UPDATE: As the holiday shopping season accelerates, new advice reveals how consumers can reduce waste while shopping online. With over 2 billion packages expected to ship across the U.S. this season, the environmental impact of holiday shopping is more significant than ever.
The question many shoppers like Sarah are grappling with is: Is online shopping more harmful than beneficial? While the convenience of finding specific gifts online is undeniable, the environmental cost of excessive packaging and transportation is alarming.
Experts from Eco-Cycle emphasize that smart online shopping choices can mitigate these impacts. Here’s how you can shop sustainably right now:
1. **Prioritize Secondhand Purchases**: Before opting for new items, check secondhand marketplaces like eBay, Poshmark, and ThriftBooks. This not only saves money but also significantly decreases your carbon footprint by extending the life of existing products.
2. **Support Independent Sellers**: If you must buy new, choose independent makers and local shops with online stores, such as Etsy. This ensures your purchases help small businesses thrive instead of inflating profits for large retailers.
3. **Select Eco-Friendly Packaging**: Some online vendors are shifting to sustainable packaging options. Look for brands committed to using recyclable materials. If you encounter excessive plastic, reach out to companies for better options—your feedback can drive change.
4. **Minimize Returns**: The temptation of easy returns can lead to overordering, resulting in many items going to waste. Make informed purchases to avoid returns and ensure your items are used rather than discarded.
5. **Recycle Packaging Responsibly**: Once your gifts arrive, recycle packaging materials correctly. Cardboard boxes, brown packing paper, and paper envelopes can go in your curbside recycling. For harder-to-recycle items like bubble wrap and plastic mailers, visit Eco-Cycle’s Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials (CHaRM).
This holiday season, you don’t need to abandon online shopping entirely. By being a thoughtful consumer and recycling effectively, you can enjoy a lower-waste holiday.
For more questions on zero waste, contact Eco-Cycle at 303-444-6634 or via email at [email protected].
With these actionable tips, make a positive impact this holiday season—shop smart and reduce waste!
