The manufacturing industry doesn’t have to be a curse among environmentalists. It can be a source of support in the mission for sustainability.

Since the Industrial Revolution, the environment has been suffering from increasing carbon dioxide emissions and other pollutants.

Manufacturing plays a significant role in climate change. While doom-and-gloom may be reality, if we come together as an industry with the intention to reverse global warming, we can build a better future for generations to come.

Learn more about manufacturing, climate change, and sustainability below.

Manufacturing and sustainability

Climate change

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time. With the advent of the Industrial Revolution and the growing population, manufacturing products for billions of people is taking its toll on the planet.

While climate has changed several times over the course of history, the latest warming is due to human activity. Factory farming and international flights are among the top offenders in producing carbon dioxide, which is then trapped it the atmosphere and contributes global warming.

Manufacturing also plays a role in climate change. High energy usage and carbon dioxide emissions from factories contribute to climate change, causing seas to rise, ocean acidification, a rise in global temperature, loss of biodiversity, and more.

Climate change affects us all, but it especially hurts people in underdeveloped countries and those in poverty. That’s why, along with protecting biodiversity, it is necessary to get a grasp on climate change now before it’s too late.

The green movement

Thankfully, we’re not starting from scratch.

There is a passionate movement called the Green Movement, the Environmental Movement, or the Conservation Movement. There are many other grassroots names for it as smaller organizations strive to make change in sustainability.

While conservation efforts have been around for centuries around the world, a notable event in United States history marked a turning point in sustainability. In 1872, the Yellowstone National Park was created to prevent exploitation of beautiful and necessary natural landscapes.

Nearly one hundred years later, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was developed during President Nixon’s term in office. Foundational legislature like the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act were created to start setting boundaries around what corporations could do in terms of pollution.

Today, there are countless government bodies, public organizations, and private organizations that advocate for sustainability.

However, it wasn’t enough. Climate change is still in full force and, with a growing population, energy-heavy lifestyle preferences, and other factors, it will only worsen unless we continue to make change.

How manufacturing can help

The manufacturing industry needs to come together to create a brighter future for the Earth and for the people.

Some steps that manufacturing companies can take to participate in the Green Movement include the following:

• Energy usage needs to be curbed, and sustainable energy like wind and solar power should become the major source of energy.
• Lean manufacturing should be practiced to reduce waste.
• Equipment can be bought used as opposed to new.
• Digital manufacturing practices should be implemented to further optimize production and reduce waste.

Plus, manufacturing companies are making a pledge to be carbon neutral, meaning carbon dioxide emissions from the company’s production activities are offset by projects that reduce emissions.

Sustainability doesn’t only benefit the environment. It also helps manufacturers save money on new equipment costs and energy bills, as well as cut down on production time and waste by using lean manufacturing.

With a green mindset, manufacturers can achieve their sustainability goals and their production goals.

How shopping at iGAM is green

At iGAM, we offer thousands of used industrial robots, robot parts, and manufacturing equipment for you to shop from.

Thrifting your equipment is more sustainable than buying brand new. Plus, you have peace of mind knowing your equipment is coming from a reliable source. We offer warranty coverage on your purchase so you know it’ll be ready to work as soon as you install the equipment in your production line.

We have KUKA, ABB, and FANUC robots, as well as complete work cells, for you to automate your company. Additionally, check out our welding equipment and other popular items on our site.

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We also offer financing so manufacturers of any size can afford sustainably sourced equipment to automate their facilities. Contact an iGAM Specialist to learn more about our financing options or visit our Financing page here!

Get up to 80 percent off industrial robots and equipment

iGAM is revolutionizing the manufacturing industry and the market for used manufacturing assets.

We are the online marketplace to find the best used robots, manufacturing equipment, and parts on the web. With our growing presence, iGAM stands to be the clear category leader. We are equipped to be an essential part of every manufacturing company’s asset management strategy.

Contact an iGAM Specialist to find what you need. If it’s not on the marketplace, we’ll find it for you. All you have to do is give us a call at (855) 678-iGAM (4426) to meet your production goals by the end of the year.