TED: Where do your online returns go? | Aparna Mehta

The speaker shares her journey from being a shopaholic to realizing the environmental impact of online returns. She highlights the massive waste generated by returned clothing and proposes a sustainable solution called 'green turn,' where returned items are redirected to new buyers instead of retailers. The speaker emphasizes the need for incentives to encourage consumer participation and calls for individual action to reduce waste and protect the planet.

What realization did the speaker have after a conversation with her daughter?

• That her shopping habits might be problematic

• That free shipping is beneficial

• That online shopping is convenient

• That she needed to buy more clothes

What environmental issue is caused by returned clothing?

• Clothes ending up in landfills

• Higher shipping costs

• More shopping options for consumers

• Increased sales for retailers

What financial impact do returns have on retailers?

• Increased profits

• Reduced marketing costs

• Significant sales losses

• Higher employee wages

What is the 'green turn' solution proposed by the speaker?

• Buying more items online

• Redirecting returns to new buyers

• Recycling clothes at home

• Returning items to the retailer

How can technology assist in the 'green turn' process?

• By reducing the number of returns

• By offering more discounts

• By sorting clothes by condition

• By increasing shipping costs

What incentives might encourage consumers to participate in the 'green turn'?

• Higher shipping fees

• Loyalty points or cash back

• Longer return periods

• More color options

What small change can individuals make to reduce environmental impact?

• Buy more frequently

• Return fewer items

• Shop without thinking

• Return more items