It’s true that e-commerce has absolutely skyrocketed recently, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In fact, online shopping grew by 57% last year, resulting in a significant increase in delivery vehicles on roads.
Australia’s transport sector is responsible for nearly a fifth of the country’s carbon emissions.
New research reveals that 68% of Australians would choose lower-carbon-emitting parcel delivery methods.
Prior to Earth Day (22 April), the CEO of parcel collection service, Hubbed offers timely tactics for retailers and carriers to reduce their carbon footprint.
“The e-commerce boom we’ve seen over the last 12 months has delivered unprecedented growth in the industry,” Founder and CEO of Hubbed, David McLean says.
“In fact, we can expect to see more than 2 billion people globally shopping online this year. Our findings show that Australians are acutely aware of the impact online shopping can have on the environment and are open to shifting their behaviours as a result.”
Mr McLean’s 5 tactics to help retailers increase sustainability ahead of Earth Day:
- Offer delivery methods that reduce the number of vehicles on the road.
Mr McLean suggests online retailers consider offering alternative delivery choices at checkouts, such as delivery to collection points. This way couriers can deliver multiple parcels to one location.
- Bring parcels closer to customers.
Retailers and carriers should consider leveraging ‘micro-fulfillment centers’ in metropolitan areas. This can shorten the distance between customers and their online orders.
- Educate consumers about the impact of certain delivery choices.
Educating consumers on the negative effects that ‘same-day delivery’ has on the environment is important. Shorter time frames put pressure on carriers to deliver orders quickly, forcing drivers to start delivery runs with vehicles at full capacity.
- Partner with environmentally conscious carriers.
Some carriers already make environmentally-friendly changes. Seek out carriers that are already beginning to reduce their carbon footprint.
- Consider sustainable packaging options.
Mr McLean additionally suggests seeking out environmentally-friendly packaging, and advises retailers to use recycled or low-carbon packing materials, satchels and boxes.
