Behind the scenes
Galaxus customers making fewer climate contributions
by Tobias Heller
Voluntary climate contributions made on Galaxus orders hit a new low
24.4.2026
Translation: Katherine Martin
Climate-friendly online shopping is on a downward trajectory – at least if you consider the number of voluntary climate contributions being made. So far in 2026, Galaxus customers in Germany have chosen to donate money to climate-related causes on four per cent of orders. In 2022, it was eight per cent. In Switzerland, the climate contribution rate fell from 12 per cent to just over nine per cent.
Climate change currently only ranks eighth among German society’s biggest worries (website in German). Immigration, poverty, and social inequality are the top-listed issues. In Switzerland, a third of the population see environmental and climate protection as a key challenge facing society. According to a study released last December by the investment bank UBS, this is the [public’s second-biggest worry](https://www.ubs.com/ch/en/microsites/worry-barometer/articles/environment-and-climate-protection.html. These trends are reflected in online shopping too.
The percentage of Galaxus orders including a voluntary climate contribution has been declining for years. In the first quarter of 2026, customers in Germany made voluntary climate contributions on just under four per cent of all orders – a new low. In 2022, the figure was eight per cent – twice as high as it is now.
Compared to their counterparts in Switzerland, Galaxus customers in Germany are significantly less likely to fork out for climate contributions. According to the latest figures, nine per cent of customers in Switzerland choose to make the contribution when making a purchase. In 2022, customers were still hitting the «Climate contribution» button on 12 per cent of orders.
The urban-rural divide
In Germany, customers based in the city-states of Hamburg, Berlin and Bremen are more inclined to pay extra for their orders for the sake of the environment. By contrast, the climate contribution option’s less popular in Thuringia, Saxony-Anhalt, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Saxony.
It comes as little surprise that customers in Basel-Stadt, Zurich and Bern are most likely to make climate contributions on their order. Politically, these major city cantons always been seen as green, left-wing strongholds. Bringing up the rear are the predominantly rural cantons of Appenzell Innerrhoden, Valais and Fribourg.
If we’re being completely honest, the most sustainable course of action would simply be to consume less. However, if Galaxus’s sales figures are anything to go by, things have been going in the other direction for years.
Do you make a voluntary climate contribution when placing orders on Galaxus? If so, do you always do so? Or only for certain products? We’re looking forward to reading your comments.
Tobias Heller
Communications Manager
Tobias.Heller@digitecgalaxus.chBehind the scenes
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