In today’s era where convenience and speed takes the forefront of retail and commerce, expenditure of resources at a quicker rate is undeniably inevitable. With eCommerce growing massively, it means more deliveries, single-use packaging, and amplified demand for energy, which no doubt will contribute to carbon footprints. This should serve as a wake up call to rethink the way we do business. In this era of environmental awareness and urgency, consumers aren’t only looking for convenience and speed when buying products, but also the sustainability practices that businesses implement in order to protect the planet. In this article, we will talk about the significance of sustainable eCommerce and practices to deliver a sustainable future.
The Rising Environmental Awareness and Urgency
The Earth’s environment is and will be a long term concern for present and future generations. The technological advancements have undoubtedly made our life easier, and that is a fact – in exchange for the environment and its natural resources. Many individuals and organizations around the world are fighting for a cause in order to preserve the environment for us to live and more generations to come.
The great thing about the boom of eCommerce is that it changes the way consumers buy and how businesses do their business; and eCommerce is doing a great job of keeping things as green as possible compared to in-person shopping.
While the rapid growth of eCommerce raises concerns about increased carbon footprints, the industry has made significant strides, with studies indicating that online shopping often has fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional in-person shopping.
According to Linkmobility, online shopping or eCommerce has 1.5-2.9 times fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to in-person shopping.
The Importance of Sustainability
Sustainability is crucial for both our society and the environment. In environmental terms, it means managing our resources responsibly, protecting different species, and maintaining the balance of ecosystems. Sustainability isn’t just a choice we can make; it’s a necessity to guarantee that the Earth remains capable of supporting life for future generations.
On the context of eCommerce, sustainability holds immense significance in influencing both environmental practices and societal well-being. In the environmental sphere, sustainable eCommerce involves responsible resource management, reducing carbon footprints, and minimizing waste generation throughout the supply chain.
Things eCommerce Should Focus On
As mentioned above, eCommerce produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to in-person shopping. According to an exclusive study by Seven Senders, eCommerce is an industry that has the biggest potential in reducing their carbon footprint. With that, eCommerce can focus on present concerns that can potentially minimize, optimize, and improve its waste and improve waste management.
Packaging Waste
Packaging waste becomes a crucial focus for the ecommerce sector. The substantial growth in online shopping leads to a notable increase in packaging materials, presenting environmental challenges. As more consumers opt for digital platforms, the consequences of excessive packaging on ecosystems and waste management systems become more evident. Effectively addressing this issue is imperative for ecommerce businesses to align with broader environmental objectives and meet the changing expectations of environmentally conscious consumers.
If you’re looking to recycle plastic wastes, here are top 10 places in the Philippines where you can recycle them:
- Green Antz Builders – Drop-off schedule varies per month, check their page for updates.
- Trash Panda – Metro Manila & Rizal Areas
- Trash Cash PH – Drop-off point: Barangay 69 Hall (District 1, Tondo, Manila)
- The Plastic Flamingo
- The Plaf Warehouse (Putatan, Muntlnlupa City)
- Decathlon branches in Pasig, Alabang, and Masinag
- Ayala UP Town Center (Concierge Booth Phase 1)
- Aksyon ng Kabataan Organization (Parang, Marikina City)
- Kalikhasan Eco-Friendly Solutions (Merville, Parañaque City)
- Delichoice Inc. (Cainta, Rizal)
- Pot Twist (Cainta, Rizal)
- Yogheart (Jaleville Subdivision, Parañaque City)
- Ecolution (Cabucgayan, Biliran)
- Eco Folk PH (Bacolod City, Negros Occidental)
- Basura to Ayuda
- Rolling Stores – Megaplaza near Robinsons Galleria
- San Antonio Urban Garden
- My Basurero
- MBE-C Brixton Technology Center (Barangay Kapitolyo, Pasig City)
- MBE-C in Quezon City Hall
- Green Haven Scrap Materials Trading
- Green Haven Scrap Materials Trading (Bagbaguin, Valenzuela City)
- Darwin’s Store (Marulas, Valenzuela City)
- Malabon drop-off (17-A G. Araneta Avenue, Potrero, Malabon City)
- Cainta drop-off (296 Mabolo Street, Balanti, Cainta, Rizal)
- JMPurificacion Hauling (Imus City, Cavite)
- Bacunata Lying In (Dasmariñas City, Cavite)
- Silent Beads
- Silent Beads Roof Garden (Kaligayahan, Quezon City)
- Decathlon, Pasig City
- The Pan Bakeshoppe (Diliman, Quezon City)
- SM Southmall
- Muzon, SJDM (San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan)
- Envirotech Waste Recycling and Winder Recycling Company
- Humble Sustainability – Book a pick-up schedule thru their website.
eCommerce Growing Rapidly Equals More Pollution
The surge in online shopping has given rise to a substantial environmental concern: carbon emissions. This issue stems from the extensive logistics and transportation networks essential for delivering products purchased online, with delivery vehicles being major contributors to the emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses.
According to Statista, retail eCommerce sales in 2021 reached an approximate of 5.2 trillion U.S. dollars worldwide. It is forecasted that it will grow by 56% by 2026, reaching about 8.1 trillion U.S. dollars in sales.
Single-use Plastics
The prevalence of single-use plastics in packaging and shipping materials emerges as a pressing environmental concern. The issue lies in the widespread adoption of materials that are used once and discarded, contributing significantly to the escalating global plastic pollution crisis.
According to Statista, the global eCommerce industry used 1.9 billion pounds of plastic packaging in 2019. It is estimated it will double in the upcoming years, which will reach 4.5 billion pounds of plastic packaging by 2025.
The long-term consequences of plastic waste in the environment are profound, affecting ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Addressing this issue requires a concerted effort to reduce reliance on single-use plastics, adopt alternative materials, and implement sustainable packaging practices that prioritize environmental well-being over short-term convenience.
Energy Consumption
The challenge of energy consumption in eCommerce revolves around the inherently energy-intensive nature of data centers responsible for storing and processing online transaction information. The issue lies in the substantial amount of electricity required to power these data centers, contributing significantly to overall energy consumption. The impact of this heightened energy demand extends to an increased environmental footprint, particularly when the energy sources utilized are not renewable.
How To Make eCommerce More Sustainable
Sustainable packaging
One pivotal step towards a greener eCommerce model involves adopting sustainable packaging practices. This includes utilizing materials that are recyclable, biodegradable, or easily reusable. Minimizing unnecessary packaging, employing minimalist designs, and encouraging customers to recycle can significantly reduce the environmental impact of packaging waste. By prioritizing sustainable packaging solutions, eCommerce businesses not only align with eco-friendly values but also contribute to a more responsible and circular economy.
Reducing Transportation Emissions
Addressing the carbon footprint associated with transportation is imperative for a sustainable ecommerce ecosystem. One effective strategy is to consolidate shipments for efficiency. By optimizing delivery routes and grouping items for shipment, ecommerce businesses can minimize the number of vehicles on the road and, consequently, reduce emissions.
Striking a balance between efficiency and environmental responsibility is key to creating a more sustainable and eco-conscious ecommerce industry.
Consolidate shipments for efficiency
Ethical supply chain management is a critical component of making ecommerce more sustainable. This approach involves ensuring that every stage of the supply chain, from sourcing raw materials to the final delivery of products, adheres to ethical and sustainable practices.
Businesses committed to ethical supply chain management prioritize sourcing products from suppliers who meet firm environmental and social responsibility criteria. Regular assessments and audits are conducted to verify that fair wages, safe working conditions, and environmentally conscious practices are maintained throughout the supply chain.
By integrating ethical considerations into the sourcing and production processes, ecommerce businesses not only contribute to a more sustainable industry but also build trust with consumers who prioritize ethical and socially responsible choices.
Educate Customers On Pressing Environmental Concerns
Educating customers on sustainable choices is a cornerstone of responsible ecommerce practices. By providing clear and transparent information about the environmental impact of products, businesses empower consumers to make informed and eco-conscious decisions. This educational effort can include details on the materials used, the manufacturing process, and the overall sustainability practices adopted by the ecommerce entity.
Incorporating educational content into product descriptions, packaging, or dedicated sections of the website helps customers understand the broader implications of their choices and encourages a shift towards more sustainable consumption habits.
Benefits of Sustainable Ecommerce
Embracing sustainable practices in ecommerce yields significant benefits not only for your business, but also for the environment. Firstly, the positive environmental impact, achieved through measures like reducing carbon emissions and minimizing packaging waste, plays a crucial role in preserving natural resources and fostering ecological well-being.
Positive Environmental Impact
First and foremost, the movement to push sustainable eCommerce is to minimize harmful consequences against the environment. Sustainable eCommerce practices bring about a positive environmental impact by addressing critical aspects of resource consumption and waste generation. The commitment to reducing carbon emissions, minimizing packaging waste, and adopting sustainable practices not only lessens the ecological footprint of online commerce but also serves as a formidable ally in the preservation of natural resources. Through mindful and eco-conscious approaches, such as the use of recyclable materials and streamlined packaging, sustainable ecommerce endeavors to minimize its impact on the environment.
Meeting Customer Expectations
As consumers increasingly prioritize environmentally conscious choices, meeting customer expectations is a pivotal facet of sustainable eCommerce. Businesses that align with these expectations by integrating sustainable practices into their operations not only demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility but also foster stronger connections with their customer base.
From utilizing eco-friendly packaging to transparently communicating sustainability initiatives, meeting customer expectations in sustainable ecommerce extends beyond product offerings to encompass the entire consumer experience.
Long-term Business Viability
Long-term business viability in eCommerce is intricately linked to the integration of sustainable practices. Beyond meeting immediate operational demands, adopting sustainable measures ensures enduring success by positioning businesses as adaptive and forward-thinking entities. Embracing sustainability often leads to cost savings through improved efficiency in resource utilization and waste reduction.
This not only contributes to financial resilience but also aligns businesses with evolving consumer preferences for eco-friendly products and practices.
Sustainable eCommerce for Buyers and Sellers
Whether you’re a buyer or a seller that advocates for sustainable eCommerce and business practices, there are things you can do to help aid the cause.
Buyer
As a buyer, you can make informed buying decisions and support companies that prioritize eco-friendly practices. Choose brands that have established eco-friendly initiatives and demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices. Support businesses that use renewable materials, reduce waste, and implement ethical labor standards.
Opt for high-quality, durable products that have a longer lifespan. This reduces the need for frequent replacements and minimizes overall consumption, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Seller
As a seller, your business can use eco-friendly packaging materials, such as recycled or biodegradable options. Minimize excess packaging to reduce waste and clearly communicate the sustainability aspects to your customers. Source materials and products from suppliers who follow ethical and sustainable practices. Prioritize suppliers committed to fair labor, environmental conservation, and responsible resource management.
Another thing that is viable for sellers is to provide educational content about the sustainability aspects of your products and the benefits of making eco-friendly choices. This can be done through product descriptions, blog posts, or social media platforms.
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