Amazon Warehouses in Seattle Linked to Pollution in Communities of Color, Study Finds
A recent study conducted by the University of Washington suggests that Amazon’s distribution facilities in Seattle may be contributing to pollution in neighboring communities, particularly those predominantly inhabited by people of color. While the study does not directly blame Amazon for the elevated pollution levels, it highlights the company’s facilities as representative of long-standing development trends that disproportionately burden low-income neighborhoods with freight pollution.
Travis Fried, one of the lead researchers at UW, emphasized that Amazon is not solely responsible for this issue, stating that it reflects historical processes observed for decades. Amazon responded to the study’s findings by disputing them, pointing out that its warehouses are located in industrial parks and coexist with other companies involved in shipping goods.
The study found that neighborhoods within a two-mile radius of Amazon’s “last mile” facilities, which include delivery stations and sortation centers, experience twice as much traffic from delivery vehicles and trucks compared to other areas in the Seattle metro region. These neighborhoods also have a higher proportion of low-income households and people of color.
Interestingly, the study revealed that residents in close proximity to Amazon’s last-mile facilities actually order 14% fewer packages than the Seattle average. This finding underscores an inequity between those who benefit from online shopping and those who bear the environmental cost.
The study did not compare e-commerce emissions to other freight-related emissions, so it remains unclear whether the rise of online shopping has accelerated existing trends. However, the focus on Amazon was justified due to its significant presence in the online shopping landscape, accounting for nearly 38% of the U.S. e-commerce market last year.
Amazon spokesperson Jennifer Flagg criticized the study, stating that the company was not involved in the research process and considers the methodology and conclusions flawed. Flagg emphasized Amazon’s commitment to sustainability and mentioned a separate study from MIT that suggested reduced in-person shopping could lead to fewer vehicle trips.
In its efforts to reduce environmental impact, Amazon has invested in an electric delivery fleet, sustainable packaging, and renewable energy for its data centers. The company has pledged to introduce 100,000 electric vans by 2030 and has already deployed 10,000 electric vans, including 300 in Seattle.
Travis Fried hopes to see increased focus on improving the efficiency of trucks that transport consumer goods before they reach last-mile facilities. He believes that making these trucks more efficient, whether through electrification or optimizing shipment capacity, will have a significant impact on communities affected by pollution.
This is not the first time Amazon has faced allegations regarding its warehouses. A Consumer Reports analysis in December 2021 revealed that Amazon tends to build warehouses in neighborhoods primarily inhabited by people of color, raising concerns about air pollution, safety, and noise levels. In response to protests from residents, Amazon abandoned plans to open a facility in Rainier Valley, Washington.
The UW study relied on data from 2019 and highlights the need for stakeholders to reconsider land use policies. Fried suggests that warehouses should be integrated into the urban fabric rather than simply being standalone facilities. He cited examples from Paris where “logistics hotels” serve as multiuse warehouses with amenities like tennis courts, rooftop urban farms, or data centers.
As Amazon continues to expand its warehouse network and adopt a regionalized model for faster deliveries, the study’s findings call for a reevaluation of land use policies and a more holistic approach to warehouse design. With the right changes, the benefits of these facilities can be maximized while minimizing their negative impact on communities.