Climate change, the overexploitation and depletion of natural resources, waste generation, pollution, and the loss of biodiversity are issues usually studied from an ecological standpoint. However, economists have also begun to analyze these problems, seeking viable and sustainable solutions.<\/p>\n
Green Logistics: An Economic Approach<\/strong><\/p>\n Through so-called green logistics \u2014which involves the use of environmentally friendly processes in supply chains\u2014 some research has focused on providing solutions to reduce the environmental impact generated by the transportation and movement of goods. Most companies seek to optimize their operations at the lowest possible cost, but some links in the production chain (manufacturing, packaging, transportation, warehousing, and distribution) have caused serious environmental problems.<\/p>\n The Impact of Transportation and Green Logistics<\/strong><\/p>\n Transportation is the area with the greatest environmental impact. For this reason, green logistics works to reduce dependence on fossil energy and, consequently, to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. It also focuses on implementing actions such as recycling, proper waste disposal, and the optimization of resources in every process.<\/p>\n Dr. David Bonilla Vargas, of the Institute of Economic Research at UNAM, explains that green logistics seeks to incorporate improvements that yield environmental benefits throughout the entire production chain. This concept began to be used in the 1990s in the United States, initially adopted by corporations and automotive companies seeking to comply with environmental legislation and save on the management of their supply chains.<\/p>\n