- Amazon offers several ways to shop more sustainably, from recycling packaging to buying pre-owned goods.
- The Climate Pledge Friendly programme helps customers identify eco-conscious products.
- Amazon Day Delivery reduces packaging waste by combining multiple orders.
- Customers can trade in old electronics or shop refurbished and pre-loved items to reduce waste.
Sustainability has become a growing priority for many shoppers around the world. While it might seem difficult to know where to begin, Amazon has introduced several easy ways for customers to make more sustainable choices with every purchase.
From recycling packaging to choosing pre-owned items, these small changes can make a big difference.
#1 Recycling Amazon Packaging at Home
One of the easiest ways to start living more sustainably is by recycling Amazon packaging. In the United Kingdom, all Amazon delivery packaging is recyclable. This means that the paper bags, cardboard boxes, and envelopes that arrive with your orders can go straight into your household recycling bin.
Amazon has also made significant progress in reducing excess packaging. More than half of customer orders in the UK now arrive in lighter, reduced packaging such as paper bags or cardboard envelopes. In some cases, no additional packaging is used at all.
Since 2020, Amazon has shipped over six billion products globally without extra delivery packaging, using only the manufacturer’s original box and a shipping label. This effort helps reduce waste and improve sustainability in the long term.
#2 Choosing Climate Pledge Friendly Products
Amazon’s Climate Pledge Friendly programme makes it easier for customers to shop sustainably. Products under this initiative are marked with a small leaf icon and include information about their sustainability features. Each item has been certified by one or more trusted organisations that assess environmental impact.
These certifications include well-known names such as Rainforest Alliance, Nordic Swan, and Fairtrade International. Customers can also explore a wide range of these products in a dedicated storefront within Amazon.
By adding “Sustainability” to their shopping interests, users can receive more personalised recommendations for eco-friendly products. With more than 2.2 million Climate Pledge Friendly products available, shoppers now have plenty of sustainable options to choose from.
#3 Reducing Deliveries with Amazon Day
Amazon Day Delivery allows Prime members to pick a specific day of the week to receive their orders. This option not only adds convenience but also supports sustainability by reducing the number of deliveries made to a single address.
When customers choose Amazon Day, the company works to combine multiple items into one shipment whenever possible. In 2024, this initiative helped reduce the total number of shipped packages across the UK and several other European countries by an average of 15 percent.
Fewer deliveries mean fewer vehicles on the road, less packaging used, and a smaller overall carbon footprint. It’s a simple switch that benefits both the planet and the customer.
#4 Trading In and Recycling Old Devices
Many homes have old electronics sitting unused in drawers or boxes. Amazon’s Trade-in programme provides a simple way to recycle or repurpose these items responsibly. Customers can send in their old devices and receive either payment to their bank account or an Amazon gift card.
The programme accepts a variety of electronics, from Amazon-made products like Kindles and Fire tablets to devices from other major brands.
Traded-in devices are refurbished and resold where possible, extending their life and reducing waste. Items that cannot be resold are sent to certified recyclers for proper disposal. This initiative not only supports sustainability but also makes upgrading to new devices more affordable.
#5 Shopping Pre-Owned and Refurbished Items
Buying pre-owned or refurbished products is another great way to shop sustainably. Amazon offers a wide range of professionally inspected items, often available for up to 50 percent off their original price.
These products meet strict quality standards and come with the same Prime delivery benefits as new items. They are also backed by Amazon’s 30-day return policy and legal warranty. Customers can find pre-owned goods across many categories, from electronics to home appliances, helping to keep products in use for longer and reducing waste.
#6 Exploring Pre-Loved Fashion on Amazon
Sustainability extends beyond gadgets and packaging to include fashion as well. In Europe, Amazon Fashion and Luxury Stores now offer a variety of pre-loved clothing and accessories. Shoppers can discover designer pieces at lower prices through platforms such as Hardly Ever Worn It and RESPONSIBLE, which feature luxury and premium streetwear items.
This approach supports a circular fashion economy by giving high-quality garments a second life. It also allows customers to enjoy stylish choices that are better for the environment. With this selection, fashion lovers can refresh their wardrobes responsibly while still enjoying the convenience of Amazon shopping.
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