How to turn Amazon Prime Day into Support Recycling Day!

What if we could turn Amazon Prime Day into “Support Recycling Day”?

You might ask, how can we possibly do that when it’s all about purchasing new things?

I’m certainly not trying to encourage you to buy anything you don’t need. If you have read my blog posts, you will know I fully support buying less, using what you have, and repairing and upcycling what you can.

But sometimes we do need to buy something new. Maybe the old item is completely worn out or irreparable. Or perhaps you need an item that simply isn’t available secondhand. In these situations, there are some more sustainable choices we can make.

One of those choices is to buy products with recycled content.

So why not make this Amazon Prime Day more about recycling by searching for recycled products?

If enough of us do this, maybe the word “recycled” will become popular, and we will encourage other brands to offer products with recycled content. Try this out on Amazon now! 

Why search for recycled product deals on Amazon Prime Day

Why should you make this extra effort to shop eco-friendly on Amazon?

Because apart from recycling the right way, buying recycled products is the next best thing you can do to make recycling a success!

Supporting businesses that use recycled content is a terrific way to close your loop and contribute to the growth of the recycling sector. It will also help to build a resilient recycling industry where having a market for recycled material can lead to more investment and innovation in the process.

Supporting businesses that employ recycled content is a great way to close the loop and create a resilient recycling industry. Having a market for recovered material not only provides a more consistent income for recycling companies, but it can result in more investment and innovation.

Learn more in my article Why Is It So Important To Buy Recycled Products?

How to search for recycled products on Amazon Prime Day

To achieve the goal of an Amazon eco-friendly prime day, I propose we all search Amazon for Recycled Products.

That means when you search for one of the items you need, you simply add “recycled” before the word in the search box.

For example, if you want a new beach towel, try putting “recycled beach towel” into the search box instead of just “beach towel”.

See the example below:

 

TRY THIS NOW

Be careful to check the Amazon results

Amazon’s search results will give you both recycled and non-recycled products. The easiest way to find the recycled ones is to search your browser for the word “recycled” so that it highlights the word recycled (see screenshot below).

To do this, hold down the Control Key and press the F Key, then type “Recycled” and press enter. This should highlight the word on the page and allow you to see what products have recycled content.

 

You can also check this by searching after you have clicked on an item’s details.

 

Note: It is good to look for recyclable items also, but even if it says it’s recyclable, it may not be in your local area. You can learn more about this in our curbside recycling challenge.

More tips on how to shop Amazon eco-friendly on Prime Day

To help you shop more sustainably, here are a few other tips.

1. 1. Make a list – Think about what you need and make a list instead of just browsing the sales. I try to avoid sales because it’s so easy to get caught buying something you didn’t plan for. Having a list can help you stick to what you need while allowing you to take advantage of some great deals.

1. 1. Don’t think you will miss out. Remember, there will almost always be another sale sometime in the future, so if you don’t buy the item now, you won’t miss out. Why not sleep on it and see how you feel about it tomorrow? Giving it some time might allow you to find a better option or discover that you don’t even need the product at all. That’s a much better saving than a sale.

1. 1. Look for Sustainable Certifications: Many products on Amazon carry sustainability certifications, such as ENERGY STAR for energy-efficient appliances or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification for sustainably sourced wood products. Look for these labels when browsing for items.

1. 1. Check Product Descriptions and Reviews: Read product descriptions and customer reviews to learn more about the item’s sustainability features. Look for information on packaging materials, ethical sourcing, and any eco-friendly initiatives by the brand.

1. 1. Avoid Single-Use Items: Instead of single-use products, consider reusable alternatives. Look for refillable options for items like cleaning supplies, personal care products, and household items to minimize waste. Look for items made from recycled materials, organic or natural ingredients, and those that have a minimal environmental impact throughout their lifecycle.

1. 1. Buy in Bulk: Purchasing items in bulk reduces packaging waste and can be more efficient in terms of transportation. Look for products that offer bulk or larger quantity options to reduce the overall environmental impact.

1. 1. Avoid Expedited Shipping: Opt for standard shipping instead of expedited options whenever possible. Expedited shipping often requires more energy and resources, contributing to a higher carbon footprint. Plan your purchases ahead to allow for longer delivery times.

1. 1. Consolidate Orders: Try to combine multiple items into a single order to reduce the number of packages and transportation emissions. By consolidating your orders, you can minimize the environmental impact associated with separate deliveries.

1. 1. Minimize Returns: To reduce the carbon footprint associated with returns, make sure to carefully read product descriptions, check measurements, and consult customer reviews before making a purchase. This helps ensure that you select the right item and minimizes the need for returns.

What to buy on prime day 2023

Here are some great examples of Amazon eco-friendly recycled products available on Amazon: