• @[email protected]
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    3510 days ago

    It actually is the last mile that matters. When shipped half way around the world it’s in bulk. The amount of fuel per unit of food is surprisingly low.

    For the last mile you’re not getting 100 meals delivered even though they would fit in the car. The fuel to food ratio is insane for 1 meal.

    Of course buying local is better when you have the option, but it doesn’t make nearly as much of a difference as last mile delivery.

    • @[email protected]
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      1010 days ago

      Not only fuel to food ratio, but also the amount of labor. If it takes someone 20 minutes to deliver your food, including their return trip), that is 1/3 of an hour of labor.

      I know this sub is focused on the vehicle use and ridiculous inefficiency of this in terms of fuel, but the labor to have someone do this is what really runs up the bill. I suppose that’s a good thing, because it limits demand.

      • @[email protected]
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        310 days ago

        Gig delivery method is also the most inefficient way to do this. Some people cite medical reasons why they can’t leave the house, but many grocery stores manage their own deliveries. When the store handles it, the delivery goes from Store to Point A to Point B… Gig goes from Home to Store to Point A to Store to Point B…