Eco-friendly Ecommerce: 4 Steps You Can Take

Julie Starr • July 21, 2020



Running an ecommerce business can be greener than running a physical store – physical stores require a lot of energy to run compared to the low amount of energy needed to run online stores. However, the negative environmental impact left by online stores can still be high due to aspects such as delivery and packaging. If you’re interested in running an eco-friendly ecommerce business, here are some of the steps that you can take.

Choose green products

You should first assess the types of products that you’re selling. These could be products that you make yourself or they could be bought from suppliers – in either case, consider the manufacturing process behind them and the materials used to build them . If manufacturing creates a lot of emissions and the materials used are unsustainable/non-recyclable, you may want to make a change to your products.

If you make the products yourself, consider whether you can make the manufacturing process cleaner or whether you’re able to source greener raw materials to build the product with. If you buy your products from suppliers, consider whether you can switch to greener suppliers that are able to offer the same quality of product.

Use recyclable packaging

You should also consider the type of packaging that you use when delivering products to customers. Your packaging needs to protect the product from damage, but this doesn’t mean that you have to rely on non-recyclable plastic.

Consider filler options such as shredded tissue paper and corrugated corner protectors instead of relying on plastic bubble wrap and Styrofoam. Loose items can be kept in paper bags or small card boxes as opposed to plastic bags. If you do find that plastic is more efficient, make sure to use recyclable plastic and let customers know how they can recycle it.

Consider greener shipping options

The aspect of ecommerce that creates the most environmental damage is often shipping, however, by choosing the right delivery methods this environmental damage can be greatly reduced.

Many ecommerce businesses are reluctant to make changes in the fear that it will increase shipping costs, but you can often save money on International Shipping and save the planet at the same time. For instance, the likes of LCL shipping can be cheaper for many businesses while also being more eco-friendly.

Same-day and next-day delivery is often harder to make green. While many customers like the convenience of receiving a product the very next day, it can be worth promoting longer delivery options that are greener such as using an interstate truck instead of a plane. You may be able to reduce the delivery charge to encourage customers to use this option. Some companies even promote this option as ‘green delivery’ to make customers aware of the benefits.

Donate money to environmental causes

You may be able to offset any environmental damage that your company inflicts by pouring money into environmental causes such as paying to plant trees or donating money to recycling services. This is something that you can advertise to help attract customers – many modern consumers like to know that their purchase is having a positive impact on the world and it can be used as an extra selling point. You could even ask customers to donate extra money themselves alongside their purchase, giving customers an even more active role.

Q1 2025 in Review: Driving Impact Through Strategic Sustainability Communication

By Julie Starr • April 14, 2025
As we reflect on the first quarter of 2025, Taiga Company has been at the forefront of sustainability and ESG communications, offering valuable insights and strategies to navigate the evolving landscape. Here's a recap of our key discussions:​ Leveraging Social Media for Effective Sustainability Stakeholder Engagement In March, we emphasized the critical role of transparent communication in sustainability efforts. Social media platforms have become indispensable tools for real-time engagement, education, and collaboration with stakeholders. By sharing educational content, fostering interactive discussions, and storytelling, companies can build trust and demonstrate accountability in their ESG practices. Amplifying Climate Action: Communications in Advancing Davos 2025 Initiatives Following the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos, we highlighted the importance of effective communication in promoting environmental initiatives. Strategic storytelling and media engagement can elevate awareness of projects like the Kivu-Kinshasa Green Corridor and the integration of indigenous knowledge in climate solutions, ensuring they gain the necessary support and recognition. The Business Case for Sustainability: Communicating Strategy in an Evolving Landscape In February, we addressed the challenges businesses face amid shifting political landscapes. Clear and strategic communication is vital to articulate sustainability commitments and their alignment with long-term business success. By clarifying their sustainability position, leveraging data-driven insights, and maintaining focus on global markets, companies can navigate uncertainties and continue to advance their ESG objectives. Connecting the Dots: Air Quality, Climate Messaging, and Stakeholder Engagement We explored the broader impacts of air pollution , including its effect on cognitive function, and underscored the need for effective climate communication. Translating complex scientific research into accessible insights and fostering stakeholder engagement are essential steps in addressing air quality issues and promoting public awareness. Turning the Tide: Engaging Consumers on Water Sustainability With a significant rise in online conversations about water sustainability , we discussed how brands can authentically engage in these discussions. By showcasing tangible sustainability efforts, employing emotive storytelling, and utilizing digital-first strategies, companies can connect with environmentally conscious consumers and demonstrate their commitment to water sustainability. ​ As we move forward, Taiga Company remains dedicated to providing thought leadership and strategic guidance in sustainability and ESG communications. We look forward to continuing this journey with our clients and partners, driving meaningful impact throughout 2025 and beyond.

Earth Day is a Moment. Sustainability is a Journey.

By Julie Starr • April 7, 2025
Every April 22nd, Earth Day reminds us of our shared responsibility to care for the planet. It’s a powerful moment for reflection, recognition, and renewed commitment to environmental stewardship. But for companies like Taiga, Earth Day is not just a day—it's a checkpoint in a journey that spans all 365 days of the year. Beyond the Day: The Power of Year-Round Storytelling While Earth Day is an excellent opportunity to spotlight your company's environmental efforts, the true impact lies in consistent, transparent communication about your sustainability strategy. Customers, investors, employees, and partners are increasingly interested in how companies plan, act, and improve over time. To build trust and inspire action, companies should: Share clear targets: What are your goals for emissions reduction, circularity, or biodiversity? Make them specific and time-bound. Report results honestly: Celebrate wins and be candid about setbacks. Progress, not perfection, is the story. Connect efforts to impact: Highlight how your initiatives benefit ecosystems, communities, or supply chains. Leveraging Earth Day as a Strategic Moment Think of Earth Day as a milestone that anchors your broader communications. Some ideas: Launch or preview new initiatives that reinforce your long-term strategy. Tell human stories: Showcase employees, community members, or suppliers contributing to sustainability. Host interactive events: Webinars, volunteer days, or innovation showcases invite people into the journey. Publish a sustainability snapshot: A visual, engaging recap of the past year's progress. Engaging Stakeholders Year-Round To keep the momentum going beyond April: Create a sustainability content calendar to share updates, behind-the-scenes looks, and educational content. Invite feedback: Use surveys or listening sessions to understand stakeholder priorities and ideas. Collaborate: Partner with NGOs, academics, or startups aligned with your mission. Recognize champions: Celebrate employees and partners who go above and beyond. Bringing It Together: A Continuous Narrative Earth Day is a valuable opportunity to raise awareness, but lasting impact comes from building a continuous narrative. At Taiga, we see sustainability not as a series of campaigns but as a shared journey with our stakeholders . When we connect the dots between moments like Earth Day and the year-round work behind the scenes, we not only deepen engagement—we accelerate change. So this Earth Day, let’s celebrate progress and recommit to transparency, collaboration, and bold action. The planet needs more than promises. It needs a plan. And it needs all of us.
Share by: