Online shopping is thriving but many of us don’t realise the negative impact it can have on the environment.

With every online purchase and parcel shipped, there is increased packaging waste and carbon dioxide emitted in transport and delivery.

In fact, the global shipping and logistics industry currently accounts for a whopping 17% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. This is expected to increase, with an estimated 36% more delivery trucks to be on the roads by 2030 – and more packing waste. If current trends continue, it’s predicted that there will be over 11 billion tons of plastic waste in landfill by 2050.

While businesses need to be held accountable for their carbon footprint, our choices as consumers can also make a difference.

The good news is that online shopping doesn’t have to cost the earth. One of the reasons I started Sendle was to help reduce the emissions in this industry by giving both businesses and consumers a zero-carbon way to send and receive parcels.

As it’s grown, we’ve all learned more about the impact we can have. So here are some practical ways to start reducing your environmental impact today:

1. Think before you shop and limit your returns

Before you purchase something, ask yourself, “Do I really need this?” And if so, have you spent some time on the website making sure whatever it is you’re purchasing is the right product for you?

For example, if it’s clothing, have you measured yourself and checked the finer details to ensure it’s the best fit for you? If it’s new furniture, like a TV unit or lounge chair, have you measured the space in your house to ensure it will fit?

The reason for this step is that, while generous return policies are great for customers, they’re