Christmas is around the corner, and this year more than ever, it’s essential to support small sustainable businesses.
Since March, we have seen big, unethical companies like Amazon and Boohoo getting even more money than usual while small businesses and shops were (and still are) scraping the bottom of the barrel to make ends meet. This year, British people are predicted to spend £1bn more during Christmas compared to last year and, unfortunately, Amazon is probably going to get most of it.
We know how we all need cheering up, and Christmas is a joyous occasion to look forward to after lockdown, but we must support businesses that have a face and a name (except for Jeff Bezos, he doesn’t need our help).
We are so used to have everything in one place and getting it to our doorstep the next day, that we have forgotten the joy of searching for the perfect gift or waiting for something we are excited about to arrive.
To make your research for small business and sustainable products easier, we selected fourteen unique Amazon alternatives that will make your shopping experience nicer and more ethical.
Zero Living
Zero-living has a small collection of sustainable and ethical brands. This marketplace is particularly useful for gifts as it has a great selection of ceramics, stationery, jewellery and candles.
Immaculate Vegan
If you are struggling to find a present for your vegan friends, Immaculate Vegan is the e-shop for you. From bags to beauty and homeware, they have a fantastic selection of brands, and everything on the site is vegan friendly.
So Just Shop
So Just Shop’s goal is to help marginalised women gain indipendence. For every purchase, you will be helping a group of women gain a living wage and build a better life.
Ishkar
Ishkare is the ultimate e-shop for jewellery and homeware. They work with charities in war-torn countries like Afghanistan to help people rebuild their lives through work and craftsmanship.
Better World Books
If you are planning to buy books for yourself or your loved ones, please consider second-hand books and smaller online shops. If you don’t have a local bookshop that delivers during this time, Better World Books will probably have what you are searching for.
Visit Better World Books here.
Package Free Shop
Packaging waste is the number one enemy of online shopping. On Package Free Shop you can find everything you need to live a waste-free life.
The Little Market
The Little Market is the perfect destination for your homeware needs. From wooden utensils to customisable candles and cute jute bags – you’ll find everything you might want for a sustainable home.
The Detox Market
For everything beauty and self-care, The Detox Market is the place to visit. From everyday care to special packages for a special self-care Sunday, The Detox Market is the perfect place for the sustainable beauty junkie.
Uncommon Goods
From a wine holder for your bathtub to the most unexpected and useful kitchen utensils, Uncommon Goods is the perfect place to buy any kind of presents for your loved ones.
Plastic Freedom
From cleaning supplies to bathroom essentials, Plastic Freedom features sustainable products for your everyday life.
Green Beauty Market
Have you ever heard of soy polish remover? A foundation made of quinoa? If you are searching for beauty products that are actually clean, Green Beauty Market is the website you need.
Visit Green Beauty Market here.
Hive
Hive is an excellent alternative for books, DVDs and vinyl but also puzzles, toys and stationery. From the classics to the latest Dolly Alderton, they have it all.
Made Trade
If you are after craftsmanship and ethical shopping, Made Trade won’t disappoint. This family-run website is the perfect place to buy anything from sustainable fashion to furniture.
Etsy
Etsy doesn’t need a presentation. Probably the most prominent marketplace alternative around, you can buy from lots of small sustainable businesses around the world from your sofa, in one click.
