After being stuffed with turkey, potatoes and rolls, it’s common practice to hit the stores for Black Friday sales. According to CNN, there was 7.4 billion dollars in online shopping on Black Friday. In physical stores, sales went up 4 percent. Even though the deals on this day may be shocking, the environmental impact is mind blowing. Black Friday supports consumerism in the sense that people will buy more than they need and then ultimately discard it. It encourages fast-fashion, e-waste, and one-time use plastic.
To combat the impact of this spending holiday, companies like Patagonia have not participated in Black Friday for years. 100% of sales at Patagonia on this day goes to a grassroot foundation. REI also has something similar, closing down for the day and encouraging people to skip shopping and #optoutside.
Even though the holiday has passed, you can already be thinking about what you’re going to do next year. Only buy what is necessary. A good rule of thumb is if you buy this then are you willing to get rid of three things in its place? Cut back on carbon emissions and car pool or take local transit to stores. Lastly, shop local, as there is no better way to support your community and the earth.
By Summer Vaughn