Overstock.com, Inc announced carbon-neutral shipping for every purchase made from its Worldstock Fair Trade inventory, effective immediately. This sustainability effort establishes Overstock.com as one of the largest online retailers to take responsibility for the environmental impact of its product shipping program. Through a partnership with the Carbonfund.org Foundation, a leading nonprofit climate solutions organization, Overstock.com will mitigate the carbon dioxide emissions produced by the trucks delivering items purchased from Worldstock Fair Trade by funding third-party validated carbon reduction projects like reforestation. This offer is free to the customer. Now, in time for Earth Day’s 41st anniversary, Worldstock Fair Trade purchases are supporting this important environmental initiative, as well as artisans around the globe. To learn more visit www.overstock.com/sustainability
“Overstock.com recognizes that we all have to take responsibility for preventing climate change, and as a major retailer its positive actions will have a huge impact,” said Eric Carlson, President of Carbonfund.org. “Through this commitment, Overstock.com is leading by example by investing in a low-carbon future for everyone. We’re thrilled to partner with Overstock.com on this exciting program.”
Founded in 2001, Worldstock Fair Trade is Overstock.com’s socially responsible department for products handcrafted by artisans from developing nations and rural areas of the USA. It carries handcrafted products from artisans in over 60 countries and between 60 and 70 percent of the cost is returned to the artisans. To date, Overstock.com has returned more than $60 million to Worldstock’s artisan suppliers.
“This carbon-neutral shipping program is in addition to other measures the company has taken to recognize consumer demand for environmentally sustainable business practices. Other measures include ride sharing and corporate recycling programs,” said Overstock.com CEO Patrick Byrne. “We recognize CO2 emissions are only one component of our operational impact, and we are working to reduce environmental impacts across our entire supply chain.”
