Global supply chains – The price of distance
What is advertised on platforms with “free shipping” and 3-day delivery time often has ahigh ecological priceGlobal supply chains are complex systems – and the further a product has to travel, the more energy, packaging and infrastructure is required. This has an impact on theCO₂ footprint of every single purchase.
Intermediate freight, air transport, express delivery – hidden emissions
Many products do not follow a straight path. They are produced in one country, assembled in another, temporarily stored in a third – and then distributed worldwide. Each of these steps causes emissions, especially when they are transported byAir freight or express deliverytake place.
A package from China or the USA that arrives within a few days often has a long journey behind it. While the customer appreciates the speed, the emissions remaininvisible– but they're real. And they add up, millions of times a day.
What happens before your package arrives?
What many people don't realize is that before a package reaches you, it often goes through several different routes. Each of these routes requires energy, personnel, and transportation – from the wholesaler to the intermediate warehouse, then to the customs office, the national distribution center, the local depot, and finally to you.
All these stations not only causeCO₂, but also a lot of packaging waste, returns, and empty kilometers. All of this is part of the product – even if it's not on the price tag. If you're aware of this, you might decide differently next time you order:less distance, more impact.