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Online Shopping May Actually Increase Pollution

Posted by Soulskill on from the it's-not-easy-being-green dept.

destinyland writes "British researchers have reached a startling conclusion. Unless online shoppers order 25 items at a time, they're polluting more than if they shopped at their local mall. An environmental benefit only occurs 'if online shopping replaces 3.5 traditional shopping trips, or if 25 orders are delivered at the same time, or, if the distance traveled to where the purchase is made is more than 50 kilometers. Shopping online does not offer net environmental benefits unless these criteria are met.' The study was conducted by Newcastle University's Institution of Engineering and Technology, which blames the environmental impact of transportation, warning that 'policy makers must do their homework to ensure that rebound effects do not negate the positive benefits of their policy initiatives.' But one technology site notes the study was conducted in Britain, which could have an impact on its conclusions."

12 of 410 comments (clear)

  1. *thwack!* by ScrewMaster · · Score: 2, Funny

    But one technology site notes the study was conducted in Britain, which could have an impact on its conclusions."

    Ya think, Dinozzo?

    --
    The higher the technology, the sharper that two-edged sword.
    1. Re:*thwack!* by Pojut · · Score: 3, Funny

      I believe that's what the old folks call an "I coulda had a V-8" moment...

      --
      Living With a Nerd
  2. ultimate low impact by jewishbaconzombies · · Score: 5, Funny

    The moral of the story? Save the planet. Kill yourself.

    1. Re:ultimate low impact by compro01 · · Score: 5, Funny

      Do you have any idea how much gas people will burn to get to your funeral? Or how much GHGs will be released to make your coffin? Or methane your rotting corpse will release or how much energy would be used to cremate it?

      --
      upon the advice of my lawyer, i have no sig at this time
    2. Re:ultimate low impact by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      Do you have any idea how much gas people will burn to get to your funeral? Or how much GHGs will be released to make your coffin? Or methane your rotting corpse will release or how much energy would be used to cremate it?

      You're right...kill all your friend and family first, eat them all, then kill yourself by jumping into a tank full of barracuda.

    3. Re:ultimate low impact by gilleain · · Score: 4, Funny

      Think of the rocket fuel! No, no the best plan will be to form a giant human pyramid, and when the topmost human reaches a point where gravity is weak enough, he can start pulling everyone else into space.

      Then we all just drift peacefully off...

    4. Re:ultimate low impact by couchslug · · Score: 5, Funny

      "The moral of the story? Save the planet. Kill yourself."

      Do I get pollution tax credits for killing others?

      --
      "This post is an artistic work of fiction and falsehood. Only a fool would take anything posted here as fact."
  3. Compromise by T+Murphy · · Score: 2, Funny

    So what if I go to the store and have them order stuff online for me from there? Does it all cancel out and create zero pollution?

    --
    My webcomic
  4. Conclusion by DraconPern · · Score: 3, Funny

    The british post system sucks.

  5. Re:Merry olde England, a factor? Certes, ye jest! by gilleain · · Score: 5, Funny

    Last time I was in London (some years now), I was appalled at the traffic, and the disorganized nature of the city's layout

    Well, we tried burning it down in 1666, but that didn't quite work. Paris did a better job, but they had Napoleon.

  6. Hypothetical by 93+Escort+Wagon · · Score: 4, Funny

    What if I'm buying CO2 credits online?

    --
    #DeleteChrome
  7. Re:Begs the question. by vidnet · · Score: 2, Funny

    I've seen 120GB external hard drives for over $100 [at Walmart]

    Sounds about right. Or was this after 2004?