How to make more sustainable choices when shopping on Amazon

At Amazon, we make sustainability a priority and work to minimise our impact on the planet, as well as the communities in which we operate. As part of our sustainability commitments, we make it easy for our customers to make more sustainable choices when shopping; offering simple ways to find products that match our customers’ environmental and ethical values. At the same time customers can learn where and how to recycle Amazon packaging, shop pre-owned items and trade in old electronic devices.

Making more sustainable choices when shopping means buying products that have a reduced environmental impact, or those which support fair labour practices, are kinder to animals or contribute to a more circular economy. Sometimes these products can be a combination of one or more of these principles.

While it is important to shop with sustainability in mind, it can be challenging to figure out what this entails, or where to start, so we’ve pulled together some popular tips to help you.

Amazon launched Climate Pledge Friendly to help customers discover and shop for products with improvements in at least one aspect of sustainability, and with clear sustainability features ranging from reduced packaging to recycled materials. The features are based on over 50 independent and reputable third-party certifications including Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance and Forest Stewardship Council.

It’s easy to identify Climate Pledge Friendly products on Amazon. Simply look for the leaf icon next to the sustainability features label which appears on over 1.4 million items globally. Each Climate Pledge Friendly product also has detailed and clear descriptions of their sustainability features, helping you make more informed decisions while shopping.

The leaf icon is visible on products across categories such as grocery, household essentials, fashion and beauty. It includes products from brands like Seventh Generation, Faith in Nature, The Honest Company, and HP Inc.

Beyond well-known brands, Climate Pledge Friendly sustainability descriptions can also be found on products from small local businesses selling on Amazon that meet at least one of the 50 Climate Pledge Friendly certification standards. This includes products like eco-friendly baby hygiene items from Mum & You and carbon-negative coffee beans and pods from Kiss the Hippo.

Explore Climate Pledge Friendly products.

The Amazon Aware line includes everyday essentials like dresses, bedding, skincare products and more, all thoughtfully designed, affordable and made from materials such as recycled polyester, organic cotton and bio-based ingredients.

Discover Amazon Aware products.

If you’re looking for designer brands, try shopping pre-owned with Hardly Ever Worn It. You can explore quality pre-owned luxury designer items, including women’s ready-to-wear apparel, shoes and accessories from leading fashion labels like Chanel, Gucci and Dior.

Visit Hardly Ever Worn It.

You can find refurbished products on Amazon with up to 50% savings on recommended retail prices, while also contributing to a more circular economy. Customers can find millions of quality pre-owned, used and open-boxed items on Amazon Warehouse. These products have all passed a 20-point inspection and are backed by our 30-day return policy.

With Amazon Renewed, you can also shop for used or refurbished products across various categories, such as smartphones, cameras and gaming and find great deals on items from your favourite brands like Samsung, Apple and Garmin. Each item is professionally inspected, rigorously tested and expertly refurbished by qualified sellers.

Explore products we’ve given a second chance to on Amazon Warehouse and Amazon Renewed.

Ever wondered what to do with your Amazon boxes once you’ve received your item? All Amazon paper bags, cardboard envelopes, and cardboard boxes in the UK are 100% recyclable in your household recycling. Learn how to recycle your Amazon packaging. 

You can also reuse our boxes for a range of purposes including storage, shipping, and crafting.

Amazon’s Trade-In programme allows customers to trade in used devices such as smartphones and video game consoles in order to receive an Amazon.co.uk Gift Card in return.

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To get started, simply select the device you want to trade in and answer questions about its condition. Then, print a shipping label and send your device for free within 21 days. After sending your device and receiving the appraisal, you'll receive an Amazon.co.uk Gift Card credited to your account.

If you're wondering what happens to the devices you trade in, rest assured knowing that they are either restored and re-sold or recycled through an Amazon-certified recycler, giving old and unwanted devices – or their components – a second chance.

Find out more about Amazon’s Trade-In programme.

1. How can you identify products with sustainability features and underlying certifications on Amazon.co.uk?

   When shopping on Amazon, you can easily find products that support more-sustainable choices by looking for the leaf icon and sustainability features label displayed next to the item on product pages, and you can click on it to learn more about the sustainability features of your selected product.
   

2. What fashion choices can you make on Amazon UK when shopping with sustainability in mind?

   Explore Amazon Aware for thoughtfully designed apparel made from recycled polyester, organic cotton and bio-based ingredients. You can find items like dresses, T-shirts and tank tops, sleepwear and more.

   Additionally, you can explore pre-owned luxury designer items, including women’s ready-to-wear, shoes, accessories, jewellery, and watches from top brands at Hardly Ever Worn It on Amazon.
   

3. Where can you learn more about sustainability at Amazon?

   You can learn more about sustainability at Amazon here.