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The Dilemma of Online Shopping: The Cost of "Free Returns"

In an age where convenience reigns supreme, the ease of online shopping has transformed the retail landscape dramatically. The advent of major e-commerce platforms has made shopping as simple as a few clicks, offering enticing features like free shipping, next-day delivery, and the much-lauded free returns policy. These conveniences have enticed consumers to indulge in impulsive purchases, often with the assurance that if the item doesn’t fit or meet expectations, it can quickly be sent back. However, beneath this seemingly idyllic shopping experience lies a troubling reality: a significant portion of these returns ends up in landfills, contributing to a massive environmental footprint.