Reduce Waste from Amazon

As we roll into the holiday season, check out this guide to reduce waste from Amazon.

This goes without saying, but anytime you order online, you will receive your item in a package. While this is wonderful for convenience and saves us time traveling to hunt down what we need, it also produces demand for packaging, which isn’t so earth friendly. Some retailers are better about plastic-free shipping than others. Some prefer to reduce the amount of packaging altogether, but either way you spin it, you’re left with some materials that you’d like to avoid ending up in a landfill. With the holidays rolling in, it’s important that we make conscious choices about how we spend and consume.

At this time, even as a sustainability seeker, I still shop on Amazon. While I do strive to support local businesses and in turn avoid packaging altogether, Amazon’s convenience makes it easier than ever to get the thing that I need quickly. Additionally, I can see from Amazon’s sustainability efforts that the company is attempting to do its part to be socially responsible. And let’s face it, I want to be practical. Not everyone on their journey is ready to give up a convenience like Amazon shopping and I don’t blame them. On the other hand, some of you are willing to go the extra mile again and again to shop locally and avoid retail giants like Amazon. Wherever you are in your journey, I want to provide some practical ways to help those of you wanting to reduce waste and yet are seeking accessibility at the same time. 

In order to reduce packaging waste from Amazon, we need to make conscious choices before, during, and after the ordering process. Here are several tips to help you get started.

Before Ordering

Question the purchase: There are a few good questions to ask when making a purchase and one is to vision the future of this item. Where will it live? How long will I use it? What’s the end of life journey for this item and who will be responsible for it when I no longer need it? Is this something that can be handed down, disposed of (properly), etc.? The other big question is, do I really need this? Sometimes holding off a day or two before making a purchase will help any impulse or temptation decrease. You may find that half the stuff you think you need, you don’t actually even want.

During Ordering

Consolidate Orders: Try to place fewer orders with multiple items instead of multiple small orders. This reduces the number of packages and resources used for shipping.

Use Amazon Day: Amazon Day allows you to choose a specific day of the week for all your orders to be delivered. This can help consolidate shipments and reduce the number of packages and deliveries. Opt for longer delivery times if you can. Faster shipping methods often result in more emissions and packaging waste. When shopping, try to buy products that can be bundled together. This way, they are more likely to be shipped in a single box.

Shop Amazon Aware: Look for products that are eco-friendly, biodegradable, or made from recycled materials. Amazon has a selection of sustainable products that you can choose from.

Consider Second-Hand Items: Check out Amazon Renewed or Amazon Warehouse for refurbished or pre-owned items. Buying second-hand reduces the demand for new products and the associated packaging.

Packaging Preferences: If available, use Amazon’s packaging preferences feature to request minimal packaging or packaging made from recyclable materials. Check out the Amazon Ships in Product Packaging option.

After Receiving the Amazon Package:

Reuse Packaging: If you receive packages with bubble wrap, air pillows, or other protective materials, save and reuse them for future shipments or storage. Try saving boxes for your next move (or donate them to someone you know who is planning a move). You can also break down and reuse boxes to start a no-till garden bed. 

Recycle Properly: Make sure to recycle all cardboard boxes, papers, and plastics appropriately. Check your local recycling guidelines to ensure you’re disposing of them correctly. Amazon shows you how each of their packaging materials are to be recycled.

Dispose of Electronics Responsibly: If you’re ordering electronics, especially large items like TVs or appliances, ensure you know how to recycle or dispose of old electronics properly. In additional to Amazon, other big box stores like Best Buy offer electronic and appliance recycling. Also check with your local hardware or appliance stores for recycling options as well.

Donate or Sell Unwanted Items: If you receive items you don’t need, consider donating them to a local charity or selling them online instead of throwing them away.

Leave Seller Feedback: Provide feedback to sellers about excessive or unnecessary packaging. Many sellers are responsive to customer concerns and may reconsider their packaging practices.

Check out Amazon Second Chance Program for more information.

Be Mindful

The question to be asking yourself is whether or not you really need what you are buying. The convenience of Amazon comes with a responsibility to self manage and be intentional, while being a conduit for waste reduction. By being mindful of your choices before, during, and after placing Amazon orders, you can significantly reduce waste from Amazon with your purchases (or lack of purchases).

Here is Amazon’s waste management strategy, in case you’d like to read further.