Whereas a “white” Christmas may be most people’s ideal of December festivities, 2021 is likely to be a little unique when people wish for a touch of “green” as well. Following COP26 and earlier concerns over climate change, Christian countries across the world are attempting to make this festive season the greenest yet. Two of the factors that the Glasgow conference looked at were fuel emissions and road congestion. This year we may see a great reduction in both while experiencing an increase in parcel delivery vehicles on our roads. So is parcel delivery via online shopping more green than traditional high street shopping?
Covid 19 And Online Buying
It was the epidemic which altered forever how consumers buy. Of course, online buying has been around since the 1990’s, but when retail outlets on our city streets shut due to lockdown, there was no option for the buying public. Consumers in many cases had to buy their essentials online. Consequently, people learnt quickly how easy the processes were, how it saved time in their everyday lives and actually saved them money to boot. Now that buying behaviour is likely to be extended into Christmas 2021 which, in turn, will mean extra pressure on parcel delivery services. However, our roads will be less congested over the traditional shopping days and hence less carbon emissions.
How Online Buying Has Increased
A recent study by parcel delivery giant Yodel suggests that a higher percentage of consumers will be committing to online buying this year rather than High Street shopping. They found that:
- 31% intend to do their shopping entirely online. This is an increase of over 400% on last year.
- 61% plan to shop partly in store and partly online.
- 68% (1 in 10) of 18-24 year olds are planning to do both.
- 50% of over 75’s are planning to do both.
Is Parcel Delivery Greener?
Academic research brought together by Parcel Hero suggests that ordering online is far more environmentally friendly. This recent report tends to back up an earlier report in 2009 by Herriot-Watt University which found that home deliveries tend to produce less CO2 per kilometre than the traditional car trip.
But apparently, the government is not entirely convinced and has been wrestling with the idea of a “green” delivery charge. There is a growing feeling within the parcel delivery industry that this could have adverse effects on the environmental goals we are all aiming for if the government have their way.
How Is Parcel Delivery Coping?
There is no doubt that the delivery services used for online shopping are definitely under more pressure. It’s great to know that the industry across the board seems to be aware of environmental problems and is taking action where possible. For instance, Amazon has recently ordered 100,000 electric delivery vehicles. Also, Royal Mail now uses over 300 electric vehicles as well as using lightweight delivery vehicles for city use. A great alternative to petrol and diesel is compressed natural Gas and this is used by 29 lorries across the UK. Big superstores such as Tesco and Sainsbury’s are also focussing on the goal of “net-zero” by 2035 by slowly introducing electric delivery vehicles while John Lewis has announced plans to end use of fossil fuels in its delivery vehicles by 2030.
How Same-Day can help you
Same Day Dispatch Services Ltd have over seventeen years’ experience of the parcel delivery and logistics industry. We partner with a huge network of couriers and drivers across the UK and the world. Primarily a family firm we know we can offer you the very best in parcel delivery whether you are a business or a residential client. So tell us more about your project or delivery needs by telephoning us on 0800 999 1010 or get an estimate now by clicking here
Tags: Delivering Parcels, Parcel Couriers, Parcel Delivery, Parcel Delivery Services