There’s no doubt that shopping can have a devastating impact on our ecosystem—yet it’s not just about what you purchase but also how you purchase it. With so many things contributing negatively to our environment, read on to find out some critical steps to decreasing your carbon footprint the next time you decide to shop!
Shop Locally
Shopping locally avoids substantial carbon emissions from being emitted—after all, transporting goods from around the globe requires the release of deadly greenhouse gases on a daily basis. Even if you decide to order a product from a company of your origin, the chances are that it has probably been produced on another continent and needs to be shipped countless miles to reach your front door.
Thus, you may want to shop at local stores—and buy products that are produced locally and use locally sourced materials. All of this means that the product requires less transportation than most products and also helps you support local businesses in your community.
Be Patient With Delivery
You may be tempted to get next-day delivery. Demanding a higher distribution speed elevates your order’s carbon impact due to air transportation. Furthermore, these products are less likely to be put together in one package, meaning that more packaging is often used.
Be Thrifty
As the impacts of fast fashion cycle on, maybe it’s time to back away from the leading fashion brands and opt for something second-hand. Some favorite sites for these types of clothing include eBay and Depop—the quality of these preloved products is often as good as new! Giving a product a new home extends its lifespan, keeping materials in the loop and away from toxic landfill sites.
Ensure You Love Your Purchases
It’s crucial to ensure you only buy products you genuinely love. This will cut down on what you buy to reduce your environmental impact and increase your love for your wardrobe.
Search For The Evidence
Since greenwashing is a monumental problem in the fashion industry, you need to ensure that the brand you are buying into really is ethical and sustainable. Thus, you need to look for evidence when browsing websites—this could include some legitimate certifications.
Key Takeaways
- Firstly, it’s apparent that we need to change our shopping practices. A simple purchase may not seem like a big deal, but it appears that everything can greatly impact our environment, positively or negatively.
- Next, marketers and other people in business can learn that selling preloved or sustainable products may be the way forwards in attracting a broader consumer base. More and more people are looking to reduce their carbon footprint, and businesses that offer these kinds of products can quickly profit from this desire.
- Last but not least, individual shoppers have the authority to change our world. A simple purchase may not seem like a big deal, but it appears that everything can mightily impact our environment – for better or worse.
