Online shopping has grown steadily since the dawn of the internet age. But are we creating more emissions by shopping online or are they reducing because we’re not travelling to bricks and mortar stores? Which is more energy efficient – online or high street shopping? The answer is, it depends. Energy Saving Trust has put together the following tips to help people reduce carbon emissions when shopping.
- Plan ahead and consolidate your orders to get everything in fewer shipments.
- Avoid expedited shipping.
- Shop locally when possible – a walk to the corner shop is zero emitting.
- Choose ‘green delivery’ options when available.
- Pick up goods from centralized locations if possible (as in click and collect).
- Avoid buying goods online that you’re likely to return – try on clothes in store instead.
- Ensure your delivery arrives – have a safe space to avoid repeated attempts to deliver, which will increase emissions.
- Let retailers know that you’d like them to invest in green delivery options, like bike couriers or electric vehicles.
- Buy less. Do you really, really need that new item? Why not walk or cycle to the charity shop instead?