How to make Black Friday Greener
Black Friday is the biggest global shopping event of the year, with brands frenzying to slash prices and encourage spending. It coincides with most people’s payday and the excitement for Christmas is building… sounds like the perfect time to do some self-care retail therapy to boost serotonin, doesn’t it?
Black Friday deals encourage a heightened desire to purchase goods, sometimes leading to excessive buying that exceeds what we actually need. This phenomenon is known as ‘overconsumption’
Overconsumption is a major environmental hazard, leading to natural resources being depleted to create more products, increased carbon emissions from manufacturing and transportation, and increased waste ending up in landfill.
So, why do people go so crazy for Black Friday? Excessive advertising and marketing campaigns generate hype and convince people they are getting a good deal (one which will only be available for a short period of time, sometimes only 24 hours!).
However, research has shown companies inflate prices just before Black Friday so it looks like they are heavily discounting items. According to a study by Which? almost all Black Friday 'deals', about 98%, aren't actually the lowest prices for those items. At different times during the year, the products in the study were found to have been available at lower prices.
With all that being said, there are things we can do to make Black Friday greener:
Do your research
If you are considering making a purchase, be sure to research the product you want to buy thoroughly, to ensure it meets your needs and is exactly what you are looking for. Be sure to read any reviews to see if the product lives up to expectations before investing in something that you won’t use.
I find it also helps to make a pro’s and con’s list of any potential Black Friday purchases (especially big ones like tech) to figure out if you really need the item and the value it will bring to your life. If you find there are more con’s than pro’s, it might be worth saving the cash and spending it on something you will actually use in the future.
Just taking the time to slow down and research the products you are considering buying allows you to decide whether it is something you truly need, rather than something you’ve convinced yourself you want because you’ve seen it be heavily discounted. This helps to avoid overconsumption.
Shop sustainable
Why not support brands that are sustainable and transparent on Black Friday?
Whilst their discounts may not be as extreme as large corporations who encourage overconsumption, you can still save money and buy an item in good conscience, for example, knowing it was made in fair conditions or with eco-friendly materials.
One of the main barriers to shopping from sustainable brands is price, so Black Friday offers the opportunity to try a brand you have been wanting to purchase something from if they are offering a discount.
Opting for higher quality items from environmentally friendly retailers likely means you will keep and use the item for longer because it will be better made, so more durable.
Educate Others
One of the best ways to reduce the environmental impact of Black Friday is to spread the word and educate others on the downsides of overconsumption.
Have conversations with family members, friends and colleagues about the environmental consequences of excess waste and the carbon footprint of mass-produced items. Share articles, infographics, or videos highlighting the environmental issues associated with Black Friday on social media to raise awareness and reach a wider audience.
Sometimes, people are simply unaware of the issues related to consumption so it might be useful for them to know this information and might make them rethink their purchasing behaviours, even beyond Black Friday.
The allure of steep discounts and limited-time offers can cloud our judgement, pushing us toward purchases we might not need in the name of ‘self-care. Instead, turn this Black Friday green by caring for yourself but also for the planet.
