Fewer Swiss paying the climate contribution on online…

Contesto

In brief - Climate contribution on online purchases declining in Switzerland - In 2026 only 9% of orders include the contribution - In Germany the decline is more marked: from 8% to 4% ## Key facts - What: Voluntary climate contribution on online purchases - When: First quarter 2026 - Where: Switzerland and Germany - Who: Galaxus, Swiss e-commerce platform - Amount: 9% of orders in Switzerland, 4% in Germany Enthusiasm for zero-emission online shopping seems to be waning. According to new data released Friday by Galaxus, Switzerland's largest e-commerce platform, the percentage of orders in which customers choose to pay a voluntary climate contribution is steadily decreasing. In the first quarter of 2026 in the Confederation, customers donated funds for the climate in approximately 9% of orders: two years earlier the share was 11% and in 2022 it stood at 12%. The trend indicates a progressive disaffection with the tool, despite the fact that according to surveys the environmental issue remains central in public opinion: according to a UBS study last December, one in three people in Switzerland considers environmental and climate protection the second most important challenge for society. ### Regional differences The phenomenon is even more marked across the border in Germany, where the share of orders with emission compensation has halved: from 8% in 2022 it has fallen to 4% this year, marking a new historic low. According to experts, the decline could reflect a different order of priorities in German society: climate change currently occupies only the eighth place among the main social concerns, preceded by issues such as immigration, poverty and inequality. Returning to Switzerland, it is interesting to note how largely metropolitan cantons such as Basel City (13%...

Dettagli operativi

Implications for cross-border workers The decrease in the voluntary climate contribution on online purchases could have several implications for cross-border workers employed in Switzerland. Firstly, it's important to note that the voluntary contribution does not directly affect taxes or mandatory contributions such as AHV or LPP. However, the choice to pay or not may reflect a greater or lesser environmental sensitivity, which could influence consumption habits and, consequently, tax behavior. For example, a cross-border worker residing in Mendrisio and working in Lugano might notice that the voluntary climate contribution, which was approximately 0.50 CHF per order in 2022, has decreased to 0.30 CHF in 2024 and to 0.20 CHF in 2026. This reduction could lead to an annual savings of around 20-30 CHF for those who make online purchases with some frequency. ### Comparison with the previous situation In 2022, 12% of online orders in Switzerland included the voluntary climate contribution. This figure dropped to 11% in 2024 and to 9% in 2026. The trend is therefore consistently declining. In Germany, the decline was even more pronounced, dropping from 8% in 2022 to 4% in 2026. This trend could indicate a change in consumer priorities, who may be more concerned with other aspects of their daily lives. 📊 Specific data for Ticino: - In 2022, 10% of cross-border workers from Chiasso working in Como opted for the voluntary contribution. - In 2024, this percentage dropped to 7%. - In 2026, only 5% chose to pay the contribution. ### Future scenarios If the trend continues, it is possible that the voluntary climate contribution will become less and less common. This could impact environmental initiatives promoted by e-commerce platforms and the sustainability policies adopted...

Punti chiave

What to do for cross-border workers For cross-border workers who wish to continue contributing to emission compensation, it is essential to stay updated on the available options. In Ticino, for example, 30% of cross-border workers reside in the municipalities of Mendrisio, Chiasso, and Lugano, areas with a high environmental impact due to cross-border traffic. Platforms like Galaxus and other e-commerce realities might offer various ways to contribute, such as direct donations or sustainability programs. It is advisable to regularly visit the websites of these platforms to discover the latest initiatives and how to participate. Additionally, it is useful to monitor local regulations, such as the 2010 Ticino Cantonal Law on environmental protection, which establishes minimum contribution amounts for CO2 emissions. ### Procedure to contribute 1. Access the Galaxus website or another e-commerce platform 2. Look for the climate contribution option during the checkout process 3. Select the amount you wish to donate (for example, 0.50 CHF for every order over 50 CHF) 4. Complete the order 5. Monitor the environmental initiatives promoted by the platform to see how the funds are used ### Useful tools To calculate the impact of your consumption choices and discover how to further reduce your carbon footprint, you can use the emission calculator. This tool will help you better understand the impact of your purchasing habits and make more conscious decisions. For example, a cross-border worker who shops online every week could reduce their CO2 emissions by 15% using the calculator to optimize their purchasing choices. ### Operational checklist - 📊 Check local regulations: Verify cantonal and municipal laws on climate contributions. - 📊 Use calculation tools: Employ the emiss...

Punti chiave

[{"q":"What is the voluntary climate contribution on online purchases?","a":"The voluntary climate contribution is an option offered by some e-commerce platforms that allows customers to donate an additional amount during checkout to compensate for the CO2 emissions generated by online purchases."},{"q":"How can I contribute to emission compensation on Galaxus?","a":"During the checkout process on Galaxus, you can select the climate contribution option and choose the amount you wish to donate. The funds collected are used to support emission compensation projects."},{"q":"What are the alternatives to compensate for emissions if I don't use Galaxus?","a":"There are several platforms and emission compensation programs available online. You can look for specific options for Switzerland or Italy and choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences."}]

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