Online shopping is here to stay - thankfully it has the potential to help save the planet in a number of ways, if we do it right.
One way online shopping can help save the planet is by reducing the need for transportation. When people shop online, they don't have to drive to the shops, which can save fuel and reduce emissions. For this to work, we need to be mindful of the transport needed to deliver to our homes. We can group together a few items rather than ordering a single item. We can choose delivery services that use electric vehicles and take other measures to reduce their transport. Using collection points can help reduce miles travelled to get your goods and services to you too.
One undeniable benefit of online shopping is the choice it gives customers. In contrast with traditional shops, a huge range of products and services can be offered profitably. Customers can make savings by comparing different shops, find niche products and services and make choices for ethical and environmental reasons. Online shopping offers small businesses the chance to reach consumers and for consumers to vote with their feet by supporting online stores with sustainability at their heart. So online shopping can help save the planet by allowing customers to choose eco-friendly products, services and providers. And online shopping can also help save the planet by allowing businesses promoting sustainability and waste and carbon reduction to reach more customers.
The elephant in the room of planet-friendly online shopping is packaging. There is still far too much packaging in online shopping. Everyone will have received at least one package with far more packing than necessary. Much of it can be recycled but that creates its own problems for the planet - transport, processing and natural resource destruction, in particular trees. The solution to this conundrum is to choose online providers offering reusable packaging. It’s
In summary, we can save the planet by shopping online by:
- being mindful of transport, grouping deliveries and using eco-friendly delivery options
- choosing businesses offering products and services for sustainability
- opting for reusable packaging where possible and telling businesses when they are using too much
Springer’s final thought:
- Be mindful of your consumption: It's important to be mindful of your consumption when you're shopping online. The nature of online shopping makes it easier to buy than in traditional shops. So be aware of that and take time to consider your purchases before hitting the ‘buy’ button. Only buy what you need, and avoid impulse purchases.
That’s how we can save the planet by shopping online!