Disclaimer for the Conscious Consumer (and everyone else too): Some links in this post are affiliate links, meaning that if you click through & make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support and enjoy your Amazon fix!
Proof That The Amazon Addiction Struggle Is Real
Face it, you (and most of your friends) are addicted to Amazon or other online shopping. Okay, not everyone that reads this is addicted, but spend 15 minutes on any social media channel and you will see countless posts about wives hiding their delivery packages from husbands, or destroying their budgets because they can’t stop online shopping. Almost 3/4’s of adults in the United States are Amazon Prime members according to one study, and another claims that up to 15% of the population buys something from Amazon 5 or more times per week. There is something undeniably exciting about seeing those boxes at your front door. An addiction to online shopping was already growing, but the COVID-19 pandemic exploded it. The U.S. is gripped by addiction and we need our Amazon fix.
The Rise of the Conscious Consumer
At the same time that the pandemic was nurturing our already blooming addiction to Amazon, more people were becoming conscious consumers. A conscious consumer is someone who goes out of their way to buy products that are sustainable, support small businesses, are good for the environment, or give back in some other significant way. These shoppers would rather pay a little more for a product that they see as ethical. They “vote” with their wallets. According to a survey conducted by Lending Tree, at least half of adults are willing to spend more for products with a conscience, with younger adults and women leading this trend.
Amazon’s Bad Reputation
Amazon has a bad rap for driving small businesses out and driving prices up. As I write this article, the State I live in (California) is in a lawsuit with Amazon over these issues. The lawsuit claims that Amazon forces sellers into policies that artificially drive up prices and make it harder to compete. My opinion is that the State’s tax and business policies are to blame, but I have not seen the fine print of an Amazon seller’s contract. I shop (a lot) on and off of Amazon, and I have not seen a significant difference in the price of products. In my humble opinion, their small business program makes it convenient for me to support small businesses I otherwise would not know about.
Can You Get Your Amazon Fix and Be a Conscious Consumer?
Yes!!! All it takes is being a little more careful before you hit “add to cart” and checkout. Some ways to do this:
- Look for products made and shipped from locations as close to you as possible. If you live in California and are choosing between an item made in and shipping from China versus one made in Arkansas, choose the one made in Arkansas. This reduces shipping distance, which reduces the shipping carbon footprint, and helps to support the local economy instead of a foreign country’s.
- Choose products that support small businesses. Amazon offers a lot of products made by large-scale retailers with unethical practices. But, they also have a ton of products from small businesses and handcrafters that care deeply about the quality of their product, and to whom each sale makes a difference. In some ways, Amazon has made it easier for small businesses to connect with far-away potential customers.
- Buy items marked as “sustainable” or “climate-pledge friendly”. Despite their failings, Amazon makes this so easy. When you search for a product, you can check the “climate-pledge friendly” box on the left to see products that have pledged to minimize their environmental impact. Neat, right? You can also add keywords like “sustainable” or “recycled” to your search.
Amazon Fixes For The Conscious Consumer
If you’re thinking “I want to shop without all that hard work but still feel good about it”, I’ve got you covered. I spent hours combing Amazon for items that are conscious consumer friendly so you don’t have to. This is not your average product recommendation list. These are items I use every day and don’t know how I would live without them. All of these can help you live a more balanced life. 💓
1st Amazon Fix For The Conscious Consumer: Small Businesses And Climate Friendly
The following items are from Amazon’s Small Business partners and are climate-pledge friendly:
Organic Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies
Apple Cider Vinegar has all kinds of health and beauty benefits, but it tastes DISGUSTING. Like seriously, WTF?! Get the benefits without the grossness of a vinegar shot with these chewables that will make you feel like a kid again. You can have confidence that you’re getting the best because these are certified USDA organic, GMP compliant, lab-tested, and non-GMO. They’re also safe for vegans, which a lot of gummies aren’t.
Sunwink Detox Greens Superfood Powder
Add this powdered mix of superfoods like celery, spinach, spirulina, and wheatgrass to frozen fruit and oat milk (or other liquid) for a delicious and good-for-you smoothie. Equal to one full serving of vegetables, this is a great way to get your servings in if you’re tired of salads and steamed veggies.
2nd Amazon Fix For The Conscious Consumer: Support Small Businesses
The following items are from Amazon’s Small Business partners:
THRIVE Natural Face Moisturizer
The first time I bought this, it was supposed to be a Christmas gift for my hubby but I ended up using it all! I could not get enough of the fresh, not at all floral scent and the way it made my skin feel. The plant-based formula is not greasy but keeps your skin hydrated all day long. It’s vegan and free from synthetic colors, fragrances, or ingredients, PABAs, GMOs, alcohol, and paraben. Plus your purchase “directly supports hard-working rural farmers and restores degraded lands to health.” It’s THRIVE’s commitment to leave things better than they found them. 😍😍😍
Skylar Eau de Parfum Discovery Set
Skylar’s clean, hypoallergenic perfumes come in so many tantalizing scents it’s impossible to pick just one. That’s why I love the sampler – I can wear a different scent each day to match my mood or layer them if I’m feeling extra creative. Free from parabens, phthalates, sulfates, synthetic dyes, and other toxic chemicals these are perfect if you have sensitive skin or want a scent that is vegan and cruelty-free.
Yoga Blocks
These blocks are lightweight, designed for easy gripping, and won’t slide out from under you when you’re in an extended side-angle pose. They’re also latex-free and made in the U.S.
Yoga Bolster
Made of 100% certified organic cotton, the bolster comes with a bag and extra cover. It’s firm, moisture-wicking, and perfect for supporting your restorative yoga practice or Shavasana.
Tree of Life Journal
In addition to the stunning design, this journal is made of vegan leather and is a perfect place to write your deepest thoughts, fears, and dreams. Or if that’s not your style, use it as a pretty grocery and to-do list book. At 5″ x 7″ it can fit in your purse!
Pivo Pod
If you’re trying to get your business (or yourself) noticed online you need a Pivo Pod! Taking blog photos and creating next-level videos with a cell phone is a breeze with its 360-degree auto-tracking powered by A.I. technology. No more propping your phone up using random objects or worrying about dancing out of frame. Pivo Pod has you covered and always in view. Compatible with most Androids and iPhones.
Ergonomic Footrest
Height-challenged individuals will especially love this ergonomic, non-slip, under-desk footrest with massaging beads on one side. Using a footrest improves posture and helps relieve lower back pain caused by sitting for too long. #teamshorty
3rd Amazon Fix For The Conscious Consumer: Climate-Pledge Friendly
The following items are from Amazon and are climate-pledge friendly:
Mrs. Meyer’s All-Purpose Cleaner Spray
The lavender scent gives your home a peaceful vibe while the natural cleansers keep it sparkling clean. Mrs. Meyers is all-natural, cruelty-free, never tested on animals, and safe for use on hardwood, tile, granite, walls, and more!
More Amazon Fixes For The Conscious Consumer
The following items are miscellaneous finds from Amazon that can give you the warm fuzzies:
Yoga Related Fixes
I’m obsessed with this yoga mat and this Mexican blanket that gives back and I use them in my practice. If you’re yoga obsessed too, I definitely recommend you try these! Or you can gift them to the yoga enthusiast in your life.
Ajna Organic Natural Jute Yoga/Exercise Mat
I’ve used so many mats, and this is my all-time favorite. I don’t like to say never, but now that I’ve used it I can’t imagine buying another. Made from premium fibers that repel odors and sweat stains, it provides a non-slip texture and outlasts other mats. For extra grounding, practice on the jute-textured side or flip it over for a more traditional surface. It’s Ajna’s mission “to create products that are as good for the earth as they are for you. Our eco yoga mats are free from harmful chemicals, latex, BPA, 6p phthalate, and heavy metals, and instead are made from the highest quality materials. We also plant a tree for every product sold!”. How cool is that?
The Perfect Mexican Blanket
Tired of scratchy blankets? Soft, available in a wide variety of color combinations, and woven by local artisans in Tlaxcala, Mexico on a traditional wooden loom. Gets even softer with every wash without falling apart. The perfect Mexican blanket does exist! Plus, for each blanket purchased, Benevolence L.A. donates to the fight against poverty and for equal access to water!
Health Related Fixes
These products each support your physical health in their own way and are worth a mention even though they are not small businesses or climate-pledge friendly.
Vital Protein Collagen Peptides
Pasture-raised, grass-fed, paleo-friendly, gluten-free, zero sugar, dairy-free, and it doesn’t taste terrible or have an awful grainy texture. What else is there to say?
COSORI Pro Air Fryer Oven Combo, 5.8QT
It comes with 300+ Recipes, a one-touch screen with 11 presets, and a reminder to shake it up. It’s nonstick and dishwasher-safe. If you are trying to eat low-fat but miss fried foods, the air fryer is revolutionary. Donuts, fried ravioli, french fries, buffalo cauliflower, the healthier-for-you possibilities are endless! Get this one, get another one, but get yourself one.
Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Whole Food Magnesium Powder, Raspberry Lemon
Another great addition to a smoothie, and a great way to get more magnesium. Did you know magnesium has been scientifically linked to better physical and mental health and is extra beneficial if you get migraines? The average diet these days does not supply enough magnesium, so supplementing is key. This brand is Non-GMO Project Verified, vegan, gluten and sugar-free, kosher, and supplies 350mg whole food organic brown rice protein magnesium chelate. Oh yeah, it’s also soy-free and contains 1 billion CFU of live probiotics.
Iotech ioRinse Mouthwash
It doesn’t taste great, but if you are prone to tooth and gum issues like I am, it helps with reducing your trips to the dentist and preventing or managing gum disease. The last time I got this from my dentist, it cost more than it did on Amazon at the time I wrote this article. Tell me again how Amazon is unfairly inflating prices. I still can’t see it…
Amazon Fixes for Work
These products each support me in working from home and are worth a mention even though they are not small businesses or climate-pledge friendly.
LuMee Halo by Case-Mate – Light Up Selfie Case
This is my most recent Amazon fix. I’m not sure how conscious it is, because it is probably a recycling nightmare, but it helps a lot with creating decent images for this blog and my other projects without a fancy camera. With this and the Pivo Pod that I talked about earlier, I can create better content with less hassle.
Also, isn’t it pretty? 😍
Rocketbook Fusion Smart Reusable Notebook
This one got on the list because it’s reusable. How many old-school paper notebooks have you sent to the dump in your life so far? Too many, right? Put an end to this with this 42-page 8 1/2 x 11″ notebook with 7 different page styles including a task list, weekly planner, monthly calendar, OKR goal template, idea list, dot-grid, and lined pages for anything else you can dream up. It comes with a special pen and cloth so that you can re-use each page over and over again. I love using mine for ethnographic research notes and planning out my tasks and schedule.
One Last Amazon Fix For The Conscious Consumer
To send you off, I’m sharing with you one of my all-time favorite products EVER that I’m definitely addicted to. Don’t worry, you don’t need to arrange an intervention! 😂 If you know me in real life, you can probably guess this one…
Burt’s Bees Lip Balm, Original Beeswax With Vitamin E & Peppermint Oil
100% natural, like Natural Products Association Certified. No animal testing either. The peppermint smells good and makes your lips pleasantly tingly. I have a tube or three at all times. My friends and family have seen me apply it a million times. My husband says I have “the softest lips”. Coincidence? You decide.
Wrapping This List Up
I don’t often post product list posts, because my blog is more about living with balance. In this case, I believe that each of these products has helped me find my balance, except the Burt’s Bees that I’m just straight-up addicted to. Maybe you should stage an intervention after all. 🤭
So, that’s it for now! I’ll be back next week with a post based on a Ted Talk discussing a kinder, gentler philosophy of success. Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss it!
Until Next Time,
Your Favorite Basic B 😘
P.S. – If you end up getting any of these products, please contact me and let me know! I want your feedback, good or bad, so I can make better recommendations in the future.
Not in the mood for shopping? Try reading one of these previous posts instead:
- 9 Simple Shifts To Create A Life You Don’t Need To Escape From
- 5 Reasons Why You NEED Fun or
- 20 Reasons Why You Should Walk It Off
Did You Know?
I don’t just blog, I am a multi-faceted freelance writer. That means I write newsletters, social media and web content, educational articles, brochures, fliers, and more so business owners can focus on what they do best instead of spending hours creating content. If you have a business that needs content, head over to dee-writes.com.