The first step towards more sustainable online shopping is to reflect on whether you truly need to make a new purchase. Consider exploring second-hand options, which are not only eco-friendly but often come with minimal packaging. If you haven't found what you're looking for second-hand, try sitting on the idea for a while to determine if it's a genuine necessity. This simple practice has saved my wallet numerous times!
Here are a few of my favorite second-hand websites:
- Depop (Apparel)
- Thread Up (Apparel)
- The Real Real (Apparel)
- Poshmark (Apparel & Home Furnishing)
- Thrift Books (Books and Movies)
- Apartment Therapy (Home Furnishing)
- Jayson Home (Vintage Home Furnishing)
- Revival (Vintage Rugs)
- Etsy (Everything and Anything)
- Facebook Marketplace (Everything and Anything)
2. Do Your Research
Once you've considered second-hand options, it's time to research your online shops. Look for sustainable packaging practices and eco-conscious shipping policies. Home goods often have "zero-waste packaging" options, while for clothing, you may need to dig a bit deeper.
Resource Alert: The "Good On You" app simplifies this process by allowing you to assess fashion brands based on their impact on the planet, people, and animals. Their rating system provides valuable insights into a company's sustainability practices.
3. Packaging Matters
Pay attention to the packaging used by online retailers. Seek out companies that use compostable or recyclable materials. Platforms like No Issue offer eco-friendly packaging options, and browsing their Instagram followers and tags can lead you to more sustainable packaging ideas. Personally, we use No Issue and recyclable cardboard boxes with cellulose fill for fragile items.
4. Request Minimal Packaging
Did you know you can request minimal packaging when shopping on Amazon? Simply email cs-reply@amazon.com or call 1 (877) 586-3230 to ask them to exclude unnecessary packaging like bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or excessive boxes. Scheduling your deliveries to arrive on the same day can also help reduce over-packaging. While adding a minimal packaging note to your delivery instructions on other websites isn't always successful, it's a practice we hope becomes more standardized in the future!
5. Embrace Reuse
Reuse as much of your packaging as possible. Boxes can be reused multiple times, and instead of using plastic bags, consider packing donations in your reusable boxes and dropping them off at a local thrift store. Over time, collect boxes for creative building projects with your kids – the possibilities are endless!
6. Responsible Recycling
Properly disposing of any remaining packaging is crucial. Consider using the iRecycle app, which is a game-changer when it comes to responsible disposal. It helps you find the right recycling solutions for various materials and connects you with local recycling centers if needed.
As the demand for eco-friendly practices continues to grow among consumers, we have high hopes that companies will increasingly prioritize environmental consciousness and work towards minimizing unnecessary packaging in the years ahead. By uniting in this effort, we can collectively contribute to reducing our ecological footprint and fostering a more sustainable future!
