by Shawn Crowle
As the holiday season approaches, many of us turn to online shopping giants like Amazon for convenience. However, it’s worth considering the environmental impact of these choices, especially in terms of energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Let’s delve into Amazon’s energy usage, particularly during the holiday rush, and explore why shopping local in Camrose might be a more sustainable option.
Amazon’s Energy Consumption and GHG Emissions
Amazon, as one of the world’s largest retailers, has a significant carbon footprint. In 2023, the company reported total emissions of 68.82 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, a slight decrease from 70.74 million tons in 2022. This reduction is partly due to Amazon achieving its goal of matching 100% of its global electricity consumption from renewable power.
But despite these efforts, the holiday season presents unique challenges. The surge in orders leads to increased packaging, shipping, and delivery activities – all of which contribute to higher energy consumption and emissions. While specific data on the holiday season isn’t publicly available, it’s reasonable to infer that this period strains Amazon’s logistics network, potentially offsetting some of the gains made through the company’s sustainability initiatives.
The Environmental Benefits of Shopping Local
Choosing to shop at local, community businesses offers several environmental benefits:
- Reduced Transportation Emissions: Local purchases eliminate the need for long-distance shipping, thereby reducing fuel consumption and GHG emissions associated with transportation.
- Minimal Packaging: Local retailers often use less packaging compared to the extensive materials required for shipping items from large online retailers.
- Support for Sustainable Practices: Many local businesses prioritize sustainable sourcing and environmentally friendly practices, contributing to the overall health of the community.
Supporting Your Local Community
While the convenience of online shopping is undeniable, it’s important to consider the hidden environmental costs, particularly during peak seasons like the holidays. By opting to shop at local Camrose businesses, you can reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions, contributing to a more sustainable future for our community.
While the convenience of online shopping is undeniable, it’s important to consider the hidden environmental costs, particularly during peak seasons like the holidays. By opting to shop at local Camrose businesses, you can reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions, contributing to a more sustainable future for our community.
