In addition to the economic impact of buying local, there is also an environmental factor to consider. Since products travel less when sourced locally, fewer gas emissions are produced and less packaging waste is created. Shopping at local stores also allows those businesses to give back and make an environmental impact on their community. Keeney’s works hard to make the most of the environmental advantages of servicing our local area and to reduce our carbon footprint.
More Efficient Delivery
Buying local cuts down on the auto emissions of both the consumer and supplier. If customers buy locally, they drive a shorter distance to get what they need. If their product is being delivered buy a local company, the delivery trucks are also driving less. The Keeney’s team alters their delivery routes each day to shorten the time trucks are on the road, reducing air pollution. When appropriate, we also utilize the services of a local delivery company to reach outlying areas where their trucks are already going so we don’t waste resources driving from centralized delivery areas to marginal areas.
Less Packaging Waste
Moving products a short distance equates to less protective packaging being utilized which means less waste is created in the delivery process. The Keeney’s team reuses cardboard boxes or packages orders in reusable totes to deliver to local customers.
Participation in Local Environmental Programs
Local businesses are more likely than big box stores to invest in their communities and participate in programs that make the environment cleaner. Keeney’s is involved in Puget Sound Energy’s Green Power program which reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emissions released into the air. We are also part of the Forterra’s C3 Program which plants trees to offset our operational carbon footprint.
Shopping local is a simple and impactful way to reduce your carbon footprint. To learn more about the programs Keeney’s participates in that may help your business, visit our website: https://www.keeneys.com/sustainability/