You've got a dinner date on Friday, but you don't have anything to wear and you are bombarded with urgent things you need to do. Thanks to modern technology and online shopping! With only a few clicks, you can get the dress that you need without leaving the comforts of your home. Online shopping is convenient and is becoming the norm.
In 2017, the online market sales increased by as much as 15.7% compared to its growth in 2016. In-store sales, on the other hand, only grew by 2.4%. If you could get some shopping done this fast, perhaps the only question left to ask is how good this is to the environment. People who mobilize green campaigns said that the demand for getting something delivered at speed is only making the rate of carbon emissions higher.
"Transportation is the primary contributor to the huge chunk of carbon emissions in the UK," said Muna Suleiman, an associate at Friends of the Earth. "Delivery companies of these parcels are a significant part of such increase in carbon emissions." The group recognizes the progress of some delivery companies who opt to use greener vehicles like electric vans and cargo bikes. However, the group argued that "it is best for all companies to choose these greener delivery systems and make it the new norm."
The Royal Mail, one of the key industry players serve about 1.8 million parcels each year. They do this through various methods including bicycle, gas-powered vehicles and by foot. The company expressed its deep desire to help reduce carbon emissions in the atmosphere. This week, they are implementing the use of 8 e-trikes into its fleet of delivery service.
"This is part of the trial that will last for six months," said David Gold, director of Policy and Public Affairs at Royal. "The battery used in these e-trikes are supplemented by the solar panels that are attached to its rooftop." He further added that each bike is powered by a regenerative brake system that also helps it move around without adding more to the carbon emissions.
The Royal Mail already has in its fleet around 100 electric vehicles and the company is planning to make an expansion. "We have the largest fleet of environment-friendly vehicles and we are in search for more ways to totally get rid of the use of gas-powered vehicles," David Gold adds.
Air pollution is present not because it is caused by only one industry, but the parcel that gets delivered to your office at your convenient time is one of those that contribute to the increasing amount of carbon emissions in the atmosphere. Though giving up online shopping isn't really an option, governments around the world should consider implementing guidelines in the use of alternative forms of delivery services. One little step at a time, every parcel delivered would be greener in more ways than one.
