UK Shopping Centre Explores Why In – store Purchasing Is More Sustainable Than Online
05-09-2022
Experts insist we are in the middle of a climate emergency and more must be done to protect the earth. People are encouraged to do their bit – turning off plug sockets when the devices aren’t in use and recycling certain materials. But what else should you commit to?
If you’re an avid shopper, reducing online purchases and switching to in-store is another way you can help protect the environment.
Jade Wilkie, Marketing Manger of the Forge Shopping Centre, says: “We’re all prone to an online clothing order here and there, but it’s alarming to see how many people are making it their first choice over in-store shopping.
“As a community, we need to be doing more to combat climate change. Visiting brick-and-mortar stores over making online purchases is an easy and fun way to help do this. It was only a couple of months ago we were warned that Glasgow is at serious risk of flooding by the River Clyde if we don’t address climate change.”
Here, the Forge Shopping Centre explains why in-store shopping is more sustainable than online.
You know sooner rather than later if that item of clothing is really for you
When you search for clothes online, the only information you can retrieve is in the form of a few images and some text, which is rarely enough to make an informed decision. The items arrive, and when they’re finally tried on, you realise that the jeans don’t fit, the dress is too short, and the shirt doesn’t look like how it did on the model.
In fact, studies show that around 30-40% of all clothes bought online are returned. Shipping emission is already an environmental impact you must be mindful of, and making returns only adds to this.
If you stick to buying from clothing shops, you can make use of dedicated fitting rooms so you can try before you buy, dramatically reducing the chances of you needing to make a return. Not only is this a more sustainable way of shopping, but it’s also less hassle for you in the long run.
Get your items without unnecessary packaging
Shopping online creates five times more emissions from packaging, which is another strong reason why you should switch to in-store. Typically, clothes purchased in a physical store will be placed into one plastic or paper carrier bag that you can take away. Better yet, these bags can be reused for future purchases, increasing their sustainability.
When you buy online, the process is a little different. Let’s face it, it’s very rare you make an online order for just one item, which means you’re likely to end up receiving a single-use plastic bag full of multiple items wrapped in their own individual single-use plastic bags, with a few paper receipts just to add the icing on the cake.
Get what you need…the first time!
The demand for online retail is reaching new heights, so much so that experts predict 36% more e-commerce delivery vehicles will be driving around inner cities by the end of the decade – meaning more emissions, pollution, and congestion. If that wasn’t bad enough, many wasted trips occur when drivers attempt to deliver a parcel when somebody isn’t home to receive it. So, in some cases, just one online clothing parcel can have double the negative impact on the environment.
If you choose to visit a shop in person to purchase your new clothes there and then, you’ll get your items there and then. You don’t have to worry about shuffling your plans to accommodate a delivery or staying home all day to greet the driver. In a brick-and-mortar store, you hand over your money and receive the goods in one swift move.
Grab your reusable bags, it’s time to go shopping
There’s no denying that shopping online can have its perks, but if you are looking for a more sustainable way to get your hands on the latest trends, we strongly recommend you visit the local high street and shopping centres. Not only is it important for the environment, but it can also serve as a pleasant experience all round.
Sources:
https://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/
https://chainstoreage.com/simon-malls-are-greener-online-stores
