As the world becomes more aware of environmental issues such as climate change, it is becoming more lucrative for businesses to adopt sustainability practices. Many young consumers say sustainable products and brands significantly influence their shopping choices. In addition to being more lucrative, companies that embrace sustainability strategies also contribute to the goal of protecting the environment. For these reasons, even businesses that operate primarily through ecommerce should consider implementing sustainability into their business model.
What Does Sustainability Mean?
The term sustainability refers to the practice of maintaining the balance between human needs and the environment. This is done by attempting to reduce the negative impact of human technology, such as greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. Studies show sectors such as agriculture and industry emit much of the world’s greenhouse gases.
Several countries have dedicated themselves to promoting sustainability. Practising sustainability will allow organizations to reduce their carbon footprint and help keep the balance between humans and the environment.
By showing they know sustainability practices, businesses might enjoy a better reputation with consumers. This can be especially important for an ecommerce company.
How to Implement Sustainability Into Your Business
Although it might seem very simple, there are many ways to implement sustainability into an ecommerce business model. Even using AI tools can help find sustainable strategies and increase business efficiency.
Use Environmentally Friendly Packaging
Plastic is a standard material used for everything from shipping to product packaging. It’s one of the most common manufactured pollutants and many different types of plastic are directly and indirectly harmful to the environment.
Toxins in plastic degrade into the soil and water, which can poison the surrounding environment and kill species such as microorganisms, insects and marine life. In addition, large animals can consume plastic bags and other containers. At best, this will cause long-term damage to their health — at worst, the plastic can damage their internal organs, causing a painful death.
Therefore, switching to more environmentally friendly packaging is a good way for an ecommerce business to show sustainability practices. Packages with more sturdy materials resist degradation and do not emit toxic chemicals. In addition, there is packaging made of more natural materials that decompose cleanly.
Choose Green Shipping
Shipping is another industry responsible for a large amount of greenhouse gas emissions. Studies show ocean-going vessels release 1.12 billion metric tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year. In addition, commercial vehicles also account for a large number of greenhouse gas emissions.
While ecommerce businesses reduce the number of times a consumer uses their vehicle, they can also increase the need for shipping vehicles, indirectly contributing to harmful environmental effects. Therefore, partnering with shipping companies that use sustainable shipping practices is another way for a business to show its dedication to protecting the environment. Thankfully, this is becoming easier as more major shipping companies are adopting strategies with the goal of sustainability in mind.
Obtain Sustainability Certification
Sustainability certification is the most successful way for businesses to show consumers they care about sustainable practices. Businesses can obtain sustainability certification by investing in programs that lay out a series of environmentally friendly initiatives.
Examples include energy conservation and efficiency programs, clean transportation and recycling. Many of these programs offer step-by-step guidance on using sustainability strategies while pointing out improvement areas for organizations participating. Ecommerce businesses are awarded a seal they can display on their websites.
Sustainability in Ecommerce Businesses Is Growing
Ecommerce businesses that practise sustainability can differentiate themselves from their competitors and gain more consumer attention from the younger generation. In addition, these companies are also having a genuinely positive impact on the environment. Reducing plastic usage and partnering with organizations practising sustainable shipping are just some of the ways ecommerce businesses can help change the world.
Holly brings a wealth of experience in both print and digital publishing. As Modern Retail’s Content Editor, Holly is passionate about helping independent retailers to thrive in today’s ever-changing market.
