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Jan Harris
Deputy Group Editor
2:13 PM 28th November 2024
lifestyle

Why Not Go Green On Black Friday?

 
Image by Mary Pahlke from Pixabay
Image by Mary Pahlke from Pixabay
Lots of people are getting very disillusioned about Black Friday which is the day after Thanksgiving in the US. This is now not just a day or even the weekend, but seems to be advertised for the whole of November.

The History of Black Friday

Photo by Ashkan Forouzani on Unsplash
Photo by Ashkan Forouzani on Unsplash
The Friday after Thanksgiving in the States, which is the fourth Thursday in the month, has often been an unofficial holiday and people would go out shopping and so the shops decided to reduce prices letting people commence their Christmas shopping early.

The term 'Black Friday' did not become widely recognised or used until the 1980s or later in some regions.

In fact, since 2005, Black Friday has been the busiest shopping day of the year. With retailers extending their hours and deals every year, the crowds and chaos show no signs of decreasing.

UK shops have now joined in the trend. Between 2010 and 2013, Black Friday gradually built up momentum in the UK.

Ever since 2015 increasing numbers of retailers launched sales in the days leading up to Black Friday, thus extending the sales period even further.

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
When is Black Friday?

It is the day following Thanksgiving Day in the US and in 2023 it is Friday 24 November. Shops now seem to be competing for our business during the whole month of November and not just on Black Friday. This is probably because most of us now do some shopping online.

When is Cyber Monday?

Cyber Monday is on 27 November 2023. It is a marketing term for the Monday following Black Friday to continue the bargain-hunting frenzy.

It started in 2005, when the National Retail Federation, an American trade association, noticed a spike in online sales on the Monday after Thanksgiving.

Image by Pete Linforth from Pixabay
Image by Pete Linforth from Pixabay
Know your rights and stay secure

One top tip is to look at the price and not the saving and only buy what you were going to buy anyway.

If an email sounds too good to be true then it possibly is. Don't just click the link - check the website address very carefully. Better go to the website address which you know.

So love it or hate it, do take some care when out shopping. Make sure you do your research and don't forget you can shop all weekendor even the whole of November!


What is Green Friday?

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
This is a day where instead of making impulsive buys we can make conscious decisions to impact on our planet, which is all very topical. We could volunteer for conservation work, donate to charity or buy brands which are sustainable. So why not think about ethical purchases on Green Friday.

How to get involved on Green Friday

There are a lot of companies who are not offering discounts but donating instead. So why not look for these companies and buy from them instead.

Another idea is to host a preloved swapping party where you and your friends can bring along items which are in good condiition and no longer required. Any items left over can be taken to your local charity shop.

Instead of shopping at the big nationals why not look for the small businesses in your area and shop there. Lots of these businesses have been struggling since Covid so look for your local independent shops and spend your money there.

Remember:
Consumer habits can impact on the environment.
Our simple actions can really make a difference in creating a better world.
So let's go green!


Green Friday is a movement that encourages sustainable and ethical shopping as an alternative to Black Friday.

The Green Friday movement is all about giving, and investing in things that really matter and make life fulfilling, worthwhile and even beautiful.

So why not:
Be active, have fun and go outside and enjoy nature
Spend time with friends and family
Give, share and invest in others and worthwhile causes


For more information on Green Friday click here