Sustainable shopping is becoming more popular as people begin searching for more eco-friendly products. The realization that our purchasing decisions can make an impact people and the planet. Shopping online for ethical and sustainable products is sometimes the easiest or only way as the products may not be available locally (especially in a small, rural town like mine).
I told you I’d share my exact shopping process this week, and I’m ready…even if the Boyfriend thinks my process is “extra.” And who can blame him when we could’ve had a new water filter last week from Amazon.

When shopping, especially through online stores, it is important to note the environmental impact extends beyond the product you are buying and includes the transportation to your home. One of the advantage of shopping online is that you can look for more information on your product like (1) reviews, (2) materials used, (3) manufacturing processes, and even (4) ethical brands that take their social responsibility seriously as well. I’m always on the look out for products that are made by companies that have a commitment to fair labor practices and ethical sourcing. By shopping with these companies, I am helping to support workers and communities around the world.
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Understanding Sustainable Shopping Online
Sustainable shopping online is about making conscious choices to reduce our environmental impact while still enjoying the convenience and necessity of online shopping. I’m often too busy to go grocery shopping (it’s been about 12 weeks, and our garden-grown winter squash and potatoes are serving us well), so I definitely don’t want to spend my time going from store to store to find eco-friendly products I need at home. Plus online shopping is a one-stop shop where I can shop at midnight while enjoying my bedtime tea. Here are some ways we can shop sustainably online:
1. Look for Sustainable Brands

One way to shop sustainably online is to look for brands that prioritize sustainability. These brands use eco-friendly materials, reduce waste, and tend to have ethical practices. Some popular examples of sustainable brands include those that continually report on what they are doing for the planet. By supporting these brands, we can encourage more companies to adopt sustainable practices.
You’ll usually find a company’s sustainability practices or values on their about page, but they might have other indicators on their product pages like they plant a tree for every purchase or they might be a certified B corporation. If a brand supports sustainability at all, they will have it somewhere on their website or in the product description about how your new running shoes are made from corn (as an example).
2. Choose Eco-Friendly or Zero Waste Products
Another way to shop sustainably online is to choose eco-friendly products; this ties into the brand research above too. These products are sustainably made with materials such as organic cotton, bamboo, or recycled or recyclable materials. I’ve found that most ethical online purchases I’ve made are designed to last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements (and so far this has proven true).
When shopping online, it can be easy to look for products that are labeled as eco-friendly or sustainable, but I would advise against this being your only approach since they can be marketing buzzwords and used by companies who aren’t what you’re looking for.
I try to look for vegan, all-natural products as well, especially if it’s a product going in or on my body like makeup or skincare. There aren’t many boutique or even all-natural stores around me, so my options for a full-on self-care day tend to be of the online variety. Unrefined coconut oil is and always will be my go-to daily skincare routine.

Environmentally friendly materials such as organic cotton, bamboo, or hemp (I’ve found used in many home goods like shower curtains) are often produced using more sustainable manufacturing processes that minimize their environmental impact. This can include using less water and no chemicals on the plants (like organic cotton or hemp) or being fast growing and easily renewable (bamboo).
3. Reduce Packaging Waste and Go Package Free
Even the best laid plans for eco-friendly shopping online often results in excessive packaging waste. A lot of which isn’t easily recycled. To reduce the package waste we receive, we can choose to shop from companies that use have plastic free packaging or minimal packaging. We can also reuse or recycle packaging materials whenever possible.
Some examples of online retailers that limit packaging are the Eco Girl Shop, Zero Waste Store, and the Package Free Shop. Sustainable packaging options include biodegradable or compostable packaging materials, recycled packaging materials, or packaging that is designed to be reused. Look for products online that are shipped in packaging that is designed to minimize waste and reduce the product’s environmental impact.
4. Third-Party Certifications
Another factor to consider to make your online shopping easier is to look for third-party certifications when identifying sustainable products. Companies and products that certified by reputable organizations, such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), or the Rainforest Alliance indicate that the product has been produced using sustainable practices and meets specific environmental and social standards.
4. Consider the Carbon Footprint
Online shopping also has an additional carbon footprint, as every order needs to be shipped to our doorstep, instead of a large number to the same retailer. To reduce our carbon footprint, we can choose to shop from companies that use carbon-neutral shipping methods or offset their carbon emissions. We can also consolidate our orders to reduce the number of shipments. That means when you fid the sustainable fashion brand you like, that carries perfect office-to-date-night wear, you could buy several at a time, instead of one outfit for your current occasion and then another outfit next month.

5. Ethical Labor Practices
Another crucial factor to consider when looking for sustainable living products is the labor practices used to produce them. At least in my case, I don’t want to buy the best sustainable online slow fashion outfits, and feel really good about myself on the materials and ingredients and eco-friendly packaging used, only to realize that my outfits weren’t made ethically with the health and safety of the employees.
Products made with the planet in mind are *typically* produced using ethical labor practices, which means that workers are treated fairly and paid a living wage. I look for sustainable items that are certified as fair trade or made in factories or manufacturing facilities with high labor standards, and third-party audits of those labor standards.
Best Practices for Sustainable Online Shopping
When considering the impacts of online shopping and trying to make greener choices, there are a few best practices we can follow to reduce both the environmental and social impacts of our purchases.
Supporting Local Businesses
One of the best ways to shop sustainably online is by supporting local businesses. When we buy from local vendors, we reduce the carbon emissions associated with shipping, and we also support our local economy. Look for online marketplaces that feature local vendors, or search for specific products from local businesses in your area.
If you can’t find a local business, online marketplaces that have a “little bit of everything” like Made Trade (home goods and decor), Thrive Market (organic food that makes healthy living easier), Wearwell (sustainable clothing and accessories), or even Etsy (handmade gifts and items) can be good starting points for your online shopping experience. Since online marketplaces are appealing to everyone, there are likely products that don’t meet the values or sustainable shopping criteria you are looking for; just keep an eye out and don’t blindly assume everything is “sustainable.”

Reducing Shipping Impact
Shipping can have a significant environmental impact, so it’s important to reduce it as much as possible. I know some shipping companies are switching to have more electric vehicles in their fleets, but until all companies get on board, it’s easiest to reduce the shipping impact when you’re buying goods online. The way I navigate this is by trying to find companies that have one tree planted for every order, or those that ship carbon neutral (or at least off-set their shipping).
Another way to do this without extensive research is by choosing standard shipping instead of express shipping. Express shipping (or 2-day shipping as some may call it) often requires more resources and generates more emissions. You can also reduce your shipping impact is by consolidating your orders. Instead of making multiple small orders, try to group your purchases into one larger order to reduce the number of shipments. And if you are shopping on a large online retailer that offers 2-day shipping, you can choose the option to have everything delivered on the same day.
Mindful Consumption
Finally, we can practice mindful consumption when shopping sustainably online. This means we’re being really intentional about what we buy and avoiding unnecessary purchases. Before making a purchase, ask yourself if you really need the item and if it aligns with your values. Consider buying second-hand or refurbished items, which can be more sustainable than buying new. And when you’re finished with an item, consider donating or recycling it instead of throwing it away.
Finding the Best Sustainable Products
And now….my EXACT shopping guidelines! I will caution you that this is the process I use, but it is deeply value driven on my desire to shop for sustainable and eco-friendly products WHILE also supporting businesses that have Sustainable Business Practices and Guidelines.
Product Research

This includes finding products made with eco friendly materials. Typically I’m looking for at least plastic-free and cruelty free. Reviews are helpful in this stage of research too to make sure I’m getting exactly what I want, and that it will last “forever” or whatever forever is for that particular product. I want my running shoes to last me at least a year (I know, that’s not standard in the running community but I HATE buying new things), but my workout leggings better freaking last at least five years.
Cost Comparison
If I find a couple of companies that make the product I’m looking for with more sustainable materials/ingredients, my next thought is about cost. Maybe I’m “old” for a millennial, but everything is so damn expensive now. Shoes $120 USD. Leggings $70 USD. It’s getting a little excessive and ridiculous. But I do understand that the cheap products aren’t made with quality or longevity in mind.
Company Analysis
Then, I dive into the nitty-gritty company details. I think most people do some form of the first two steps…and the Boyfriend probably wishes I would stop there. But, that’s not me. Once I’ve narrowed it down to a couple of options for what I’m looking for (as far as materials, quality, longevity, and price point), I start researching the company. About Pages are a great place to start, but really I’m trying to find their mission, value statements, sustainability efforts and goals, if they’ve annually reported their metrics as they relate to the sustainability goals, and if the company holds any kind of certification like Certified B Corp, Cradle-to-Cradle, or Fair Trade Certified. Once I have all of this information about the company, my purchasing decision is mostly made up.

Packaging & Shipping
The above three steps are more important me, but I also want to minimize the waste we accumulate at home and ensure we are doing what we can when it comes to sustainable purchases. Finally, my last step prior to hitting “Checkout” is considering what the product is packaged and shipped in, as well as the mode of shipping. We try to only receive items in compostable packaging (cardboard) because recycling isn’t that prevalent in our area. And then it’s like the cherry on-top if a company ships carbon neutral/off-sets their carbon footprint by purchasing third-party verified Carbon Offsets and Renewable Energy Certificates.
There you have it! It’s long, but super comprehensive, and I haven’t found a completely unsatisfied purchase that goes through my shopping process. I’m not saying every product I’ve purchased has been an absolute winner, but I know they are steps in the right direction.
I’ve found compostable underwear (except the elastic waistband), lowest carbon emission running shoes, a bed frame that should last a lifetime of romping in it, and so much more.

Final Thoughts on Online Stores and Ethical Online Shopping
Clearly, companies still have a ways to go before sustainable shopping online becomes the everyday norm, and shopping online comes with its own set of challenges and considerations such as packaging and shipping. By being aware of greenwashing and the associated buzzwords, considering the true cost of a product, and working towards a more accessible and inclusive marketplace, we can make more sustainable choices when shopping online.
