Attention climate activists and sustainable shoppers, Earth’s Doom Day is just around the corner, or as you might know it – Black Friday. ☠️
Look, we get it. Black Friday deals can be as tempting as that last piece of chocolate cake in your fridge at midnight. But before you dive headfirst into the shopping frenzy, let’s talk about turning this Black Friday into something a little more… green.
The Dark Side of Black Friday
Black Friday is capitalism’s favourite holiday – by far! It pushes overconsumption to its limits by convincing us we need more cheap, unnecessary gadgets that’ll probably break faster than you can say “buyer’s remorse.” One study suggested that about 80% of all Black Friday purchases are thrown away after just one use. That’s like buying a disposable smartphone. Cool, right?
The fashion industry is already one of the most polluting and exploitative out there, and Black Friday just cranks it up to an extreme. More shopping means more clothes that need to be manufactured. Black Friday 2021 in the UK alone was expected to emit 386,243 tonnes of CO2 (that’s about 3.7k blue whales – just for reference, there are only about 10-25k of them left). It’s like playing “How many endangered species can we fit into our carbon footprint?” Spoiler: Too many.
For small businesses, Black Friday can be as pleasant as a Dentist’s appointment. They feel pressured to compete with big corporations offering insane deals, often leading to barely breaking even or suffering losses. It’s like David vs. Goliath, but David’s slingshot is made of second-hand organic cotton.
Don’t get us wrong, we’re not here to throw shade at Black Friday shoppers. For many, it’s the only way to afford certain purchases. But we’re totally here for reflecting on whether you actually need that purchase or if it’s just an artificial need created by ads and fake discounts.
And yes, big corporates will inflate prices leading up to Black Friday just to reduce them to its original price * finance-bro voice on * it’s called business, baby!
The Art of Mindful Shopping
Remember that time you bought that revolutionary kitchen gadget that promised to change your life but is now collecting dust somewhere between your bread maker and that ab-sculptor thing? Yeah, let’s not do that again.
Before you click “Add to Cart,” channel your inner Marie Kondo and ask yourself:
Would this still spark joy if it wasn’t 70% off?
Will Future You thank Present You for this purchase a year from now?
Is this replacing something that’s actually broken, or are you just breaking up with it because something shinier came along?
Also, do I really want to give Jeff Bezos my money? (Spoiler: nope, you don’t)
How to Resist Black Friday.
Local Heroes Need Love Too
Here’s a wild thought: instead of feeding the corporate giants, why not support your local businesses? These are the shops run by people who remember your name and might even throw in a free cookie with your purchase (try getting that from Jeff Bezos!). Plus, shopping locally means your purchase doesn’t need to take a world tour before reaching your doorstep.
Second-Hand: The First-Choice
Want to know the ultimate shopping hack? Go pre-loved!
It’s like treasure hunting, but instead of gold, you’re finding vintage gems and giving them a second chance at life. And let’s be honest – there’s something incredibly satisfying about finding that perfect piece that someone else mysteriously decided to part with. It’s sustainable, unique, and comes with built-in character (and sometimes, interesting stories).
The Experience Merch
Instead of adding more stuff to your already overflowing cupboards, why not invest in experiences? Concert tickets, cooking classes, spa days – these are the gifts that create stories worth telling. Nobody ever sat around the dinner table sharing thrilling tales about that time they bought a discounted toaster. And if they do, leave that dinner asap.
The Green Alternative
If you absolutely must shop (we’re not judging), channel that shopping energy into supporting eco-friendly brands. It’s like regular shopping but with a cape – because heroes shop sustainably. Look for brands that are actually walking the green talk, not just greenwashing their way through Black Friday.
The Ultimate Savings Hack
Here’s the real tea: the biggest discount you’ll ever get is 100% off – and that’s what happens when you don’t buy something you don’t need.
Mind-blowing, I know.
Remember, going green on Black Friday isn’t about perfect abstinence – it’s about making conscious choices that your future self (and the planet) will fist-bump you for. Because at the end of the day, the only thing better than a good deal is a clear conscience and a not-dying planet.
Pro tip: Keep this guide handy whenever you feel the urge to panic-buy something just because it’s on sale. Your wallet, your living space, and Mother Earth will thank you for it.
Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,
the Faircado-Team
