Reimagining how we order
As in-person classes resume, foot traffic across campus and in the dormitories has increased. As we begin moving around the College more frequently, the communal environment becomes more important. After the quarantine period, I have become more aware of my surroundings, and I have taken notice of how the communal trash spaces are used.
Most recently, the overflowing trash and recycling bins with mailed packages have stood out. Obviously, the lack of variety in Waterville stores makes ordering online an attractive option; the exact product one wants can arrive within a few days via popular sites like Amazon. However, there is another side to online shopping that is detrimental not only to local businesses but also to the environment.
Simply put, the shipping industry is not environmentally sustainable. Single-use cardboard and plastics hurt the climate both when they are produced and when they are disposed of. On top of this, using different modes of transportation to ship goods also emits high levels of carbon dioxide.
Same-day and two-day shipping exacerbates the harmful effects of ordering online. Large online retailers are in competition with one another, all offering an array of similar products. To try to make their brand more attractive, they offer quick shipping options. Large retailers are able to utilize their resources to implement these delivery changes.
However, just because the shipping is faster does not mean that the shipping is smarter or better for the environment. A study from CNN recently found that to meet short delivery dates, companies send out delivery vehicles half full or even less than half full. Not only are companies losing money by speeding up the process and trying to beat competition, they are emitting more carbon through more, less full vehicles.
The shipping process of packages is similar to riding a bus. Utilizing public transportation systems is good for the environment, but if you were to ride on a bus alone, the amount of carbon emissions per person would be very high. An efficient bus needs passengers to minimize the emissions per person. As the bus gets emptier, it becomes worse for the environment; as the shipping trucks become emptier and more frequent, they too become unsustainable.
It should be noted that online shopping can be more sustainable. When checking out online, you may have seen the standard option for shipping. This relaxes the process, having a healthier effect on the environment as companies no longer need to rush their processes but can instead operate on a more efficient basis. However, many people choose faster delivery options instead of these standard options.
Attending school in a remote area means that students are likely to order something online sooner or later. When doing so, we should think about how our purchase will arrive. One could reflect on the importance of receiving an object in a day or two instead of five or six days and think ahead in case they need something in advance. One could also check out the College’s bookstore or surrounding shops for what they might need. Choosing a standard shipping method is far greener. Fast-paced shipping should not be thought of as a default but rather as an environmental sacrifice.
~ Adrian Visscher `24
