Online shopping is increasing dramatically. What are the effects of online shopping on the jobs and
environment? How can the negative impact of online shopping be reduced?
Of late, online shopping has been
experiencing a boom in business. This despite having certain positive outcomes
for environment, has created a pressing situation for employment scenario.
However, there are some productive ways to mitigate the adverse impacts of
ecommerce.
E-shopping platforms have contributed remarkably
in bringing down environmental pollution: shoppers do not need to travel to the
markets and showrooms to buy goods anymore, as they get delivery of their
merchandise at their doorsteps. As a consequence, the use of private conveyance
has reduced substantially, since lesser number of delivery vehicles is required
to deliver goods to multiple customers in a given area; thus reducing air
pollution due to lesser and lesser fuel being burnt.
However, picture does not seem to be so rosy
when it comes to employment: the job market for skilled people seem to be
shrinking, which in long run will worsen an already rising unemployment.
Ecommerce companies do not need to employ highly skilled personnel who usually
manage marketing and sales departments, as they can get the work done with the
help of tele-callers and delivery teams, which is also outsourced to
specialized organizations who maintain dedicated teams of callers, drivers and
delivery staff – that sans the requirement of any specialized education.
Nevertheless, consumers themselves can help
minimize the unfavorable impact of online selling and buying: they should not
abandon the habit of visiting shopping centers and malls altogether for the
sake of buying online, and make use of offers and sops being extended by retailers.
This will go a long in protecting interests of retailers, as well as the
skilled professionals.
Henceforth, I personally feel,
notwithstanding the onslaught of online commerce sites due to the benefits they
offers, we can mitigate resulting problems by adopting a little sensitive
approach.