App-Based Platforms Help Drive Sustainable Outcomes for Consumers and Businesses, Says New Flex Association Issue Brief

The First in a Three-Part “Scaling for Good” series, the Sustainability Issue Brief Highlights How App-Based Platforms Use Scale to Innovate and Increase Sustainability While Meeting Growing Demand

WASHINGTON, DC – The Flex Association released a new issue brief today, “Scaling for Good: How App-Based Platforms Advance Sustainability.” The scale of the app-based industry – with 7.3 million workers and millions more customers – means that the industry is poised to be a leader in promoting sustainability. The report details the data-driven initiatives implemented by rideshare and food delivery platforms to build a more sustainable future, focusing on four key approaches:

• Finding ways to reduce emissions by making fuel alternatives and electric vehicles more accessible, expanding micromobility options (like bikes and scooters) for delivery drivers, enabling ride pooling, and supporting public transportation.
• Using data-driven automated technologies to minimize environmental impacts, such as identifying the most efficient routes for drivers, batching routes to allow drivers to pick up multiple orders in one trip, and empowering consumers to choose sustainable options.
• Adopting sustainability practices, like initiatives that give customers the option for reduced or reusable packaging, using renewable energy sources, and corporate sustainability pledges.
• Partnering with key stakeholders and local programs, such as working with local food banks to reduce food waste.

“The incredible scale of the app-based industry means that it has the ability to make a significant impact in empowering workers, consumers, and businesses to make more sustainable choices and build a more sustainable future for our communities,” said Flex CEO Kristin Sharp. “I’m excited to share our members’ initiatives and efforts that are already making a difference and look forward to continuing to showcase the innovative ways app-based platforms advance sustainability.”

The issue brief’s launch will coincide with a Dec. 10 event, hosted by Axios and sponsored by Flex, that will convene policymakers and Flex members to discuss the latest advancements in sustainable transportation and logistics.

Visit the Flex website to read the full brief and learn about Flex members’ efforts to advance sustainability.

About Flex. Flex is the voice of the app-based economy, representing America's leading app-based rideshare and delivery platforms and the people who count on them. Our member companies — DoorDash, Grubhub, HopSkipDrive, Instacart, Lyft, Shipt and Uber— help provide access to crucial goods and services to customers safely and efficiently, offer flexible earning opportunities to workers and support economic growth in communities across the country.