In today’s fast-paced world, e-commerce has become a significant part of our daily lives. However, the rapid rise of online shopping has led to an increase in deliveries, which in turn has contributed to environmental challenges. While the convenience of doorstep delivery is undeniable, it’s important to understand the impact these services have on the planet. The good news is that solutions are emerging to make deliveries more sustainable.
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The Environmental Impact of Deliveries
According to the International Transport Forum, logistics accounts for about 24% of global CO2 emissions. In 2024, the UK and the U.S., for example, were responsible for 28% of their greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector alone. Worldwide, it’s estimated that 50% of delivery emissions are due to last-mile delivery. With the growing demand for e-commerce, the World Economic Forum (WEF) has predicted that last-mile deliveries will increase by 78% in the near future, with 36% more delivery vehicles circulating in some of the world’s major cities. This surge will cause carbon emissions to rise by about 30%.
Innovative Solutions & Green Alternatives
1. Electric & Hybrid Vehicles
Adopting electric and hybrid vehicles is one of the most impactful ways that companies can reduce the carbon footprint of their deliveries. The diesel used by the majority of delivery vans and trucks is a key contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, which is why electric alternatives are so important. EVs are cleaner than traditional vehicles, reducing CO2 emissions by up to 60% per vehicle over their lifetime. They are also quieter and offer a cost-effective alternative for companies looking to make their deliveries more eco-friendly.
2. Bicycle & Micro-Mobility Deliveries
In crowded urban environments, bicycle and micro-mobility solutions are proving to be not just environmentally friendly but also faster and more efficient than traditional delivery vehicles. Studies have shown that cargo bikes can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90% compared to diesel vans. They also take up much less space on the road and while parking. A 2020 study in the U.K. by the University of Westminster found that cargo bikes actually completed deliveries up to 60% faster than vans in central London. This makes cargo bikes a perfect option for eco-friendly deliveries in congested cities.
3. Smart Route Optimization
Planning and executing deliveries in a more efficient way is one of the most affordable steps businesses can take to become more sustainable. Using advanced software, AI, and real-time traffic data, companies can reduce delivery times while significantly lowering fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. This eco-friendly delivery measure has already been adopted by some of the most important logistics companies, such as DPD and FedEx, who have implemented predictive route tools to avoid peak-hour congestion.
4. Eco-Friendly Packaging
The unstoppable growth of online shopping has led to a surge in packaging materials. Many deliveries contain single-use plastics, non-recyclable materials, and oversized boxes. Companies can make their deliveries more eco-friendly by using materials such as cardboard, paper, and plant-based plastics. By switching to compostable materials, customers can easily dispose of the packaging in compost bins, allowing it to biodegrade. Other options include implementing circular systems where packaging is returned and reused, as well as using systems that can detect the size of the goods being delivered and choose the smallest possible packaging.
What Businesses and Consumers Can Do
Small and medium-sized companies can implement practical strategies to reduce their environmental footprint, such as partnering with green logistics providers, offering sustainable shipping options at checkout, using eco-friendly packaging, consolidating deliveries, and educating customers on their sustainability efforts.
Consumers, on the other hand, can start making more eco-friendly decisions by choosing slower or grouped delivery options , supporting eco-conscious brands, reducing returns, reusing or recycling packaging, and requesting stores to offer sustainable delivery options.
Final Thoughts
Having items delivered is a highly convenient way of shopping, but it’s important to recognize the environmental cost that comes with it. Every delivery contributes to emissions, packaging waste, and other environmental impacts. However, with the implementation of eco-friendly delivery practices, there is a way to reduce this burden. It is the responsibility of both businesses and consumers to take action and contribute to a more sustainable future. By working together, we can make eco-friendly deliveries a standard practice across industries and build a greener tomorrow.