Over the past decade there has been a huge increase in e-commerce. This is due in large part to the high-level of convenience this type of shopping allows. It’s also very accessible, and has resulted in a change in consumer behaviour to the online model. And it’s easy to see why this is. There’s a lot to like about online shopping with many distinct advantages over shopping in person. For example, there’s increased flexibility, more variety, and better affordability. However, it’s not all great, as there is a hidden cost to online shopping too in the form of environmental degradation, over-packaging, transport emissions and returns wastage.
The Hidden Environmental Costs of E-Commerce
So, while it’s very convenient for those at home, there are harmful elements to online shopping. These are primarily environmental issues and cover a wide range of things, all of which have been highlighted in recent reports. For one, there are increased CO₂ emissions from all the additional transport that goes on, especially for things like express deliveries. As people get more used to online shopping, there is now an onus on speed and fast shipping, think Amazon Prime and one day deliveries. On top of that, there is a lot of extra packaging involved when it comes to online shopping. In fact, around 3 billion trees are pulped each year to make shipping cartons for the overuse of packaging materials.
Many people often use online shopping as an easy way to make purchases, returning items quickly when they don’t meet their needs or requirements. Such returns have a negative impact on the environment, and it’s getting worse, as more and more people make returns rather than keeping the items. It’s especially the case with fashion where clothes don’t always fit. This further links into landfill waste and more emissions. Return logistics actually increase emissions up to 30% and cause millions of items and products to be discarded, further adding to the problem.
Mindful Consumption: How to Shop Online Responsibly
With these issues in mind, for anyone enjoying online shopping, mindful practices should be taken into consideration. For example, to reduce the environmental footprint of online shopping, slower shipping options can be selected. This helps to reduce emissions. Additionally, purchasing items and clumping them together in a single order also saves on repeated deliveries, further reducing emissions. It’s also good practice to check all product details carefully before making a purchase. This reduces the chances of unnecessary returns, thus saving on more emissions for this.
It’s also worth considering spending a little bit extra on durable, quality items rather than opting for cheaper, fast-fashion items which have a bigger, more detrimental impact on the environment over the long term. Being aware of over-packaging issues, the shipping effect, and the type of packaging used can also help significantly. For those looking to be more responsible, take a look at supporting retailers who use sustainable packaging, recycling their materials rather than using new each time.
The Value of Shopping Smart
Shopping consciously also means being financially mindful. This means that making good use of discount codes to support strategic and eco-friendly purchases is a must. Balancing affordability with sustainability is the way forward in all areas of online shopping. However, searching for discount codes can be time-consuming, and this is why aggregate sites like Discoup.com exist. Platforms like these take the time to search out discount codes or vouchers from hundreds of brands. These are checked, verified, and listed on the site for easy access by shoppers. This means that shoppers can find voucher codes categorised by product type or brand, using them to make better purchasing decisions rather than opting for impulse buying. Smart use of discount codes allows consumers to invest in sustainable alternatives, rather than opting for lower-cost products that tend to contribute to overconsumption and harm to the environment.
Online shopping is incredibly convenient, but does have negative sides. Having an awareness of the environmental impact this type of shopping has is the very first step. Real impact however, needs a shift in business practice and consumer expectations. Explore better shopping habits and stay informed about how this behaviour impacts the planet.
