E-solution

Electronic grocery shopping, whereby customers place their orders via the internet, has a potential to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (ghgs). A research done in Finland shows that emissions decreased by 87 per cent in the study area (Helsinki) when groceries were bought online, as compared to the general situation -- customers using their vehicles or the public transport system to visit the shops.

InFinland, annual ghg emissions due to grocery shopping are said to be 1.1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (co₂); the figure accounts for 1.4 per cent of the country's total GHG emissions. E-grocery home delivery service can reduce 0.95 million tonnes of the country's co₂ emissions, according to the study by researchers from the Helsinki University of Technology.

They used four different home delivery models to prove their hypothesis. Model one and two required somebody to receive the goods when delivery was made within one and two hours respectively. As per the third and the fourth model, groceries were put in a freezer placed in the customer's garage or any other convenient place. In the third model, delivery could be made anytime; but as per the fourth model, delivery was made once a week between a specified time. The researchers found that the last model was the best. It resulted in maximum reduction of the emissions, since orders could be sorted out by postal codes and thereafter divided methodically for the delivery.

The researchers admit that energy consumption of the refrigerating units and computers will also lead to emissions. However, these emissions would be very less as compared to those of the transport sector.

Subscribe to Daily Newsletter :

SUPPORT US

We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.