Why Are Your Sustainable Shopping Choices Important?

Sustainable shopping - and why it is so important

Every shopping decision we make individually moves us collectively into one of two directions:

further into the climate crisis

back towards Net Zero

Let’s look at both paths...

Consumerism leading to climate change

We all love the buzz of getting something new, whether it is the latest smartphone, the trendiest clothes, or the gadget that promises to upgrade our life. Endless ads are set in our path, tempting us to buy - and even on a tight budget, it can feel hard to resist.

But this love affair with shopping has a dark side, and a hidden cost: the impact on our environment.

over 60%

of global emissions are related to household consumption

Journal of Industrial Ecology

Our shopping habits demand a lot from the planet - using up resources, causing pollution from production, and creating waste that stays around for longer than we are walking on Earth. Advertisers promote a throwaway culture, encouraging us to discard old items for new ones, leading to a vicious cycle of consumption and waste left for our future years and the lives of the next generation.

And we're already seeing the warning signs. With the world marking the first 12-month period in which temperatures averaged more than 1.5°C (2.7°F) in January 2024, the clock is ticking louder and faster than ever. The crucial 1.5-degree Celsius target from the Paris Agreement isn't just a number; it's the line we must not cross to avoid the worst impacts of climate change - such as extreme weather that can wreck homes and livelihoods, and changes so severe they threaten plants, animals, and the air we breathe.

Without a big shift, we could face further disasters within the next decade. It's not just good for the planet, it's crucial for our future comfort, safety, and health. Our shopping decisions are incredibly powerful.

Check the alternatives

Sustainably Shopping for Net Zero

But choosing sustainably doesn’t have to be about giving up the things you love. At questionZERO we believe it's about making informed choices that are good for both you and the planet.

What does sustainability mean?

Sustainability is making sure everything we do...

... is good for our environment, helping people fairly, and keeping our economy strong. In 2015, the United Nations created a plan with 17 Sustainable Development Goals aimed at fixing some of the biggest problems we face by 2030. These goals cover everything from ending poverty and ensuring everyone is treated equally to promoting sustainable energy, smarter consumption, and taking action on climate change.

Net Zero Impact is about balance. It means doing our best to make sure that whatever we do, we consume as much as we need, produce as much as we consume, and that we don't leave a trail of destruction after us.

We know what choice we need to make.

How to make better choices

But let’s go back to that moment at the checkout

At questionZERO we know that shopping decisions can feel complicated for everyone. As consumers we are trying to balance cost - even more so with increasing cost of living - against brand reputation, product description, and how eco-friendly we think a business is.

And this is why questionZERO is here: to help consumers make smart decisions by demystifying information and presenting clear options.

We believe it's not just about buying less, but buying better. It's all about making smart choices that match up with what's important to you.

Learn how we can help

Shopping for Net Zero. Simplified.

Our qZERO Sustainability Scoring system helps everyone understand product labels and the broader social and environmental effects of brands.

We’ve designed this independent, accurate tool to help you pick products from companies that are truly doing their part for the Earth. (It is particularly great for spotting "greenwashing" — when companies say they are eco-friendly but aren't really).

It's in our hands to make sure tomorrow's world is still a place worth living in. Let's make every purchase a step towards a brighter, more sustainable future. Together, we've got this. As a team of 4 billion!

Start Shopping Sustainably

How you can save the planet with your shopping choices