All hail slower mail
Don't let the planet foot the bill
Your Challenge
Next time you’re ordering something, choose a more sustainable, slower delivery option.
We might buy something sustainable, but then choose next day delivery without really thinking about the impact. However, next day delivery is often more expensive – and its emissions footprint is higher than other options.
Instead, we can choose slower options where possible, such as 3-4 working days rather than 1-2, or national postal services like Royal Mail rather than couriers. Another option, which is beneficial for residents in urban areas, is to pick up packages from a local collection point. This is less good in rural areas if you have to drive to collect a parcel.[1]
Why you're doing this
Collection points enable companies to deliver multiple packages to one location, choosing a fuel-efficient route which saves on vehicle emissions. If we walk or cycle to our local collection point, this reduces the total footprint of that delivery.
When we choose next day deliveries or couriers, their priority is to deliver your package as soon as possible. This is great if we need items urgently, but it means more delivery vans are required to meet demand. Instead, if everyone chose slower delivery, companies could collect as many packages as possible, group them by location, ensure vans are as full as possible, and reduce the number of deliveries required.
By choosing postal services like the Royal Mail, which has long-established routes and low-carbon delivery options (including by foot), the footprint is smaller than urgent delivery by courier van. For example, the emissions footprint of a package delivered by Royal Mail is 218g CO2e,[2] compared to 2.55kg CO2e for courier companies.[3]
How you'll make a difference
Choosing slower delivery options means companies can choose greener routes, which improve fuel efficiency. This means vans and cars are burning less fossil fuels, and electric vehicles can go further. This reduces the amount of greenhouse gases being emitted into the atmosphere. One study in Mexico found emissions from next day delivery were 15% higher than slower options.[4]
Track your progress
in the My Footprint App
Track your progress and discover many more challenges in the My Footprint app. Available for iOS and Android devices.
