5 Tips To Boycott Amazon If You'd Like To Start But It Feels Overwhelming

Ten years ago, I stopped shopping at Amazon and haven’t looked back.

I fully acknowledge being an able-bodied person within walking or biking distance to a wide variety of shops—grocery, hardware supplies, clothing, toys, art supplies, etc—has made it easier for me to avoid Amazon compared to folks with fewer options.

I recognize that going completely Amazon-free might not be achievable for everyone, all the time. There may be situations where Amazon is in fact the only option.

But life isn’t all or nothing. Small actions can have huge cumulative effects, and every choice you make to support local businesses or more ethical companies is a vote for the type of world you want to create.

If you’d like to reduce your reliance on Amazon, here are 5 tips to get you started:

1. Start Small and Build From There

Don't feel pressure to completely eliminate Amazon from your life overnight. Begin by identifying areas where you can easily find alternatives. For instance, if you are walking distance from a hardware store, you might try shopping for household items there. If you normally buy groceries on Amazon, consider looking for farmer’s markets or searching for farm box delivery services near you.

Some people might have success by canceling their Prime membership so they aren’t as easily tempted to make purchases. Others might find it more do-able to simply commit to regularly reducing what they spend each month on Amazon. Keep brainstorming until you find something that actually feels easy and that you’re excited to do!

2. Embrace Local Businesses

Explore your neighborhood and discover hidden gems. Many small businesses offer online shopping options, allowing you to support them while enjoying the convenience of online shopping. Shopping local is also a great way to build connections with people in your community. (I’ve made friends at a few shops over the years!)  Every time you’re tempted to shop on Amazon, think, “where can I go locally?” and if you find an option, check it out.

3. Use Online Marketplaces

Platforms like Etsy, eBay, and independent seller websites offer a wide range of products. While these marketplaces might have their own challenges, they often provide a more direct path to supporting smaller businesses.  Shipping might take longer (but sometimes not!) and it may be more difficult to return items. Be sure to check out tip #4 to help avoid sellers that may be difficult to work with.

For household and business items, if a search result sends me to Amazon, I usually read the product information and reviews. If I find something I like, I’ll seek out the seller’s own website or eBay shop and purchase there. For handmade items, Etsy and GoImagine are my go-to platforms.

4. Research Companies and Their Practices

Before making a purchase, research the company behind the product. Look into their sustainability practices, labor conditions, and overall ethical standards. This information can help you make informed decisions and support companies that align with your values. Read their reviews to access their customer service.

If you’re short on time, at the very least give the About page a once-over. See if they list a location and also scan for any red-flags in terms of scams. If your gut tells you it might be a scam, reach out to the vendor to ask a question or two or simply shop elsewhere. (Occasionally some websites are extremely outdated but still run by good, solid people who simply don’t have the desire to spend time and resources updating a functioning checkout system.)

5. Join Online Communities

Connecting with like-minded individuals to share tips, recommendations, and experiences can provide support and keep you motivated!

• Social Media: Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok have thriving communities centered around conscious consumerism. Search for relevant hashtags—such as #amazonalternative, #boycottamazon, #consciousconsumer, #mindfulshopping—to connect with others who share your goals
• Online Forums: There's a wealth of online communities dedicated to conscious consumption. The subreddit aptly named r/AnywhereButAmazon is a great place to start for finding alternatives to Amazon. You can alsoconnect with like-minded individuals in your local Buy Nothing group. Search for terms like 'ethical consumerism' or 'sustainable living' to uncover countless online forums and communities.
• Sustainable Living Blogs and Websites: Many sustainable living bloggers and websites have comment sections or forums where you can interact with other readers and share experiences.

Small Steps, Big Impact

Ditching Amazon completely might seem overwhelming, but even one or two of the tips outlined above can make a difference. It's okay to start slow and focus on areas where making a change is easiest for you. The goal isn't perfection, but progress.

Remember, the ultimate goal is to create a world where corporations prioritize sustainability, fair labor practices, and ethical sourcing. By making conscious choices and demanding accountability from businesses, we can collectively drive change and build a better future. By choosing where we spend our money, we're sending a message about the kind of world we want to live in. Together, we can create a more sustainable and equitable future.

I’d love to hear from you - feel free to leave a comments with your favorite Amazon alternatives or any tips you’ve used to help you ditch the online behemoth.

Happy alternative shopping!