In light of uncertainty about the US government’s regulatory approach to climate change, I figured we could use some encouragement from the private sector. Over a decade ago, UPS found a way to nearly eliminate left turns from their delivery routes. Recently announced results of this program reveal significant reductions in fuel consumed, carbon dioxide emitted, and dollars spent; they’ve even been able to cut down on total vehicles in service. UPS was not obligated to make this change. They did so because it made economic sense to use fewer fossil fuels. Economic considerations alone may not yield all of the reductions needed to mitigate climate change, but it is heartening to know that at least some reductions will occur regardless of government mandate.
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