Amazon’s Plastic Problem: How Online Shopping Fuels Ocean Pollution
Every day, millions of people turn to Amazon for fast and convenient shopping. On average, Amazon processes around 12.87 million orders daily, that's about 8,937 orders per minute! During Prime Day, Amazon’s biggest sales event, the amount of shopping reaches an even higher level. In 2024, Prime Day sales hit $14.2 billion in just 48 hours, with Prime members purchasing over 375 million items worldwide. However, behind the convenience of Amazon lies a growing environmental issue: plastic pollution.
Amazon’s Plastic Waste Problem
In 2021 alone, Amazon generated 709 million pounds of plastic waste. To put that into perspective, that's enough plastic air pillows to circle the Earth 800 times! While the company has replaced some plastic mailers with paper packaging, environmental groups like Oceana argue the company isn’t doing enough to curb its plastic footprint. In 2022, the company produced 208 million pounds of plastic waste, in the US alone. Even more alarming, an estimated 26 million pounds of that plastic ended up in oceans and waterways, harming marine life and polluting ecosystems.
How Amazon’s Plastic Ends Up in the Ocean
Much of Amazon’s plastic waste comes from flexible plastic packaging, the lightweight, air-filled pillows and film mailers that are difficult to recycle. Unlike easily processed cardboard, less than 5% of plastic film gets recycled in the U.S. The remainder gets dumped in landfills, burned in incinerators, or worse, finds its way into rivers and oceans. There, it gradually breaks down into microplastics that infiltrate marine ecosystems and enter the food chain.
This plastic pollution has dire consequences, contributing to wildlife entanglement and suffocation. Animals like Sea Turtles, Seals, Fish, and Plankton are often hurt by ingesting plastic. Tiny plastic particles consumed by these ocean creatures can also eventually enter the human food chain. Studies have found microplastics in seafood and drinking water, highlighting the widespread issue. Plastic debris also smothers coral reefs, blocking sunlight and introducing diseases that kill these vital underwater ecosystems.
What Can Be Done? Solutions for Shoppers and Amazon
While Amazon must take greater responsibility, consumers can also make a difference. They can opt for “ship in fewer packages” or consolidated shipping” to reduce plastic packing by grouping items into fewer shipments. Alternatively some items are marked with "Frustration-Free Packaging", which uses recyclable materials instead of plastic. Look for this label when ordering. Consumers should also take action to reuse or properly recycle amazon packaging.
Alternatively, shoppers could opt to purchase their goods at environmentally conscious online stores or in person. Shopping locally cuts packaging waste significantly—but isn’t always practical. If buying online, choose retailers with sustainable shipping policies like EarthHero, Thrive Market, Package Free Shop or Etsy (filter for "eco-friendly" sellers). Consumers should also support legislation like the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act, and push for local bans on single-use plastics. Attend town halls, write to representatives, and vote for leaders who prioritize environmental policies.
The Bottom Line
Amazon’s convenience comes at a cost.While the company has taken small steps, its plastic waste problem is still massive. By making conscious shopping choices and demanding better policies, consumers can help turn the tide against ocean pollution.