eBay's Green Team
Most of us already know that we can buy just about anything on eBay, from anyone, from anywhere, at any time. Although critics would argue that such easy access and convenience is a form of over-indulgent hedonistic lifestyle of buy, buy, and buy some more that fuels addiction to both online shopping and surfing the net, the plus side is, that eBay offers items that are used, vintage, or antiques.
When we buy previously owned products, we reduce the emissions associated with manufacturing. We also put less demand on new raw materials which manufacturers need to make more stuff.
Searching for a particular item also allows consumers to discover unique items like solar-powered phone chargers, hybrid and energy efficient computers, and numerous items that may not be found in major chain stores.
eBay isn't just a site to buy, buy, buy; it can also be a site to sell, sell, sell. It's a mistake to see eBay only as a site to spend money, because it's also a site to make money. Buyers visit because sellers exist.
But, apart from the above, which many people might say is all too obvious, not many people know that eBay Inc. has been a carbon-neutral company since 2007 and that it has the largest commercial solar panel installation in the city of San Jose, California as of April 2009. Since it's been 16 months since the publication of this claim, it is possible that some other company may have taken over the bragging rights.
Visit eBay's green team site to read eco-friendly shopping tips and learn how the many things you own can have extended lives when you no longer need or want them.
The site also offers inspiring member profiles that document how young, innovative, and enterprising individuals make a lucrative living by using sustainable practices and being environmentally friendly. Read about Jordan Insley, who founded Quick Ship Electronics. It's a company that collects thousands of unusable, store-returned products, repairs them, and resells them to elated customers – for a fraction of the price. His business makes it clear that green jobs go beyond farming practices.
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