E-commerce, sustainability and environment
In recent years, more and more consumers have entered the green world. These are mainly young people whose ecological awareness is based on an interconnection between human beings and the environment. Sustainability and the e-commerce world are not just topics for debates on the environmental future.
Companies, and at the same time e-commerce, are responding positively to the new market demand, implementing policies to sell more sustainable products and use recyclable materials.
But are Companies really ready?
From the latest Casaleggio Associati’s report 2021, it appears that researches related to the term “sustainability” has increased by 70%. Almost half of Italians who shop online say they are willing to pay extra costs for greener shipping and delivery. Despite this, only 1% of online retailers offer environmentally friendly delivery options. A figure still too low if we consider the sustainable development goals defined by the UN for 2030.
E-commerce and the Climate Pledge
The Climate Pledge is a community co-founded by Amazon in 2019 that brings together companies, individuals and organizations working together to overcome the climate crisis and reduce net carbon emissions to zero by 2040. There are several signatory e-commerce players, including the giant Amazon which last year included the famous “green” labels on over 40 thousand products. Asos has launched an entirely green collection “Asos Design Circular” and Zalando aims to achieve the goal to sell 25% more sustainable products by 2023.
The trend of sustainability has also influenced the fashion world and the effects are found in the many second-hand e-commerce websites that promote the circular economy. The circular economy is a production and consumption model that involves the reuse, repair and recycling of materials and products. Among these, Vinted and Lampoo stand out. The second-hand market recorded a growth of 12% in the two-year period 2018-2020.
Each of us can become a conscious consumer for the benefit of nature. Doing so can help avoid falling into traps and defend against the wishful thinking of greenwashing.
Source: Casaleggio Associati’s report 2021.
