What’s the Carbon Footprint of My Online Shopping? Let’s Find Out

Online shopping is incredibly convenient, offering instant access to millions of products with just a few clicks. But while we focus on prices and delivery speeds, we often overlook the environmental impact of our purchases. Every item we buy online generates carbon emissions, whether from manufacturing, packaging, or transportation. To get insights into my emissions, I analyzed five of my recent Amazon purchases, estimating their carbon footprints based on key factors like shipping distance, packaging materials, and production emissions. Let’s break it down and see how our online habits contribute to environmental impact.

Carbon Footprint Calculation

A carbon footprint measures the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions linked to human activities. Our individual footprint includes both direct emissions, such as those from gasoline and home energy use. And indirect emissions from the production and transportation of goods we consume. Online shopping falls into this second category, with multiple stages in the supply chain contributing to its overall footprint.

To estimate the environmental cost of my purchases, I considered three main factors:

1. Shipping Emissions – The carbon dioxide (CO2) released during the transportation of an item from the seller to my home.
2. Packaging Emissions – The impact of materials like plastic, cardboard, and protective fillers.
3. Production Emissions – The energy and resources required to manufacture the product.

Assumptions in the Calculation

Since precise emissions data isn’t always available, I based my estimates on common industry figures:

1. Shipping Distance: Approximated based on warehouse location and delivery address.
2. Transport Mode:Air transport produces ~1.1 lbs CO2 per mile per lb of product, while trucking emits ~0.22 lbs CO2 per mile per lb.
3. Packaging Emissions: A standard cardboard box contributes ~1.1 lbs CO2, while plastic-based packaging adds ~2.2 lbs CO2.
4. Production Emissions: Estimated using lifecycle assessments for various product categories.

Carbon Footprint of My Five Purchases

Here’s how the numbers stacked up:

The Math Behind the Numbers

Let’s break down the calculations step by step with an example.

Product: Coffee Maker

1. Shipping Emissions: 2,175 miles × 6.6 lbs × 1.1 lbs CO2/mile/lb = 15,811 lbs CO2
2. Packaging Emissions: Shipped in plastic padding, adding 2.2 lbs CO2
3. Production Emissions: Lifecycle estimates suggest coffee makers generate around 88 lbs CO2 during manufacturing
4. Total Footprint: 15,811 + 2.2 + 88 = 15,901.2 lbs CO2

To put that into perspective, that’s equivalent to driving a gasoline-powered car for about 13,500 miles!

What Can We Do to Reduce Our Impact?

Seeing these numbers made me rethink my shopping habits. Here are a few practical ways we can cut down on e-commerce emissions:

1. Opt for slower shipping: Air freight has a higher carbon footprint than ground shipping.
2. Combine orders: Buying multiple items at once reduces packaging and transportation emissions.
3. Support local businesses: Shorter shipping distances mean lower carbon footprints.
4. Choose second-hand or refurbished items: Since production is a major contributor to emissions, extending a product’s life is one of the most effective ways to reduce its impact.

Final Thoughts

While this analysis offers a rough estimate, various factors can cause real-world emissions to be higher or lower. However, it provides a reasonable approximation of the environmental impact of our online shopping habits. While e-commerce is here to stay, being aware of its hidden costs can help us make smarter, more sustainable choices. Next time you’re about to click “Buy Now,” consider whether you truly need the item or if there’s an eco-friendlier alternative available. What are your thoughts? Have you considered the carbon footprint of your online orders? Let’s start a conversation!

References

1. Amazon sustainability carbon methodology: Retrieved March 6, 2025, from
   
   https://sustainability.aboutamazon.com/carbon-methodology.pdf
   
2. Understand paper carbon footprints: Retrieved March 6, 2025, from
   
   https://holmen.com/sustainability/understand-paper-carbon-footprints/
   
3. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2024) GHG emission factors hub: Retrieved March 6, 2025, from
   
   https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2024-02/ghg-emission-factors-hub-2024.pdf
   
4. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2018) Life cycle assessment: Multi-function devices (MFD) and printers: Retrieved March 6, 2025, from
   
   https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2018-02/documents/lca_mfd_printer.pdf
   
5. Plug Power. (n.d.) The rise of green hydrogen: Stats, trends, and future projections: Retrieved March 6, 2025, from
   https://www.plugpower.com/the-rise-of-green-hydrogen-stats-trends-and-future-projections/
6. LEGO Group: CO2 emissions worldwide from 2015 to 2022: Retrieved March 6, 2025, from
   
   https://www.statista.com/statistics/1380321/lego-co2-emissions/