Making Black Friday Green: A Guide to Sustainable Shopping
Understanding the deeper layers of this annual phenomenon, where consumerism meets its consequential crossroads
As Black Friday approaches, this article explores the origins, transformation, and wide-ranging impacts of this famous event. From its initial emergence in Philadelphia to its current status as a global retail event, we delve into how a day known for shopping frenzies also raises critical environmental and social concerns.
Understanding Black Friday
The term "Black Friday" originated in Philadelphia in the 1960s, named by police who had to manage heavy traffic, bad weather, and other difficulties surrounding the annual Army-Navy football game. Local retailers initially disliked the term due to its negative associations with other disastrous events like Black Tuesday and Black Monday, both related to major stock market crashes. Attempts to rebrand the day as "Big Friday" were however unsuccessful. Eventually, retailers reclaimed "Black Friday," referring to the day they moved from operating at a loss (in the red) to turning a profit (in the black).1
Nowadays, Black Friday has evolved into a major global retail event occurring the day after the American Thanksgiving. It marks the start of the holiday shopping season, characterized by significant sales and extended store hours, often leading to hectic consumer behavior. While it began in the United States, its popularity has spread worldwide, with both physical and online retailers participating. This phenomenon has reached such a large scale that almost every consumer is aware of this sales period and will actively look for discounts and receive multiple ads. Consumers should however be aware of the dark side of Black Friday and understand what shopping low cost products entails.
The Dark Side of Black Friday
Black Friday usually begins with sales in the third week of November on Friday and extends through Cyber Monday, intensifying online shopping and its associated environmental impacts. This period of increased purchasing leads to more goods being transported, and when consumers return items, the environmental toll doubles. The spike in online returns in the U.S., for instance, resulted in 15 million tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2020, equivalent to the annual emissions of three million cars2. Furthermore, the additional waste generated from packaging, such as cardboard and plastic, significantly contributes to overall trash accumulation during this time.
Black Friday's overall impact on the environment is staggering, with the UK alone a total amount 386,243 tonnes3 of greenhouse gas (GHG) were generated during Black Friday which is the equivalent to the weight of 3,679 blue whales. This highlights the substantial role of Black Friday in increasing global carbon emissions and waste, emphasizing the need for more sustainable consumer practices.
Social concerns and workers’ rights
Black Friday is facing increasing social scrutiny, exemplified by Amazon workers across over 30 countries planning strikes and protests this year to challenge what they see as unjust labor practices4, including working 12 to 16 hours every day during this period. The outcry is also a response to Amazon's significant profit surge to $9.9 billion, contrasting sharply with workers' calls for fair wages, better working conditions, and respect for their rights. Last year, the coalition organized over 135 strikes and protests globally during Black Friday, with expectations for even more significant actions this year as workers demand more substantial corporate contributions to improving their rights.
Rethinking Black Friday Participation
While discounts may be very tempting, taking into account environmental and social concerns is key during Black Friday season.
Here are some tips on how to shop more sustainability:
Assess your actual needs before buying: do you really need this new pair of shoes or do you just think it is a great deal? According to a study, 80% of purchases made during Black Friday actually go to waste because we don’t actually need them.5
Practice sustainable fashion through the 5 Rs: Reduce, Rewear, Recycle, Repair, Resell. Maybe you can swap clothes with friends or go through your closet again to find some clothes you had almost forgotten.
Support sustainable brands: Choose brands with a positive environmental and social impact, Good on you is a great website to compare brands’ sustainable performances.
Advocate for systemic change: Engage in social movements and point out at brands who do not respect the environment or their workers. Talk about the impact of shopping during Black Friday with your friends and family.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, Black Friday, a day marked by enticing discounts and bustling shopping aisles, also serves as a crucial reflection point on our consumer habits and their broader implications. As we navigate the allure of sales, it becomes imperative to consider the environmental footprint and social justice aspects intertwined with our purchases. This awareness paves the way for more responsible consumption, balancing the excitement of bargain hunting with the responsibility towards a sustainable and equitable future.
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https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/26/business/how-black-friday-got-its-name.html
https://www.activesustainability.com/sustainable-life/black-friday-sustainable/?_adin=02021864894
https://www.euronews.com/green/2021/11/19/do-you-know-the-true-cost-of-your-black-friday-purchases
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/oct/27/make-amazon-pay-black-friday-strikes-planned-in-30-countries-including-uk
https://phys.org/news/2019-11-black-friday.html