The 26th of November this year is known as Black Friday. Black Friday takes place the day after the American Holiday Thanksgiving and is known as the start of the holiday shopping season. The day has gotten increasingly popular over the last decades, and what was just one day of discounts in the USA has turned into a whole day of discounts worldwide. For most retailers, if not all, the time between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is the most profitable time of the year.
Let’s get one thing straight – we all love to buy products at a discount, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Discounts and sales give many people access to products that they would otherwise not be able to afford.
However, the problem with Black Friday is that many consumers lose sight of the essential items they were planning to buy, and do many purchases out of desire instead leading to overconsumption.
Take a look at the graph below. According to Fashion Revolution, US and UK consumers are spending more during Black Friday every year.
Source: Graph by Fashion Revolution on Instagram (@fash_rev)
New Concept: Green Friday
In 2017, the French environmental organization Envie developed the concept Green Friday. The concept was developed as a response to the negative impact that Black Friday has on the climate and environment. The initiative is a progressively growing movement that presents an alternative for consumption and unnecessary purchases that are pushed onto the consumers through advertising.
It is to remind the consumer that they are responsible for the choices that they make and the consequences that those choices have on the environment.
How can we turn Black Friday into Green Friday?
Let’s take a look at what we can do to make Black Friday a little less black and a little more green.
1. Plan ahead
While it is definitely tempting to just start scrolling through every clothing site you know and just start adding items in your shopping cart this is not the way to go if we want to have a more sustainable Black Friday. Instead, to avoid impulsive shopping and overspending, plan your purchases ahead and only look for the things that you actually need. Because let’s be honest, do we really need 8 t-shirts and 5 new pants?
2. Recycle
The nearing of Black Friday is for many people also a time in which they will throw away old clothes in order to make room for their new purchases. However, these items do not have to end up in landfills. Recycle the old clothes by donating it or giving it to your younger sibling.
3. Shop Local
Planning on going shopping offline (you know, outside)? Shop at your local small boutiques and stores. This helps the businesses grow, and also give back to the community. At the same time, you are also helping the environment by purchasing locally produced goods that are often more conscious than the big brands.
4. Rent 
There are some items that we often buy, but end up using not more than a few times a year such as wedding attire or sporting equipment. Instead of buying a new item and then letting it catch dust in the closet, rent it!
Renting is becoming an increasingly popular concept, and there are many companies that offer this. Rent the Runway and Style Lend are two examples, but there are many more.
5. Buy from sustainable shops
And last, but definitely not least, buy from shops that are known for their sustainable products. Many sustainable stores have joined the Green Friday movement, and offer discounts on their products. Over the last year, I have written many posts with recommendations for sustainable brands that you can use to look for a sustainable brand that might interest you.
But, no worries, I will also give you a small list of some brands where you can shop during Black Friday.
The first brand that I will mention is Happy Earth Apparel. The brand states it is completely vegan and uses organic materials such as Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) cotton. For the 2021 Green Friday deal, you can use the code GIFTGREEN for 20 percent off.
The second brand is WOLVEN. WOLVEN is a sustainable activewear brand that uses recycled P.E.T. materials and carbon-neutral fabrics in its clothing. During this week they have a 40 percent discount on the whole site.
Thread 4 Thought also offers a discount during Black/Green Friday. Threads 4 Thought, or T4T as they call it uses a few of the most sustainable materials possible. Among these materials are organic cotton, recycled polyester, and Lenzing Modal.
Many, Many brands like Eileen Fisher, Stella McCartney, and Mara Hoffman will also offer sales. So if you find sustainable or green fashion too expensive normally, this might be the time to purchase some high-quality sustainable items that you can wear with no guilt!
All pictures are taken from the internet and contain a link to the sites where I found them. All credits to the rightful owners.
