Sir: The shift towards online shopping has brought attention to the impact of e-commerce on environmental sustainability. Consumers are increasingly aware of the need to protect the environment, and leading companies are responding to this demand by adopting sustainable practices to build trust.
What sustainability means in e-commerce?
In e-commerce, the concept of sustainability ranges from effective business models to waste reduction and eco-friendly packaging. In addition, it creates opportunities for protecting the planet, both for forward-thinking sellers and eco-conscious shoppers. These are relevant to fulfilling societal ideals and enabling future generations to meet their needs.
Beyond how e-commerce can improve a country’s economy, it can also reduce its carbon footprint. According to a global study by Generation IM, digital commerce is 17 per cent more carbon-efficient than traditional retail stores. Transportation of goods, construction, storage, product packaging, and manufacturing are all examples of business sectors that are carbon efficient. Since online companies rely less on physical store locations, they have more flexibility when implementing measures to reduce their carbon emissions.
Nigeria, for instance, is yet to fully tap into the potential the adoption of e-commerce could afford her in her quest for sustainability. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) economic report, developing countries need to consider policies that can help them harness digital commerce, as classical business barriers can be broken down and leveraged to promote sustainability.
This report demonstrates that e-commerce is no longer a trendy buzzword but a desirable tactic for many companies that wish to stay caught up.
Jumia Nigeria’s approach
