Santa might manage his present deliveries with just one sleigh, nine reindeer and a bit of magic, but for everyone else, Christmas shopping takes a greater toll.

Every year, the volume of freight being delivered Australia-wide increases as more and more people make online purchases.

Qantas Freight says it will deliver more than 50,000 tonnes of international and domestic goods over the festive period, an increase of five per cent on 2023.

While some of these deliveries might feel like they could make or break Christmas, it’s undeniable they are also taking a massive toll on the environment.

As much as 15 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions stemmed from transport in 2019, says Martin Geissdoerfer who leads the Circular Economy Labs at Monash University’s Sustainable Development Institute.

“Given Australia’s small manufacturing footprint, many goods, particularly from online fast fashion sites such as Temu and low-cost marketplaces such as AliExpress, travel huge distances via carbon-intensive sea, road, and air freight, contributing significantly to global emissions,” Associate Professor Geissdoerfer told AAP.

While people are more familiar with the concept of sourcing local produce, freight miles often go “unnoticed”, he said.

“The rise of platforms like Temu and Shein highlights a paradox: while consumers seek affordability, the hidden costs of these purchases – environmental degradation and waste – are immense,” he said.

“Behavioural triggers, such as the allure of convenience and low prices, often override considerations of durability or sustainability.”

While the cost-of-living crisis puts some people off excessive spending, for others it might go some way to explaining the increased volume of purchases, the Australia Institute’s Nina Gbor says.

“The term retail therapy is not to be taken lightly even during a cost-of-living crisis,” she explained.

“We live in an era where people have been conditioned to get dopamine hits from buying new stuff even if we don’t need it. This brief-lasting dopamine hit is the drug we’re addicted to, while overconsumption is the disease.

“The cost-of-living crisis puts a lot of pressure on everyone … retail therapy is always being put forth as an easy option for escapism even though it can lead to waste, increase in freight volumes and potentially financial woes for the shoppers.”

The boom in online shopping that began during lockdown shows no sign of slowing down, the Australian Retailers Association says.

Online sales have increased by a further 6.4 per cent in the year to August 2024, according to Roy Morgan data.

But four in five people still make their purchases in-store, driven by a desire to find the best deals and more information about their items, the retail association’s Fleur Brown told AAP.

“Many Australians jump online to do their research before making an in-store purchase and this year they are researching more intently as a means of managing tighter household budgets,” Ms Brown said.”

While online retailers like Temu and Shein attract a lot of business – 3.8 million and two million shoppers per year, respectively – there is a growing awareness about making the responsible choice, she said.

“While many of these shoppers are looking for low price points, we also know there is a shift towards conscious and sustainable buying from customers, as well as a desire to support local businesses,” she said.

It was understandable Australians found it hard to look past the “shockingly low and highly affordable” prices from some online retailers, but it was key to the economy to support local industry, Ms Gbor said.

“Buying Christmas products locally and in person means people can taste, touch, and feel the products,” she said.

The festive period might be the perfect time to get more people rethinking their consumption, Assoc Prof Geissdoerfer said.

“Choosing quality over quantity and supporting businesses prioritising sustainable practices is a good New Year’s resolution,” he said.

Katelyn Catanzariti
(Australian Associated Press)