That time of the year is quickly approaching us, as we’re all scrambling to find the perfect gifts and presents for our loved ones. Appropriate to our tech-savvy nature, online shopping has become a popular option for many looking to shop on the web rather than shop in stores or in person.
While it is convenient, online shopping and its popularity raises an important question of sustainability. It is certainly appealing during this season, with huge crowds, traffic, and long lines, but is it green? Online shopping, or “e-commerce” as they dub it, does in fact take up less space and energy with all items being centralized in warehouses. Plus, package deliveries are grouped together in ways that ensure delivery that is both timely and efficient for customers, leaving a relatively smaller environmental footprint.
At the same time, features of e-commerce, such as next-day delivery undermine its record for being a sustainable alternative. Typically filled with packages to be delivered throughout one route, trucks are loaded with a lot less. It then involves more transporting, more frequently, and a more noticeable footprint. This doesn’t even consider the aspect of returns, common with online shopping, which creates uncalculated waste (there is a similar trend with the delivery of groceries or food, and its resultant creation of food waste). In addition, packaging adds another source of excess litter. Items are often enveloped in bubble wrap, sealed in bags, and placed in boxes. Visiting the mall in person is then the better choice, especially if going travelling with others. Carpooling is one of the most common ways to reduce gas emissions, and it can apply to Christmas shopping too.
It is difficult to say that one or the other is more sustainable, because it depends. Both online shopping and shopping in person have the capability of becoming the ultimate environmentally friendly option, but it determines on how exactly people choose to use it. As mentioned, carpooling to the mall is an option, looking for gifts in one place at one time together; it wouldn’t be a bad idea either to bring personal reusable bags as well. For online shopping, simply opt for regular shipping and instead, order ahead of the date. Furthermore, have items shipped less packaging, an option called Frustration-Free Packaging, available at Amazon. An increasing number of delivery companies are finding ways to incorporate eco-friendly packaging into their systems, and it is worth taking the initiative in finding those options. Certain stores also recycle packaging, such as Walmart or Target, through drop-off sites easily found in a number of locations. Lastly, it is worth looking for gifts at second-hand stores, or websites like Craigslist or eBay; there is a large variety of items looking for new homes that could become great presents. Small businesses like CLED are also worth considering, selling jewelry and accessories with the mission of creating and selling gifts that are made ethically and sustainably.
The holiday season is marked with themes of plentiness and indulgence, making it one of the most enjoyable times of the year. Still, this spirit can be achieved with an accompanying sense of sustainable awareness. It certainly would be rewarding to know that these gifts that bring smiles to the faces of our loved ones, are also spreading awareness of our environmental footprints.
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