The global movement toward sustainability requires greener solutions for eCommerce and online shopping. Today we’ll be covering the cheapest and easiest ways to reduce eCommerce emissions. Companies benefit from sustainability in a variety of ways, including improved reputation, climate change preparation, staying competitive, and appealing to consumer standards and expectations.
Cheapest Ways to Reduce eCommerce Emissions
Use Greener and Carbon Neutral Delivery Options
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Buy-online pick-up in-store options continue to be a popular choice for online shoppers. By allowing orders to be picked up at a real storefront, eCommerce companies help reduce vehicular emissions associated with individual orders.
Use Multiple Fulfillment Center Locations
Having multiple fulfillment locations allows purchases to reach customers quicker, regardless of geographic location. Furthermore, when your eCommerce platform utilizes multiple distribution centers, pick-up options become more convenient for customers.
Pick-up Points
Pick-up locations range from storefronts and public parcel lockers to collaborating partners like your local grocery store. These alternative options allow customers to choose locations that best meet their needs while also minimizing their dependence on commercial product delivery. Additionally, shoppers could pick up their package hours, if not days earlier when bypassing the delivery process.
Sustainable Carrier Programs
UPS and FedEx are now offering low-emission delivery vehicles, bicycle deliveries, and other carbon offsetting and GHG-reduction measures. By partnering with environmentally friendly carriers, you can develop an eco-friendly reputation for your eCommerce company while also lowering emissions.
Purchase Carbon Offsets
Carbon offsets are an effective approach to minimize GHG emissions from automobiles – or any other kind of pollution. You may attain carbon neutrality by estimating the amount of CO2 your company emits each year and purchasing carbon offsets. These solutions assist your company in reducing its carbon footprint without needing major modifications to its operations or structure.
Use this free calculator to estimate your company’s CO2 impact. Read the results to determine what carbon offsets to purchase.
Switch to Sustainable Packaging
Reduce Unnecessary Packaging
Proper packing is essential for minimizing package and material waste. By selecting the appropriate box size for specific products, you can avoid wasting space and the need for unnecessary package filler. With less space for movement, things are less likely to be damaged without the use of excess material.
Use Eco-friendly Materials
Investing in recyclable materials allows your eCommerce to have a positive environmental impact even after orders have been fulfilled. Customers can support the environment by discarding fewer packaging materials and following the recycling instructions your company provides.
Integrating reusable functions into your packaging saves waste while also providing your consumers with new opportunities to experience your brand.
Consider the following reusable packaging ideas:
Packaging that can be re-purposed into product holders.
Shipping boxes that can be re-purposed into a cardboard castle for cats.
Packaging that can be re-purposed as hangers or for product organization.
Making your packaging biodegradable is another option. You won’t have to depend on your consumer to recycle or reuse whatever material does make it to them. When properly submitted to an industrial site, shoppers may dispose of packaging, and waste will decompose in less than 180 days.
Reduce Your Returns
When it comes to minimizing total returns, making your return policy visible and easy to read for consumers is vital. Before completing a purchase and blindly returning products, aid your consumers in locating, reading, and understanding your return policy. Include important details such as return shipping and restocking costs (if applicable), as well as the acceptable return conditions.
Moreover, promoting exchanges over returns can assist in lowering both overall return rates and carbon impact. Making exchanges a preferred option guides shoppers to a more environmentally responsible solution while still providing them the ability to choose.
Learn more tips and tricks about avoiding returns altogether.
Reduce E-Waste
As an eCommerce business, it’s necessary to develop a thorough approach to reducing your environmental impact. You can responsibly recycle electronics ranging from in-house tech equipment to industrial batteries by working with electronic recycling programs or participating in the Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) Electronics Challenge.
Conclusion
Making the choice to reduce your eCommerce emissions doesn’t have to be expensive. eCommerce businesses can minimize their environmental impact affordably by utilizing alternative delivery options, sustainable packaging, and reducing unnecessary materials and e-waste.
Go Green with Falcon
Reduce your carbon footprint, appeal to emerging eco-trends, and show the world how much you care about the environment by consistently providing a green experience with the help of Falcon Fulfillment.
