Step aside, energy crisis…there’s a new fiasco on the horizon. 😳
The delivery of packages from webshops creates pollution and a rather ungodly frenzy — and we should do something about it.
This is the story, according to ChristenUnie (a Christian-democratic party in the Netherlands), that wants the government to investigate this oh-so urgent matter, reports De Gelderlander.
Shopping streets are turning into ghost towns (apparently)
ChristenUnie MP, Pieter Grinwis, expanded on the method behind the…err, well, the method. 🤔
Large online companies present a big hurdle for local shops that often can’t compete. Grinwis says shopping streets are becoming empty as delivery vans rush to and fro to deliver packages.
Taxing packages bought from these webshops, and giving the proceeds to smaller businesses, would help level the playing field.
Won’t someone think of the environment? 🥺
Grinwis is also particularly miffed by the fact that many large companies do not include shipping fees.
READ MORE | 17 ideas that make the Dutch sustainability super-heroes
To him, this means customers spread one order into many small shopping orders. Deliverers then have to make several trips than they would with a bulk order.
All these trips raise CO2 emissions — a dangerous thing for a country that’s already below sea-level. 🌊
What are your thoughts on a possible package tax? Tell us all about it in the comments below!
Shopping is always evolving, shopping online is just another step. Should shopping malls be banned? What about supermarkets? or convenience stores at petrol stations? mail-order catalogues? covered markets? and so on.
As for Amazon, even if you make a single order for multiple items they often ship it in several packages from different warehouses.