Online shopping can often save time and money but, according to some experts, it can also help to eliminate carbon emissions.

Dr Kyo Suh, a research fellow at the University of Minnesota's Institute on the Environment, told the GateHouse News Service that many factors can affect the environmental impact but ordering parcels via ecommerce sites is generally greener than "personal shopping trips".

In particular, online shopping can be the better option for people living in cities, as the more drops a courier service makes per mile, the smaller each individual item's carbon footprint.

Elsewhere, Glenn Croston, author of Shopping Green, noted that parcel delivery companies also invest significant resources in maximising the fuel efficiency of their fleets.

He added that online retailers have access to a wider range of sustainable and environmentally-friendly goods than their high street counterparts.

According to figures from the US Postal Service, replacing just two trips to shopping centres every year with online purchases could eliminate three billion pounds of carbon emissions.

In related news, the Interactive Media in Retail Group predicted earlier this week that Britons will spend a record £153 million online on Christmas Day.

The figure for Boxing Day could top £300 million.  

Author:  Adrian Medland