While many people believe that online shopping is more sustainable than in store shopping a new study suggests that it can actually be more harmful to the environment than shopping in person. Several factors can affect the environmental impact of shopping including transportation costs, energy use at warehouses and storefronts and the number of trips consumers make to purchase products.

Consumers Are Changing Their Shopping Habits

As the world becomes more aware of the effects of climate change more and more people are choosing to buy eco-friendly products. Retailers can be an important part of this shift as they can take steps to promote greener products and practices. They can also educate customers about the environmental impacts of their products as well as encourage them to reduce their waste output.

Consumers Are Changing Their Consumption Patterns

With the rise of online shopping many consumers have switched to buying more items that they can get delivered directly to their doorstep. This is often done as a way to save time and money but it has also led to more waste being created.

One of the biggest challenges for retailers is getting consumers to make environmentally-friendly purchasing decisions. The problem, according to Sumner, is that consumers aren’t yet fully aware of the environmental impact of their purchases. Many aren’t even aware that they’re generating more waste than they thought.

This has led to a “throw-away” culture where many people in developed countries are purchasing 60% more clothing than they did 15 years ago and each item is kept for only half as long its a huge problem that will only get worse as people continue to buy more and more products that don’t last.

Its a good idea to look for retailers that sell used and reused goods rather than buying brand-new ones. This can reduce the amount of materials that are produced as well as the energy needed to produce those products.

When you do buy something new make sure its made from sustainable materials as these can be more durable and cost less to produce. Some eco-friendly materials include plant-based fibers, hemp and bamboo.

Using recycled packaging is another way to cut down on your carbon footprint instead of plastic bags, use reusable bags that are made from polyester or polypropylene. These fabrics require fewer resources to produce and they can help reclaim some items from landfills.

If you’re a regular customer look for a retailer that offers free returns or refunds this means that if you’re not happy with your order they will send it back to their warehouse without charge.

The company might even offer you a credit or cash back for your purchase this helps offset some of the negative environmental impact that comes with online shopping and it can be a great way to save money while helping the environment.

Lastly, if you want to be truly green with your online shopping try to avoid buying pre-washed produce and items that have been wrapped in plastic. These kinds of items often have a high water and energy footprint and they can also end up in the landfill quickly.