Sustainable Substitutes for AWS

AWS is a cloud computing platform.

Reasons to avoid AWS

Avoid AWS due to Amazon’s poor environmental record, including high carbon emissions and reliance on non-renewable energy. AWS’s dominance stifles competition, while its opaque data practices raise privacy concerns. Labor exploitation in Amazon’s supply chain and ties to unethical political figures further undermine its credibility.

Choose eco-friendly, ethical cloud alternatives instead.

Sustainable Alternatives

Here are some sustainable alternatives to AWS

Hetzner

Hetzner is a German affordable, high-performance hosting provider based in the EU.

Hetzner publishes sustainability reports and energy usage data, promoting transparency and accountability.
Hetzner does not use third-party cookies or trackers, ensuring user privacy.
Hetzner is fully GDPR-compliant, with transparent data processing agreements and robust technical/organizational measures to protect user data.
Hetzner repurposes waste heat and designs servers for minimal energy use and longevity.
Hetzner powers its data centers with 100% renewable energy (hydropower in Germany, wind power in Finland) and invests in self-generated solar energy.
Hetzner achieves a PUE of 1.13 through innovative cooling and custom-built, low-power servers.
Hetzner is based in Germany, ensuring compliance with GDPR and European privacy and labor regulations.
Website

Infomaniak

Infomaniak is a Swiss hosting provider with strong privacy protections and GDPR compliance.

Infomaniak is fully GDPR-compliant, with transparent data processing agreements and robust technical/organizational measures to protect user data.
Infomaniak offsets 200% of CO2 emissions and invests in local renewable energy projects and community initiatives.
Infomaniak publishes detailed sustainability reports and energy usage data, promoting transparency and accountability.
Infomaniak does not use third-party cookies or trackers, ensuring user privacy.
Infomaniak extends server lifespans to 15 years and repurposes waste heat to warm nearby buildings, minimizing e-waste and energy waste.
Infomaniak powers its data centers with 100% renewable energy (60% hydropower, 40% solar/small hydro) and aims to generate 50% of its electricity by 2030.
Infomaniak achieves a PUE of 1.06 through innovative cooling (outside air only) and custom-built, low-power servers.
Website

OVHCloud

OVHcloud is a French cloud hosting provider with a strong focus on privacy and data sovereignty.

OVHCloud is based in France, ensuring compliance with GDPR and European privacy and labor regulations.
OVHCloud targets 100% low-carbon energy (mostly nuclear though) for data centers by 2025, with 92% already achieved.
OVHCloud does not collect or sell user data, ensuring privacy and security.
OVHCloud provides tools like the Environmental Impact Tracker to help customers understand and reduce their carbon footprint.
OVHCloud offers dedicated and private cloud solutions, giving users full control over their data and infrastructure.
OVHCloud commits to data privacy and does not use third-party cookies or trackers.
OVHCloud repurposes industrial buildings for data centers and focuses on circular economy practices to minimize e-waste.
Website

The 5 main issues with AWS

Big Tech - Big Tech companies do not nourish people and planet. This is especially true in times of political tension.

AWS is developed by Amazon, one of the largest tech companies, contributing to market monopolization.

Privacy Concerns - User data is likely to be stored and used against users' best interest.

AWS collects and analyzes vast amounts of user data, raising significant privacy concerns.

Lack of Transparency - Opacity in operations, data handling, or supply chains, making it difficult for users to understand practices.

Amazon lacks transparency in how user data from AWS is used and shared.

Non-Renewable Energy Use - Reliance on fossil fuels and non-sustainable energy sources, contributing to environmental harm.

AWS relies heavily on non-renewable energy sources, contributing to environmental harm.

Data Monopolies - Control of vast amounts of user data, creating risks for privacy and potential misuse.

AWS contributes to Amazon's vast data monopolies, creating risks for user privacy.