Are you looking for sustainable online stores where you can shop on the Internet with a clear conscience? Then you've come to the right place! Ordering products online is so incredibly easy - but unfortunately, as a rule, it's just not environmentally friendly.
Fortunately, there are more and more green outlets on the web - whether for fashion, household, food, natural cosmetics, children's items or sporting goods. They follow a green philosophy and live sustainability, among other things, in the business concept, packaging and shipping, and of course also in the assortment.
In this article, I would like to introduce you to the most sustainable online stores. Before I start, I'll briefly explain the most important advantages of environmentally conscious online shopping and which criteria I placed particular emphasis on when creating this overview. Let's go!
Good to know: Since I no longer make any products myself, you will find in the Sustainable store from CareElite exclusively environmentally friendly things, which you can then buy from other suppliers. These partners include the stores listed in this article.
Advantages: Why should you prefer sustainable online stores?
We should briefly talk about the reasons why sustainable online stores exist at all. Specifically asked: What are the problems of conventional online stores?
Here are some characteristics that can help you recognize internet stores that do not think much about the consequences of their actions and do not follow a green philosophy:
Packaging waste
The packaging of the offered products, as well as the shipping material, creates especially a lot of paper and plastic waste.
Deliveries
Consumers expect their online orders to reach them as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, however, the total shipping time is too short. enormous CO2 emissions.
Returns
In Germany, 315 million parcels ordered on the Internet were returned in 2020.₁ This means that a high transport and packaging costs which is absolutely avoidable.
Injustice
Due to the large number of orders, the parcel delivery service is available under massive time pressure. Parcel services and online mail order companies also operate Wage dumping and often exploit their fellow workers and temporary workers.
Criteria: How can you recognize a sustainable online store?
To create this list, of course, I followed the criteria, that distinguish a truly environmentally friendly store on the Internet and to protect him from the often Greenwashing competition. Here I present them to you briefly:
Philosophy
The company behind the online store not only operates economically, but is also located on a sustainable and fair mission. For example, respect for human rights is controlled throughout the supply chain, the company promotes social projects, uses green electricity and avoids waste.
Shipping
Shipping should be from Germany and especially climate neutral take place. This means that the costs arising from the delivery are CO2 emissions offset are made. In addition, possible returns are prevented.
Assortment
A green store offers sustainable alternatives For conventional products. For example, second-hand goods or fair, vegan, recycled, resource-saving, organic and durable new goods.
Packages
The operators of the store attach great importance to Waste prevention and pack and ship their products in paper or recycled plastics in the most resource-efficient way possible.
Can you think of any other criticisms or green criteria of online retailing? Then feel free to write me a comment and I'll expand the lists.
15 online stores: Where can I shop sustainably online?
Now you know what truly eco-friendly online stores are all about and why they should be your first port of call. Here I introduce you to some of them in more detail. You will learn more about the company behind it and what exactly distinguishes the individual online store.
With some providers:inside I was even able to get an exclusive coupon code for youwhich I have then listed with you in each case.
1. Avocadostore
The Avocadostore was founded in 2010 in Hamburg and now offers for almost all conventional everyday products a sustainable alternativee. Merchants who want to offer their goods in the store must meet clearly defined sustainability criteria, all of which you can see in the description of your favorite products.
- Assortment: Everything for a green lifestyle
- Payment options: Credit card, instant bank transfer, giropay and prepayment
- Free return shipping: Is product dependent
- Coupon code: 5% discount for newsletter subscription
- Browse now here directly in the Avocadostore!*
2. Goodbuy
GoodBuy is based in Berlin and sells only products that are good for you, the people and the environment are. All of them have been rigorously tested for quality and sustainability by the GoodBuy team before they can be found in the sustainable online store.
The products also have a certain, additional impact. For example, the purchase of a toothbrush supports drinking water projects of Viva con Agua - and those who choose the bracelet "Bracenet" support the collection of ghost nets from the sea.
- Assortment: Household, personal care, food, fashion and much more
- Payment options: Credit card, instant bank transfer and Paypal
- Free return shipping: Yes, with timely revocation
- Coupon code: 10% Discount for Newsletter Subscription
- Browse now here directly at GoodBuy!*
3. Waschbär
At Waschbär-Versand you get environmentally and socially responsible products for almost all areas of life - from clothing, to kitchen utensils and cosmetic products, to nesting aids for birds.
The company is based in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany ships CO2 neutral and is Member of the Fair Wear Foundation, which works to improve working conditions in sewing factories.
- Assortment: Household, fashion, furniture, garden, personal care and more
- Payment options: PayPal, invoice, prepayment, direct debit and cash on delivery
- Free return shipping: Yes
- Coupon code: 10€ discount for newsletter subscription
- Browse now here directly at Waschbär!*
4. samebutgreen
At samebutgreen you will find plastic-free products that will help you in the spirit of the Zero Waste Lifestyle help on the way Avoid waste and travel sustainably. Of course, they are also shipped without plastic.
The Heidelberg-based company's product range extends from reusable Lunch boxes and Drinking bottles stainless steel, up to and including Wooden dish brushes and Bamboo cutlery. In addition, the company collects 1 kilogram of plastic waste from the environment for each order in cooperation with the team of "Cleanhub" in Berlin.
- Assortment: Plastic free product for waste reduction on the go
- Payment options: Credit card, instant bank transfer, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Klarna, among others.
- Free return shipping: Yes
- Coupon code: Save 5€ with "CAREELITE5".
- Browse now here directly at samebutgreen!*
5. SirPlus
The team at SirPlus follows the vision of a world where everyone has enough to eat and all food produced is eaten. That's why in their sustainable online store you can find exclusively rescued food and snackswhich producers and wholesalers can no longer sell for various reasons, although they are still good. You will receive them individually or in a monthly subscription.
So you can sustainably save money, but also CO2 emissions and water and your ecological footprint, as well as the Reduce food waste.
- Assortment: Saved food and snacks
- Payment options: PayPal, credit card, Apple Pay and Shop Pay
- Free return shipping: No return shipping possible
- Coupon code: 10% Discount for Newsletter Subscription
- Browse now here directly at SirPlus!
6. hello simple
The sustainable online store is based in Berlin and offers you all products for a plastic-free home as possible - from lip balm, to curd soap, deodorant cream, face masks and shower soaps, to natural cleansers.
hello simple follows clear guidelines for its own product range: the products are packaged without plastic in glass and paper, are vegan and animal-free, and are almost exclusively made in Germany. In addition, they are certified natural cosmetics.
As an additional impact hello simple lets for each order Fish 1 kilogram of plastic from rivers and lakes - and for every deodorant sold go 50 cents to PETA, to promote marine conservation projects.
- Assortment: Plastic-free products for kitchen, bathroom and household
- Payment options: Credit card, Paypal and direct debit
- Free return shipping: Yes
- Coupon code: Save 5€ with the code "hs-ce-5" (15€ minimum order value)
- Browse now here directly at hellosimple!*
Tip: I regularly create lists of the most recommended products in their respective categories. For example, take a look at the best hair soaps for healthy hair an.
7. Laguna
In the family-run online store of Laguna from Hainichen in central Saxony you will find sustainable and plastic-free products for daily use. From reusable glass drinking bottles, to stainless steel lunch boxes, to bamboo bowls and cutting boards.
Of course, the company ships plastic-free and climate-neutral.
- Assortment: Household and care
- Payment options: Prepayment, invoice, credit card, Klarna and PayPal
- Free return shipping: Yes
- Coupon code: Save 5€ with "careelite" (25 Euro minimum order value)
- Browse now here directly in the Laguna store!*
8. Medimops
The Berlin-based company medimops is also one of the sustainable online stores where you can with a clear conscience on the Internet Second hand shopping you can. Here you can get almost all the books, movies, music and console games you can imagine. Used and cheap, in the principle of the circular economy, with which you can protect the natural environment. Conserve the earth's resources. The delivery is also climate neutral.
- Assortment: Books and media
- Payment options: Credit card, bank transfer, invoice, direct debit and Paypal
- Free return shipping: No
- Coupon code: 10% Discount for Newsletter Subscription
- Browse now here directly at Medimops!
9. GEPA
In the sustainable online store of the Wuppertal-based company you can get Fairly traded and almost exclusively organic products - from food and home accessories, to sustainable fashion.
The company wants Sustainably supporting producers in the South and make a decisive contribution to changing unjust world trade structures. The shipping of the products is climate neutral.
- Assortment: Food, housing and clothing
- Payment options: PayPal, credit card, Klarna and prepayment
- Free return shipping: Yes
- Coupon code: Save 5€ with "fairundlecker#322" (valid until 31.08.2023)
- Browse now here directly in the GEPA store!
10. ecco verde
Ecco Verde is based in Paldau in Styria and offers certified natural cosmetics from hand creams, shampoos and solid exfoliating stones to plastic-free shaving soap. The company is climate-neutral from operation to shipping.
- Assortment: Natural cosmetics
- Payment options: Credit card, prepayment, cash on delivery, Giropay and Klarna
- Free return shipping: No
- Browse now here directly at Ecco Verde!
11. PlantBase
At the online store of PlantBase from Hannover you get sustainable, certified drugstore productswhich are free of animal testing and vegan, organic and waste-avoiding and made in Germany. The assortment ranges from handmade natural cosmetics, baby oils and household utensils, to natural products for dog care.
The delivery to your home is not only fast, but also plastic-free and climate-neutral.
- Assortment: Natural cosmetics, household and dog care
- Payment options: PayPal, credit card, Apple Pay and Google Pay
- Free return shipping: Yes
- Coupon code: 10% Discount for Newsletter Subscription
- Browse now here directly at PlantBase!*
12. EdelKRAFT
In the sustainable online store of the Berlin-based company EdelKRAFT you will find environmentally friendly sports equipment made of wood for your sustainable training at home. From the versatile wall bars, dip bars, push-up grips and gymnastic rings, to dumbbells.
The wood is processed in small family businesses in Germany in a climate-neutral manner and is exclusively FSC or PEFC certified. Associated plastic parts are made from recycled PET bottles. Shipping is plastic-free.
- Assortment: Sports equipment from sustainable forestry
- Payment options: Paypal, Klarna, prepayment and credit card
- Free return shipping: Yes
- Browse now directly here at EdelKRAFT!*
13. Ultra Green
In the sustainable store of the Berlin company ultra green you get plastic-free, ecological and fairly produced natural cosmetics and household products for kitchen, bathroom and on the road.
Shipping is CO2 neutral and plastic-free with recyclable packaging and sustainable filling material.
- Assortment: e.g. plastic-free household products and natural cosmetics
- Payment options: Klarna, Paypal, credit card and prepayment
- Free return shipping: Yes
- Coupon code: 10% Discount for Newsletter Subscription
- Browse now here directly at ultra green!*
14. Loveco
In the sustainable online store of the Berlin brand LOVECO you will find ecological, fair and vegan fashion, shoes and accessories, which the Fast Fashion counteract. The range includes 80 brands and covers garments made exclusively from easy-care, durable, natural materials.
Shipping is carbon neutral and plastic free with a personal touch.
- Assortment: Sustainable fashion, shoes and accessories
- Payment options: Paypal, invoice, instant bank transfer, credit card and Apple Pay
- Free return shipping: Yes
- Discounts: 10% discount for students, trainees and pupils and 3% discount for regular customers.
- Coupon code: 10% Discount for Newsletter Subscription
- Browse now here directly at LOVECO!*
15. Pure Nature
The company behind the sustainable online store of Pure Nature from Idar-Oberstein already exists since 1996. Here you get environmentally and allergy-friendly products for a natural, sustainable and healthy lifen - from natural cosmetics, organic food, natural fashion and household utensils, to bedding and furniture.
All of them are subject to a strict catalog of criteria. Shipping is climate-neutral.
- Assortment: Food, natural cosmetics, fashion and home accessories
- Payment options: PayPal and credit card
- Free return shipping: Yes
- Coupon code: 5€ discount for newsletter subscription
- Browse now here directly at Pure Nature!
Tip: More Coupon codes at green stores I have made available to you under the link, by the way. Look also there with pleasure once again purely.
Bonus tips for sustainable online shopping!
Now you have a lot of places to go! Finally, I would like to give you a few basic advice for sustainable shopping on the Internet:
- Only buy things that you really need!
- Avoid returns already in the run-up!
- Buy used items on the internet!
- If new purchase, then durable products!
- …
I explain these and other tips to you once again in detail in the detailed blog post about sustainable online shopping.
Frequently asked questions about sustainable online stores
Which online stores are sustainable?
The list of sustainable online stores is growing steadily. Examples are the Avocadostore, GoodBuy, raccoon, samebutgreen or SirPlus. They all serve an environmentally friendly, socially just and solidarity purpose.
Where can you basically store sustainably?
If you want to shop sustainably, you should do so not only at sustainable online stores, but also on the regional Weekly and flea market, in Second hand stores, for small Family businesses and about Classifieds do. It is also important to buy only what you really need.
What do sustainable online stores do differently?
Sustainable online stores design their assortment according to strict sustainability criteria. For example, products must be produced fairly, organically and without animal testing. They are also shipped to customers in a climate-neutral and plastic-free manner.
Sustainable online stores are growing!
It's already relatively easy to shop online in an environmentally conscious way. But it's getting even easier every day! The important thing is that you Demand for sustainable products from "green-thinking" stores supportedif you need certain products.
"What we do today will determine what the world looks like tomorrow."
Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (more at Environmental protection quotes)
In this article, I have introduced you to some recommended places to go online. You also learned why they are so important and what features you can basically recognize as sustainable online stores.
Do you have any questions, tips or other stores that should not be missing from this list? Then just write me a comment with your suggestion.
Stay sustainable and consume consciously,
PS: In the linked blog post, you can now learn why you should make your next Smartphone necessarily buy used should. Have fun!
References:
₁ Statista GmbH: Estimated number of returns of parcels and articles in Germany in 2018 to 2020, available at https://de.statista.com/statistik/daten/studie/1082408/umfrage/retouren-von-paketen-und-artikeln-in-deutschland. [02.03.2023].
