The Climate Cost of Online Shopping

  • Hidden Impact: Online shopping’s convenience comes with a hidden climate cost due to increased delivery emissions.
  • Delivery Boom: The surge in online shopping translates to more delivery vehicles on the road, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Packaging Waste: Excessive packaging used for online deliveries adds to the environmental burden.
  • Consumer Choices Matter: Choosing options like consolidated deliveries and minimal packaging can help reduce the climate impact.
  • Sustainable Solutions Needed: Businesses need to adopt sustainable practices like electric delivery vehicles and optimized packaging solutions.
  • Individual Responsibility: Carefully considering purchases and opting for local options when possible can minimize online shopping’s environmental footprint.

Read more at Yale Climate Connections.

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