We’ve all become so accustomed to shopping on Amazon that we usually don’t think twice about it. But the environmental impact of shopping on Amazon — and almost anywhere online, really — is huge. That’s why I want to share 11 ways I’ve been able to reduce the environmental impact of online shopping at Amazon and elsewhere. These steps saved me a lot of money, reduced clutter in my home, and helped me protect nature and prevent climate change. I think they’ll help you make a change too!
But in the first place, why reduce the environmental impact of shopping on Amazon?
all that carbon – Carbon, and especially carbon dioxide emitted during mining and manufacturing, is one of the biggest causes of climate crisis, Extreme weather events, the spread of infectious diseases, serious illnesses like asthma and heart attacks, the loss or extinction of the plants and animals we love, are all caused by too much carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Amazon’s carbon footprint is huge – larger than that of UPS, FedEx, Apple, Google, and Microsoft (1) – thanks to the packaging and shipping involved. Delivery is often made by large diesel trucks and vans that produce more emissions than consumer vehicles. (2) Amazon has promised to become “carbon neutral,” but not for 20 years.
all that chaos – Most people are really good at buying stuff and really bad at getting rid of it – even if we don’t have a place to keep it. More clothes, more toys, more appliances, more gadgets lead to more clutter. And if there’s one thing that can make people irritable, stressed, and uncomfortable in their own homes, it’s clutter!
Now 10 surefire ways to remove clutter!
all that plastic and trash – A lot of items are shipped in boxes that are lined with plastic foam “peanuts” or air-filled plastic bags that you can’t recycle. The product itself may be shrink-wrapped in plastic or placed in a discarded plastic container. The amount of cardboard being used to ship packages is equivalent to over 1 billion trees!!
What’s wrong with plastic? Just ask Dori!
Impact on local economies – Local businesses have helped support American communities for hundreds of years. Online shopping makes it harder for neighborhood retailers to survive, and when they close, cities and towns lose jobs, tax revenue, and the camaraderie that happens when neighbors grocery shop. They bump into each other while doing errands or while stopping at the hardware store. (Something that will come back after the pandemic!)
Comment: Amazon has been criticized The way workers are treated in its packing and shipping warehouses. At press time, Amazon employee in Alabama Voting on whether to form a union to increase their ability to bargain for more benefits, more reasonable breaks during working hours, and overall safer working conditions.
Of course, there are times when you need Amazon or another online option because you can’t find what you’re looking for in a nearby store. And, the coronavirus pandemic has led many people to shop online to avoid putting their health at risk by shopping in person. That’s why the Big Green Purse has pulled together The greenest options available on Amazon In various categories. But still… As far as possible, the priority should be to reduce your environmental impact when you shop anywhere – but especially at Amazon or anywhere else online. This way.
11 ways to reduce environmental impact
shopping on amazon
buy less – Big green purse always encourages people to shop less. Buying something starts a huge environmental chain reaction that involves acquiring the natural resources needed to make that thing, producing it, packaging it, shipping it to Amazon, Amazon shipping it to you, and you unboxing it. It starts with doing, opening it. Destroying all that cover, using the thing itself and, finally, destroying it.
check out 7 Big Green Purses Green Shopping Principles
To save money and help protect the planet
buy local – Local can mean the corner store, neighborhood boutique, or the local Home Depot, Target, Lowe’s, Ace, or CVS. Surely, you’ve become accustomed to buying light bulbs, toilet paper, clothes, groceries, and other goods from an online outlet that delivers it straight to your door, sometimes the same day. But unless you’re shopping from a local store’s online store, those purchases aren’t supporting your local economy. Note: If you Search “Support Small” on Amazon You can find some local small businesses depending on the area.
Buy from “Greener” Online Marketplace – Amazon is the million-pound gorilla of online shopping. But there are plenty of “green” online retailers you should take a look at. Big Green Purse has relationships with several online retailers that offer eco-friendly products and reduce their packaging and shipping impacts. there are 6 Plastic-Free, Zero Waste Shopping Sites I recommend.
buy gently used – Does what you are buying have to be brand new? Toys, tools, furniture, clothing, books, games, puzzles, tools, utensils, dishes, silverware, and many household items are often as functional and attractive as they are new. They are certainly cheap when used sparingly. This year, here’s what I sold or donated and what other people got for cheap or for free: clothes, bookshelves, a table-sized chess and checkers set, six dining room chairs, two framed pieces of art. , candles, vases, shoes, a toaster oven, a Foreman grill… and that’s all I remember. It’s free to use Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and freecycle.org. Or, use your free neighborhood listservs, including NextDoor.com.
Buy second hand on Amazon -Amazon gives buyers the option to buy many items (especially books) used instead of new. Look for the words “New & Used” when you place your order and check for “Used” options before purchasing.
Buy the greenest products available – Amazon has worked with various groups to certify certain products as reducing carbon emissions or packaging; you can Find them by influence here, But it’s not a particularly easy way to make purchases, as most people are looking for an item rather than impact (ie, socks rather than carbon-free). At Big Green Purse, we have started working together Online “Store Front” We’ve found the greenest, most eco-friendly products on Amazon. Check it out here (And note: we’ll earn a small commission on your purchase. It won’t cost you much, but it helps us continue to provide the expert support you need to live the green life you want.)
Our Big green purse approved! in front of the store Can help you find green products
return less -What exactly happens when you return something you bought online? Often, those products are thrown away rather than restocked and sold, although some companies are making money by reselling returned goods online. Still, do your research before purchasing so you’re less likely to get a refund. Read product descriptions carefully and reviews left by other buyers so you know what you are buying. Don’t buy clothes or shoes in multiple sizes and don’t plan on returning anything that doesn’t fit, as that item will most likely end up in the trash. If you buy a product you don’t like, can you resell it yourself on Facebook Marketplace or through your neighborhood listserv instead of sending it back to the returned goods bin? (4)
Select “Amazon Day Delivery” and less boxes – Bundle your packages together to reduce packaging waste and energy from shipping. When buying more than one item, choose to have them all delivered on the same day and together, at no extra cost.
recycle packaging -Cardboard and paper can be recycled in most places. Plastic and foam peanuts generally can’t be had.
plan better – Last minute shopping makes Amazon Prime’s overnight shipping especially attractive. But that facility has a big carbon footprint. Don’t make the environment pay the price for your impatience or poor planning. If you’re ordering something from Amazon weekly or monthly, you can choose Amazon Day Delivery to schedule purchases in advance and reduce packaging.
Unsubscribe from Prime? -Amazon will ship even the smallest single items overnight to Prime members. This kind of feature encourages consumers to order simple things like a toothbrush or a bottle of aspirin on Amazon. If you don’t subscribe to Prime, would you be likely to order single products that you can easily purchase locally?