15 Ethical Shopping Alternatives To Amazon (2026)
The Good Trade editors endorse products weโve personally researched, tested, and genuinely love. Learn more about our methodology and business model here.
Want to break up with Amazon Prime? These are our favorite ethical Amazon alternatives for everything from household items to books and beauty.
- Best For Food & Drink: Thrive Market
- Best For Self-Stable Groceries, Household Items: Martie
- Best For Natural Household & Personal Care Products: Grove Collaborative
- Best For Unique & Personalized Gifts, Home & Kitchen Goods, Jewelry, Experiences: Uncommon Goods
- Best For Books, Audiobooks, Textbooks, Puzzles, Gifts: Bookshop
- Best For Clean Beauty, Skincare, Fragrance: Credo
- Best For Custom, Vintage, & Handmade Goods, Furniture, Clothing, Jewelry, Decor: Etsy
- Best For Free Goods & Services: The Buy Nothing Project
- Best For Baby & Kids: Earth Hero
- Best For Reusable Bath & Body Goods, Home & Kitchen, Bulk Buying: Package Free
- Best For Black-Owned Natural Products: BLK + GRN
- Best For Plastic-Free Gifts: Plastic Freedom
- Best For Refurbished Tech, Gaming Consoles & Home Appliances: Back Market
- Best For Affordable Refurbished Tech & Tools: eBay
- Best For Replacement Parts & Tools: iFixit
- Best For UK Books, eBooks, Vinyl: Hive
- Best For Clean, Natural & Conscious Beauty in the UK: Content Beauty & Wellbeing
- Best For Free Goods & Services in the UK: Freegle
Shopping online is convenient, and itโs an accessible option for people who live outside large cities or without access to nearby sustainable stores. While Amazon has certainly made millions of lives easier over the years, itโs unfortunately not the most ethical option when it comes to online marketplaces. (Learn more here.)
Recent studies reveal the true environmental burden that Amazon has had on our environment, including generating 599 million pounds of plastic packaging waste in 2020, huge carbon emissions thanks to their expanding delivery operations, and the large amounts of electricity and water needed to power their data centers. There have also been multiple worker safety violations, with shocking stats that reveal Amazon workers getting injured at twice the industry rate.
These reasons only tap the surface of why we’re looking to shop at ethical marketplaces, where possible.
Why consider alternatives to Amazon for daily household shopping?
Instead of supporting the controversial practices that Amazon engages in, considering alternatives can benefit not only workers and our environment but also greatly benefit you. Other online retailers might offer better prices, exclusive deals, or unique product varieties that Amazon does not have. Some platforms focus on providing fresher or higher-quality items, particularly for perishable goods. Additionally, other online retailers may offer more flexible delivery options, such as same-day delivery or specific time slots that fit better with a customer’s schedule. Shopping from smaller or specialized online stores can also support ethical business practices and sustainability initiatives, which might be more aligned with personal values than Amazon’s practices. Moreover, some online retailers provide subscription-free benefits, avoiding the need for a recurring fee like Amazon Prime.
Thankfully, there are many wonderful alternatives! These online marketplace websites invest in small businesses, support independent artisans and makers, and showcase a commitment to ethical, sustainable business practices. Whether you need cleaning supplies, pantry staples, or some nontoxic skincare products to get you through this season, they have you covered โ no matter where you live.
And for your niche needs like specialized hardware, electronics, or gardening gear, get in touch with local businesses and thrift shops or reach out to the original manufacturers for parts โ theyโll have what you need, without the carbon emissions!
Our criteria:
Our editors have used, researched, reviewed, and corresponded with the top sustainable brands across categories for a decade. We always try to shop for more ethical alternatives to Amazon, so we’ve rounded up our favorites with better business models, cleaner and safer products, and an overall better experience. We regularly add emerging platforms that meet the criteria below.
- SUSTAINABLE & ETHICAL PRACTICES | All of the brands on this list are thoughtful about their environmental impact and labor practices. Many have third-party certifications that demonstrate their commitments.
- CLEAN, SAFE PRODUCTS | With these brands, you can ensure you’re getting the highest quality, natural and nontoxic products where it counts.
- BRAND EXPERIENCE | We prefer spending with thoughtful, small businesses. You’ll get great customer support and a good brand experience at any of the options below.
Looking for specific everyday products? Our guides on organic mattresses and organic bed sheets offer all you need to know on upgrading your bedroom with nontoxic essentials. And for fashion and beauty related specifics, head here for our list of sustainable fashion brands, and here for the best natural and organic skincare products.
1. Thrive Market
Best For | Food & drink
Ships To | Contiguous USA
Why It’s Better Than Amazon | Sustainable & organic products, gives back, carbon-neutral shipping, plastic-neutral
Thrive Market is dedicated to community. This online marketplace offers memberships with a mission, starting at just $12/month. A membership grants you access to over 6,000 sustainable and organic products (including wine!) at a fraction of the retail cost. With a curated selection that can be filtered in any number of ways based on dietary and lifestyle needs, Thrive is the perfect place to shop for pantry staples. We love the fast and free carbon-neutral shipping on grocery orders over $49, recyclable packaging, the zero-waste warehouses, and the fact that each membership sponsors an additional membership for a family in financial need or a first responder. Check out our review to learn more about Thrive!
Our Editor’s Review | “…Iโd recommend Thrive Market for anyone who may not have access to natural or purpose-driven grocery stores. Especially when it comes to accessibility, Thrive makes it possible for more people to experience ethical and sustainable brands โ from cleaning products and groceries to hygiene and wellness staples.” -Courtney Jay Higgins, Contributing Editor [Read our full review.]
2. Martie
Best For | Self-stable groceries, household items
Ships To | Contiguous US
Why It’s Better Than Amazon | Sells surplus food items at discounted prices, prevents excess food waste
Martie makes grocery shopping a whole lot smarter โ and cheaper. This marketplace delivers top-brand, shelf-stable groceries and household goodies right to your door for up to 80% less than what you’d pay at a regular store. How, you ask? They partner with brands to scoop up perfectly good surplus inventory โ things like overstocked items, products with outdated packaging, or seasonal goods. By rescuing these items, Martie helps keep millions of pounds of food out of landfills, saves water, cuts down on CO2 emissions, and saves you serious cash (over $9 million and counting!). Read our editor’s review of Martie here!
Our Editor’s Review | “If youโre like me, and enjoy high-quality items at a discount, then Martie is absolutely for you. I saved over $100 on the items in my order, and saved over 8 pounds of food from landfills. Iโve found myself scrolling through every day to see what new deals are coming out on Martie, and Iโm consistently excited.” – Brianna Schubert, Contributing Editor [Read our full review.]
3. Grove Collaborative
Best For | Natural household & personal care products
Ships To | Contiguous US
Why It’s Better Than Amazon | Nontoxic products, CarbonNeutralยฎ Certified, Beyond Plasticโข program
Now more than ever, weโre committed to keeping a clean, germ-free home as much as possible โ and Grove Collaborative makes that easy and affordable. This certified B Corp offers flexible subscriptions that deliver eco-friendly, cruelty-free, and nontoxic household and personal care products to your home. Plus, each shipmentโs carbon footprint is offset to minimize environmental impact. Grove is also committed to reducing single-use plastic in their products through their Beyond Plasticโข program. Our founder swapped all her recurring monthly shipments from Amazon to Grove a few years ago for easy delivery of organic household goods and toiletries, and recommends the site for quality alternatives. You can sign up for a subscription (which comes with free shipping over $29!) or shop a la carte.
4. Uncommon Goods
Best For | Unique & personalized gifts, home & kitchen goods, jewelry, experiences
Ships To | Worldwide
Why It’s Better Than Amazon | One-of-a-kind products & experiences, eco-friendly packaging, gives back
Uncommon Goods is a certified B Corp offering unique and thoughtful items for every occasion โ including experiences! The platform boasts a range of creative products, from constellation maps to self-care kits to online mixology classes. Most items come from independent artisans, jewelry makers, potters, and painters. With environmentally responsible packaging, a Better to Give program donating over $3M around the world, and fair wages for employees, we love shopping at Uncommon Goods for almost everything.
5. Bookshop
Best For | Books, audiobooks, textbooks, puzzles, gifts
Ships To | USA & the UK
Why It’s Better Than Amazon | Supports indie & local booksellers
For the newest releases, check out Bookshop which supports independent booksellers. This B Corp gives 10 percent of sales to an earnings pool thatโs evenly divided between its partners โ you can even pick a specific local bookstore to support with your orders! Bookshop gives away over 80 percent of its profit margin to stores, vendors, and authors, making it our go-to over other retailers. If youโre outside of the US, check out their UK counterpart for more indie bookshops! And if youโre hoping to thrift your books, we also suggest Better World Books โ another B Corp โ offering bookworms, students, and children alike access to gently used books at affordable price points.
6. Credo Beauty
Best For | Clean beauty, skincare, fragrance
Ships To | USA
Why It’s Better Than Amazon | Clean brands, sustainable packaging guidelines, gives back to various causes, carries 90% women-led brands
Credo Beauty makes it easy to embrace self-care at home with its 2,000+ clean, nontoxic, and cruelty-free beauty picks. All of the products featured, from mascara to foundation, are formulated without ingredients considered dangerous, harmful, or dirty. Plus, the platform carries many of the natural and organic makeup brands we love, like ILIA and RMS Beauty. Credo Beauty gives back through their Credo For Change program, which helps empower BIPOC communities in navigating professional opportunities in the beauty industry. Itโs never been simpler to shop for clean beauty online โ all in one place. Read up on our editor’s recs on what to grab when shopping at Credo!
7. Etsy
Best For | Custom, vintage, & handmade goods, furniture, clothing, jewelry, decor
Ships To | Worldwide (dependent on seller)
Why It’s Better Than Amazon | Powered by renewable energy, offsets 100% carbon emissions, gives back via Etsy Uplift Initiative
During times of economic uncertainty, itโs important to invest in small businesses wherever possible, many of whom can be found on Etsy. This worldwide marketplace sells everything from paper goods to reclaimed gold jewelry, directly from artisans and entrepreneurs. And Etsy has a serious commitment to sustainability; all operations, including the marketplace, are powered by renewable energy. The virtual marketplace is also the first major online shopping destination to offset 100 percent of carbon emissions from shipping. Shop small and support local makers โ itโs more important (and sustainable!) than ever. (Be sure to check out our 99 favorite Etsy shops, too.)
8. The Buy Nothing Project
Best For | Free goods & services
Ships To | Worldwide (dependent on seller)
Why It’s Better Than Amazon | Sharing & exchanging goods & services freely, helping communities save money & reduce waste
If youโre trying to shop more sustainably while supporting your local community, The Buy Nothing Project is a refreshing alternative to big-box convenience culture. Instead of buying new items online, members join local neighborhood groups where people freely give away everything from furniture, baby gear, clothing, books, and kitchenware to homegrown produce, baked goods, and even helpful services like tutoring, pet sitting, or handyman help. You might join hoping to score a few useful finds, but chances are youโll end up loving the sense of community so much that youโll feel inspired to start exchanging your own goods and talents, too!
9. Earth Hero
Best For | Baby & kids
Ships To | USA, Puerto Rico, & Canada
Why It’s Better Than Amazon | Sustainable & safe products, gives back to environmental causes
Earth Heroโs mission is to empower you to make conscious choices. This certified B Corp finds curated brands through its five-step sourcing process, ensuring that every product is as sustainable and safe as possible. From zero-waste kits to sustainable denim to baby essentials (including strollers and toys!), there are thousands of thoughtful goods here to consider. Earth Hero also offsets the carbon footprint of your order and is a partner of 1% For The Planet, giving back to environmental causes. Consciously update your lifestyle with just one order.
10. Package Free
Best For | Reusable bath & body goods, home & kitchen, bulk buying
Ships To | Worldwide
Why It’s Better Than Amazon | Zero & low-waste practices, gives back to various causes
You could probably tell by its name, but Package Free aims to make the world a lot less โtrashy.โ As a low-waste space, the company collaborates with eco-friendly brands to offer everything from mouthwash tablets and reusable ear swabs to stainless steel food trays and silicone sandwich bags. It ships the products using paper tape or wrapping, and upcycled or recycled boxes, which are 100 percent recyclable and compostable. Bundles are also available! Our editor personally vouches for Package Freeโs subscription option for household essentials like laundry detergent, razor refills, and shampoo bars.
11. BLK + GRN
Best For | Black-owned natural products
Ships To | USA & Canada
Why It’s Better Than Amazon | Supports Black artisans, sustainable products, eco-friendly packaging
The team behind BLK + GRN has seen firsthand how a productโs harmful ingredients can have damaging effects on members of the Black community. Founded by Dr. Kristian, the natural lifestyle enthusiast wanted to give a voice to Black owners and artisans, and provide a space to highlight their all-natural and nontoxic goods. Carefully curated and quality-tested by Black health experts, the products range from hair care and home goods to multivitamins and makeup. (And itโs shipped in eco-friendly packaging!) If itโs not sustainably made, plant-based, or cruelty-free, you definitely wonโt see it on BLK + GRN.
12. Plastic Freedom
Best For | Plastic-free gifts
Ships To | Worldwide
Why It’s Better Than Amazon | Zero-waste, gives back to various causes, refill programs
Inspired by her own plastic-free journey, founder Beth Noy wanted to make a more sustainable lifestyle possible for others. She launched the UK-based Plastic Freedom shop in 2018, and today, this one-stop zero-waste shop curates collections for beauty, clothing, home & dining and, our personal favorite, gifts. Whether youโre looking for plastic-free wrapping and adhesives, gift sets, or (refillable!) individual items, this marketplace has it all. With every order, Plastic Freedom gives back, including planting over 67,000 trees to date!
13. Back Market
Best For | Refurbished tech, gaming consoles & home appliances
Ships To | Contiguous US
Why It’s Better Than Amazon | Trade-in programs, tech inspected by industry professionals, gives back to nonprofits
Back Market is a smart and more ethical alternative to constantly buying brand-new devices from retailers like Amazon. The platform specializes in professionally refurbished smartphones, laptops, tablets, gaming consoles, smartwatches, audio gear, and even home appliances, all inspected by trusted refurbishers through extensive quality checks and backed by perks like a 1-year warranty, free returns, and customer support. By extending the life of electronics, supporting the right-to-repair movement, and helping reduce electronic waste and carbon emissions, Back Market is our trusted go-to when it’s time for that tech upgrade. ๐ฑ
14. eBay
Best For | Affordable refurbished tech & tools
Ships To | USA & Canada
Why It’s Better Than Amazon | Money-back guarantee, transparency in product condition
For even more tech deals, eBay refurbished offers everything from like-new laptops and smartphones to gaming consoles and appliances at wallet-friendly prices. Each item is professionally inspected and backed by generous warranties and 30-day returns. We especially love that you can shop according to refurbished condition tiers, so you know exactly what quality you’re paying for. Itโs an easy way to shop smarter, reduce waste, and give perfectly good products a second life instead of always buying brand-new from retailers!
15. iFixit
Best For | Replacement parts & tools
Ships To | Worldwide
Why It’s Better Than Amazon | Lifetime quality guarantee, verified sources & suppliers
It can be frustrating trying to figure out how to repair a broken item, especially when youโre not sure where to start or what part you even need. Instead of running to Amazon to replace it, head over to iFixit and browse their free repair guides covering everything from apparel, appliances, and electronics to household items, vehicles, and even medical devices. Once youโve figured out the fix, iFixit also helps you find the exact tools and replacement parts you need, all designed in-house at their California office and backed by a lifetime quality guarantee. That means money saved, less waste sent to landfills, and one more item given a second life.
โ For our friends in the UK โ
Hive
Best For | UK books, eBooks, vinyl
Ships To | UK
Why It’s Better Than Amazon | Supports UK bookstores
For over a decade, the team members behind Hive have been putting their own money โ and values โ where their mouths are. This UK-based online bookstore offers more than one million books, vinyl records, gift sets, and eBooks to consumers, with free UK delivery on all orders whenever needed. Consumers are then able to choose which independent bookshop to support with their purchase. If youโd like to support a bookstore directly, Hive also has a directory of hundreds you can scope out across the UK.
Content Beauty & Wellbeing
Best For | Clean, natural & conscious beauty in the UK
Ships To | Worldwide
Why It’s Better Than Amazon | Shop by ethos, personalized recommendations via email, in-person studio sessions available
For those tired of endlessly scrolling through questionable beauty products on Amazon, Content Beauty & Wellbeing is the place to shop. Since 2008, this UK-based pioneer in clean beauty has carefully curated natural skincare, mineral SPF, clean makeup, fragrance-free beauty, and wellness products from independent brands. Shopping at Content feels far more personal and intentional thanks to their thoughtful product badges highlighting everything from certified organic and cruelty-free formulas to vegan products, upcycled ingredients, and locally made beauty finds.
Freegle
Best For | Free goods & services in the UK
Ships To | Only available in-person
Why It’s Better Than Amazon | Run by volunteers, transparent financial accounts, keeps used items out of landfills
Freegle is a fantastic community-driven alternative to constantly buying new things. The platform connects people locally so they can give away unwanted but still useful items for free, whether itโs furniture, clothing, electronics, toys, kitchenware, or even requests for things they need. Instead of tossing perfectly usable items into a landfill, Freegle makes it easy to declutter, save money, reduce waste, and help someone in your community at the same time. Even better, the entire network is powered by passionate volunteers who are committed to sustainability and building stronger local communities through simple acts of generosity.
Featured image is by The Good Trade with items from Martie
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