Don’t Make Black Friday Darker Than It Already Is

Key takeaways:

• Up to 80% of items purchased on Black Friday may be discarded after a single use or not used at all.
• This phenomenon not only harms the environment but also affects people’s FOMO.
• However, it can be approached differently – by shopping less, making more mindful choices, or even engaging in decluttering.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday sound a bit like the end of the world, don’t they? But no cyborgs or swarms of locusts are invading – just waves of frantic shoppers, bargain deals on already-cheap stuff, and a mess of flyers. It’s less a biblical or blockbuster apocalypse and more… an armageddon of clutter and chaos. 

The term “Black Friday” was actually coined by police to describe this frenzy: traffic jams, overflowing sidewalks, and swarms of people hitting stores right after Thanksgiving to kick off their holiday shopping.[1]

And when you consider that up to 80% of purchases may be discarded after one use – or not used at all[2] – it makes the day seem even darker than its name suggests.

The True Color of Bargain Hunting 

When we think about the environmental impact of this particular occasion, it’s enough to make you want to hide under your bed until it’s all over.           
Research by Phil Purnell from the University of Leeds revealed that transportation for Black Friday in the UK alone released a staggering 400,000 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere in 2022. That’s like having a personal climate change party every time someone buys a pair of socks. [3]

In a 2019 study, the professor also found out that many items purchased during Black Friday end up discarded after being used only once. [4]

But we really can’t resist buying that pair of socks, can we? No, because we’re… 

Caught in the Web of FOMO

When it comes to this notorious day, Dr Patsy Perry, a fashion marketing expert from the University of Manchester, pointed out in a BBC interview that retailers are caught in a contradictory cycle. They boast about their sustainability efforts while simultaneously fueling our obsession with buying more. [5]          

This contradictory message isn’t just harmful to the planet; it also plays right into our never-ending FOMO (Fear of Missing Out – or in this case, more UTDI, Urgency to Dress In).

As shoppers scramble to fill their carts, they often succumb to panic-buying driven by countdown clocks, leading to buyer’s remorse and, in some cases, even injuries. Believe it or not, between 2006 and 2018, 44 incidents led to 11 deaths and 109 injuries, including one unfortunate guy who suffered a shattered hip after being shoved into a shelf. [6] 

Time to Lighten Black Friday up  

We’re not suggesting you skip the event altogether  –  though a day of peaceful shopping might sound tempting instead of diving into the madness.
This Black Friday, why not choose to support conscious brands or local artisans instead? Or take the opportunity to declutter your space and donate items to charity, benefiting both yourself and others.

It’s time to make this day a positive experience for the planet… and our own peace of mind.

A Sneak Peek to our Next Article           

As we shift toward a more mindful approach to this event, consider exploring thoughtful gifts that reflect your values. Don’t miss our upcoming article, where we’ll help you discover the best sources for these meaningful holiday presents!

[1] “What is the origin of the term ‘Black Friday’?”, NBC Chicago, available at: https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/what-is-the-origin-of-the-term-black-.friday/3285840/#:~:text=According%20to%20Britannica%20and%20numerous,to%20begin%20their%20holiday%20shopping

[2] “This Is How Black Friday Hurts The Planet—But Attitudes Are Changing”, Forbes, available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidrvetter/2020/11/24/this-is-how-black-friday-hurts-the-planet-but-attitudes-are-changing/

[3] “The environmental impact of Black Friday”, Deutsche Welle, available at: https://www.dw.com/en/the-environmental-impact-of-black-friday/a-63875495

[4] “The environmental impact of Black Friday”, Deutsche Welle, available at: https://www.dw.com/en/the-environmental-impact-of-black-friday/a-63875495

[5] “Black Friday: Brands opt-out for environment reasons”, BBC, available at:  https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-50359603

[6] “Black Friday’s most gruesome injuries and deaths through the years”, The New York Post, available at:  https://nypost.com/article/black-fridays-most-gruesome-injuries-and-deaths-through-the-years/

AUTHOR: Federica Paolucci