Eco-shopping: eco-friendly purchases online

Online shopping can also be eco-friendly. We explain how to reduce the footprint of orders and make choices in favor of nature.

Why is this needed

Every online purchase leaves a trace: transportation, packaging, returns. According to OECD data, about 3% of urban CO₂ emissions come from the delivery of online orders.

What the buyer can do

1. Choose eco-friendly packaging. Stores often offer minimal or recyclable packaging.

2. Reduce the number of deliveries. One order a week is better than five small ones.

3. Avoid unnecessary returns. Returns double the logistic footprint.

4. Buy products labeled eco-friendly. The European EU Ecolabel or FSC for paper and wood.

5. Choose local producers. Fewer kilometers means fewer emissions.

6. Reuse boxes and bags. They can withstand 3–5 cycles.

Figures

• More than 9 million tons of packaging from online shopping are discarded annually in the EU.

• Reusing boxes reduces waste by 15%.

• One return increases the carbon footprint by 30%.

Examples

Many large online stores are already implementing:

• The option of choosing “packaging-free delivery.”

• Delivery by couriers on electric bicycles in cities.

• Programs for receiving used packaging back.