Sometimes companies can get too big. And when Amazon acquired Whole Foods, my go-to for grocery shopping, I knew I needed to shift my dollars to support more socially responsible companies.Just because a company is “big” or profitable, doesn’t make it a problem, but leading economists have pointed out why we should all be concerned. In addition, Amazon has a growing list of ethics complaints that make me want to shift my dollars to more responsible companies.
1 – Mistreatment of its 90,000+ warehouse workers
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- They are expected to work long hours in hot, non-air conditioned warehouses, with minimal breaks
- Workers are often not paid a living wage
- Workers have endured physical issues such as stress fractures of the feet after extensive time on their feet
- Workers are expected to pay for an expensive bus service to bring them to the warehouse (there are often times no other ways to get to and from work), which puts their already low wages well below the living wage line
- Amazon has actively fought unions, hampering their employees right to organize and collective bargaining
- They didn’t pay federal taxes in 2017…(!!)
2 – Toxic corporate culture
The New York Times wrote a blistering front page expose on the corporate work culture at Amazon in 2015, they found:
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- Employees often deal with bullying and aggressive expectations around performance and work hours.
- Team members are encouraged to leave private voicemails with negative feedback for managers, rather than handling in an open and productive way.
3 – Failure to address toxic chemicals in their supply chain
As reported by Bloomberg and the Mind the Store campaign, Amazon lags far behind other retailers in addressing toxic chemicals commonly found in consumer products. As the largest retailer, they owe consumers the responsibility of working with vendors to not sell toxic products.
4 – Erosion of local retail stores and local jobs
Amazon is putting small businesses out of work across the country out of work and they have created unrealistic expectations for today’s consumer to receive products the next day at their doorstep. The convenience all at the expense of workers and local economies.
Socially Responsible Amazon Alternatives
1 – Thrive Market
Thrive Market is an LA-based socially responsible company that offers discount organic and natural foods (on average 25-50% off!). A newly Certified B Corporation and run by a colleague and friend, Gunnar Lovelace, this company knows how to treat its employees and also has a strong give back program for families in need. The money you save with Thrive will make the “savings” you hoped to receive from using your Prime membership at Whole Foods obsolete.
2 – Local Bookstores
As outlined in this article, Amazon has been criticized by the literary community for dominating (a word I don’t use lightly) the book market. It’s easy to purchase books with a swipe, but at the expense of your local bookstore or library? Instead try shopping in person or online with your local bookstore. You can also order online from Powell’s Books and Diesel.
3 – Purchase Directly from Brands
Instead of paying some overhead to retailers, why not support brands by ordering directly from their websites? This can take longer to ship than the fast turn around of Amazon, but well worth it in my mind.
4 – Zero Waste Collective
The Zero Waste Collective is a great one stop shop for sustainable home goods.
5 – Beauty Retailers
The Detox Market, Credo, Follain, BLK + GRN & Thirteen Lune are all great options for shopping a range of clean and black owned beauty brands.
6 – Hardware Stores
Purchase your lightbulbs and home necessities from your local hardware store, they will appreciate the business and you’re supporting local jobs!What are your go to sources for purchasing products without supporting Amazon?
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Love Thrive Market!!!