Choosing more sustainable shipping options, using renewable energy, choosing green brands, internal and external awareness-raising by companies in the sector are some actions that will help to counteract the impact of Black Friday.
Although the Black Friday means an upturn in sales for all businesses, including those that are part of the world's largest retailer. eCommercehas one side that we must take into account: its impact on the environment.
It is possible to strike a balance between sustainability and economy. To do so, both users and logistics companies need to be aware of a number of alternatives and new possibilities that will make this environmental challenge more manageable.
Since Black Friday emerged in Philadelphia in the 1960s, it has become an established consumer practice across the globe. However, over the decades, society has realised the importance of sustainability.
Considering the most sustainable destination options
The majority of deliveries made during Black Friday, more than 3.5 million each day, choose home delivery. This choice on the part of the consumer means that more kilometres are required to deliver the parcels.
However, there are already a number of options, such as the lockers (smart lockers, located in shops), collection points or in-store collection. In this way, multiple parcels can be delivered to the same place, reducing CO2 emissions, traffic and noise in cities. In addition, these options provide greater time flexibility and a more competitive price for users.
Use of renewable energy for shipments
Although critics argue that the cost of developing and deploying renewable energy sources is unaffordable, according to the research carried out by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and Oxford University, these sustainable energy sources are already competing on price with fossil fuels.
In addition, the report states that renewable energies will become increasingly cheaper, making them affordable for all types of companies. Therefore, all those companies that are thinking of taking a step towards sustainability may be able to do so now if they review the costs of this alternative. Renewable energies are now a secure, viable and affordable supply, so there is nothing to stop them from making the switch.
Choosing environmentally conscious brands
More and more companies in all sectors, such as retail and cosmetics, are joining the sustainability wave. They are doing so through small - but huge - changes, such as the use of recyclable packaging like cardboard or biodegradable materials.
Also, many companies choose to hire delivery companies that move goods by electric or more environmentally friendly means of transport.
Internal promotion and awareness of sustainability
To promote sustainability, it is essential to act on the basis of awareness. Therefore, companies in the logistics and transport sector can carry out actions both internally (towards their employees) and externally (towards their customers and potential customers).
Inwardly, companies can make a green transition by using renewable energies, both in the means of transport and in the facilities and offices. On the other hand, through courses and training in sustainability, the company can raise awareness among its employees. And finally, it can be very positive to involve the staff in environmentally friendly activities, such as the reforestation projects carried out by the CARBONPROOF association.
In short, a sustainable future can be achieved if actions such as these are taken. The logistics and transport sector will have to do their bit to achieve this, if we do not want Black Friday to become a black Friday for the planet.
