From gifts and groceries to books and apparel, most French consumers turn to the internet first. Recent lockdowns have only accelerated this shift. But are these habits truly eco-friendly? Not necessarily.
Online shopping offers unmatched convenience—click, pay, and receive deliveries swiftly, often with free returns. No wonder 87% of French people have bought online, according to the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (Ademe). Yet, this ease comes at a cost: resource depletion for new products, multiple transports, storage, and excessive packaging. As Ademe notes, "Online ordering, fast delivery, and promotions fuel impulse buys, hiding a chain of environmental impacts."
Backed by Ademe's expert guidance and real-world studies, here are actionable steps to minimize your footprint and shop responsibly.
A June 2020 Harris Interactive study found 31% of purchases are impulsive or promotional. Pause and ask: Do I really need this? Check for second-hand options first. The web excels here—compare product sheets, reviews, and guides for environmental credentials. It's ideal for appliances and more, as Ademe highlights.
Free returns sound great but mean extra trips and CO2. Ademe advises: "One consolidated order beats many small ones—fewer deliveries, less packaging." Opt for local sellers to cut mileage. Collect parcels on foot, by bike, or en route to work, skipping dedicated car trips.
E-commerce often overpackages compared to in-store buys, per Ademe. Spot excess? Leave feedback on the site to encourage improvement. Always sort paper, cardboard, and plastics into recycling—or drop at a center.
Group orders, choose local and ethical products, and adopt these habits to shop online with a clear conscience.
