Black Friday…indeed.

Nov 18

Black Friday is approaching.

How different would our attitude be if the images we saw around Black Friday truly represented its impact?

For marketers – good luck! It’s an intense and stressful time of year.

Knowing our planet hangs in the balance of extinction and our overproduction and overconsumption have a major role to play, what can you do today to encourage your employer to consider the impact of your marketing strategy?

For all of us as consumers – apart from overconsumption, the cost of living crisis is another reason not to spend carelessly.

Make a list of things you actually need to buy, and stick to it.

Are there any you can find second-hand on Facebook market, Ebay, Depop?

If you absolutely must buy something new:

Don’t get swayed by the discounts. Only buy things you actually need AND have space for
Support small and independent businesses
Look at the label carefully – avoid clothes made from polyester, which is made from petroleum. Look for options from recycled wool, recycled polyester and recycled plastic.
If you’re buying new devices, opt for energy-efficient ones - they cost less both for the planet and your pocket.
Shop with businesses who do something different: for example, sustainable sneaker brand LØCI will donate 20% in support of wildlife conservation charities for every sale between 18th-28th November.
Be cautious of greenwashing - check the claims carefully and the company's ethics.
*As a cheat sheet: Shein, Boohoo, H&M are not sustainable regardless of their greenwashing claims. They also treat employees across their supply chain (mainly women) in appalling ways and leave them unpaid.