The holidays are right around the corner, and if you’re like me, I’ve been online shopping more during COVID than usual. As a scientist who now works in e-commerce, I am reflecting more on how to be a conscious consumer during these times. While I hope to still build upon this list, here are some easy ways to make online shopping more sustainable this holiday.
CHOOSE IN-STORE OR CURBSIDE PICKUP
Recently, as I was taking a walk across the neighborhood, I couldn’t help but notice the mounds of Amazon Prime boxes in front of people’s porches. It’s true. E-commerce creates a lot of packaging waste. Because I live in New York City and take public transit, I can leave a much lower waste trail by picking up my orders in store. Besides, I enjoy the bit of human interaction I can get in the process 🙂
Pro Tip: Bring a reusable shopping bag, and you will essentially cut down on all additional packaging waste too!
Many stores are expanding this option of contactless pick-up during COVID. It is efficient, and relatively safe. Since in-store or curbside pickup usually relies on local store inventory, you are cutting down on delivery transit time (carbon footprint). Finally, your order will also be fulfilled a lot faster.
REUSE PACKAGING
Tissue paper cannot be recycled. If you have gifts to give this season, one tip I suggest is saving and reusing the tissue paper. Sometimes (don’t call me crazy), I even trim off any stickers or labels and the paper is good as new!
However, one uncommon fact is that polybags can be reused too! If you tear along the perforation, you will usually notice another tab of adhesive. This feature exists for our convenience if we need to return the item back in the same bag. Otherwise, you can reuse the mailer a second time.
It is yet another easy step on how to make online shopping sustainable.
SHOP FROM SMALL OR LOCAL BUSINESSES
What’s that quote? “When you buy from a small business, an actual person does a little happy dance.” I don’t know who said it, though I hear from my entrepreneur friends that it is true 🙂 When we buy from local or small businesses, we directly boost the local economy! Not to mention, our items are crafted with care and made directly by people we can connect with.
Plus, it adds a special touch to give a gift to someone that you know was handmade by a local artisan. If you don’t know where to start, Etsy is a wonderful marketplace with handmade goods. Recently, I gifted a good friend earrings from Paper Clay Co and they are so cute!
Linking a few of my favorite designs below, all handmade and hand-mixed from polymer clay. You can shop all statement earring styles directly from the collage.
*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which may result in a commission if you make a purchase, though at no additional cost to you.
STYLE 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 (PRODUCT LINKS)
If you are also from New York City, there are a few outdoor winter holiday markets open and with a much smaller crowd than before. Definitely check it out if you have time! You may find some really special gifts here.
DO PRODUCT RESEARCH
With many retailers offering free returns, it is easy to ‘buy now and return later.’ Maybe the item doesn’t fit, or it isn’t what you imaged. And sometimes, you just changed your mind. (We are human!)
However, returning an item leaves another trail of carbon emissions. Another shocking fact is that most returned goods are unable to be resold, which creates a lot of product waste.
Whether you are buying for yourself or someone else, read the reviews and product description. If possible, send an email to the retailer if you don’t have all the information you need. Especially if you don’t feel comfortable shopping in stores just yet, this step is really helpful to prevent additional returns.
REQUEST GROUND SHIPPING
This point may be unpopular for many. We love fast shipping, and why give it up if it is offered for free? I understand the temptation well, but I try to opt for standard shipping if it is an item that can wait.
Expedited shipping normally means less flexibility for your order to be bundled with others in the same delivery, which drives up mileage and fuel expenditures. In more extreme cases such as overnight shipping, the item is sent using an air carrier.
Pro Tip: Plan ahead this holiday, and skip last minute gift orders. Couriers are also overwhelmed during COVID, so you probably don’t want to risk your gift not arriving in time anyways.
And that’s a wrap…
. . .get it? I hope you found this read on how to make online shopping sustainable both quick and refreshing! As I shared earlier, I do hope to grow this list more as I learn. However, if you have other great tips, please do share in the comments below and I would love to consider it in my shopping routine this holiday!
Melsy’s Illustrations | Bryant Park Winter Holiday Market (2018)
I also linked her Etsy page above, but she creates really feminine, fanciful illustrations on all sorts of stationery! Two years ago, I had a really friendly conversation with the artist’s mom and it was refreshing to support a local business 🙂
Supporting local businesses is so very important and often can surprise us with the most unique gifts! Thank you for an amazing and informative read as always! (On another note, I adore the holiday markets which spring up in NYC, definitely a great place to find interesting gifts!)
Yes!! Love the holiday markets in NYC 🙂 Though the Union Square one is sadly not coming back this year. I am glad Bryant Park is up and running though. Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment!