Title: Green gig: business model change in online food delivery

Authors: K. Shanthi; V. Suganya

Addresses: Faculty of Management, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Vadapalani Campus, Chennai, India ' Faculty of Management, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Vadapalani Campus, Chennai, India

Abstract: Food delivery gig services enhance convenience in peoples daily lives, but also cause discomfort by contributing to traffic congestion and generating pollution through packaging waste. Environmentalists, who advocate for natural processes and rhythms, disagree with the disastrous demands of urbanisation. This study investigates the environmental ramifications of food delivery gig work by comparing the current business models of Zomato and Swiggy with the highly efficient and esteemed Mumbai Dabbawala model. Using a comparative case study with a prescriptive element, this study proposes a potential, environmentally friendly green gig model that, if adopted, can help reduce pollution and promote environmental sustainability. The green gig model aligns with SDG 12, which advocates responsible consumption.

Keywords: gig work; sustainability; green gig model; comparative case study.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLC.2025.149606

International Journal of Learning and Change, 2025 Vol.17 No.4, pp.434 - 447

Received: 21 Apr 2025
Accepted: 04 Jul 2025
Published online: 07 Nov 2025 *

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