Fewer Swiss paying the climate contribution on online purchases

Context

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%) and Zurich (12%) lead the ranking of climate generosity, while at the bottom are Appenzell Innerrhoden (7%) and Valais (7%). Below the national average is also Ticino (8%), where Lugano and Bellinzona show a participation of 9% and 7% respectively. Higher up are the Graubünden (10%).

Concrete examples and regulations

In Switzerland, the voluntary climate contribution on online purchases was introduced in 2020 with the aim of compensating for the CO2 emissions generated by the transport of goods. The average amount donated in 2026 is 0.50 CHF per order, with a maximum contribution of 2 CHF. In Germany, on the other hand, the contribution was introduced in 2021 and the average amount donated is 0.30 EUR per order, with a maximum contribution of 1 EUR.

Operational checklist for consumers

• Check if the online shopping platform offers the option of a voluntary climate contribution.
• Check the amount of the contribution and the destination of the funds.
• Evaluate whether the contribution is sufficient to compensate for the CO2 emissions of your order.
• Consider the overall environmental impact of your purchase, including packaging and transport.

Comparisons between practical scenarios

An average order on Galaxus in Switzerland generates approximately 0.5 kg of CO2. With a voluntary contribution of 0.50 CHF, the cost to compensate for emissions is approximately 1 CHF per kg of CO2. In Germany, an average order generates approximately 0.3 kg of CO2 and the cost to compensate for emissions is approximately 1 EUR per kg of CO2.

Future prospects

Despite the decline in participation, the voluntary climate contribution remains an important tool for compensating emissions. According to experts, it is crucial to continue raising consumer awareness about the importance of compensating emissions and the environmental impact of online purchases. Moreover, it is necessary to improve the transparency and effectiveness of emission compensation programs to increase consumer trust.

"Emission compensation is only part of the solution. It is important that consumers are aware of the overall environmental impact of their purchases and adopt more sustainable behaviors." - Environmental sustainability expert

Operational details

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 by companies. For cross-border workers, it might be useful to monitor these trends to understand how emission compensation options will evolve and what alternatives might be available.

💡 Operational checklist for cross-border workers:

• Monitor changes in voluntary climate contributions.
• Evaluate the impact on your annual budget.
• Explore alternative emission compensation options.
• Participate in local sustainability initiatives.

⚠️ Practical comparisons:

• Scenario 1: A cross-border worker residing in Lugano and working in Bellinzona could save approximately 25 CHF per year if they decide not to pay the voluntary contribution.
• Scenario 2: A cross-border worker residing in Mendrisio and working in Chiasso could save approximately 30 CHF per year, but they might also consider reinvesting these savings in local sustainability initiatives.

"Sustainability is a journey, not a destination. Every small choice counts."

This quote underscores the importance of continuing to reflect on your consumption habits, even in a context of reduced voluntary climate contributions.

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Key points

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 emission calculator to monitor your environmental impact.
• 📊 Choose sustainable platforms: Prefer e-commerce sites that offer voluntary contribution options.
• 📊 Monitor initiatives: Follow the environmental campaigns promoted by purchasing platforms.

Comparison of practical scenarios

• Scenario 1: A cross-border worker from Mendrisio who shops online every month spends approximately 200 CHF. By contributing 0.50 CHF per order, they could donate up to 10 CHF per year, reducing their CO2 emissions by 5%.
• Scenario 2: A cross-border worker from Chiasso who uses the emission calculator to optimize their purchases could reduce their CO2 emissions by 20% in a year, saving approximately 150 CHF in transportation costs.

Conclusion

While voluntary climate contributions on online purchases decrease, it is important for cross-border workers to stay informed and continue to support environmental initiatives. By using tools like the emission calculator and monitoring the options available on e-commerce platforms, it is possible to make a difference and contribute to a more sustainable future. 'Every little contribution counts,' states a Galaxus representative.

Source: tvsvizzera.it