2020 and 2021 have seen a rise in online shopping in unprecedented

levels. Royal Mail saw huge increases in parcels needed to be delivered

over the christmas period and customers waited much longer than normal

to receive their orders. While shopping online is convenient and during

lockdowns it’s the only option for non-essential items, it isn’t ideal for

the environment. Numerous orders going to different addresses

create a large amount of emissions in transporting items,

the packaging needed (in shops people were encouraged to

bring their own carrier bags and many items were loose on shelves)

now retailers are needed to use bags, boxes, tape

and more.

How do we continue to enjoy the benefits of

shopping online while caring for our environment

and living a sustainable life. Read on for some easy ways

to reduce our carbon footprint.

1. Save those delivery bags from orders & reuse them

If you order anything from online it tends to come in a bag or box,

it’s worth saving those for sending out your own parcels to

friends/family etc. Reusing items is a great way to save the

environment through it having a second life as a bag.

The best way to do this to avoid the labels, is to turn it inside out,

place your items inside and then attach an address label to the front. 

Did you know Tannas use 100% recycled mailing bags which are plastic free.

2. Use recycled paper parcel tape

Using paper parcel tape is a fantastic way to ensure that the whole box can

be recycled after use. We have a couple of examples at tannas.co.uk with

and without a dispenser. This is much better for the environment than using

plastic tape.

Paper packaging parcel tape:

https://www.tannas.co.uk/tesa-recycld-ppr-packaging-tape-50mm-x-50m-brown-57180-pk6

https://www.tannas.co.uk/gosecure-standard-gummed-paper-tape-48mm-x-200m-60gsm-pb07633--1 

https://www.tannas.co.uk/parcel-tape-and-dispenser-48mmx20m-buff-pack-of-12-rt0808-48x20--2

3. Pick a sustainable carrier

Where possible pick carriers or retailers that use environmental carriers. In the UK the best

options are DPD who have a huge focus on sustainability. They are working towards neutral

emissions deliveries and increasing their fleet of electric vehicles.

Find out more here: https://www.dpd.com/group/en/sustainability/

Royal Mail is also a fantastic option as they focus on reducing parcel waste and diverting

it from landfill. They also have a fleet of electric vehicles which they’re increasing each year

to go alongside their trikes and double deck trailers which postal staff push door-to-door. 

Tannas use DPD & Royal Mail as their carriers due to their commitments to the environment

and reducing emissions. All London are delivered by our own fleet of Tannas electric vehicles.

Say hi to Leeroy and Jose when they drop off your order!

4. Combine package items together

Combining items into one parcel makes a difference in the transport emissions required.

This can be done both by planning what items need to be sent to friends and family and

sending them all at once.

 For ordering items check with household members if anyone is planning on making an order

from the same retailer to share shipping. This helps both your pocket as you are more likely

to reach the minimum order threshold for free delivery and reduce carbon emissions through

one order. My little sister and I will often plan our orders together from the same retailer to

avoid numerous parcels. 

Let us know if you use any of these tips to help reduce your carbon footprint.

Or if we can help you or your business reach its sustainable goals.

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Website: tannas.co.uk