There are many different ways to be more sustainable, and in fact, you can find a way to make everything you do more eco-friendly if you take the time to think things through. Shopping online is a great example of that; it’s a great way to be more sustainable, so here are some of the things you’ll need to think about.
Get Educated
Before you start online shopping, it’s a good idea to learn as much about various sustainable practices as possible (if you don’t know about them already, of course) because, in that way, you’ll instantly know which sites you can use and which ones you should steer clear of.
You’ll want to look out for trustworthy labels and certifications because that will help to give you a guide as to what you should and shouldn’t buy and who you should (and shouldn’t) buy from. Some of the labels you want to see include Fair Trade and organic, for example. When you see them, you’ll know that whatever it is you’re buying has been produced or farmed in a way that’s not harmful to the planet, and you can feel happier about your purchase.
Research Brands
So you’ve gone online, and you’ve made yourself comfortable in a good chair with a hot drink and a Safari ad blocker installed – you’re ready to go. Now the key is not to rush things; it’s best to assume you’re in it for the long haul because, as much as online shopping is convenient and fast, when you want it to be sustainable as well, fast isn’t the best way to go about things. Instead, you’ll want to take your time and make sure you do plenty of research before you actually make a purchase.
When you find a website you think you might like to buy from, check that it’s sustainable and eco-friendly – if it is, it’ll probably talk about that fact in the about us section, for example, so check there, but otherwise do a web search to see what you can find. You don’t want to accidentally buy from anywhere that doesn’t take care of the planet.
Next, you’ll also want to research each specific product. Even if the company you’re buying from has sustainable practices in place, you’ll want to check that what you’re buying is sustainable too, just in case. Once you’ve done all your research, you can buy without any worries.
What About The Packaging?
Of course, when you buy something online, it’s not just about the product itself – you’ll also need to think about the packaging because it’s sure to come wrapped in something for protection if nothing else. So just what is that packaging made of?
If it’s plastic, for example, you might want to stay away from that business even if everything else matches up with your priorities. However, if it’s something recyclable or even biodegradable, you’ll be in a much better position to say yes and buy whatever it is you want. It really does make a difference, so it’s important not to forget this small but crucial part of online shopping.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
