Skip to main content
Book cover

Handbook of Sustainable Travel pp 293–305Cite as

E-Commerce: Implications for Travel and the Environment

Abstract

Current consumption and its rapid increase are considered unsustainable. It may dramatically increase negative externalities on both the local and global scale. The adoption of information communication technology in retailing products is considered to have the potential to radically change the retail sector and affect sustainability. Current consumption patterns and the major developments in the retail system are reviewed. A discussion follows of the focus of e-commerce’s effects on social sustainability as well as its potential impacts on freight transportation and personal travel. To assess e-commerce’s net implications on sustainability, it is important to consider both the short and long term. The short-term implications involve environmental externalities and transport flows. The long-term implications include effects on urban nature and structure through its possible effect on retail spatial structure.

Keywords

  • Freight Transport
  • Freight Transportation
  • Shopping Trip
  • Shopping Activity
  • Personal Travel

These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution.

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-7034-8_19
  • Chapter length: 13 pages
  • Instant PDF download
  • Readable on all devices
  • Own it forever
  • Exclusive offer for individuals only
  • Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout
eBook
USD   99.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • ISBN: 978-94-007-7034-8
  • Instant PDF download
  • Readable on all devices
  • Own it forever
  • Exclusive offer for individuals only
  • Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout
Softcover Book
USD   129.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
Hardcover Book
USD   179.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
Learn about institutional subscriptions

References

  • Alba, J., Lynch, J., Weitz, B., Janiszewski, C., Lutz, R., Sawyer, A., et al. (1997). Interactive home shopping: Consumer, retailer, and manufacturer incentives to participate in electronic marketplaces. The Journal of Marketing, 61, 38–53.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Andersen, H. T., Møller-Jensen, L., & Engelstoft, S. (2011). The end of urbanization? Towards a new urban concept or rethinking urbanization. European Planning Studies, 19, 595–611.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Anderson, W. P., Chatterjee, L., & Lakshmanan, T. R. (2003). E-commerce, transportation, and economic geography. Growth and Change, 34, 415–432.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Andreev, P., Salomon, I., & Pliskin, N. (2010). Review: State of teleactivities. Transportation Research Part C, 18, 3–20.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Arnold, M. J., & Reynolds, K. E. (2003). Hedonic shopping motivations. Journal of Retailing, 79, 77–95.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Baudrillard, J. (1998). The consumer society: Myths and structure. London: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Beyard, M. D., & O’Mara, W. P. (1999). Shopping center development handbook (3rd ed.). Washington, DC: Urban Land Institute.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bhatnagar, A., & Ghose, S. (2004). Segmenting consumers based on the benefits and risks of Internet shopping. Journal of Business Research, 57, 1352–1360.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Bloch, P. H., Ridgway, N. M., & Dawson, S. A. (1994). The shopping mall as consumer habitat. Journal of Retailing, 70, 23–42.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Bromley, R. D. F., & Thomas, C. J. (1993). The retail revolution, the carless shopper and disadvantage. Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers, 18, 222–236.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Browne, M. (2001). E-commerce and urban transport. Paris: OECD, ECMT.

    Google Scholar 

  • Buderi, R. (2005). E-commerce gets smarter. Technology Review, 108, 54–59.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boschma, R. A., & Weltevreden, J. W. J. (2005). B2c e-commerce adoption in inner cities: An evolutionary perspective. Papers in Evolutionary Economic Geography (PEEG) (Working paper 05.03). Utrecht: Utrecht University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cairns, S., Sloman, L., Newson, C., Anable, J., Kirkbride, A., & Goodwin, P. (2004). Smarter choices – Changing the way we travel. London: UK Department for Transport.

    Google Scholar 

  • Capineri, C., & Leinbach, T. R. (2004). Globalization, e-economy and trade. Transport Reviews, 24, 645–663.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Chiang, K. P., & Dholakia, R. R. (2003). Factors driving consumer intention to shop online: An empirical investigation. Journal of Consumer Psychology, 13, 177–183.

    Google Scholar 

  • Childers, T. L., Carr, C. L., Peck, J., & Carson, S. (2001). Hedonic and utilitarian motivations for online retail shopping behavior. Journal of Retailing, 77, 511–535.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Clarke, D. B. (2003). The consumer society and the postmodern city. London: Routledge.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Cohen, N. (2000). Greening the internet: Ten ways e-commerce could affect the environment. Pollution Prevention Review, Winter, 13–29.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cohen, R., & McBride, C. C. (2011, January 6). Approximating the impact of substitution and the recession on postal volume. Postal Journal. http://postaljournal.com/2011/01/06/approximating-the-impact-of-substitution-and-the-recession-on-postal-volume/index.html. Accessed 12 Sept 2011.

  • Court, Y., & Myers, H. (2002). The development of shopping centres in Europe 2002. Retrieved from http://www.clothingsourcing.com/doc/industry/eu/Eushoppingcenter.pdf. Accessed 24 June 2013.

  • Currah, A. (2002). Behind the web store: The organisational and spatial evolution of multichannel retailing in Toronto. Environment and Planning A, 34, 1411–1441.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • De Blasio, G. (2008). Urban-rural differences in internet usage, e-commerce, and e-banking: Evidence from Italy. Growth and Change, 39, 341–367.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Dodgson, J., Pacey, J., & Begg, M. (2002). Motors and modems revisited. In The role of technology in reducing travel demands and traffic congestion. London: NERA.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dowlatshahi, S. (2005). A strategic framework for the design and implementation of remanufacturing operations in reverse logistics. International Journal of Production Research, 43, 3455–3480.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Espiritu, A. (2003). Digital divide and implications on growth: Cross-country analysis. Journal of American Academy of Business, 2, 450–454.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fan, Y. L., & Khattak, A. J. (2009). Does urban form matter in solo and joint activity engagement? Landscape and Urban Planning, 92, 199–209.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Farag, S., Weltevreden, J., van Rietbergen, T., Dijst, M., & van Oort, F. (2006). E-shopping in the Netherlands: Does geography matter? Environment and Planning B, 33, 59–74.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Fichter, K. (2003). E-Commerce: Sorting out the environmental consequences. Journal of Industrial Ecology, 6, 25–41.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Forsythe, S. M., & Shi, B. (2003). Consumer patronage and risk perceptions in internet shopping. Journal of Business Research, 56, 867–875.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Girard, T., Korgaonkar, P., & Silverblatt, R. (2003). Relationship of type of product, shopping orientations, and demographics with preference for shopping on the internet. Journal of Business and Psychology, 18, 101–120.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Golob, T. F., & Regan, A. C. (2001). Impacts of information technology on personal travel and commercial vehicle operations: Research challenges and opportunities. Transportation Research Part C, 9, 87–121.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Golob, T. F., & Van Wissen, L. (1989). A joint household travel distance generation and car ownership model. Transportation Research Part B, 23, 471–491.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Goss, J. (2004). Geography of consumption I. Progress in Human Geography, 28, 369–380.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Grabner-Kraeuter, S. (2002). The role of consumers’ trust in online-shopping. Journal of Business Ethics, 39, 43–50.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Graham, S., & Marvin, S. (2001). Splintering urbanism: Networked infrastructures, technological mobilities, and the urban condition. New York: Routledge.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Guiry, M., Magi, A. W., & Lutz, R. J. (2006). Defining and measuring recreational shopper identity. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 34, 74–83.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Gupta, A., Su, B. C., & Walter, Z. (2004). Risk profile and consumer shopping behavior in electronic and traditional channels. Decision Support System, 38, 347–367.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Hesse, M. (2002). Shipping news: the implications of electronic commerce for logistics and freight transport. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 36, 211–240.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Janic, M. (2008). An assessment of the performance of the European long intermodal freight trains (LIFTS). Transportation Research Part A, 42, 1326–1339.

    Google Scholar 

  • Keeling, K., Macaulay, L. A., & McGoldrick, P. (2007). DiTV and e-commerce among disadvantaged community groups. Behaviour & Information Technology, 26, 545–560.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Keskinen, A., Delache, X., Cruddas, J., Lindjord, J. E., & Iglesias, C. (2001). A purchase and a chain. Impacts of E-commerce on transport and the environment. Paris: OECD/ECMT.

    Google Scholar 

  • Keskinen, A., Delache, X., Cruddas, J., Lindjord, J. E., & Iglesias, C. (2002). A purchase and a chain. Impacts of E-commerce on transport and the environment. Paris: OECD/ECMT.

    Google Scholar 

  • Koivumäki, T., Svento, R., Perttunen, J., & Oinas-Kukkonen, H. (2002). Consumer choice behavior and electronic shopping systems – A theoretical note. NETNOMICS, 4, 131–144.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Korgaonkar, P., Silverblatt, R., & Girard, T. (2006). Online retailing, product classifications, and consumer preferences. Internet Research, 16, 267–288.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Kvasny, L., & Keil, M. (2006). The challenges of redressing the digital divide: A tale of two US cities. Information Systems Journal, 16, 23–53.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, M. J. (Ed.). (2000). The consumer society reader. Oxford, UK: Blackwell.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lyons, G. (2002). Internet: Investigating new technology’s evolving role, nature and effects ontransport. Transport Policy, 9, 335–346.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Maitland, B. (1985). Shopping malls – Planning and design. London: Construction Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miles, S. (1998). Consumerism: A way of life. London: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mokhtarian, P. L. (1990). A typology of relationships between telecommunications and transportation. Transportation Research Part A, 24, 231–242.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Mokhtarian, P. L. (2001). The impacts of B2C e-commerce on transportation and urban form. Paper presented at the conference on electronic commerce (b2c) and its consequences for urban development and transportation, University of Stuttgart, Germany.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mokhtarian, P. L. (2002). Telecommunication and travel: The case for complementarity. Journal of Industrial Ecology, 6, 43–57.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Mokhtarian, P. L. (2004). A conceptual analysis of the transportation impacts of B2C e-commerce. Transportation, 31, 257–284.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Mulhern, F. J. (1997). Retail marketing: From distribution to integration. International Journal of Research in Marketing, 14, 103–124.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Nemoto, T., Visser, E. J., & Yoshimoto, R. (2001). Impacts of information and communication technology on urban logistics system. Paris: OECD/ECMT.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ngai, E. W. T., & Gunasekaran, A. (2007). A review for mobile commerce research and applications. Decision Support Systems, 43, 3–15.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • OECD. (2002). Measuring the information economy. Paris: OECD.

    Google Scholar 

  • Office for National Statistics. (2011). E-commerce and ICT activity (2010 ed.). Retrieved from http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/dcp171778_245829.pdf. Accessed 21 Aug 2013.

  • Peterson, R. A., & Merino, M. C. (2003). Consumer information search behavior and the Internet. Psychology and Marketing, 20, 99–121.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Rao, B. (1999). The internet and the revolution in distribution: A cross-industry examination. Technology in Society, 21, 287–306.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Reichman, S. (1976). Travel adjustment and lifestyles: A behavioral approach. In P. Stopher & A. Meyburg (Eds.), Behavioral travel demand models. Lexington, MA: Lexington Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rosen, K. T., & Howard, A. L. (2000). E-retail: Gold rush or fool’s gold? California Management Review, 42, 72–100.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Rotem-Mindali, O., & Salomon, I. (2007). The impacts of e-retail on the choice of shopping trips and delivery: Some preliminary findings. Transportation Research Part A, 41, 176–189.

    Google Scholar 

  • Salomon, I. (1985). Telecommunications and travel. Journal of Transport Economics and Policy, 19, 219–235.

    Google Scholar 

  • Salomon, I. (1986). Telecommunications and travel relationships: A review. Transportation Research Part A, 20, 223–238.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Sarkis, S., Meade, L. M., & Talluri, S. (2004). E-logistics and the natural environment. Supply Chain Management, 9, 303–312.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Sasaki, K., & Nishii, K. (2010). Measurement of intention to travel: considering the effect of telecommunications on trips. Transportation Research Part C, 18, 36–44.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Sinai, T., & Waldfogel, J. (2004). Geography and the internet: Is the internet a substitute or a complement for cities? Journal of Urban Economics, 56, 1–24.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Slater, D. (2000). Looking backwords. In M. J. Lee (Ed.), The consumer society reader. Oxford, UK: Blackwell.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sui, D. Z., & Rejeski, D. W. (2002). Environmental impacts of the emerging digital economy: The e-for-environment e-commerce? Environmental Management, 29, 155–163.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Steinfield, C., de Wit, D., Adelaar, T., Bruins, A., Fielt, E., Hoefsloot, M., et al. (2001). Pillars of virtual enterprise: Leveraging physical assets in the new economy. Info, 3, 203–213.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Teo, T. S. H. (2002). Attitudes toward online shopping and the Internet. Behaviour and Information Technology, 21, 259–271.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Transport en Logistiek Nederland. (2000). New wine in old bottles. Zoetermeer, the Netherlands: Transport en Logistiek Nederland.

    Google Scholar 

  • US Census Bureau. (2012). 2010 E-commerce multi-sector data tables. Retrieved from http://www.census.gov/econ/estats/2010/all2010tables.html. Accessed 21 Aug 2013.

  • Visser, E. J., & Lanzendorf, M. (2004). Mobility and accessibility effects of b2c e-commerce: A literature review. Tijdschrift Voor Economische En Sociale Geografie, 95, 189–205.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Weltevreden, J. J. W. (2007). Substitution or complementarity? How the Internet changes city centre shopping. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 14, 192–207.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Weltevreden, J. W. J., & Van Rietbergen, T. (2004). Are shops disappearing? (in Dutch). Retrieved from http://www.jesseweltevreden.com/verdwijntdewinkel.pdf. Accessed 24 June 2013.

  • Yamamoto, H., Ishida, K., & Ohta, T. (2004). Modeling reputation management system on online c2c market. Computational and Mathematical Organization Theory, 10, 165–178.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • yStats.com GmbH, & Co. KG. (2011). Western Europe b2c e-commerce report 2011. Retrived from http://www.marketresearch.com/yStats-com-GmbH-Co-KG-v3734/Western-Europe-B2C-Commerce-6428809/. Accessed 21 Aug 2013.

  • Zhang, K. M. (2005). Exploring the relationship between urban form and nonwork travel through time use analysis. Landscape and Urban Planning, 73, 244–261.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Zukin, S., & Maguire, J. S. (2004). Consumers and consumption. Annual Review of Sociology, 30, 173–197.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geography and Environment, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 52900, Israel

    Orit Rotem-Mindali

Authors
  1. Orit Rotem-Mindali
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Orit Rotem-Mindali .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden

    Tommy Gärling

  2. Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands

    Dick Ettema

  3. SAMOT/CTF, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden

    Margareta Friman

Rights and permissions

Reprints and Permissions

Copyright information

© 2014 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Rotem-Mindali, O. (2014). E-Commerce: Implications for Travel and the Environment. In: Gärling, T., Ettema, D., Friman, M. (eds) Handbook of Sustainable Travel. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-7034-8_19

Download citation