The rise of e-commerce has transformed the retail landscape, offering unprecedented convenience and variety. However, this shift comes with significant environmental costs that are often overlooked. Understanding the hidden carbon footprint of online shopping is crucial for consumers who wish to make greener choices.
E-commerce Environmental Impact
E-commerce contributes to environmental degradation through several mechanisms:
The logistics involved in delivering goods from warehouses to consumers’ doorsteps generate substantial carbon emissions. In fact, shipping and returns account for approximately 37% of total greenhouse gas emissions associated with online shopping. The demand for rapid delivery options exacerbates this issue, as air transport is significantly more carbon-intensive than ground shipping
Online purchases typically require more packaging than traditional retail due to the need for protective materials during transit. This has led to a surge in packaging waste, much of which is non-recyclable plastic. For instance, it is estimated that annually, 86 million tons of plastic packaging are produced globally, with less than 14% being recycled. The production of shipping cartons alone contributes to the deforestation of about 3 billion trees each year.
E-commerce often leads to higher return rates compared to in-store purchases—about 40% of online purchases are returned, compared to just 7% in physical stores2. Each return generates additional transportation emissions and waste, as many returned items cannot be resold and end up in landfills.
While some studies suggest that online shopping can be more efficient than traditional retail—especially when considering the carbon footprint per item delivered—this efficiency largely depends on consumer behavior.
Moreover, energy consumption from IT infrastructure supporting e-commerce operations accounts for about 20% of an item’s total carbon footprint. This includes energy used by servers and data centers necessary for online transactions.
Be a Wise Buyer !
Despite these challenges, there are actionable steps consumers can take to mitigate the environmental impact of their online shopping habits:
Shop Mindfully, Only use online shopping when it replaces in-store visits rather than supplementing them. This reduces unnecessary vehicle trips and associated emissions. Research retailers’ sustainability practices before making purchases. Many companies are adopting greener practices and pledging net-zero emissions; however, it’s essential to verify these claims
Minimize returns, carefully consider purchases before clicking “buy.” Reading reviews and checking sizing charts can help ensure that items meet expectations before they are ordered. Instead of making multiple small orders, consider consolidating them into fewer larger orders. This reduces the number of shipments and can lower the overall carbon footprint associated with transportation
Engage with brands that promote recycling or offer take-back programs for packaging materials and products. This helps reduce waste and promotes sustainable consumption patterns
Let’s work together to reduce the carbon footprint of e-commerce! Before you make your next online purchase, consider wise steps to choose more environmentally friendly products. Start by shopping mindfully, choosing companies that prioritize sustainability, and reducing product returns. By making small changes, we can all contribute to a greener world. Support sustainability in every shopping choice you make!
Stay tuned for the next article on the IML Carbon website for more insights on sustainability and eco-friendly practices!
Author: Ainur Subhan
References:
Ecocart. 2021. How Does Online Shopping Affect the Environment? The Dark Side of Ecommerce. Accessed online at 1/12/2024 from: https://ecocart.io/the-dark-side-of-e-commerce/
David Suzuki Foundation. 2024. Unpacking online shopping’s environmental impacts. Accessed online at 1/12/2024 from: https://davidsuzuki.org/living-green/unpacking-online-shoppings-environm
ental-impacts/