Online retail sales have grown from about 1% of total retail sales in 2000 to about 3% in 2008. Online retail sales have grown, and will continue to grow, because of growing internet usage via broadband access, always available, never closed, 24/7 shopping convenience, equal or better pricing offered by online retailers compared to traditional retailers (with many online retailers offering free shipping), and because, in most cases, no sales tax is charged on online purchases.

One less obvious benefit of online retailing, versus traditional brick and mortar retailing, is the reduced greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact that results from online retailing. As stated in a report recently issued by Carnegie Mellon’s Green Design Institute, online retailing results in about 30% less energy usage and about 30% less greenhouse gas carbon dioxide emissions when compared to traditional brick and mortar retailing. The biggest contributor to online retail’s lower energy use and carbon dioxide emissions, versus traditional retail, was substantially less truck distribution from wholesaler to retailer and less customer transportation (primarily automobile) to and from various traditional brick and mortar retail stores while looking for and or buying goods.

Reduce your greenhouse gas emissions and your carbon footprint. Do not drive, shop and buy. Research, compare, find and buy a wine cooler and other goods online!

Published 7/19/2009 12:00:00 AM

Tags: Sales Tax