A third of adults are ‘obsessed’ with buying items online for the thrill of a delivery – despite suffering from ‘green guilt’, a study has found

Research of 2,000 adults revealed 48 per cent claim the arrival of an item is the highlight of their day, though 35 per cent worry about how green their delivery is.
Avoiding poor quality items that are bad for the environment (51 per cent), looking for ‘sustainable’ brands (46 per cent) and consolidating purchases (45 per cent) are just some of the ways people try and shop greener online.
But 27 per cent admit they suffer from ‘green guilt’, with 43 per cent wishing there was a simpler and greener way to package and return items.
Nancy Hobhouse, head of environmental, social and governance (ESG) at Hermes, which commissioned the research to mark its build on sustainability commitments, from trialling eCargo bike and pedestrian couriers, to offering packageless returns, said: “The shift to online shopping looks set to stay.
“We know people are concerned about sustainability and, as the research shows, are factoring this into their purchasing decisions which is great.
“However, delivery remains one of their concerns and as a responsible carrier, we recognise our impact on the environment and the role we have to play to be as sustainable as possible.”
The research also found nearly three quarters of respondents feel it is everyone’s responsibility to try and be green, with 64 per cent feeling better using items they know are more sustainable.
While 56 per cent would be more inclined to shop with a brand they know has green processes in place for its customers.
And when buying from a sustainable brand, 40 per cent named using green vehicles (e.g. EVs or low carbon) for deliveries was the most important factor.
It also emerged 73 per cent expect the delivery company to ensure items are sent out in the best way possible for the environment.
And 59 per cent want to be greener when having items delivered