All posts tagged environment

Microcycle Mail Delivery

Microcycle mail delivery

Many new, low emission and zero emission vehicles have been tested by delivery agencies around the world to help reduce overall contribution to greenhouse gasses and delivery expenses. From current FedEx testing of the Nissan all-electric e-NV200 in Washington, D.C., to TNT Express testing electric vehicles in London from transport company Gnewt Cargo, electric vehicles are slowly replacing their combustion engine counterparts. With a new near-ready electric vehicle design preparing to enter the market, could the efficiency of electric vehicles be combined with the speed of same day delivery demands to bring even faster service to customers?

The new RYNO microcycles are anything but the typical two-wheeled motorcycles seen on city streets. Besides their all electric engines, RYNO microcycles are also designed using only one wheel. The unique, compact design allows the RYNO greater maneuverability to access locations other vehicles typically can’t navigate such as in crowded cities and places where parking is extremely limited. It’s intuitive navigation and propulsion is similar to that of the Segway, using an individual’s natural instincts to drive the vehicle. A rear-mounted storage rack and saddlebags can also be installed to improve the cargo capacity of the vehicle.

RYNO vehicles do have a 10 mile range limitation with a top speed of 10 MPH, so long routes or locations far from a delivery base of operations may not be possible with the current version. Delivery drivers wouldn’t be able to carry as much of a load for normal delivery routes as with traditionally sized vehicles, but the RYNO could enhance the speed and efficiency of same day deliveries and other limited load shipment opportunities in densely populated cities.

As efficiency and environmental concerns continue to promote technological innovation, could RYNO microcycles could be the next step in delivery evolution?

by bennyblogger on February 27, 2014  •  Permalink
Posted in Postal vehicle
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Posted by bennyblogger on February 27, 2014

https://yourpostalblog.wordpress.com/2014/02/27/microcycle-mail-delivery/

2013 Sustainability Awards

2013 sustainability

Each year, the Postal Service recognizes the outstanding achievements of USPS green teams around the country through the Postmaster General’s Sustainability Excellence Awards. In 2013, many teams made excellent strides in proving once again that going green is a team effort. By working to cut back on waste, they have helped lessen USPS’s impact on the environment, decreasing landfill material and greenhouse gas emissions as well as reducing consumption of natural resources.

Among the many successful sustainability efforts throughout the country, the following teams have demonstrated their commitment to improving the environment for future generations. They are also the recipients of the 2013 Sustainability Excellence Awards in the Western Area:

  • Mid-America District for its decision to domicile Area maintenance technicians in small Post Offices to improve response times and reduce overnight stays.
  • Hillsboro, OR, Evergreen Delivery Carrier Unit for moving recyclables from trash.

“These awardees did a great job helping USPS be green in 2013,” said Postmaster General Pat Donahoe. “They’ve reduced energy, waste, consumables, water, and vehicle petroleum. And they engaged other employees through lean green teams, energy audits, recycling backhaul schemes, compliance with environmental regulations, and the engagement of employees in these initiatives. I congratulate them on a job well done.”

In addition to the award winners, the following teams received an honorable mention for their efforts in sustainability:

  • Seattle, WA, P&DC – Phillips Day-Brite LED’s Dock Door Lights
  • Las Vegas, NV, P&DC – Recycling Program
  • St. Paul, MN, NDC – LED Lighting Project for Dock Lights
  • Des Moines, IA, NDC – Spring Cleaning for Dollars (year round)
  • Salt Lake City, NV, P&DC – Cleaner Greener Facilities
  • Phoenix, AZ, VMF – Squeezing the Green Out of Every Waste Stream
  • Rapid City, SD, PO – Badger State Recovery Recycling Program
  • Kirwin, KS, PO – Small Office Makes Big Difference in Green Initiative
by bennyblogger on February 10, 2014  •  Permalink
Posted in Green
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Posted by bennyblogger on February 10, 2014

https://yourpostalblog.wordpress.com/2014/02/10/2013-sustainability-awards/

Winglets Save Shipper Fuel

Winglets save shipper fuel

There are many avenues shipping companies have explored for increasing fuel economy while simultaneously protecting the environment. The use of alternative fuels such as compressed natural gas, propane, and electric motors have helped change the landscape of annual fleet costs with the added benefit of enhancing the development speed of alternative fuel technologies. To increase its fuel costs even further, one shipper has added a special component to its fleet of aircraft.

To enhance the efficiency of its fleet of Boeing 767s, UPS is adding winglets to the wing tips of each aircraft. The add-ons will help reduce the drag of the aircraft as well as the fuel it consumes during flight.

Winglets will add several feet to the wingspan of an aircraft and are nearly a dozen feet tall. Installation of the new features is currently underway and is scheduled to wrap up by the end of 2014.

What non-engine enhancements are you aware of that could potentially increase the fuel efficiency of ground-based vehicles?

by bennyblogger on July 11, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Green
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Posted by bennyblogger on July 11, 2013

https://yourpostalblog.wordpress.com/2013/07/11/winglets-save-shipper-fuel/

Saving Money and the Environment

This month is National Energy Action Month, and the Postal Service is continuing to champion the cause of going green. Using low and no cost methods to reduce energy has saved USPS $22 million alone in 2011 through 1,000 energy reduction projects. It has also reduced energy use by more than 25 percent since 2003.

Working towards a more environmentally friendly world begins on the local level. Switching off lights when not in use, shutting down computers when away for extended periods of time, and using more energy efficient light bulbs are just a few ways to reduce costs without breaking the bank. Many opportunities to reduce energy consumption come at the inexpensive price of simply being aware of how to use resources more efficiently.

The Postal Service has specific goals to help reduce costs and improve efficiency even further including:

  • Reduction of facility energy use by 30 percent by 2015,
  • Reduction of water usage by 10 percent by 2015,
  • Diversion of 50 percent of solid waste from landfills by 2015, and
  • Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2020.

Everyone plays an important role in reducing costs and protecting the environment. The Postal Service will continue to encourage employees to find even more ways to help make its environmental footprint even smaller.

What other green suggestions do you have for reducing energy use and landfill waste?

by bennyblogger on October 12, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Green
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Posted by bennyblogger on October 12, 2012

https://yourpostalblog.wordpress.com/2012/10/12/saving-money-and-the-environment/

  • Hello, I'm Benny the Blogger: I'm the world's most famous postal employee. My hobbies are snappy quotes, kite flying and publishing. I was born Jan. 17, 1706, but don't call me old.

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