Miguel Jaller, from the Institute for Transportation Studies at UC Davis explains that “before, companies were able to consolidate, to optimize their distribution. Now, because some of them are offering really fast and rushed deliveries, that disintegrates the consolidation. Every individual is buying more and wanting those goods to be at their home really fast. That creates more vehicles, more traffic, and potentially more emissions.”

Reflecting UC’s commitment to the goals of its Carbon Neutrality Initiative, the lively and thought-provoking Climate Lab videos aim to change the way people think and talk about global climate change. Created in partnership with Vox, the first six videos have been viewed more than 12 million times on YouTube and continue to be shared widely on social media.

“UC’s pioneering climate science and research have put us on the forefront of the fight against global warming going back decades,” said President Napolitano about the video series. “We know that to continue to make progress, we must explain to people — in a way they can understand — how to make smart decisions that will reduce negative environmental impact on the planet.”

Want to avoid online shopping altogether? You might consider these ideas:

• Shop for gifts at the annual UCOP Craft Fair. Your colleagues will be selling beautiful, unique handmade items right in the Franklin building on Thursday, Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Check out the Link article about the craft fair for a slideshow previewing many of the items that will be for sale, starting at $5 or less!
• Shop local. Buying close to home keeps your convenient local merchants in business. Check out Oakland’s Shop Local site for tips and recommendations including neighborhood gems near UCOP’s offices. And don’t miss the Oakland events and deals on Plaid Friday, which has been expanded to all three days of the post-Thanksgiving weekend — and includes free street parking!

Or do you want to pass along items that you no longer use? There are many local charities that would welcome your donations. You can also use the Give Back Box service, which mails your donations at no shipping cost to you. This is a great way to re-use the cardboard shipping boxes you receive from online shopping deliveries. Some people manage household clutter by making a rule that every time they buy something new, they must donate something they already own. Really want to declutter? Donate two or three items every time you buy something new!

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