Online Shopping: A Convenience and a Curse

According to Business Insider, American holiday retail rose three percent from last year, meaning that American consumers spent more even though many had less this year. This increase is largely due to online shopping options. While these updates have made our lives easier, how do we know when we should purchase something online or purchase something from a real store? The answer is complex, but online shopping causes environmental degradation, harm to small businesses, and strains on shipping companies.