Can You Ethically Shop Black Friday?

It's that time of year again: Black Friday and the shopping frenzy around it is approaching. Widely condemned but at the same time hotly anticipated, Black Friday is one of the most discussed days on the fashion calendar. The environmental impact of this day of unbridled shopping is often the focal point of conversations in the industry - all the while, the queues keep forming and the deals keep raining into our inboxes. But is there an ethical way to shop Black Friday deals?

By Sascha Camilli writer, speaker, activist, and vegan fashion expert. 

First, a bit of history: the term Black Friday originated in the 1960s, with Philadelphia police describing the throngs of shoppers coming into the city after Thanksgiving to begin their holiday shopping. Since those days, Black Friday (and its online cousin, Cyber Monday), has evolved to be synonymous with extreme overconsumption - and an alarming impact on the environment. It is estimated that 80% of all goods bought on Black Friday end up in landfill, are incinerated or poorly recycled. Forbes also reports that 94% more CO2 emissions were expected during Black Friday week than an average week, due to transport of the bought goods. And fashion is a big culprit: it is estimated that the carbon footprint of clothing is 72% higher on Black Friday than any other day.

These alarming statistics have led the sustainable fashion community to widely condemn the phenomenon of Black Friday. Every year around November, think pieces appear in media decrying the "consumerism frenzy" and its impact on both the planet and our wardrobes. But in doing so, we often forget the way this day and its deals can make life easier for low-income families, single parents and others who struggle with expenses - for some, taking part in a deal could be a welcome way to feel normal rather than weighed down by the cost of living. Like anything else, Black Friday is what we make of it, and while many supporters of ethical fashion will be tucking their credit cards away this week, can Black Friday ever be approached mindfully? Immaculate Vegan founder Annick Ireland thinks so, and here she shares her best tips for shopping Black Friday as ethically as possible.

Buy the best quality you can afford

Buying to last should always be top of mind when stepping into a store or clicking onto a shopping website. How long will this last in your wardrobe, and how much use will you get out of it? Always take these things into consideration and check things like fabric composition, construction, and precision. A good-quality item can indeed be a good investment and a Black Friday deal that means you saved on future emissions.

Support good production

Read up on the brands you shop - where do they produce? Are workers paid fairly? Do they try to limit their carbon emissions? "Try to support brands that you know do their best to produce sustainably and use ethical labour where employees are paid a living wage," says Ireland. This way, Black Friday can become an opportunity to support the brands who are actually trying to do good.

Look ahead

One of Ireland's tips is to not live in the moment, but instead try to find good deals for future seasons: what will stay in your life for a long time? Look beyond the impulse appeal of the bargain and try to envision this object in your everyday. Will you use it for years to come? 

Avoid the lure of the discount

When you come across an exceptionally good deal, ask yourself: would I be buying this if there wasn't a sale? If it's something you'd happily pay full price for, then a Black Friday offer is indeed a bargain. But if you're clicking "buy" just because of the alluring price tag, then maybe logging off is a better option. 

Seek out brands that give back

This year, on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Immaculate Vegan will be donating all profits from the four-day shopping weekend to the Orangutan Project, an organisation dedicated to the conservation of endangered orangutans. Rescue, rehabilitation and release programmes are part of this organisation's efforts to help these incredible animals who are at risk of extinction. Using Black Friday and Cyber Monday to support organisations doing vital work for important causes is one way that brands can harness the power of the shopping frenzy for good - and if you're getting your deals from a brand like this, it does sprinkle a dose of good conscience on that purchase.

By Sascha Camilli

About Sascha

Sascha Camilli is a vegan fashion writer, speaker and activist. Her book Vegan Style is out now on Murdoch Books. For more about Sascha, you can read our interview with her or read her newsletter Kind Of Wild. You can also follow her on Instagram.

Cover image by Charles Deluvio via Unsplash. Second photo by ASK Scandinavia. Third photo by Baukjen.

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