how i’ll be spending black friday
a slower, more sustainable, more conscious approach
black friday has so much consumer buzz behind it you start seeing sales well in advance of the day and promotions that span the month. while it can be a great way to snag a deal on items, my personal opinion is that it encourages us to buy things that we don’t need and leans on the mindset that just because something is on sale, we should purchase it.
to be transparent, I will be buying some new items this black friday season. however, i wanted to share how i am approaching the day (and the holidays in general) in a way that encourages a more eco-friendly approach and a focus on enjoying the holiday with the people i love instead of focusing on stuff.
before looking at any black friday sales, make a list in advance of what you need or gifts that you want to get your family and friends ( side note: i highly encourage gifting experiences over things when possible, think: concert tickets, restaurant gift cards, a massage, etc.) my list for example include a pot to meal prep our weekly grains in and new suitcase to replace my very banged up one. these are items that i have had on my list of things to purchase for the last 6+ months but have waited until there was a sale because the need wasn’t imminent. other items to put on your list could be items you always purchase and use frequently, but maybe want to buy a couple extra while they are on super sale. for me, that’s my favorite non-toxic candles. try to keep the list as pared down as you can - when you review the list it should reflect what you truly need and will use.
once you have your list, I like to look for the items from conscious brands. this could be something made locally, a small business, a woman owned business, a Fair Trade certified, or a B Corp. the idea here is to be supporting companies that are centering sustainable practices and have ethically made goods. one of my favorites places to search for brands or learn more about their practices is Good On You. they have a brand ratings that focus on transparency of the data sources and rate based on people, planet, and animals.
this process of a streamlined list of items and thoughtful purchasing from sustainable companies should make the black friday shopping process pretty contained…meaning you’ll have lots of time to enjoy other things.
I always try to get outside, whether that’s a neighborhood walk or a local hike. getting outdoors is a great way to relieve stress, spend quality time with a friend or family member, and connect to nature.
if you’re feeling a little sleepy after all the foods and crashing on the couch sounds more appealing… instead of scanning the deals, spend time searching for a non-profits that lines up with causes you feel strongly about and give what you can. Charity Navigator is a great resources for this, you type in the cause (environment, women’s rights, animal welfare, child hunger) and it will provide you with different charities working in that space.
wallet feeling tight? donate your time instead to a local food bank, community garden, beach clean up event, etc. not sure where to start? check Volunteer Match.
finally, this season and holiday is really about being grateful for all of the abundance in our life. to lean into gratitude you could spend some time journaling on what you are grateful for, write a loved one a card on what they mean to you and the role they’ve played in your life, send a friend a gratitude text, or reflect on the abundance that is in your life. when reflecting on abundance, i encourage you to think far beyond things; consider that relationships, opportunities, healthy food, and new experiences that may be present in your life.
