How To Make eCommerce Eco-friendly

Virginia Miller

November 15, 2024

In this article

Green eCommerce is also called sustainable eCommerce. This refers to the idea of brands dealing with products or services online while taking the effect of business on the environment into account and reducing the same. Brands doing green eCommerce can offer more environment-friendly products to their customers. Most importantly, they can lower the carbon footprints. Noteworthy here is that 70 percent, based on the US and Canada customers, pay emphasis towards the environment-friendly brands.

The Growing Importance of Eco-Friendly eCommerce

There is an increasing emphasis on making ecommerce more eco-friendly and sustainable. With 68% of consumers claiming loyalty to brands that share their environmental values, going green has become a wise business decision for elevating brand image and driving sales.

Key Ways Brands Can Create Sustainable eCommerce Models

Use Recyclable and Compostable Packaging

Switch to packaging made from recycled, recyclable, and compostable materials. Though often more expensive, 70% of consumers support eco-friendly packaging.

Reduce Single-Use Plastics

Single-use plastics are major contributors to waste and pollution. Reduce their usage across operations and supply chain. For products needing protective packaging, use recyclable and sustainable materials.

Provide Carbon Offsets for Shipping

Partner with eco-conscious shipping companies using carbon neutral methods. Also consider donating to carbon offset programs to counter emissions from deliveries.

Track and Reduce Emissions

Use tools to calculate shipping emissions and find ways to lower environmental impact through operational changes and offset programs.

Distribute Inventory to Minimize Shipping Distances

Work with logistics companies to distribute inventory across locations for faster, lower emission deliveries. This cuts costs and environmental impact while improving customer satisfaction.

The Bottom Line

By making their ecommerce model more sustainable through steps like eco-friendly packaging, carbon offsets, and distributed inventory, brands can gain loyal customers while operating responsibly.

Focusing on environmental values aligns with consumer priorities and helps position a company as an ethical, future-thinking brand.

Next article: Eco-Friendly Packaging Tips for eCommerce in 2020

FAQs

Why is sustainable ecommerce becoming more important?

With rising eco-awareness amongst consumers, an environmentally responsible brand image allows you to connect with values-driven shoppers, gain loyalty, and capture market share.

What are some impactful steps for making my business model "green"?

Start by reducing single-use plastics, switching to recycled/compostable packaging materials, distributing inventory to cut emissions from shipping, buying carbon offsets, and tracking your carbon footprint.

How much does eco-friendly packaging cost compared to traditional materials?

Sustainable packaging typically costs 20-25% more than conventional plastic or excessive packaging. However, consumers are willing to pay more for an environmentally responsible brand.

Can going green actually increase profits and growth for my ecommerce store?

Yes, building an ethical brand image allows you to tap into the eco-conscious consumer market, create customer loyalty, reinforce values-based messaging through marketing, and future-proof your business model.

What are carbon offsets and how do they work to counter shipping emissions?

Carbon offsets fund projects like tree planting and renewable energy to sequester or avoid CO2 emissions. By buying offsets, you can invest to reduce environmental impact from delivery trucks and flights.

Is it difficult to track and report on sustainability metrics?

Sustainability tracking software and environmental audits make it easier. Key metrics include carbon footprint, renewable energy usage, waste generation, water consumption, and sustainable miles traveled.

How can I find the right logistics partner to help minimize shipping distances?

Look for nationwide and regional fulfillment centers that allow you to store inventory close to customers. This cuts down on mileage while enabling faster delivery.