A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gasses, specifically carbon dioxide, that are generated by our actions. This includes activities such as driving a car, using electricity, and even producing the food we eat. The average carbon footprint for a person in the U.S. is approximately 16 tons, much higher than the global average of 4 tons. (1)
Understanding and reducing our carbon footprint is important for mitigating climate change and reducing our impact on the environment, and it matters more now than ever. While individuals should be aware of their environmental impact and take steps to increase sustainable habits in the home, it's also vital for businesses to align with eco-friendly ideals.
Because of increasing environmental concerns, there is growing awareness of the impact that businesses have on the environment and society. This has led to increased pressure for companies to operate in more eco-conscious and socially responsible ways.
As consumers are stepping up and becoming more conscious of the environmental and social implications of their purchasing decisions, there's an ever-increasing demand for sustainable products and services.
Add to those increasingly stringent regulations and standards paired with the potential to enjoy financial savings from adding sustainable measures to production and transportation practices, and it becomes a no-brainer for businesses to seek cutting their carbon output.
ecoHiny is a company that's well aware of the benefits and the necessity of a business lowering its carbon footprint. Our commitment to sustainability means we take every measure to be part of a sustainable solution to toilet paper production. We believe all businesses should be on board with adopting environmentally-friendly measures, so we have some suggestions for how to make that happen.
Understanding Carbon Footprint
Carbon emissions are the release of carbon compounds, particularly carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere. These emissions primarily come from the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas for energy, transportation, and industrial processes.
According to The United States Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, total greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. by economic sector consist of:
- Agriculture 10%- primarily from livestock such as cows, agricultural soils, and rice production
- Residential and commercial 13%- primarily from fossil fuels burned for heat and the use of gasses for refrigeration and cooling in buildings, as well as non-building specific emissions such as the handling of waste.
- Industry 23%-primarily from burning fossil fuels for energy, as well as greenhouse gas emissions from certain chemical reactions necessary to produce goods from raw materials
- Electric power 25%-primarily from burning fossil fuels, mostly coal and natural gas.
- Transportation 28%-primarily from burning fossil fuel for cars, trucks, ships, trains, and planes.
Reducing carbon emissions can have significant long-term environmental and economic benefits. On the environmental front, lowering carbon emissions can help slow climate change, reduce air pollution, and minimize negative impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity. This can lead to improved public health, preserved natural habitats, and a more stable climate.
From an economic perspective, reducing carbon emissions can lead to cost savings through improved energy efficiency, reduced dependency on fossil fuels, and innovation in clean energy technologies. It can also create new job opportunities in the renewable energy sector and other green industries. Lower carbon emissions can help contribute to overall economic stability.
Assessing and Measuring Your Business's Carbon Footprint
Harvard Business School Professor Forest Reinhardt states that "An important first step in developing any mitigation strategy is gaining a comprehensive understanding of a company or product's emissions by establishing its carbon footprint." (2)
Businesses can assess their carbon footprint by following these steps:
- Calculate direct emissions: Measure emissions from sources that are owned or controlled by the business, such as company-owned vehicles, fuel combustion, and industrial processes.
- Calculate indirect emissions: Assess emissions from purchased electricity, heating, and cooling.
- Gather data: Collect information on energy consumption, transportation, waste generation, and any other activities that contribute to carbon emissions.
- Use carbon footprint calculators: Utilize online tools or software specifically designed for calculating carbon footprint to input the data and generate a comprehensive report.
- Identify areas for improvement: Analyze the results to pinpoint areas where carbon emissions can be reduced.
- Set reduction targets: Establish achievable goals to lower carbon emissions and develop a strategy to track progress and make continuous improvements.
- Monitor and report: Regularly monitor and report on carbon footprint measurements to demonstrate commitment to sustainability and to engage stakeholders in the process.
Practical Strategies for Reducing Carbon Footprint
The good news? Businesses can start today with simple, smart steps toward sustainability. We suggest the following actionable tips for businesses to reduce their carbon footprint:
Reduce Energy Use
Invest in energy-efficient technology, such as LED lighting, smart thermostats, and energy-efficient appliances. Additionally, businesses can encourage employees to practice energy-saving habits, such as turning off equipment when not in use and using natural lighting whenever possible. Proper insulation and regular maintenance of HVAC systems can also contribute to improved energy efficiency.
Explore Renewable Energy
Install solar panels on their rooftops or properties, use wind turbines to generate electricity, or purchase renewable energy credits to support the production of renewable energy.
Address Transportation Emissions
Encourage the use of public transportation, biking, and walking by providing incentives such as subsidies, flexible work hours, or commuter benefits. Offer telecommuting or remote work options to reduce the need for daily commuting. Provide electric vehicle charging stations at the workplace to encourage employees to drive electric vehicles.
Implement carpooling or ride-sharing programs for employees to reduce the number of single-occupancy vehicles on the road. Invest in eco-friendly fleet vehicles or support alternative transportation methods such as electric bikes or scooters for business purposes.
Promote Waste Reduction
Implement recycling programs, reduce packaging and single-use items, donate excess food or products, and use energy-efficient practices. Businesses can also educate employees about the importance of waste reduction and encourage them to contribute ideas for improving waste management.
Partnerships with suppliers who prioritize sustainable and eco-friendly practices can also help promote waste reduction throughout the supply chain.
The Role of Sustainable Products and Materials
Choosing sustainable materials and products is essential for minimizing our environmental impact. By opting for sustainable options, we can help reduce resource depletion, minimize pollution, and decrease the overall carbon footprint.
Sustainable materials and products are often made from renewable resources, are biodegradable, and are manufactured using eco-friendly processes. ecoHiny is a leading example of using a sustainable alternative to traditional material.
The traditional toilet paper industry is guilty of destroying thousands of acres of forested land each year. It's a harmful blow to our environment that ecoHiny hopes to fix. Instead of hardwood trees, ecoHiny makes use of super-sustainable bamboo.
ecoHiny's Commitment to Reducing Carbon Footprint
Our biggest ally in the fight against deforestation is our use of bamboo. Bamboo is a sustainable resource that has endless environmental benefits!
Bamboo is a plant that grows very quickly, much faster than hardwood trees typically used in the traditional toilet paper industry. This makes it much more sustainable as it doesn't take years to mature or replenish.
Bamboo also grows out of its existing root systems, which is good news for delicate soil ecosystems! There's no disruption to the soil, so biodiversity stays intact. Those roots are also helpful with erosion prevention, holding soil in place against the elements.
Bamboo requires less water to thrive and requires zero fertilizers or pesticides, making it waterway-friendly as well!
We're also proud of our partnerships with organizations that align with our mission to reduce our carbon footprint and offer a sustainable, eco-friendly product. Part of our carbon offset includes working with the National Forest Foundation. ecoHiny is part of their sapling program, which means every dollar ecoHiny makes helps their reforestation efforts in critical areas.
In addition to that, Our bamboo has a special distinction of its own. ecoHiny only uses bamboo harvested from Forest Stewardship Council-certified lands. The FSC label on every box of ecoHiny guarantees you're getting a product that is produced with:
- No forest net loss
- Fair wages and work environment
- Protection for plant and animal species
- Respect for local communities and cultural rights
ecoHiny: A Company Committed to Reducing Carbon
By focusing on smart energy strategy, sustainable transportation, and reducing waste, companies can make a difference in their carbon footprint. When businesses choose to prioritize sustainability, we get closer to creating a more environmentally friendly and healthier planet for future generations.
Are you part of a business trying to step up your sustainability factor? Something else you can do is consider partnering with a brand like ecoHiny. Our eco-friendly toilet paper is perfect for businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint. It's a great first step toward making all your purchases with the planet in mind.
Explore all ecoHiny has to offer and discover exactly how we fit with your sustainability goals. We're here to lead you toward lowering your carbon footprint!
- "What is a Carbon Footprint?" The Nature Conservancy, www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/carbon-footprint-calculator/.
- "Sources of Greenhouse Gas Emissions." United States Environmental Protection Agency, www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/sources-greenhouse-gas-emissions.
