Turn the Black Friday into a Green Friday

Black Friday is all about deals, and it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and buy things you don’t really need. But what if we could make Black Friday more than just shopping?

There’s a growing movement to make Black Friday about the planet and find ways to make our purchases more eco-friendly. We can join in! Let’s explore some ideas to turn your Black Friday into a Green Friday.

What is Black Friday, and how does it contribute to environmental problems?

Black Friday is a shopping holiday that started in the United States back in the 1980s. It falls on the Friday after Thanksgiving, and it’s traditionally the kick-off to the Christmas shopping season.

Stores offer huge discounts and deals on Black Friday, which can lead to people buying way more than they need. This overspending can have a negative impact on our wallets and the planet. It’s crazy how much extra stuff gets produced and thrown away just for Black Friday.

It fuels a “throw-away” culture, especially when it comes to fashion. We buy items quickly, use them for a short time, and then throw them away. This is a huge problem because it uses up way more resources than our planet can handle.

It’s not just about the stuff we buy, though. Black Friday also leads to a big spike in CO2 emissions because of all the extra production, shipping, and transportation involved. And think about the kinds of things people buy on Black Friday! A lot of plastic toys and electronics, these items don’t last forever and they come with plastic packaging that ends up in landfills.

All this has led to some great initiatives that encourage us to think twice before buying on Black Friday. They help us break free from those impulsive purchases that can hurt our planet and they nudge us toward a more mindful and sustainable way of living.

Black Friday and Overconsumption | What’s the Real Cost?

– Money

Black Friday deals can be super tempting, and that’s because they trigger a little shot of dopamine in our brains. Dopamine is a feel-good hormone, so buying things, especially on sale, can make us feel happy! However, research shows that people who focus on sales tend to buy more than those who don’t. It’s always a better idea to buy a few good-quality items that will last than to buy lots of cheap stuff you don’t need just because it’s on sale.

– Mental Health

Here’s a surprising fact: overspending can actually make us unhappy! That dopamine rush from buying items doesn’t last very long. We need to find another quick fix, so we end up buying even more stuff. 

Plus, all the focus on consumerism can make us feel insecure and compare ourselves to others. That’s not good for our mental health and it can lead to feeling less satisfied with our lives.

Green Friday Is On The Rise

Green Friday is a movement that’s all about making Black Friday more sustainable. There are a few different ways people are doing that:

One popular idea is “Buy GREEN”, where people simply choose to buy sustainable eco-friendly products and gifts. Companies are getting on board with Green Friday by offering eco-friendly products and gifts and might also give you tips on how to take care of your new purchases so they last longer, which helps cut down on waste.

Other businesses are even deciding not to offer any Black Friday sales at all. Instead, they keep their prices fair and donate a portion of their profits to organizations that are working to protect the environment.

Turn the Black Friday into a Green Friday

#1 Make a List

We all know that feeling, you walk into a store and suddenly your shopping cart is overflowing with things you didn’t even realize you needed! A shopping list is your secret weapon against impulse buys. It helps you stay focused and intentional about what you’re buying.

So, before you head out to shop this season, take some time to make a list. Decide exactly what you need and who you’re shopping for. Figure out what you’d like to buy for each person, and set a budget. It’s a good reminder that Christmas is not an emergency and It doesn’t sneak up on you. There’s no need to use credit cards because of a lack of planning.

#2 Set a Budget

If you’re ready to turn Black Friday into Green Friday, start by setting a budget. It goes hand-in-hand with making your shopping list. Figure out how much you want to spend and stick to it, even if you see a super-tempting sale. That’s how you avoid overspending just because something seems like a “good deal”.

#3 Shop Sustainable Brands

Black Friday deals can be super tempting, and businesses plan for them all year long. But even if you find a great deal, remember that if you don’t plan on buying it, be ready to walk away. Living a more eco-conscious life means learning to say “NO” especially to things we don’t need and that will just end up in the trash.

If you do decide to shop on Black Friday 2024, make sure to choose sustainable brands! Every time you spend money, you’re casting a vote for the kind of world you want because the things you buy have a big impact!

If this is your first time here, we’re glad you’re joining us! We’re all about finding ways to shop more sustainably, and we think you’ll love the mission of GOWOOD, a Canadian family-owned business that’s creating beautiful wooden wireless chargers, sunglasses, and more. We’re dedicated to reducing plastic waste, and you can discover our story and mission here.

#4 Create a New Tradition

Changing a habit, like Black Friday shopping, can be hard. Sometimes the best approach is to redirect your energy. Create a new tradition for Green Friday that celebrates the environment instead of encouraging overconsumption.

#5 Spread the Word 

Share the Green Friday movement with everyone you know! Encourage responsible and conscious shopping, like buying local and sustainable products to reduce the environmental impact of shipping.