Online shopping has become an increasingly popular option among the tech-savvy and convenience-appreciative. Recently, it has become one of the most preferred methods of shopping considering the circumstances requiring people to work from home and social distance. However, with its common use, it becomes difficult to deny the environmental impact online shopping has. But, there are ways to help and it begins with becoming aware of the greener alternatives and local online sources.
Unnecessary packaging and waste cannot help but be mentioned, especially when our freshly delivered items leave behind a pile of cardboard boxes and plastic wrap. Reported by Fast Company, “about 165 billion packages are shipped in the US each year, with the cardboard used roughly equating to more than 1 billion trees” (Bird). That’s a lot.
Many corporations are taking the initiative in reducing the waste and packaging problem, making the effort to become a greener, more environmentally-friendlier brand. Amazon, for one, provides a number of options to decrease Amazon packaging and eliminate plastic. By contacting customer service either through email or phone, Amazon accounts can be noted, meaning no bubble wrap, styrofoam peanuts, plastic pillows, and any other packaging. Another alternative is to consider “frustration-free” packaging, so that items will be delivered in a 100% recyclable, green and rage-free way.
The reality is, there are a number of local online websites that offer eco-friendly and sustainable products. One just has to be willing to look for them. Sites such as EarthHero and Locally are some of the many sources that support and provide online green shopping. EarthHero, for instance, offers items with a variety of sustainability features: recycled content, made in the United States, renewable resource, organic content, responsibly sourced, and more! Additionally, is always carbon neutral, meaning there is no release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, or emissions. Locally provides a similar service, bringing nearby stores “without the need for e-commerce or wasteful packaging and logistics” (Locally.com) There are hundreds of brands in more than 3,500 cities.
Ultimately, however, it comes down to you to take the initiative. Here are a number of tips you can take to shop online in a environmentally-conscious way:
- Plan ahead to bundle shipments
- Opt for slower ground shipping as opposed to two-day, or even same-day, shipping
- Consider Amazon’s Frustration-Free Packaging service, a program that delivers items without the unneeded packaging materials
- Recycle packaging, such as Bubble Wrap at drop-off centers near you (ex. Target, Walmart, even some UPS stores)
It is clear that our actions and lifestyles have an immense influence on the environment and the world. We've seen it in the clear waters, blue skies, and resurgence of wildlife during these past few months. Similarly, our shopping habits are more than capable of reflecting a larger, transformational change.
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