### How to Kick the Amazon Habit

#### 1. Opt Out of Data Collection
- Go to your Amazon account settings and opt out of personalized advertising.
- Disable voice recording on Alexa and Echo devices.
- Delete all existing voice recordings in the Alexa app settings.

#### 2. Clear Browsing Data
- Clear your browser history and cookies for Amazon-related sites.
- Use incognito or private browsing mode when accessing Amazon (if still needed).

#### 3. Manage Device Settings
- Reset or factory reset any smart home devices to remove your account information.
- Sign out of your Amazon account and factory reset Amazon devices (e.g., Fire TV) before selling or disposing of them.

#### 4. Uninstall Amazon Apps
- Uninstall Amazon apps from your mobile devices.
- Uninstall any Amazon software from your desktop or laptop.

#### 5. Review and Delete Data in Amazon Services
- Delete all files from Amazon Drive and close your account.
- Remove all playlists and delete your Amazon Music account.
- Clear your watch history and delete your Amazon Video account.

#### 6. Use Privacy Tools
- Install and use privacy-focused browser extensions like uBlock Origin, Privacy Badger, and HTTPS Everywhere.
- Use a reputable Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet traffic and mask your IP address when accessing Amazon or other online services (if still needed).

#### 7. Close Your Amazon Account
- Remove all personal information from your Amazon account profile.
- Cancel any active subscriptions (e.g., Amazon Prime).
- Close your Amazon account through the account settings.

#### 8. Switch to Alternative Services
- **Etsy**: A marketplace for handmade, vintage, and unique goods. Etsy offers a more personalized and community-driven shopping experience with better privacy practices.
- **eBay**: A global marketplace where you can buy and sell a wide variety of items. eBay provides more control over your data and offers privacy-focused settings.
- **Walmart**: A large retailer that offers a wide range of products. Walmart's privacy policy is generally more transparent and they provide options to manage your data.
- **Local Independent Stores**: Support local businesses by shopping at independent stores. This not only helps the local economy but also reduces the amount of data collected by large corporations.
- **Macy's**: A well-known department store that offers a wide range of products. Macy's has a more transparent privacy policy and provides options to manage your data.
- **Target**: A large retailer with a strong focus on privacy. Target's privacy policy is clear and they provide options to manage your personal information.
- **Thrive Market**: An online marketplace that focuses on healthy and sustainable products. Thrive Market is known for its privacy-friendly practices and transparency.
- **Newegg**: A tech-focused retailer that offers a wide range of electronics and tech products. Newegg has a strong privacy policy and provides options to manage your data.

Get some damn privacy!