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Low Cost Ways to Transition Your Store Towards Sustainability

BUSINESS TIPS  |  November 12, 2021

The rise of eCommerce has revolutionized the retail industry. What was once hard-to-find can now be purchased online with only a few clicks. It has made the world smaller and more accessible to people. That said, it isn’t without its drawbacks.

The industry has played a significant part in polluting the planet. With the ease of ordering products, packages aren’t disposed of properly, and items aren’t cared for to last. It is estimated that packages from online shops generated over 450 million pounds of waste in one year. Twenty-two million pounds end up in the ocean disrupting marine ecosystems.

As an online business owner, the change starts with shifting your operations towards a more sustainable route. Contrary to popular belief, this shift is neither difficult nor expensive. Below are a few simple, low-cost ways to make your business more sustainable and eco-friendly:

 

  • Audit Your Operations

As they say, you can’t change what you don’t know. The first step in moving towards a more sustainable operation involves auditing your current processes. This should include the packaging that you use, the sourcing process, and the carriers you work with to get your products to the customers. Having a clear insight into the sustainability of your entire operation can help you pinpoint the areas you need to improve on.

 

  • Switch to Sustainable Packaging

Plastic doesn’t degrade – at least not for another millennium. Choosing biodegradable packaging can reduce waste in eCommerce significantly. While it is an investment to make the change, consumers are willing to pay the price of receiving products in non-plastic materials. In fact, according to research, 82% of online shoppers prefer purchasing from brands that use recyclable packaging. With the switch, you not only protect the planet but also corner the market of conscious consumers.

 

  • Work with Carbon Neutral Carriers

Transportation is probably one of the most significant contributors to pollution as far as eCommerce is concerned. The carbon footprint it entails to ship a product from one side of the globe to the other cannot be denied.

That said, working only with companies that offer carbon-neutral deliveries like Sendle and DHL is a step towards sustainability. While carbon emissions through these carriers aren’t completely eradicated, these shipping companies ensure that they offset the footprint.

 

  • Source Locally

In a similar breath as using carbon-neutral carriers, sourcing raw materials locally can significantly reduce your operation’s carbon footprint. Since these items do not have to travel long distances to get to your warehouse, you don’t incur as much emissions as sourcing internationally.

 

Going green or practicing sustainability as a brand isn’t a fad. Likewise, incorporating this lifestyle into your business isn’t mutually exclusive of generating profit. Your brand can be sustainable and prosperous at the same time. The recommendations above are small steps that you can take to protect the environment and provide a chance for future generations to enjoy the planet. 

We at Dojo can help you deliver the message of sustainability in eCommerce to the world. Through our world-class web development services, you indeed can have it all. Contact us and start your sustainability journey with Dojo today!