Plastic vs. the Planet: How Online Shopping Is Harming the Environment

When was the last time you received a package from an online store? Did you think about what happens to the packaging once you open it? That small item wrapped in a grey plastic mailer usually ends up in the trash — and then in a landfill. Every piece of packaging like that contributes to a growing global problem.

Plastic waste is reaching alarming levels. According to the OECD, in 2019 about 31% of the world’s 460 million tonnes of plastic use was for packaging. Yet only 9% of plastic waste is actually recycled, while over 22% is disposed of improperly, polluting the environment.

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) warns that by 2040 the amount of plastic waste entering our oceans and waterways every year could more than double — from today’s 9–14 million tonnes to 23–37 million tonnes. The main culprit? Single-use packaging, especially flexible plastic bags.

Some global brands are taking action. Companies like iHerb and Zara have started using cardboard boxes instead of plastic mailers. This not only reduces environmental harm but also allows packaging to be reused or easily recycled.

Still the scale of their operations is massive. In 2024 iHerb made $2.4 billion in sales across 180+ countries, including Kazakhstan, where it ranks among the largest foreign e-commerce taxpayers. Zara’s global sales reached €27.8 billion the same year — and that means millions of packages.

Meanwhile, many major online marketplaces — Wildberries, Lamoda, AliExpress, and Kazakhstan’s own Kaspi Market — still rely heavily on plastic packaging, especially for small items that often arrive in polyethylene bags.

Switching to eco-friendly packaging isn’t cheap. Cardboard boxes cost more to produce and ship. For big brands, it’s a long-term investment in sustainability. For small businesses, it’s a tough financial decision.

But there are smart alternatives. In the EU, a system called RePack offers durable, reusable packaging that customers can return to the seller. Some online stores even collect packaging through couriers for reuse.

Eco-friendly materials are becoming more available — like biodegradable plastics made from corn starch or sugarcane, kraft paper, and packaging made from mushroom mycelium or seaweed. These innovations help reduce the environmental footprint.

There are also success stories worth highlighting. Amazon is shifting toward paper and compostable materials. IKEA uses packaging made from recycled content. In Chile the company Algramo has introduced a refill system where customers can reuse packaging and save up to 40% on everyday products.

UNEP estimates that moving toward a circular economy could save the world up to $1.27 trillion, avoid external costs worth $3.25 trillion, and create 700,000 new jobs by 2040.

Consumer attitudes are changing too. Studies show that over half of Gen Z and Millennials are willing to pay more for eco-friendly packaging. Around 90% of shoppers say they prefer brands that use sustainable materials — especially when they understand the real impact.

So here’s the question: are we willing to pay a bit more to protect the planet? Or will we keep choosing convenience over responsibility?

The choice is ours. But one thing is clear: sustainable behavior begins with conscious decisions. Every online order isn’t just a purchase — it’s a footprint we leave on Earth.