Shopping habits have changed a great deal in recent years, we are now in a society with many more options than our predecessors. One of the biggest changes is the way in which the products we need are physically brought to our homes. Whereas once we would have taken a trip to the local, or even not so local shops and brought what we want, then taken it home, we now have so many options to have what we need delivered instead. Is this the best option for us and for the environment?
Convenience
Some people say they love shopping, indeed lots of people do love shopping. Not all people love all types of shopping though. The shopping we do most often, regular grocery shopping that contains the items we need on a repetitive basis, things like food, laundry supplies and toiletries, is not the same to many people as shopping for something exciting. Grocery shopping can take time out from your day, time that could be spent doing things you enjoy or even other chores that need your attention. Using one of the many supermarket apps and delivery services can release time and make for an efficient way of doing your weekly shopping. Though many people do still wish to choose their own fresh produce, many products are branded or own brand package goods that are not affected by storage or handling, these items are very easy to have delivered and know you are obtaining the same goods you would if you personally went to the supermarket.
Cost
With recent increases in the cost of fuel, using a car has become more expensive. If the supermarket you use is more than a couple of miles from your home, it may be that choosing a delivery service, even if there is a charge for the service can work out cheaper than taking your own transport and visiting the supermarket yourself. As transport costs go up in general for individuals using private transport this situation will become much more common. The economics of shopping has changed and large supermarkets that offer a local delivery service and are able to spread the cost of fuel and vehicle costs over many customers’ shopping can often now prove to be cheaper than personally attending the shops.
Environmental Costs
The costs on the environment are harder to work out. With transport comes emissions, it does not matter who owns the vehicle, its use will result in emissions. Realistically if you own an electric car and the local supermarket delivers groceries using a Diesel vehicle, you may think that collecting the weekly shopping personally will result in fewer emissions. In reality, it is a very complex calculation and factors like how the electricity is generated to power your can come into it.
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