# Tracking Packages with a Delivery Social Network

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/09/tracking-packages-with-a-delivery-social-network/
- Published: 2014-09-13T23:32:58-04:00
- Author: greenguruguides

## ‘Friend’ a Package, Save the Planet?

Think of getting a delivery with a social network to [track](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/06/eco-friendly-brand-packaging-enhance-your-ethical-image/)
your package?! Researchers unveil a revolutionary approach to reduce emissions in
package delivery.

## The Last Mile Challenge

Local delivery, known as the “last mile,” stands as the retail system’s largest 
contributor to fossil fuel consumption and emissions.

## Social Networks to the Rescue

Researchers propose leveraging social connections to revolutionize package delivery.
That’s going to be potentially slashing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 98%.

## The Power of Sharing

Timothy Smith, co-author of the study, emphasizes, “What matters is allowing sharing
in the system, not how many choose to participate. Giving the few inefficient actors
a chance to seek help from better-positioned individuals can dramatically improve
performance.”

## Traditional vs. Social Delivery

Compared to typical home delivery routes, socially networked pickup systems could
reduce emissions by 45% to 98%, depending on social connectedness and participation.

## Environmental Impact

This innovative approach not only streamlines delivery but also significantly reduces
CO2 emissions and local air pollution, paving the way for greener cities.

## The Future of Delivery

As online retailers like Amazon introduce delivery pickup lockers in various stores,
this research gains relevance. It suggests a future where our social connections
could play a crucial role in creating a more sustainable delivery ecosystem.

Source: [Institute on the Environment](http://environment.umn.edu/) [MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (08/21/2012)](https://web.archive.org/web/20151001103627/http://discover.umn.edu/news/science-technology/friend-package-save-planet)
[⌊IMG_2244.JPG⌉](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_2244.jpg?quality=52&ssl=1)

[⌊IMG_2106.PNG⌉⌊IMG_2106.PNG⌉[

![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4841837f2a0756d69aeaa2877e5646549fc845ec2f0ffc2804839152c38ba332?
s=300&d=monsterid&r=g)

 greenguruguides

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman, is recognized as a green living guru and electric
car expert. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the 
green guru guides, green business and electric vehicles.

 [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenguruguides/) [  ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenguruguides/)