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Black Friday has long been a major shopping day. Millions of folks rush around looking for deals, pushing through crowds, and checking items off their holiday lists.
But while it may seem to be good for the retailers, the environmental costs create a different feeling.
All that excessive production and crazy packaging, along with people’s compulsive buying nature lead to so much waste.
My family and I have always tried to celebrate holidays in an eco-friendly way, and I thought there must be a better way.
That’s where Green Friday comes in—a cool idea that pushes for mindful shopping & sustainable choices during Black Friday.
In this post, I’ll show you how to be part of the action, support brands that care, & celebrate Black Friday without hurting our planet.
What is Green Friday? How It All Started
Green Friday started as an alternative to Black Friday, which is known for too much buying & waste.
This movement wants everyone to think about what they buy. It urges shoppers to think twice about their purchases, pick eco-friendly brands & cause less harm to the environment.
While Black Friday says “Buy more!”; Green Friday says, “Let’s buy less but better!” It’s all about focusing on what we really need from companies that love our planet.
A couple of years ago, I found out about Green Friday when my family and I were looking for ways to reduce our holiday footprint.
We’d already started celebrating Christmas in more eco-friendly ways, like using reusable gift wraps & giving handmade gifts or experiences.
Discovering Green Friday felt just right! It lined up with how we wanted to shop during the holidays.
Why Caring About Our Planet Matters When Shopping
The impact of Black Friday can be shocking! One report showed that 80% of stuff bought on this day gets tossed out soon after or barely gets used at all.
By jumping into Green Friday, people can fight this problem by making smarter purchases.
Choosing green options—like things made from recycled materials or goods sourced in good ways—can cut down on waste and help responsible production.
It’s a tiny step toward living more sustainably—starting with conscious buying choices.
How to Shop Sustainably During Green Friday
Joining in on Green Friday takes a bit more planning than just rushing into Black Friday craziness. But believe me—it’s totally worth it!
Here are some tips I use to help my holiday shopping be kinder to the Earth:
– Buy less & buy better: Instead of grabbing tons of stuff, think about quality! Pick long-lasting things instead of cheap throwaways.
Like last year, I gave handmade jewelry & eco-friendly candles from local makers instead of more typical gifts.
Ask yourself:
-> Do I really need this?
-> Will it actually make my life better?
-> Is there a similar product from a green brand?
By being careful with what we choose, we can really cut down on waste.
– Look for eco-labels: Search for labels like Fair Trade or B Corp or Carbon Neutral that show products are made responsibly.
– Think second-hand: My favorite trick is buying refurbished electronics! You save cash & help reduce electronic trash too.
– Don’t fall for greenwashing: Sadly, not all brands are truly “eco-friendly” even if they say so. Make sure to research brands thoroughly before you buy—it pays off!
By sticking to these ideas, my shopping feels not only more eco-friendly but also more meaningful.
Also read: The 30Day Zero Waste Challenge
Brands Participating in Green Friday
Lots of cool brands are getting into Green Friday now! They’re offering eco-conscious choices instead of the usual Black Friday sales.
Patagonia, famous for caring about the environment, often encourages folks to repair or recycle instead of buying new gear.
And other brands like Allbirds & Toms also offer great deals while still focusing on sustainability. Some businesses even give part of their profits from Green Friday to environmental causes!
Even big names like IKEA are getting involved with their “Buy Back Friday” where shoppers can sell back old furniture.
I’ve bought from these brands & love knowing my purchases match up with what I care about. It’s amazing how many companies are changing their ways because we want greener choices!
Also read: Money-Saving Tips for Sustainable Living
How to Make Your Black Friday Shopping More Sustainable
If you’re new to Green Friday ideas, check out these simple steps:
– Plan ahead: Write down what you really need before shopping so you won’t make impulse buys you might regret later.
– Reuse or donate first: This year before anything new goes in my cart, I’m clearing out my closet & donating old clothes or fixing items instead of just replacing them.
– Support small shops: Local shops and handmade goods often have smaller impacts than big factories making thousands of items. Plus, you’re helping your community!
These little changes add up if enough folks join in!
Also read: The Easy Zero Waste Swaps for Everyday Items.
The Future of Green Friday: Can It Beat Black Friday?
For sure Black Friday is still king when it comes to shopping days—but Green Friday is gaining ground! As people become aware of how their choices impact our world more folks want eco-friendly options.
It’ll take some time but I think one day Green Friday could stand toe-to-toe with Black Friday as the go-to day for smart shoppers!
The change will happen as more people decide to be sustainable matters—not just during the holidays but all year round.
Green Friday is way more than just another shopping day—it means changing how we live by being kinder to our planet.
When you take part in it, you’re not just getting awesome deals; you’re also backing brands that care about nature while also shrinking your environmental footprint.
So why not switch out the chaos of Black Friday this year? Choose calm good vibes instead with Green Friday—make your list & shop smartly so your gift-giving shows the world you want!
