Did you know that the Fashion industry has a very large carbon footprint and accounts for 10% of global carbon emissions, more than what the aviation and shipping industries combined generate?  And now combined with online shopping which with just a few clicks, we can have items delivered to our doorstep without ever leaving the comfort of our homes, this carbon footprint is only increasing.  

So what is a carbon footprint? 

Carbon footprint refers to the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by human activities, including online shopping. From the energy used to power servers and data centers to the transportation of goods to your door, every step of the online shopping process contributes to carbon emissions. But fear not, there are steps you can take to reduce your carbon footprint while still enjoying the convenience of online shopping.

4 ways to reduce your carbon footprint when shopping online 

• Reduce Your Carbon Footprint by Choosing Sustainable Retailers 

 When shopping online, opt for retailers that prioritize sustainability. Look for brands that care about social and environmental responsibility. Here at Inphorm, we make sure that all of our manufacturing partners adhere to all of the human rights laws and fair wage standards.   Our manufacturers also have solar panels and a wastewater recycling system to make sure they are prioritizing sustainability.  This is where the name Inphorm comes in, as we want our customers to be informed about sustainability and the impact that fashion has on the environment.  We all need to do our part to reduce our carbon footprint.

• Consolidate Your Orders to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint 

 Instead of making multiple small purchases from different retailers or even within the same retailer, try to consolidate your orders whenever possible. This reduces the number of shipments required, cutting down on transportation emissions. Additionally, choosing standard shipping over expedited options can help minimize the carbon footprint of your delivery.  This is why we work so hard here at Inphorm to offer all of the products you would need all in one place.  Whether you are playing tennis, golf, pickleball, or simply doing yoga or lifting weights at the gym, there is no need to look anywhere else for all of your athleisure clothing needs

 

Reuse or Recycle your Packaging Materials to Reduce your Carbon footprint 

To further reduce your carbon footprint when shopping online, consider the importance of reusing or recycling packaging materials. Instead of immediately discarding packaging materials like cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, or packing peanuts, explore ways to give them a second life. You can reuse cardboard boxes for storage or shipping, repurpose bubble wrap as protective padding for fragile items, and use packing peanuts as cushioning material for future packages. Additionally, many communities offer recycling programs for various types of packaging materials, including cardboard, paper, plastics, and metals. By participating in these programs and properly recycling your packaging materials, you can divert waste from landfills and conserve valuable resources. Reusing and recycling packaging materials not only reduces your carbon footprint but also promotes a circular economy where resources are reused and recycled, minimizing the need for new production and ultimately benefiting the environment.

Offset Your Carbon Emissions by Purchasing from Brands who Offer Ecocart 

Ecocart is a fantastic tool that allows you to mitigate the carbon footprint of your online purchases and puts the power back in the consumer’s hands.  This is why we are so excited to announce we now offer this one-click carbon-neutral checkout option! 

EcoCart’s proprietary algorithm estimates each unique order’s carbon footprint in real-time by looking at variables like shipping distance, package weight, and product type.  You can now automatically calculate and offset the carbon emissions associated with your shopping cart which then go to fun a carbon offsetting project. 

What is a carbon footprint offsetting project?

When you support a carbon offsetting project, you're not just offsetting carbon emissions – you're investing in projects that actively combat climate change. These projects range from preserving forests to constructing wind farms, all aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the atmosphere. Carbon offsets provide a vital means to counteract the carbon footprint of companies when reducing emissions isn't immediately feasible. However, not all carbon offset projects are created equal. That's where EcoCart shines. Their carbon offsetting projects undergo rigorous lab and field testing, third-party verification, and site visits to ensure precise calculations of greenhouse gas emissions being offset. These projects then issue offset credits, measured in metric tons (tonnes) of carbon dioxide equivalents (mtCO₂e). EcoCart meticulously evaluates the implementation of methodologies, ensuring that the majority of proceeds fuel project growth rather than profit. By supporting EcoCart's initiatives, you're not just offsetting carbon – you're investing in tangible solutions that make a real difference in the fight against climate change.

Here at Inphorm, we have chosen to support the Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary project located in Cambodia as this is the closest project to our manufacturing facilities in Thailand.  Thanks to Ecocart we will now be able to showcase our real-time impact, in a real place, and provide transparency for all of our customers to see!  Ecocart’s innovative solution helps you shop guilt-free while contributing to environmental conservation efforts.

While online shopping may seem inherently unsustainable, as you can see there are plenty of ways to reduce your carbon footprint while still enjoying its convenience. By consciously choosing sustainable retailers, consolidating orders, reusing/recycling packaging, and offsetting emissions with tools like Ecocart, you can make a positive impact on the environment with every purchase. Remember, small changes in our shopping habits can add up to significant reductions in carbon emissions, helping to create a greener and more sustainable future for all.