The current generation has realized that if we do not take an active step towards preserving our nature and altering our lifestyle to ameliorate the deteriorating condition of the earth. Sustainability is one such concept that has found its way into our culture and is largely impacting our lifestyle.

48% of small businesses powered by Shopify engage in at least one environmentally sustainable business practice, while another 40% have expressed their interests in engaging in practicing environmentally sustainable practices for the first time. Shipping is something that accounts for nearly 3% of global carbon emissions. Hence for a shopkeeper or a business owner who has the interests of the planet and nature in mind, trying to come up with a more sustainable shipping process is a must.

Planet App by Shopify- What is it?

Planet is a new app launched by shopify.Planet App allows  merchants to opt for carbon-neutral shipping at a reasonable cost that ranges between 3.5¢ and 15¢ per order. This makes Planet an app that supports carbon neutral shipping procedures.

How does the Planet App impact the earth?

The Planet app by shopify has targeted the wide reach of shopify merchants to influence their shopping practices for a greener tomorrow. Planet app has devised an effective way for providing Shopify merchants to choose carbon-neutral shipping and support the idea of sustainable development. Not only does it help business owners and merchants remove estimated carbon emissions from order shipments but also provides peace of mind to customers who have pledged to work towards conserving the planet.

How to use Planet App for supporting sustainable practices according to experts: 

Stacy Kauk, Shopify’s Head of Sustainability has been quoted saying, “Planet empowers Shopify merchants to join the fight against climate change in such a meaningful way. We know that customers have never cared more about how their purchases impact the environment. With Planet, Shopify businesses can use carbon-neutral shipping to connect with customers while supporting the most innovative climate solutions on Earth.”

Planet App – How does it work?

Planet focuses on carbon removal, and it is this practice that sets it apart from other sustainable e-commerce apps. Instead of offsetting carbon with forest protection, Planet App has tried to completely remove the usage of carbon in shipping processes. To make this possible Shopify works with high-impact companies like Running Tide and Remora to increase its impact on the conservation of earth. This link between Planet and these companies is facilitated through the Shopify Sustainability Fund.

How to use planet app?

Follow the steps to install Planet App:

1. Go to the Shopify App store.
2. Search for Planet App.
3. Install the app.
4. Choose your plan from your shop’s dashboard. The three options that are available for the users are Decade, Century, and Millennium. Each of these options support various levels of carbon removal. The fee depends on the option and ranges from 3.5¢ to 15¢ per order.
5. The shop’s dashboard will tell you accurately how much carbon your orders have removed. The more you use the app, the greater the impact you will have on the earth.

What do users think about Planet App?

Rennie Wood, owner of Ontario-based toy called Wood Wood Toys, has nothing but praises for Planet App. He has said that opting for such a sustainable practice costs him an additional amount of a few pennies, per order. According to him, this is a very, very small price to pay but the cost in lives and livelihood could be huge. Signing up for Planet App has not only impacted Rennie’s shipping practices but has also greatly influenced the customers who buy from him.

Rennie has also been quoted saying that minimizing our environmental footprint is about sustaining and hopefully improving a world. This is the same world that will one day be inherited by our own kids and nieces and nephews, and children all around the world.

Commit to sustainability

According to reports by Shopify, 44% of customers chose to buy from brands that have a clear commitment to sustainability.

Planet makes it easy for merchants to communicate their commitment to sustainability directly to customers to influence their decisions. Installing the Planet app gives the business a storefront badge. There is also another badge at checkout that shows the shoppers that their order shipment will be carbon neutral.