What’s More Eco-Friendly 1

https://www.wsj.com/articles/whats-more-eco-friendly-going-to-the-mall-or-shopping-online-1458667153

What’s More Eco-Friendly: Going to the Mall or Shopping Online?
New study by nation’s largest mall landlord looks at impact of consumer choices

Liam Pleven
March 22, 2016 1:19 p.m. ET
Simon Property Group owns high-profile malls such as Roosevelt Field in Garden City, N.Y., seen here.
The argument is that mall shoppers often travel in groups and buy more than one item, reducing their environmental impact. Online shoppers, meanwhile, return products more often, and the shipping requires more packaging.

“We wanted to make the point that consumer choices matter,” said Mona Benisi, head of sustainability at Simon.

The issue isn’t settled, however. Other studies have found that shoppers can often reduce their environmental impact by shopping online, and experts say the outcome depends on individual shoppers’ circumstances and behavior.

“There’s just not a black and white answer to this question,” said Jason Mathers, a supply-chain specialist at the Environmental Defense Fund, which works with companies, including Simon, on environmental matters. “If you’re looking to purchase one item and your choice is driving a good distance to a facility or buying it online, you are likely to be better off buying it online.”

Simon’s March 1 research report comes as owners of retail real estate and their tenants contend with the rapid growth of e-commerce. Last year, U.S. retail sales rose 1.4% over 2014, but e-commerce shot up 14.6%, according to federal data.