5 ways to make e-shopping eco-friendly

The impact of online shopping on the environment is largely dependent on consumer behavior. Here are five ways to responsibly shop online and reduce your carbon footprint.

1. Choose carefully
Take steps to ensure you won’t need to return a package as this creates more pollution. Refer to clothing size charts, customer reviews, and product tests by experts before making a decision.

2. Favor proximity
To reduce transportation emissions, choose products that are made locally or sold by vendors in your area. Above all, avoid airfreight service as much as possible.

3. Group your purchases
Wait until you need several items before placing an order or create one shopping list for your entire household. Make sure to request that your purchases be shipped together rather than as soon as each product becomes available.

4. Order in advance
An efficient delivery schedule minimizes greenhouse gas emissions, and express delivery service hinders a company’s ability to plan its shipping route. This results in more half-empty trucks on the road.

5. Prepare for pickup
If you won’t be home when your package arrives, request to have it sent directly to a nearby post office or pickup location to avoid multiple delivery attempts. If possible, choose a spot along your commute.

Although shopping online can be convenient, there are many benefits to doing it in person. You can see the product first-hand and draw on the staff’s expertise. Plus, you don’t have to wait for the item to be delivered.