Which one is environmentally better? (I know its really small scale, so don't make a comment about how it doesn't really matter) Also if i buy online there is a much greater chance that I will but the thing new as apposed to new at the store.
Tough to say. Depends upon where the widget's being shipped from and how. Also depends on how far you have to drive to get said widget and how efficiently you can do that.
There are too many variables to give this a definitive treatment. Would the item take the same path, up until the point of final distribution? Would the item bump something else along the way (incremental cost). If it is something I would make a special trip for then I must factor in my transport cost/time vs. the delivery method. Ignoring what is greenest for a moment, I often buy online with/without free shipping to avoid sales taxes on larger ticket items. On the other hand, I typically give local vendors a shot at my business if they can come close to a price match and especially if I originally examined the object in their shop. (Sometimes they can't come anywhere close without taking a loss and I don't expect them to do that, so I'll place the online order instead. This has been true of tire shops where they've been happy to do the mounting anyway.)
The item has to get to your local shop anyway but is the distance from source to the on line vendor less than it is to your local shop or more? Is there extra packaging which you will throw away when your on line purchase arrives? Or will you reuse the packaging? Tough call, I'd think going to the shops would be better especially if you walk or take public transport, or better still, Find what you want on line, ring local vendors for the best price, have the item delivered, that would be best and with the time you save driving around you can go for a walk or tend your veggie patch.
I'm going to suggest that you don't do a single thing. If you go to the shop, your music might be too loud, or it might be too loud when you're buying something online, and then you'll spend too much, and the shipping might cost you 5 mpg.... "Also if i buy online there is a much greater chance that I will buy the thing new as opposed to new at the store. " Seriously? If you buy it online, you're much more likely to buy it new, instead of going to the store and buying it new? Can you buy something at the store thats not new? I know you don't want to hear that it doesn't matter.... but really - IT DOESN'T MATTER
i meant used for the online, and if reading my comment upset you that much I'm sorry. you can calm down
If all you ever do is buy on line,,, then next time you need something locally, it might not be there. I am all for shopping locally, but the merchant has to earn it,, and compete,,, not on price per sey, but on the total package. For example I needed a Hot Tub part,, the local guy wanted $150 for it,,, I was able to get it on line for less than $70. No contest,,,and if I didn't get it right away there was no consiquence. On the other hand I needed a part for the oven. On line ~$75,,, local store ~$100. I bought it for $100 because A: it was important to get it quickly,,, and more importantly,,, if you don't support those critical local business' they won't be there when you REALLY need them. The oven is critical,,,, the hot tub isn't. Icarus
