I’ve been suspicious of Amazon for years. It’s convenient, but at what cost? I love the community that small business builds so I aim to spend my dollars locally, and after reading an article on Amazon counterfeits, I doubled-down on spending my money with companies I trust.
But, then came Whole Foods. It’s our closest grocery store and I love it. The experience, the products, the people. I weakened and decided I wouldn’t punish Whole Foods for its big brother’s antics. And then got really carried away and got the Whole Foods credit card, which turned out to be an Amazon Prime credit card in disguise.
Then I got an Amazon Prime subscription so we could get the best deals at Whole Foods. And that is how easy it is for me to rationalize away my morals when I can get a deal.
We’ve had Amazon Prime for a little over a year. I still try to only use it in a bind or on hard-to-find products.
But with their actions last week–closing its Amazon Smile charity–I was awakened from my Amazon Prime stupor. This is not a company I want to do business with.
The charity I choose for my Amazon Smile donations received more than $11,000 from Amazon last year. It’s a slap in the face that they’re telling us the reason for Amazon Smile closing is because it doesn’t have as much impact as they would like? It’s going to be very impactful to a dog charity in Costa Rica to no longer receive $11,000. I wish they would at least be truthful to us. It would lessen the sting if they just said: Amazon wants to keep the money we gave to these charities as profits.
And so, I’ve had my eyes opened again to investing my money in companies I trust. If you also believe in conscious consumerism and want to help right the wrongs of Amazon closing Amazon Smile, here’s some options.
- Cancel Amazon Prime:
- This may take some lifestyle changes if you use Amazon Prime for efficiency, but may I introduce you to Target? While still a large corporation, Target donates to local charities in your community and gives you votes to help them decide how much money each charity receives. If you sign up for their RedCard through your debit card or their credit card, you’ll also get 5% off each purchase and free two-day shipping.
- Support your Amazon Prime charity in other ways
- Consider volunteering time or monetary donations to help with resources after losing funding from Amazon
- Shop local
- I’m always surprised and delighted with the unique, quality items I find locally. And you’re supporting your community in the process!
Let me know your thoughts on Amazon Smile closing and if you’re doing anything to take action!
Basic to Boho 