It’s only mid-November, yet we’re already flooded with endless sale events—Singles' Day, Couple Days, and the and others I never knew existed. Discounts are being pushed at us from every angle, tempting consumers to spend, spend, spend before the biggest day of all—Black Friday—rolls around. In my view, Black Friday has gone from a convenient sale event to a relentless marketing machine that encourages impulse buys and often ignores the deeper impacts on sustainability and ethical business practices. Originally a U.S. tradition, Black Friday has grown into an overwhelming month of promotions that push the very concept of mindful shopping to the sidelines.
The origins of Black Friday
The term “Black Friday” first appeared in the 1950s in Philadelphia, where police used it to describe the chaos and heavy foot traffic that followed Thanksgiving. Retailers eventually embraced the term, shifting its meaning to reflect the time of year when stores moved from operating “in the red” (losses) to “in the black” (profits). Over the years, Black Friday became associated with discounts, deals, and a sense of urgency. Today, it’s an institution in itself, with shoppers around the world gearing up for what they see as the year’s best bargains.
However, the growth of Black Friday has come at a cost—especially for the planet, small businesses, and our personal well-being.
Why boycott Black Friday?
There are several reasons why you should reconsider participating in Black Friday this year. Beyond the allure of enticing discounts, it's crucial to weigh the broader implications of our shopping choices.
Environmental impact
Black Friday promotes unsustainable consumption patterns, motivating individuals to purchase items they often do not require. The fast fashion and electronics industries, which typically offer significant discounts during this time, are leading contributors to pollution, carbon emissions, and waste. The overproduction and disposal of these products negatively impact ecosystems and exacerbate climate change.
Worker exploitation
To handle the pressures of Black Friday, numerous companies stretch their supply chains to the breaking point. This often results in manufacturing and warehouse workers facing significant stress, frequently laboring in unfair conditions for long hours with minimal time for rest or family. Employees in physical stores are also impacted, as they endure lengthy, hectic shifts throughout the weekend.
Unsustainable spending habits
Raise your hand if you never regretted buying something on a whim during a sale. It's a common experience for many of us, often leading to a cluttered home and a lighter wallet. The excitement of a bargain can sometimes cloud our judgment, pushing us to acquire items that we don't truly need or even want. Reflecting on these moments can help us become more mindful shoppers, prioritizing quality over quantity and considering the long-term impact of our purchases.
The impact on small businesses
Small businesses cannot usually afford to offer deep Black Friday discounts because their profit margins are slimmer than those of big-box stores. Black Friday promotes a culture that prioritizes volume and cheap products, which can hurt small, local businesses that focus on quality, sustainability, and craftsmanship. Supporting small businesses instead keeps money circulating within local economies, helping them thrive and remain competitive.
What to Do Instead?
Opting out of Black Friday doesn’t mean missing out on holiday shopping. Here are some meaningful alternatives:
Support small, local businesses
Shopping small, whether in person or online, makes a huge difference. Small businesses are often more intentional about the materials and processes they use, which can mean higher quality, longer-lasting products. Plus, shopping locally helps sustain your community, creates jobs, and keeps the holiday spirit alive without all the chaos.
Consider Green Friday or Buy Nothing Day
Some retailers and advocates now observe “Green Friday” to promote eco-friendly and sustainable shopping. Others observe “Buy Nothing Day” as a form of protest against consumer culture. Both movements aim to counteract the environmental damage of excessive holiday shopping. You can spend the day in nature, enjoy a cozy day in, or host a gathering with friends—creating memories rather than more waste.
Invest in quality over quantity
If you're on the hunt for holiday gifts, consider selecting items that are sustainably made, ethically sourced, and built to last. At Dear Gaia, along with many other small businesses, we emphasize high-quality, eco-friendly products that are crafted with love. These items not only endure over time but also show greater respect for our planet.
Gift experiences instead of things
Experiences like cooking classes, concert tickets, or memberships to local attractions are thoughtful and memorable gifts that don’t generate the waste associated with physical items. Plus, they offer recipients something truly meaningful and often help support local businesses or artists.
Use the Day for Giving Back
Make Black Friday a day of gratitude and giving instead. Volunteer at a local charity, donate to a cause you care about, or spend time doing something meaningful with family and friends. By focusing on what we can give rather than what we can buy, we can redefine the spirit of the holiday season.
A conscious approach to the holidays
At Dear Gaia, we’re committed to offering products that align with values of sustainability, quality, and community. Instead of indulging in Black Friday’s consumption-driven frenzy, let’s invest in products that reflect our ideals and support brands and artisans that make a positive impact. Together, we can create a shift toward mindful consumption that celebrates the true essence of the holidays: connection, kindness, and care.
This Black Friday, join us in choosing thoughtful purchases, supporting small businesses, and making choices that reflect our shared values. 🌱
