The issue with clothing rental services and how to lessen impact of ‘last mile’

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleReturning items to centralized locations, like parcel lockers or post offices, may be less environmentally impactful than home pickup services (Getty/iStock)Clothing rental services are increasingly popular for various occasions, with consumers opting for them as a sensible and affordable alternative to purchasing new attire, particularly for formalwear.Despite being marketed as a sustainable option by enabling multiple uses for a single garment, experts like Kate Fletcher and Aja Barber warn that the environmental benefits are often undermined by the carbon footprint associated with repeated shipping, returns, packaging, and dry cleaning processes.The proliferation of online rental platforms intensifies environmental concerns due to the impact of "last mile delivery" and the logistical complexities of two-way shipping, with expedited shipping further reducing efficiency by limiting opportunities for package consolidation.Johanna Amaya, an assistant professor of supply chain management, emphasizes that the growing number of home deliveries significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, suggesting that centralized return points like parcel lockers could offer a more environmentally sound alternative.Experts agree that clothing rentals can be advantageous for special occasion outfits that would otherwise be worn only once, but they advise consumers to carefully consider ordering frequency, avoid rush shipping, and prioritize broader sustainable practices such as re-wearing, repairing, or buying secondhand items.In fullWhy your clothing rental habit is not as green as you thinkThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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