How a Shopping Lover can Shop Sustainably Online

Posted by Aria Crane on

Online shoppers have a few different options when it comes to shopping sustainably. One option is to shop at a store that specializes in sustainable or eco-friendly products. These stores typically carry items made from sustainable materials, support fair labor practices, and have a low environmental impact. Another option is to shop at a traditional retailer that offers some sustainable options. These retailers typically offer a small selection of sustainable items, such as clothing made from organic cotton or fair-trade coffee. Finally, shoppers can also find sustainable products on websites that sell used or vintage items. These websites typically have a wide selection of sustainable products, including clothing, furniture, and home decor.

Online shopping has made buying anything we need (and want!) a breeze. It's also a great way to find sustainable products online if you're all for an environmentally-friendly approach. Check out some of Clear Givings Market tips.

How to shop sustainably?

When you shop sustainably, you buy products that have been made with consideration for the environment. This means finding products that were sourced ethically and responsibly, weren’t tested on animals, and don’t use harmful chemicals.

Why is it important to shop sustainably?

Answer: It is important to shop sustainably because it helps to protect the environment. When you shop sustainably, you are choosing products that have been made with sustainable practices in mind. This means that the products you purchase will have a smaller impact on the environment.

Ways to shopping sustainably.

sustainably

There has never been a better time to adopt eco-friendly and sustainable purchasing practises due to the mounting pressure on each of us to safeguard the planet's finite natural resources. Some people worry that becoming green would increase their expenses, yet in many circumstances, you might even end up making savings. Additionally, buying responsibly can improve your quality of life and ensure that you are contributing to the environment.

Here are some quick ideas for sustainable shopping.

Buy local

Consider how far the item you are buying has travelled to get to the shelves the next time you go shopping. Purchase products that have been made and manufactured locally as much as possible. Less travel results in lower carbon dioxide emissions and, especially for fresh food, it nearly always tastes better. Generally speaking, seasonal produce has a higher likelihood of being locally harvested.

Reduce plastic waste

Avoid purchasing items that are overly wrapped or that are contained in non-recyclable packaging. Purchase fresh produce in bulk as opposed to packaged in plastic. Always bring your own bags with you when you shop. Real environmental issues arise from the production and disposal of plastic.

Choose sustainable products

Choose organic or other products that have been produced without the use of toxic chemicals or pesticides when you go shopping. Think about purchasing Fair Trade products, such as food and apparel. Avoid purchasing any souvenirs while on vacation that might have been made with unethical, rare, or endangered animal products. Seek out products with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) logo if they are made of wood. This includes a wide range of goods, including toilet tissue and paper towels as well as wooden furniture. If you buy seafood, look for the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Certification seal on labels of fish like tuna or salmon.

Buy recycled and second hand

Put products that have been recycled on your shopping list because they are champions for the environment. Consider shopping for used products at car boot sales, thrift stores, and charity shops rather than buying everything brand-new all the time. By doing your shopping this way, you can make significant financial savings and frequently locate a genuine gem.

Opt for biodegradable cleaning products

Granted, you do tend to pay more for green cleaning products, but prices have dropped over the years and many supermarkets have started to produce their own, budget-friendly versions. Cost aside, buying biodegradable cleaning products is better for the environment, soil and water. With their natural ingredients, biodegradable cleaning products may also be healthier for humans.

Consider energy efficient goods

Electrical items in the home can guzzle energy, so if you need to upgrade a domestic appliance or electrical gadget, choose one with the best energy efficiency rating that you can afford. Although it may cost more initially, over time the money you save from reduced energy bills will soon pay for itself.

Fact: new is not always better.

While there are plenty of ethical and sustainable brands nowadays, buying new things is not always the answer. You want to avoid getting roped into fast fashion trends that constantly put out new pieces. Instead, you can shop for secondhand pieces that still look great. And with a good fashion sensibility and good old resourcefulness, you can easily bring new life to these pieces. Many secondhand and vintage shops already upload their curated collections online. Additionally, these clothes are sold much lower than fast fashion pieces. 

Do your research on materials, clothes, travel, wardrobe, and home goods.

Did you know that e-commerce return rates have increased to 95% in the last five years? Moreover, these returns in the USA alone produce waste equal to that trash produced by 5 million people in a year! As we know, returns are typical for online retail because we can't try out the item before we buy them, and so many of us end up returning them. So to reduce or prevent returns for your online orders, research before making that order. For instance, check the description and details carefully. Usually, sellers include helpful info such as measurements, model height, and whether to size up or down. Checking reviews online will also help you determine whether the item is correct for you.

You can also check how your order is packaged. Single-use plastics are, of course, a big no-no. However, there are other options where some retailers use cartons or cardboard as packaging. At the same time, some shops would use compostable or reusable bags.

Go for local and local delivery.

eco friendly stores - Shop sustainably

Buying locally is the best way to reduce your impact. When buying locally, your items won't travel too far when delivered to your address. You will also support the smaller ethical businesses and boost the local economy. 

Reduce and reflect

If you want to shop sustainably, keep in mind the 4 R's: reduce, reuse, repair, and recycle. While you can apply "reduce" to your existing wardrobe, you can also use it in your shopping cart. Avoid adding items to your cart immediately if you want to buy them. Instead, you add it to your favorites list first. This way, you can wait a bit before purchasing the item. This will also help you avoid buying a lot and spending too much and avoid having to return them because they don't work for you or don't suit you. Plus, if you wait to buy, you can buy them together in one large order instead of several smaller ones that require separate packaging and shipping. 

Why is shopping in-store better than online?

buy online from eco-friendly stores

Indeed, when consumers opt for fast delivery, the emissions far exceed those generated from in-person shopping. A significant reason for this is that delivery companies cannot afford to wait for all products to arrive before shipping them out. 

Is online shopping bad for the environment?

The emissions produced by consumers who choose quick delivery substantially outweigh those produced by in-person purchasing.  According to a study conducted by Deloitte, analyzing GHGs, shopping at a mall can be up to 60% more environmentally sustainable than online.

What is the environmental impact of online shopping?

sustainability shop , shopping

According to a new report published in Environmental Science & Technology, a peer-reviewed scientific journal published by the American Chemical Society, shopping in a physical store rather than online from businesses without physical stores is the more environmentally friendly option. This may seem counterintuitive. According to the study, purchasing regularly used commodities like toothpaste, shampoo, and toilet paper from physical stores often results in fewer greenhouse gas emissions than purchasing from an online-only retailer.

What are sustainable shopping websites or environmentally friendly stores?

Sustainable websites, such as Clear Givings Market, are created with the well-being of society, the environment, and business in mind. They use the least amount of renewable energy when operating. They are also moral, add value, and are not exploitative.

What causes greenhouse gas emissions in online shopping?

The Effects of Goods Shipping. Another environmental impact of online buying is shipping emissions. Most of the CO2 emissions produced by e-commerce are due to the global transportation of goods.

Shop sustainably with Clear Givings Marketplace - a sustainable product store and an eco-friendly online store

how to shop online sustainably - clear givings

So try out the tips we mentioned above by shopping with us! The great thing about Clear Givings Marketplace is that all our products are 100% eco-friendly, cruelty-free, fair trade, and inclusive. We are committed to giving back to communities in empowering ways. Check out our collections here.

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Also read -

THE IMPORTANCE OF SHOPPING FOR SUSTAINABLE FASHION

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