England is awash with traffic. Everywhere you go, you see delivery vans unloading parcels, often when they have only come from the next town. So would it not be nice to know that there are some alternative ways to deliver parcels, especially if the recipient is only a few miles away? Think feet and bicycle wheels!
These alternatives to conventional couriers, give food for thought. Who says you always have to hire a big company with a big van, to get things from here to there? You can use alternative couriers to support companies that cycle or even walk goods to your door, and one can even help save your pub.
- Foodstuff is already up and running across several cities. Working only with quality indie restaurants (the only chains they are interested in are bicycle chains!), this delivery company sends food to your door, powered by the legs of their two-wheeled staff!
- Pedals (London) offers same-day bicycle delivery of parcels. It’s up to 50% cheaper (legs need no petrol or road tax) and up to 50% faster than driving.
- PubHub is a service for pubs to earn £1 to collect local parcels. Residents can pick them up in the evening, and stop for a pint.
- Postmates (US) is an app where local people earn money to deliver food from local shops and restaurants, by foot or bicycle.
What’s Wrong with Road Deliveries?
Of course, it’s not always possible. But road pollution and traffic is at an all-time high, especially with online orders and the rise of Amazon. Just buying carbon offsets and using greener vehicles, does not negate the fact that supporting small indie businesses that deliver by foot or bike, is far better for all concerned. Around 77% of transport on the roads these days is due to ‘delivering stuff’.
In London, local people have been protesting against Ocado opening up a distribution centre near a school, due to concerns over noise and air pollution. Planned to launch next door to the school playground, the deputy headteacher said that he had concerns over the health of the children, especially with asthma etc. Big companies like this often say they will use greener vehicles. But surely just not moving in and letting people walk to local shops would be better?
A Bristol Vegan Deli (delivered by bike)
Veligoods is a unique deli in England’s greenest city. Partnering with Zedify, it offers a range of gourmet British-made vegan cheeses delivered to your door – by bicycle! Proper vegan chees is made with nuts (not coconut oil, like most shops offer – one reviewer said a supermarket brand tasted like ‘solidified vomit’). Keep vegan cheeses away from pets, due to toxic nuts, onion, garlic, mushrooms etc.
Why bicycle? Because like most cities, Bristol (despite its green image) is polluted by too much traffic, which can affect health and climate change. All the staff at Zedify are paid a living wage to enjoy a healthy job, and be part of the city’s green transport revolution.
The company idea formed during the first pandemic lockdown. The founders were craving good cheese so much, that they started ordering in bulk from the suppliers, then others wanted to know where they were getting the food from! Knowing that Bristol has one of the highest percentage of vegans nationwide, it obviously became a super business idea. The company also can deliver by courier nationwide (though unfortunately that will be by van, not bike!) Local delivery is free for orders over £25.
