J&B Recycling Knowledge

Black Friday… Is it a celebratory day of irresistible deals and excited shoppers, or a worldwide catastrophe for the environment?

Each year, from autumn, many shoppers put on hold potential large purchases, eagerly awaiting the arrival of Black Friday. From its humble beginnings, Black Friday has spread across the world, infectious in nature, affecting even the most unsuspecting shoppers. However, where retailers were once launching slightly unhinged offers and discounts, a Green Friday movement is sweeping the streets, fuelled by the negative impact the event has on the environment and consumer shopping habits. Now, instead of enticing consumers with cash to spend on deals, this Green Friday stores are offering sustainable alternatives and some are even closing their doors completely, encouraging consumers to take part in more wholesome activities in place of shopping.

Traditionally one of the busiest shopping days of the year, Black Friday is driven by an adrenaline-filled pursuit of the most advantageous offer, fear of missing out, and a thirst for bagging a bargain. This surge in consumerism drives impulse purchases and an influx of cheaply made, disposable products that quickly find their way into the waste management process. Additionally, the massive spike in online shopping creates a dramatic increase in packaging waste and carbon emissions from deliveries and the return of unwanted items. This combination not only contributes to environmental degradation but also undermines efforts to promote sustainable living. Read on for helpful tips on how to enjoy a Green Friday, this Black Friday…

Understanding the True Environmental Impact of Black Friday

There is a clear transformation in shopping habits when Black Friday lands. It is at heart ‘mass consumerism’ which encourages people to impulsively buy products because they seem like a ‘must have’ deal, with little thought as to how much the product will be used and its longevity. In fact, 52% of shoppers have admitted to regretting the purchase of sale items in Black Friday.

The once single-day shopping event has grown from Black Friday to Black November, with retailers launching deals earlier each year to capitalise on sales. Global waste from the event has reached an alarming rate, with a reported 80% of products purchased during Black Friday being thrown away after just a few uses, and many never being used at all. Much of this waste ends up in landfill or incineration, particularly with cheap items being made from mixed or non-recyclable materials and single use plastics. The retail landscape has changed, and the once trendy Boxing Day and January sales have been replaced with a Black Friday extravaganza, meaning that retailers and manufacturers dash to slash prices and spend much of the year working behind the scenes to develop products just for the Black Friday sales. With ‘cheap’ in mind, many of these products are made from materials that lack environmental consideration. Shoppers have become increasingly aware of misleading deals, pressure to overspend and environmental concerns which has propelled the Green Friday movement.

It is also reported that homes generate 25% more household waste during Black Friday. And the carbon emission from deliveries alone equates to 429,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas. When you also factor in the emissions from returning unwanted products, plus the excess packaging waste and the WEEE electrical waste that ends up in landfill, this is a huge strain on the environment.

Green Alternatives to Black Friday

1. Shop for Sustainable Products or with Sustainable Brands

Choose to support brands that prioritise sustainability in their practices this Green Friday. Look for certifications like Fair Trade, Organic, or B Corp to ensure ethical sourcing and environmentally friendly production. Many sustainable brands also focus on minimal or recyclable packaging, reducing the overall environmental impact of your purchase.

2. Consider Quality Over Quantity

Consider the longevity and durability of the products you’re purchasing. Buying cheap items often leads to replacing them more frequently, which creates more waste and can end up costing more in the long run. This Green Friday, opt for items that are built to last, and don’t forget to look into warranty or repair options offered by manufacturers.

3. Buy Second-Hand or Certified Refurbished Products

Explore options like second-hand marketplaces, charity shops, or certified refurbished items for electronics. Not only can you find high-quality goods at lower prices, but you’re also reducing demand for new manufacturing, which helps conserve resources and lower carbon emissions.

4. Make a List of Essential Items

Before the sales start, champion Green Friday by creating a list of items you genuinely need and stick to it. This will help you avoid the temptation of impulse buys that often result in unnecessary waste or regretful purchases.

5. Bundle Orders to Reduce Deliveries

This Green Friday, instead of buying single items from multiple retailers, consolidate your purchases. Grouping items into fewer orders reduces the environmental impact of deliveries, such as fuel consumption and packaging waste. Some retailers offer incentives for bundling orders, like free shipping or discounts.

6. Recycle Old Products and Packaging

Be mindful about disposing of old items and packaging. Recycle all materials that are accepted by your kerbside recycling program, such as cardboard, paper, and plastics. If you’re replacing old items, consider donating them to charity, selling them online, or taking them to specialised recycling centres. For electronic items, check if the manufacturer offers a take-back program for responsible disposal. Reusing or recycling helps to keep products out of landfills and promotes a circular economy.

At J&B Recycling, we are proud advocates of the circular economy, a system designed to keep resources in use for as long as possible through the principles of reduce, reuse, recycle and recover. Our aim is to minimise waste, encourage efficient recycling, reduce waste to landfill and help ensure that recyclable materials are transformed into valuable resources. In doing this, we help businesses and communities take meaningful steps toward sustainability. Whether through our advanced recycling processes or by providing guidance on waste reduction strategies, we strive to make it easier for everyone to adopt greener habits, reducing the environmental impact of their waste. Find more information on environmental responsibility in J&B Knowledge.