Keeping e-Commerce Environmentally Friendly—What Consumers Can Do

By Miguel Jaller, Anmol Pahwa, Seth Karten | December 1, 2020 | Transportation and Climate Blog by UC Davis Institute of Transportation Studies

With more states and individuals observing stricter limits on in-person shopping, and with holidays coming, what can we do to limit the environmental and societal impact of online shopping? And even beyond this moment, how do we minimize the harm—or maximize the benefit—of online shopping to society and life on our planet?

The short answer: Buy what we need, and do what we can to allow packages to be consolidated for the most efficient delivery routes, so the fewest miles possible are traveled for each package brought to the door.

So what does this mean for us as consumers? Factors that increase the number of items per vehicle mile of travel in a delivery or shopping trip will reduce the pollution and traffic impacts of our purchases. We should consider the following actions, when possible, to reduce the environmental impact of our online purchases:

1. Allow longer time windows for delivery whenever possible, even if we o not save out-of-pocket expenses for it.
2. Group orders together as much as possible by pooling orders into a single delivery and do not impose additional constraints on the delivery, such as specific days and times.
3. Minimize returns and consider buying clothing, shoes, and electronics in-person, as these have high rates of return from online shopping (clothing/shoes 56%, electronics 42%).
4. Avoid driving to the store to decide on—but not purchase—an item, and then ordering it online to save money, thereby increasing the miles traveled for one purchase.
5. For recurring purchases, take advantage of subscriptions, which can save money and allow the vendor to optimize planning and delivery.
6. Select, when possible, an alternative delivery location (e.g., pickup facility, lockers) at a place that you are already going to travel to, preferably by walking or biking.

Click here to read the full article.

Climate Action Plan Presentations

Climate Action Plans: What’s the Latest? How Can We Help?

At the ECOS board meeting on Tuesday, Nov 24 at 6pm, we heard the latest about the Climate Action Plans of Sacramento City, West Sacramento City, and the County of Sacramento.

Click here to download a recording of this meeting.


Cities of Sacramento and West Sacramento

How has Sacramento been following up on these recommendations?

Anne Stausboll, Chair of the Mayors’ Commission on Climate Change, presented. The Commission presented its recommendations to Sacramento and West Sacramento this summer.

Resources from Anne

Mayors’ Commission on Climate Change Report, and the supporting Technical report, are both here: https://www.lgc.org/climatecommission/

Sacramento City Council voted on ten preliminary “first year” actions: https://engagesac.org/blog-civic-engagement/2020/8/26/sacramento-city-council-embraces-slow-streets-electrified-buildings-to-fight-climate-change

Sacramento City staff update on Nov 10 to Council on the “first year” actions: https://sacramento.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=22&clip_id=4764&meta_id=605234

Sacramento City staff update on the city CAP to the Planning Commission on Nov 12: https://sacramento.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=34&clip_id=4765&meta_id=605782


County of Sacramento

Todd Smith, Principal Planner, Sacramento County, discussed the status of the County’s Community-wide Climate Action Plan. This month, the County’s Stakeholder Committee heard a presentation on an early draft.

Presentations were followed by a Questions and Answer session.


Join us at our next board meeting!

Board Meetings of the Environmental Council of Sacramento (ECOS) happen at 6:00 pm on the 4th Tuesday of odd-numbered months.
Zoom Meeting ID: 818 6537 7865
Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81865377865
Call-in: 1-669-900-6833 | Same Zoom info every board meeting

Click here for the agenda, and links to the supplemental materials for this meeting.

Photo by Pixabay from Pexels

ECOS Comments on Sac County Climate Action Plan

On September 25, 2020, the Environmental Council of Sacramento submitted comments to Sacramento County in response to their request for community input for forming our County’s long-awaited Climate Action Plan.

The County has broad authority and influence over GHG-emitting activities, including land use patterns and building practices, and has crucial public health responsibilities. I understand that the CAP is a legally-framed document, responding to State GHG-reduction targets. The County needs to more than the legally-required minimum.

– Ralph Propper, ECOS President

We expect to see a draft Sacramento County Climate Action Plan in 2-3 months that the public can review.

Click here for the full letter.

Demand Strong Climate Action

September 18, 2020

Sacramento County has begun work on its long-promised Climate Action Plan (CAP). Please tell them you want a robust CAP. The comment period closes September 25. Email your comments to: climateactionplan[at]saccounty[dot]net.

Climate change will worsen unless we step in and demand that our leaders make the right choices. County staff face pressure to finish the CAP quickly. This is inappropriate given the gravity of the situation. We need to show them how deeply we care about climate change.

  • Consider telling your personal story and describe why you care. Mention how climate change affects you, such as ongoing drought, persistent wildfires and smoke pollution, worsening heat waves, flood threats.
  • Discuss your concerns for future generations, such as younger relatives or friends.
  • Include solutions to climate change that you care about, such as bicycle lanes, public transportation, electric cars, infill development, tree planting and other measures.

With your help, we can get a robust climate action plan.

To copy your County Supervisor, you can use the following email addresses:
SupervisorSerna[at]saccounty[dot]net, nottolid[at]saccounty[dot]net, susanpeters[at]saccounty[dot]net, kennedyp[at]saccounty[dot]net, supervisorfrost[at]saccounty[dot]net

From the County’s website: “Please submit written suggestions on topics to be covered in the CAP, new ideas in greenhouse gas mitigation, or other thoughts to climateactionplan[at]saccounty[dot]net by September 25, 2020. Presentations from past public workshops and Board of Supervisors meetings that give examples of some of the concepts under consideration are available at this link.”


Why Do We Need a Strong Climate Action Plan?

1. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions must be reduced quickly.

The world’s scientists (UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) say we have little more than a decade to stop run-away climate change. This requires unprecedented changes to all aspects of how our society currently operates. Without major GHG reductions, starting now, we’ll trigger irreversible tipping points and catastrophes beyond our ability to solve.

The earlier we take action, the less costly and easier it will be to reduce our emissions and transition to a renewable, sustainable society. Prevention is key. Mitigation delayed is forever denied.

2. Our County should accelerate existing emission reduction targets for a clear trajectory to achieve California’s carbon neutrality 2045 goal.

• Our County must do the most possible. We need to exceed mandated 2030 GHG reductions with actions that are effective, enforceable, timely, and funded.

• Our County can achieve the State’s 2030 target with little effort, due to the State’s regulation of industry and utilities. But our biggest emission sources are traffic and building energy, which are subject to County control. Sacramento County must make meaningful changes.

• To achieve the State 2045 zero-carbon goal, the CAP must show progress beyond 2030.

3. Climate Change requires a long-term planning effort now.

• The CAP needs to consider all feasible alternatives.

• Our County must switch to climate-friendly land uses.

• Traffic is our County’s biggest source of GHG emissions, but our County is on course to approve triple the development needed for projected growth. This means not more GHG emissions, long commutes, more traffic, and more cost for County services. Growth must emphasize infill rather than the current suburban sprawl.

4. The CAP must incorporate social justice.

• The CAP is an opportunity to uplift marginalized and under-invested communities. We can improve both quality of life and our environment by investing in climate change solutions.

• Covid-19 and climate change do not create social inequities, but they expose its effects. Our society can only enjoy peace when climate and social injustice are addressed.

5. The CAP needs to be a clear process for meaningful accountability and timely action.

Regular public reporting of implementation and GHG Inventory and CAP updates are essential. Reports on CAP implementation status should be presented annually. GHG inventories and the CAP should be updated at least every four years.

6. The CAP must be developed with opportunities for public education and participation.

The CAP is our County’s most consequential effort for our future health and prosperity.

Averting climate catastrophe will require changes to the unsustainable practices in transportation, land use, energy conservation, and building design. These difficult changes demand full public knowledge and involvement


Sample Letter to Sacramento County

Todd Smith, Senior Planner
Sacramento County Planning and Environmental Review

Dear Mr. Smith,

I’m glad the County is working on its long-delayed CAP. Since the County promised a CAP in 2011, the world has experienced the hottest nine years on record, with 2019 the second-hottest year ever and 2020 on course to be hotter.

Globally, the results have been unprecedented damage, death, and loss of livelihoods from extreme heat, storms, fires, floods, and drought. In California, we are in what the Governor calls a climate emergency, with record-breaking heat and rolling blackouts, the earth’s record high temperature (Death Valley, 130°F), and wildfires destroying millions of acres. The air in Sacramento has been “unhealthy” for weeks.

These escalating disasters are due to a global temperature rise since 1850 of 2°F. We are on course for heating of two or three times that much within our children’s lifetimes, and we must dramatically reduce GHG emissions to avoid the catastrophic impacts of climate change. The time for delay is past.

With this in mind, I want our county to move forward, and give us the aggressive climate plan that matches the threat we face.

The County has broad authority and influence over greenhouse gas-emitting activities, including land use patterns and building practices, and has crucial public health responsibilities. I understand that the CAP is a legally-framed document, responding to State GHG-reduction targets. I want the County to do more than the legally-required minimum. I want it to exceed the minimums and do as much as it possibly can.

Thank you very much for your diligent efforts to protect the citizens of Sacramento County and the world. I await the draft CAP with interest.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]


Thank You

Thank you for your help to get a robust Climate Action Plan in Sacramento County.

Sincerely, Ralph Propper, ECOS President

Sort Smart! Recycling From Home in Our Region

June 9, 2020

With more people working from home and shopping online during the COVID-19 pandemic, curbside recycling carts have never been fuller.

“Both the City of Sacramento and Sacramento County saw a 15 percent uptick in the amount of curbside recyclables collected in April,” said Erin Treadwell with the City of Sacramento Recycling and Solid Waste Division. “But often, what ends up in the bin doesn’t belong there.”

To reduce cart contamination, the City of Sacramento is partnering with the County of Sacramento and cities of Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Rancho Cordova and Galt on an educational campaign to make sure curbside recyclables stay recyclable and out of the landfill.

Click here to learn more.

Remote Earth Week Sacramento 2020

Local climate and environmental activists announce plans for the week of Earth Day, in accordance with social distancing requirements!

Activists of all ages in the Sacramento region have organized street art, a fundraiser, and live online events for the dates of April 22-24. The City of Sacramento is aiding with virtual programming. Money from the fundraiser will benefit the Services Not Sweeps Coalition.


Earth Day — the biggest day of the year for climate and environmental justice demonstrations — is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Unfortunately, just as the spread of coronavirus has disrupted work, school and social gatherings, the pandemic has forced the cancellation of mass gatherings for Earth Day in Sacramento and across the nation.

Locally, the Environmental Council of Sacramento (ECOS) has canceled Sacramento Earth Day, the organization’s annual celebration in Southside Park normally slated for the Sunday closest to Earth Day. The festival started in 2006 and typically raises 15 percent of the group’s annual budget. The Sacramento chapters of March for Science and Fridays for Future will not hold their planned climate strike. Earth Day events by ECOS and March for Science draw thousands of participants on average.

As a movement based on science, we take recommendations from public health professionals seriously. Evidence shows that social distancing works to slow the spread of coronavirus. We are proud of our quick adaptation to current circumstances, and pleased to offer impactful programming for such a historic day.



Wednesday, April 22 (Earth Day): Climate Chalk-out

Members of the Sacramento chapters of youth-led organizations Sunrise Movement and Fridays for Future are leading a “chalk-out” at, where participants will decorate sidewalks with chalk art to raise awareness around the climate crisis.
Sacramento chalk art locations include but are not limited to: The California Capitol Building, Sacramento City Hall, Downtown Commons, K and 20th Street
Times: Sunrise, noon, and evening (6:30 AM, 12:00 PM, and 5:30 PM respectively)
Folsom locations: Raley’s (East Natomas), Target, Palladio/Whole Foods, Costco, Safeway (Prairie City Rd), Sam’s Club, and City Hall.
Time: All chalking to start at 6:30 a.m.
Other locations: Chalk art is slated to appear in Sacramento, Folsom, Rocklin, and potentially other Sacramento suburbs.
Time: All locations will chalk at 6:30 a.m. Some may chalk at additional times.
People interested in chalking may sign up at: tinyurl.com/ChalkOut2020
Contact: Hannah Karsting, 916-220-6031, hannahlk49[at]gmail[dot]com; Caroline Cochrane, 916-342-8129, ccochrane2003[at]gmail[dot]com; Mikayla Taylor, (916) 599-5839, mkotaylor[at]gmail[dot]com


Thursday, April 23: Fundraising for coronavirus aid efforts

In recognition of the challenges facing the Sacramento community as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, local climate justice organizations will raise money through an online silent auction, virtual ‘tip jars’, and other calls for donations. All proceeds will go to the Services Not Sweeps Coalition, members of which include Loaves and Fishes, Sacramento Food Bank, and the Poor People’s Campaign.
Contact: Chris Brown, 916-384-7476, info[at]sacclimate[dot]org


Friday, April 24: Earth Day Live Sacramento

Environmental orgs, in partnership with a variety of local organizations, businesses, artists, and public figures, will put on a 12-hour-long livestream from 12pm to 12am on April 24th. This event will be centered around the twin crises of climate change and COVID-19. It will provide education, political engagement, entertainment, and community-based responses to the anxiety caused by the coronavirus.
The livestream will include virtual town hall featuring Q&A sessions with local leaders, including Councilmember-elect Katie Valenzuela, slated for around 4-7pm.
Details on how to watch the livestream will be released by 4/22. Learn more here: https://actionnetwork.org/events/earth-day-live-sacramento
Contact: Alex DeNuzzo, 916-694-7632, awesomenuzzo[at]gmail[dot]com


Additional Events

Click here for even more ways to get involved, from a safe distance, on Earth Day 2020.



“This is truly a surreal time and we’re all trying to process what it means, for now, for the future, for ourselves and our loved ones, for those most vulnerable. I am all out of words of wisdom. I just know that the climate crisis isn’t stopping for a mere global pandemic, although it’s hard to focus on non-immediate threats right now, and that it’s more important than ever that we work toward our vision of a ‘world with a safe climate, where nature is respected and protected, and our social, political, and economic systems work for all people and the planet.’”
– Laurie Litman, President, 350 Sacramento


“Sac DSA supports the Earth Day Actions because all people, rich or poor, have the right to live on a healthy planet. We must remind our elected officials that the health of the Earth is tied to the health of people everywhere.”
– Gina Patterson, Organizer, Democratic Socialists Of America Sacramento


“We recognize this is a difficult time to begin new initiatives, but with both the pandemic and climate crises, time is not on our side. The pandemic crisis is short-term and immediate, but while the impacts of climate change are gradual, they are more enduring. Therefore, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’ We must move forward with climate action and do what is required to avoid a threat whose scope has no historic parallel; to do not as little, but as much as possible.”
– Ralph Propper, President, Environmental Council of Sacramento (ECOS); Laurie Litman, President, 350 Sacramento; Barbara Leary, Chair, Sierra Club Sacramento Group


“My generation has grown up with the threat of an ecological breakdown constantly looming above our heads. We know that as youth, we will live to see the worst effects of the climate crisis. This Earth Day, we’re demanding that our elected officials have the courage to prioritize our lives over fossil fuel money.”
– Supriya Patel, Organizer, Fridays For Future Sacramento


“There has never been a more critical time to be listening to scientists. The federal government was too slow to heed the warnings of epidemiologists, and its failure to act quickly has allowed the virus to sicken and kill exponentially more people. We should apply this lesson to climate change. Believe science and act fast.”
– Wes Samms, Lead Organizer / CEO, March For Science Sacramento


“The recent shift to digital platforms and social distancing is reducing our carbon emissions around the world. However, the COVID crisis shows that the human costs of waiting to the last minute are enormous and much worse than planning ahead and working proactively to fend off an emergency. We need to learn from these days that we need to care for people in ways that care for our environment at the same time.”
– Chris Brown, Organizer, Sacramento Climate Coalition


“This Earth Day, our local, state and national leaders should do more to empower our community to harness the awesome power of the sun to fight climate change, reduce pollution and help people cut their energy bills. Rooftop solar and battery storage is the ultimate win-win for the people and the planet. Unfortunately, utilities across California are working to make it harder and more expensive for people to do the right thing by choosing solar energy. With one million solar rooftops across California, it is clear the people are ready to lead. Are our leaders ready to get out front and take it to the next level?”
– Lee Miller, Organizer, Solar Rights Alliance Sacramento


“Crises that threaten our health, our homes, and our families are only going to get more common as our climate changes. COVID-19 has proven that its possible to disrupt business as usual and change everything about our way of life. With our response to this pandemic, we have an unprecedented opportunity to build a society that takes care of all its people, and puts our future over profit. Now more than ever, we need a Green New Deal.”
– Logan Dreher, Local Coordinator, Sunrise Movement Sacramento


Above all, please follow all stay-at-home and social distancing orders.

Take care Sacramento, and stay safe.