Dear Readers,

Here at the Bluedot Living Marketplace, we recommend that you “Buy Less, Buy Better.” We always recommend shopping local as well as vintage. But we know that the low prices Amazon offers can be valuable, and we want to help you find the items that will serve you best.

Many of the companies we like have Amazon stores and may be offering sales during Big Deal Days. Here are a few:

While Amazon is reducing the use of some plastic, it still uses many plastic mailers. Despite having the “chasing arrows” recycling symbol stamped on them, these plastic envelopes are effectively trash. You can let the company know that you want the option to opt out of plastic packaging for all orders it fulfills. A year ago, Amazon honored this request, but a recent test performed by four Bluedotters revealed mixed results. Even so, it’s never a waste of time to tell companies what you want from them. Tell Amazon that you want to see less plastic. It will take about five minutes: here’s how.  

1. Click this link to go to Amazon’s Customer Service Page. Sign into your account if you aren’t already logged in. 

2. Click on the text that indicates you need help with “Something else.” 

3. Click on the circle with the three white dots inside of it and the text “Something else.” 

4. Click on “I need more help.” 

5. A chat window will open that connects you to customer service. Follow any necessary prompts, and click that you’d like to connect with a customer service associate.

6. Type “I’d like to receive my items in paper packaging instead of plastic” into the window. Request a real person again if prompted. You should get an actual human being within about 60 seconds.

When you do receive your items, be sure to properly recycle your boxes, paper envelopes, and other paper packages. If you plan on mailing gifts over the holidays, you may want to hang onto some of those materials to reuse in a couple of months.

Happy shopping. 

– Elizabeth Weinstein, Marketplace Editor