What is Greenwashing?
Greenwashing is a term used to describe the act of companies making false or misleading claims about the environmental benefits of their products or services. It can be difficult for consumers to distinguish between genuine efforts to reduce environmental impact and greenwashing, as companies often use vague or misleading language to make their products seem more environmentally friendly. This can be particularly problematic in the context of New Zealand, as many companies may try to capitalize on the country’s reputation for being a leader in environmental sustainability.
The New Zealand government has also contributed to greenwashing in the country through its financial support of NZ Post. While NZ Post has implemented some sustainability measures, such as using a portion of electric vehicles, it has also been criticized for its lack of transparency and its lofty 2030 goals.
Urgent Couriers is proudly Toitū net carbonzero and has been for over 15 years across 100% of its operations. While NZ Post claims they are sustainable and have big plans for 2030 currently only around 15% of their operations are Toitū net carbonzero.
What do the different Toitu certifications mean?
It is important for consumers to be aware of greenwashing and to do their own research when considering purchasing products or services from companies claiming to be environmentally friendly. One way to do this is to look for certification programs such as Toitū carbonreduce, Toitū net carbonzero, and Toitū climate positive, which are independently verified and require companies to meet certain standards in order to be certified.
Toitū carbonreduce certification is designed for organizations that want to accurately measure their greenhouse gas emissions and put in place strategies to reduce their environmental impact. To be certified, companies must comply with ISO 14064-1 or PAS 2050 standards and have their compliance independently verified annually.
Toitū net carbonzero certification is similar to Toitū carbonreduce, but with the added goal of offsetting any remaining emissions through the purchase of verified carbon credits. This allows companies to achieve a neutral balance of greenhouse gas emissions and make carbon-neutral claims.
Toitū climate-positive certification goes beyond carbon neutrality by requiring companies to offset 125% of their total emissions through verified carbon credits. It also requires companies to make a further impact contribution that supports the transition to a zero-carbon future. This certification allows companies to make climate-positive claims and make a positive impact on society.
By participating in these certification programs, companies can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and transparency, and provide assurance to consumers that their claims about environmental impact are accurate and verifiable. It is important for consumers to look for these certifications when considering purchasing products or services from companies claiming to be environmentally friendly, as they provide a way to distinguish genuine efforts to reduce environmental impact from greenwashing.
What else are Urgent Couriers doing in the realm of sustainability?
Urgent Couriers is a company that is committed to sustainability and has been since the late 1990s. We focus on People, Planet, and Profits and were the first Carbon Neutral courier service in New Zealand. We reduce our carbon footprint by using low-emission vehicles, smart GPS technology, cycle couriers, and purchasing carbon credits to offset emissions. We also implement initiatives such as e-bikes in the CBD to reduce traffic and carbon emissions. Additionally, we pay our drivers a living wage, survey them to ensure they are happy and provide consistent, reliable service to our clients. We also lead by example by incorporating sustainable development measures into staff individual performance objectives.
What can you do?
In addition to being aware of greenwashing from companies, it is also important for consumers to take action to reduce their own environmental impact. This can include making sustainable choices in their daily lives, such as reducing energy and water usage at home, choosing eco-friendly products, and supporting companies like Urgent Couriers that are genuinely committed to sustainability.
Overall, it is crucial for both companies and individuals to take responsibility for their environmental impact and to do everything they can to protect the planet for future generations. We encourage consumers to make sustainable choices and support companies that are genuinely committed to protecting the planet for future generations. Join us in taking responsibility for our environmental impact and choose Urgent Couriers for your delivery needs.