Want to shop in a way that helps the planet? Sustainable shopping is a great choice, but it can be tricky to know which products are truly eco-friendly, especially when shopping online.
As more people buy online, the number of products labeled sustainable is on the rise. However, there isn’t a universal standard to determine what “sustainable” really means. Different organizations define sustainability in various ways, and that can create confusion.
Many third-party organizations examine the practices of companies and award certifications. You might see these on product pages. For example, the U.S. Department of Agriculture provides the organic label, while the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has its Energy Star rating for appliances. Large online retailers often use icons or links to highlight these certifications.
However, without a central resource to verify which certifications are trustworthy, shoppers might feel overwhelmed. Elwyn Grainger-Jones, a sustainability expert, notes the lack of a clear guide for consumers to identify credible certifications. “There’s a challenge here,” he says. “We need a reliable information source on what makes a good certification.”
Interestingly, shopping online doesn’t always produce more carbon emissions. In some cases, it can even be better for the environment compared to driving to a store, as a study from Environmental Science and Technology found. Factors like shipping method and distance from stores play a big role in this outcome.
Even though there’s no foolproof way to spot sustainable products, here are some tips to consider. These can also apply when you’re shopping in-person at a supermarket or home goods store.
Understand how sustainability is evaluated. Different certifications assess sustainability in unique ways. Some focus on specific issues, while others take a broader view. For example, a product could minimize emissions during manufacturing but still use excessive water, which offsets its benefits. Look for labels that measure various sustainability factors, including energy efficiency, transport distance, and resource extraction methods.
Check for third-party verification. This is key to ensuring a company’s sustainability claims are valid. Clementina Consens from B-Lab, which certifies socially responsible companies, advises consumers to seek out established certifying agencies. Grainger-Jones warns that some companies use their own self-certificate labels, which may look credible but are often misleading. “You can even buy one for a few thousand dollars,” he notes.
Look for clear climate goals. A committed company will publicly share its sustainability initiatives and make data accessible. Consens recommends looking for information such as environmental impact assessments and any published results on greenhouse gas emissions or resource use. Major retailers like Walmart and Target are transparent about their sustainability targets and report on their progress, offering consumers a clearer picture of their environmental impact. For instance, Walmart’s Project Gigaton aims to reduce emissions in its supply chain, while Target shares updates on its efforts.
Amazon has introduced the Climate Pledge Friendly program, which highlights products that meet specific third-party sustainability standards. Nneka Leiba from Amazon emphasizes the importance of reliable certifications and notes that products in this program see an average sales boost of 12% in the first year after certification.
So, as you navigate the world of online shopping, keep these tips in mind. They can help make your purchases more eco-friendly and support the businesses that prioritize sustainability.
