My New Year without Amazon — so far

By Libby D’Orvilliers

Now is about the time people begin to forget their New Year’s resolutions, yet, I remain steadfast with mine. I have not bought from Amazon at all in 2025. In fact, according to my account history, the last item I purchased using the online retail giant was delivered at the end of November 2024. To be honest, I found this marginally surprising.

While I am generally not one to make any “resolutions” at the start of a new year because I find them to be a bit arbitrary and empty-promise-like in nature, this year was an exception for me. I intend this year to be more mindful of my consumption and ecological footprint. While very aspirational and broad at the beginning of the year, I have come to notice more ways I can be more eco-friendly — one of those ways is to avoid shopping on Amazon.

I have been experiencing a visceral repulsive reaction to seeing the Amazon “smile” logo show up in my life. From the sides of the Sprinter vans, to the cardboard boxes strewn around the street and the plastic packing sleeves filling the rubbish can outside of the mailroom right here on campus. 

Most of us are familiar with the shocking statistics of the current negative environmental impact of Amazon, such as the company’s greenwashing by touting their 2019 Climate Pledge for net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, while hushing the fact that they quietly lobbied against bills that promote the use of renewable energy, such as Oregon’s House Bill 2816 that was proposed in 2023 and was quickly squashed, as noted by CNBC in a 2023 article published by Annie Palmer.

Some may push back and argue that driving a car to pick up my shopping is equally as bad if not worse than ordering online, due to the inescapable carbon-dioxide emissions from my gasoline-powered 2013 Ford Focus. 

In contrast to what that argument implies, I do not take unnecessary trips to pick up single items I might have otherwise ordered on Amazon — for example, the last single pack of holiday socks you ordered. Instead, I strive to do all my shopping at once and in one place as much as possible. Not only does this help reduce my environmental impact, but it also saves me time and money. 

I often do my shopping within the plaza before or after my work shift that I had to drive to anyway. So, most basics and any “last-minute” things that are typically the items one might order from Amazon, I can usually find at one of the stores within walking distance of my job.

Overall, I am trying to consume less. Before buying most items, I stop and check with myself that it is something I really need to purchase brand-new. Or if I already own a good substitute at home or if it could be borrowed. One of the benefits to living on campus is that you have easy access to walk and pick up a pair of dress shoes from your friend.

When I do decide to shop online, I try my best to choose second-hand. For example, using a used book website to order my textbooks for class (which, by the way, is way more affordable than the First Day program through the bookstore). So, yes, while I still do shop online, I keep the intention of shopping more sustainably in mind. 

I understand that Amazon can be beneficial for those who are homebound, live rurally, have familial support responsibilities, or do not have access to reliable transportation. In these instances, having items delivered right to your door quickly, can be extremely helpful. But I, more frequently than not, find myself in the fortunate enough position that I can opt to gather my goods through other means.

One question that you might be pondering in your mind, and one that I certainly found myself asking, is: “Does one person’s resolution to ‘go green’ actually matter in the grand scheme of things?” 

To get another perspective on this, I spoke with junior acting major and Rider Eco Rep Skyler O’Kelley. When I asked her if my efforts to shop sustainably really matter, O’Kelley facetiously replied: “Yes and no.” 

She then went on to explain that what she meant with that ear-catching statement is that “yes, it will matter because your individual impact has gone down.” 

However, O’Kelley pointed out that the reason why she added a “no” into her initial statement is because, even if you make the resolve to live greener, others will likely still be doing environmentally damaging things. Therefore, to have the greatest impact on the environment on an individual level, she encourages people to, not only commit to making more environmentally conscious choices, but to speak out and educate others on sustainable actions and choices.

While I might just be one person, and it often seems like there is only so much I can do to help save the planet. Making this resolution makes me feel good and that is also something important to consider. When I feel like I cannot control anything, this is one thing I can control — whether it makes a difference in the grand scheme of things or not — it makes a difference to me.

While I am content to remain consistent in my personal pledge to make more sustainable choices, as O’Kelley pointed out, I must encourage others to make more conscious choices as consumers. Therefore, I ask you to reflect on your day-to-day choices and how you might make those choices more eco-friendly, not just for you to feel better, but for the planet too.

Libby D’Orvilliers is a junior psychology major