8 Guidelines for Sustainable Black Friday Shopping
It is only mid-November and my inbox is already flooding with Black Friday sales. Although I think Black Friday is a great opportunity to purchase items, that you need, at a discounted price, somewhere along the way it turned into a day of brainless consumerism in which people literally get trampled every year for the sake of shopping.
Paying full price shouldn’t be added to the list of requirements for living a sustainable lifestyle. Although it can be difficult to avoid the thrill of a deal, that shopping high often fades when you get stuff that you don’t end up using, and later get your credit card bill.
Here are a few ways to curb your spending on Black Friday:
1. If you don’t need anything, don’t buy anything. Just because there is a sale happening doesn’t mean you need to buy things.
2. Turn off your promotional emails or unsubscribe from companies that are regularly sending you promotions. This is a good rule in general to avoid impulse buying just because there is a deal.
3. Avoid going on social media for the day. We all know our feeds and stories will be filled with promotional material that is trying to suck you in. Get outside and go for a walk instead!
4. Create a budget. Avoid the stress of overextending yourself financially by making a budget and sticking to it. Remember that going into debt for “stuff” is never worth it. Paying for something on credit and having to pay interest on it negates the point of buying something on sale. It is better to save up for that item and pay full price when you have the cash.
5. Make a list of items that you do need and are hoping to find a deal for in advance. I don’t believe people should avoid purchases on Black Friday if there is genuinely something they need or have wanted for a long time. By making a list you can stay focused intentional purchases and avoid impulse buying.
6. Buy experiences instead of things. Alot of places will offer promotions on activities which is a great way to save on something you have wanted to do, and also makes a great gift! Even if you are looking for an activity from home, look for a deal on movie rentals, subscriptions, of virtual galleries.
7. Support your local shops. Instead of rushing to the mall or buying everything for big stores online, spend your money in your community with small shops. Especially during COVID-19, so stores are barely making it, so buying locally can make a big difference in keeping your local shop owners open for business.
8. If you are doing your holiday shopping early, buy sustainable products as gifts that can be used or will last a long time. I would honestly be so happy to receive some package free soaps or beeswax wraps in my stocking, or some sustainable clothing as a gift.
At the end of the day, just remind yourself to focus on conscious consumerism, instead of making impulse purchases for the sake of “saving money”.