How I Cut “Uncle Jeff” Out of my Life

Written By Rachel Lubanowski

"Uncle Jeff" (AKA Jeff Bezos AKA Amazon...)

Although I've ALWAYS been in support of shopping with small businesses and independent artists, I've become WAY more conscious about shopping small in the last number of years.

Because of so many locally-owned shops and brands going out of business due to Amazon's predatory pricing, I wanted to put my hard-earned $$ toward supporting the "small guys", not the richest person in the world.

Here are a few ways I cut the retail giant out of my life:

  • I canceled my Amazon membership.

  • I stopped shopping at Whole Foods (the national grocery store was purchased by Amazon in 2017).

  • I started brainstorming how I could spend $$ with smaller businesses for the things I once used Amazon for.

  • Exclusively purchasing books from independent bookstores.

  • Gardening and shopping at farmers markets when possible.

  • Sought out brands that don’t sell on Amazon, such as Billie, for my razor and refill subscription.

  • Turned to shopping at handmade pop-ups and markets (especially around the holidays) and handmade sites (such as Etsy) more regularly.

  • I changed from an "instant gratification" mindset to ordering a bit in advance or going to a local store in-person.

And...practicing more PATIENCE!

With additional support, local shops will stick around, so that's cool. :)

xo
~Rachel

Rachel Lubanowski https://www.rachellubanowski.com/
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