhaling. After hearing all of this you may wonder where the debate lies. It’s clear that electric forklifts utilize batteries to run, very large batteries. There is still some discrepancy on how these batteries should be disposed of and/or recycled. Although, overall it has been concluded that electric forklifts have less negative impact on our surrounding environment. 

    

Can You Answer This Question???

What is a carbon footprint?

a.     Measured output units of CO2 and methane for an individual, business, or product.

b.     Measured output units of CO2 for an individual, business, or product.

c.     Measured output units of CO2, water vapor, and methane for an individual, business, or product.

The phrase Carbon Footprint is thrown around quite often, but what exactly is a carbon footprint? If you chose A as your answer then you are correct! CO2 and Methane are the two largest greenhouse gas contributors, making it important for us to monitor the amounts of these gases we are releasing into the environment. This calculation can be made for an individual, a business, or a product. Reducing your carbon footprint even just a little bit can make a huge difference to our environment! Calculate your personal carbon footprint and your company’s carbon footprint here: https://www3.epa.gov/carbon-footprint-calculator/ !

Get The Facts!

Time to talk about pallets! Pallets are often used in warehouses around the world. There are many different shapes, sizes, and materials used to make pallets. Fortunately, many pallets are made from wood, which is a recyclable material. In addition to being able to recycle pallets there are a lot of companies that will pay you for your pallets. If you're opposed to selling or recycling your pallets you can also up-cycle them! Which basically means that you are using pallets to make other things, for example, a planter. To buy, sell, and find free pallets check out this website: https://repalletize.com/content/Cincinnati-free-pallets . For up-cycling ideas look here: https://phsinverter.com/10-ways-recycle-wood-pallets-house/ , https://phsinverter.com/top-uses-for-old-wood-pallets/

   

…So Call

There are thousands of ways to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle at work, whether it be in the office or the warehouse! If you have large items that you need removed and recycled check out these sites: https://www.junk-king.com/services/items-we-take/ , http://www.ecycleenvironmental.com/scrap-recycling/warehouse-recycling

For any other material handling needs give us a call at (513) 842-2012. Thanks for checking out our blog! 

Multiple Choice Answers: 1/A, 2/A, but cardboard is recyclable!, 3/A, 4/B, 5/B