How to Shop Less Wastefully on Amazon

With "Stay-at-home" orders and a general lack of eagerness to get outside into this scary world, it seems that online shopping might be ramping up.

We all have our own opinions on Amazon, but the reality is that its convenience is undeniable in these exceptional times.

Did you know that - to a certain extent - it is possible to reduce the negative impact of your online shopping?

I'm not saying it's good for the planet, I'm simply sharing a couple of ideas to minimize the damage.

Here are the steps to follow:

Ask Amazon for recyclable packaging and give feedback to sellers

Get in touch with customer service via email (cs-reply@amazon.com), over the phone(+1 (888) 280-4331), or live chat with an Amazon associate on their customer service Contact Page.

Opt for frustration-free packaging

Frustration-free packaging is designed without plastic clamshells, wire ties, and other redundant packaging features, so it’s super easy to open and 100% recyclable – eliminating “wrap rage” for customers. Products certified as ready to ship under the Frustration-Free Packaging Program are delivered without additional packaging, while ensuring they arrive undamaged to customers.

Read more about Shipment Zero, Amazon’s vision to make all Amazon shipments net zero carbon, with 50% of all shipments net zero by 2030, and about how Amazon reduces packaging waste.

Trade, recycle devices, shop open-box or pre-loved items and recycle packages on Amazon Second Chance

More info here.

Choose an Amazon Day

A free and exclusive program for Prime members which allows you to choose any day of the week (except Sunday) to receive all of your orders at one time. This saves multiple delivery trips a week.

You can also simply choose to consolidate deliveries at checkout and opt for slow shipping.

Reuse packaging

Have a parcel to send to a customer, friend, or family member? Reuse your Amazon packaging and reduce its impact on the environment. Amazon also has a Give Back Box program which encourages you to reuse your Amazon cardboard boxes and donate unused items to charity.

Alternatively, certain organizations accept cardboard boxes, packing peanuts, and air pillows (inquire at your local UPS store, for example) for reuse or a small business might be happy to take padded envelopes off your hands.

Buy Nothing groups are also a great solution.

Recycle packaging

As a last resort, check in locally how you can best recycle packaging. Cardboard is usually recyclable curbside (unless it's too bulky), look for a drop-off location for plastic film recycling (like at New Seasons in Portland) and you might even find a Styrofoam recycling facility like we have here in Portland.

I created a couple of idea lists for shopping for essentials on my Amazon Shop.

What's the latest thing you shopped online? Mine was supplies to make whipped body butter.