Ways To Make Your E-commerce Business More Eco-Friendly (Practices Any Store Can Apply)

Running an e-commerce business doesn't mean sacrificing our planet's health. When I started Rufina Designs, one of my core values was sustainability, and it has guided my business ever since.

Adopting sustainable practices in your e-commerce business doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. In fact, it can improve your reputation, attract a new base of eco-conscious customers, and reduce your carbon footprint. 

So, how can you make your store more sustainable? I'll be sharing some of the practices I’ve implemented in my own business that you can also apply.

When it comes to sustainability, quality matters. I want my customers to enjoy their purchases for years to come. That’s why I focus on high-quality products that will stand the test of time. 

For example, the woven baskets I sell are so durable that they can last for over 10 years. When products last longer, customers don’t need to replace them as often.

Investing in quality products isn’t just good for the environment; it’s also good for your business. A survey by MorganMyers found that 72% of respondents reported actively buying more environmentally friendly products than they did five years ago. People want to make good choices—help them by sharing your journey.

Customers appreciate the value of a well-made item, and when they see that your products are built to last, they’re more likely to trust you and come back for more.

I like sharing the stories of the artisans who make my products. For example, when customers ask about Bolga woven baskets, I love telling them about the women in Ghana who weave each one by hand using natural materials like straw and recycled bamboo. 

These artisans can support their families through their craft, and I’m proud to bring their beautiful, eco-friendly creations to the UK and beyond.

Storytelling doesn’t just help customers connect with the product; it also helps them connect with the bigger picture. People care about where their products come from. By being transparent about my sourcing practices, I’ve built a loyal customer base that values the craftsmanship, sustainability, and ethical sourcing behind each item.

When sourcing products, I make it a point to focus on natural materials like straw, recycled fabrics, and other eco-friendly alternatives. Many of the products I sell, such as the woven baskets, are made from sustainable materials that are easy to recycle.

Working with artisans who prioritize these materials not only helps reduce the environmental impact but also supports communities in places like Ghana, Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda.

Choosing natural and recycled materials has a double benefit: it’s better for the planet and ensures that the items I sell are long-lasting. 

For instance, the black dolls I sell are hand-sewn with Ankara fabrics that I choose myself, ensuring that each one is unique and made with care. These materials are also more eco-friendly, and that’s something I’m proud to pass on to my customers.

One of the biggest environmental challenges with e-commerce is the packaging (I mean, those big Amazon boxes for a simple earring!). E-commerce generates about 4.8 times more packaging waste than in-store purchases, according to a study by Yeonsu Kim. This hit home for me when I started shipping internationally.

Over the years, I’ve tried to minimize waste by using minimal, recyclable packaging instead of packing each item in multiple layers of plastic. I also avoid using excessive plastic bubble wrap, which is often not recyclable.

A big problem in e-commerce is the culture of returns. It’s easy for consumers to order several items and return what they don’t like. This leads to wasted resources and more emissions from shipping products back and forth.

To reduce returns, I make sure my product descriptions are as accurate and detailed as possible. I also respond quickly to customer inquiries, ensuring that they’re making informed choices before purchasing.

University of Texas-Dallas research found that longer return policies can lead to fewer returns by removing urgency and giving customers time to incorporate products into their lives.

If you can reduce returns, you’ll not only save on shipping costs but also contribute to reducing carbon emissions. It’s important to find a balance between offering easy returns and ensuring your customers feel confident in their purchases.

Did you know that websites have a carbon footprint? When I built my site on Shopify, I learned that they use Google Cloud, which runs on 100% renewable energy.

Since 2022, Shopify merchants have used the Planet app to neutralize shipping emissions from over 25 million orders and remove 23,000 tons of carbon from the atmosphere.

This small choice helps reduce my business’s carbon footprint. If you’re looking to make your e-commerce site more sustainable, consider switching to a green hosting platform.