There has been a lot of discussion in the early months of 2025 about companies either embracing or moving away from their diversity, equity, and inclusion programs (DEI) that have been in place since at least 2020, and in some cases even longer. There have been boycotts on both sides, and while there is much to delve into on this specific topic, it can be quite a minefield that I may not be an expert in. However, as a woman of color married to a Black man, who also had a brother with disabilities, DEI from a consumer perspective is very personal to me.
Amazon has had a reputation for not supporting certain groups, but I continued to shop there for its convenience. However, I have stopped shopping at Target since they rolled back their DEI programs. It has been difficult and inconvenient to find alternatives since most people shop online at these stores.
It has also been argued that boycotting these stores may hurt the workers, or in the case of Amazon, the small businesses selling on their platform. This dilemma led me to seek the perspective of Monique Little, the CEO of YGN (You Go Natural), a Black woman-owned company that lost its contract with Target due to DEI issues.
Monique shares her experience and suggests that supporting BIPOC brands within these stores could be a way to make a positive impact. She also recommends buying directly from these brands if possible.
For those looking to spend their money in alignment with values supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion, I have curated a list of 17 places to do just that.
Before proceeding with the list, I want to emphasize that everyone’s definition of “better” may vary. Today’s focus is solely on diversity, equity, and inclusion. While no brand is perfect, it’s important to spend money on products that align with personal values.
Now, let’s explore:
Cleaning & General Home Goods
Blueland: Blueland offers eco-friendly cleaning products with a focus on sustainability and supporting Black-owned businesses. They prioritize diversity in hiring decisions and provide paid time off for political engagement.
Public Goods: Public Goods offers a variety of high-quality products at fair prices. They support sustainability and offer discounts for members.
You can find a variety of products at these sustainable and socially conscious online retailers. For cleaning supplies, kitchen and dining goods, home products, beauty products, pantry staples, and more, check out the offerings at the first mentioned website. While their DEI impact is not well-documented, their dedication to sustainability is commendable. Another site to consider is Grove Collaborative, known for their eco-friendly products and commitment to social impact. Thrive Market is a great alternative for pantry staples and snacks, with a focus on organic and non-GMO products. They also support diversity and inclusion initiatives within their organization. Imperfect Foods offers a subscription box service that helps reduce food waste and promotes racial equality within their workforce. For books and audiobooks, Barnes & Noble and Better World Books are great options for socially conscious shoppers. Libro.fm and Bookshop.org also offer ways to support local bookstores with your purchases. When it comes to furniture and decor, Wayfair and Uncommon Goods are worth exploring for their corporate commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Their website proudly states that they offer starting pay for hourly team members that is more than double the federal minimum wage. They have also been strong advocates for paid family leave in New York State, where they are based, and have committed to continuing their advocacy efforts in other states as well.
Goodee, a highly curated marketplace focused on environmental efforts and social impact, is deserving of recognition despite not being synonymous with Amazon. They champion community, transparency, and sustainability among both their creators and consumers.
Etsy, known for its artisanal products, stands out for its commitment to sustainability. They are working towards achieving a Net Zero goal by 2040 and support carbon offsetting programs. Additionally, they have partnered with EcoEnclose to provide sellers with packaging made from recycled materials, promoting sustainable business practices.
Credo Beauty offers clean beauty products vetted to a high standard, similar to Sephora but with a focus on sustainability. They also run an annual accelerator workshop called Credo for Change, which aims to empower college students from historically underrepresented communities in the beauty industry.
Ulta Beauty, while not as boutique as Sephora, offers a wide range of beauty products, including drugstore brands. They support True Colors United, a non-profit working to eradicate homelessness in the LGBTQIA+ communities, among other social and diversity-focused initiatives.
Harbor Freight, a home improvement store, may not have explicit diversity, equity, and inclusion promises, but it is a good alternative for those looking to shop at a different retailer than The Home Depot.
Costco is known for its diversity, equity, and inclusion stance, as well as its employee benefits. They offer quality products, such as their Kirkland Signature line, and have a strong reputation for customer satisfaction.
In conclusion, exploring alternative marketplace options to Amazon can align with personal values and support businesses that prioritize sustainability, social impact, and diversity. Checking sites like Goods Unite Us and Opensecrets can provide further insight into a company’s values. If there are other marketplace-type shops that can help break up with Amazon, readers are encouraged to share them in the comments. following sentence:
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
The speedy brown fox leaps over the lethargic dog.