Amazon’s Distribution Facilities Linked to Pollution in Communities of Color, Study Finds
A recent study conducted by the University of Washington suggests that Amazon’s distribution facilities may be contributing to pollution in neighboring communities, particularly those predominantly inhabited by people of color. While the researchers did not directly blame Amazon for the elevated pollution levels, they found that the company’s facilities in Seattle reflect 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. He stated, “It’s a reflection of historical processes that have been observed for decades.” Amazon responded to the study’s findings by disputing them, pointing out that its warehouses are located in industrial parks and share space with other companies involved in shipping goods.
The study revealed that neighborhoods within two miles 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. Interestingly, the researchers also found that residents in these neighborhoods actually order 14% fewer packages than the Seattle average, highlighting an inequity between those who benefit from online shopping and those who bear the environmental costs.
While the study focused on Amazon due to its significant presence in the online shopping landscape, it did not compare e-commerce emissions to other freight-related emissions. Therefore, it remains unclear whether the rise of online shopping has accelerated existing trends. Last year, Amazon accounted for nearly 38% of the U.S. e-commerce market, making it the country’s leading online retailer.
Jennifer Flagg, an Amazon spokesperson, criticized the study’s methodology and conclusions, noting that the company was not involved in the research process. She emphasized Amazon’s commitment to sustainability and its efforts to reduce environmental impact through initiatives such as investing in an electric delivery fleet, sustainable packaging, and renewable energy.
In addition to electrifying delivery vans, the researchers hope to see a greater focus on improving the efficiency of trucks that transport consumer goods before they reach the “last mile” facilities. Making these trucks more environmentally friendly or increasing their capacity could have a significant impact on communities affected by pollution.
This is not the first time Amazon has faced allegations regarding its warehouses. Previous analyses have shown that the company tends to build warehouses in neighborhoods primarily inhabited by people of color, leading to concerns about air pollution, safety, and noise levels. In response to public protests, Amazon has sometimes altered its plans, as seen in Rainier Valley, Washington.
As Amazon continues to expand its warehouse network and adopt a regionalized model for faster deliveries, the study’s findings raise important questions about land use policies and the location of warehouses. The lead researcher, Fried, suggests that warehouses should be integrated into the urban fabric and serve multiple purposes. He cited examples from Paris, where “logistics hotels” combine warehouse functions with amenities like tennis courts, rooftop urban farms, or data centers.
Ultimately, the study aims to prompt stakeholders to reconsider their approach to land use and encourage companies to set up warehouses in neighborhoods that receive the highest volume of packages. With thoughtful planning and innovative solutions, it is possible to mitigate the environmental impact of freight while ensuring the benefits of online shopping are more evenly distributed among communities.