Feeling overwhelmed by the craziness and excessive shopping of Black Friday? You're not alone! More and more people, especially younger generations, are worried about how our shopping habits hurt the planet.
It's clear that protecting the environment is a big reason people choose sustainable products and companies. Almost one in three shoppers say they want to make the world a better place, with many also wanting to reduce waste, cut down on pollution, and be kinder to animals.
“Green Friday” “Sustainable shopping” and “conscious consumption” are terms that are becoming more popular. They both mean the same thing, thinking carefully about what we buy. It's easier said than done! Let's explore some helpful tips to become a more conscious shopper this Green Friday.
Support Your Community
Think about the journey your food or products take before you buy them. Choosing things made or grown close to home is a great way to help the environment.
Buying fruits and vegetables that are in season is a good way to find local options. Shopping locally means less pollution from trucks, less waste and packaging, fresher food, and a boost for your local farmers and small businesses.
Check Labels for Clues About Sustainability
Look for labels that show a product is made in an ethical and environmentally friendly way. Some common words to watch for include “cruelty-free”, “fair trade”, “eco-cert”, “organic farming” and “certified B-corporation”.
When it comes to clothes, pay attention to where they were made and the dyes and chemicals used. The best advice is to avoid fast fashion as much as possible – these big clothing companies use a lot of energy and resources, which harms the environment. Instead, search for local clothing makers and clothes made from natural fibers like organic cotton, linen, wool, recycled water bottles, Tencel, and hemp.
Find a Product That Will Break Down Naturally
“Biodegradable” means a product can decompose into water and carbon dioxide by bacteria or fungi. These products need to break down quickly, usually within six to nine months. Some biodegradable materials include bamboo, cork, seaweed, mycelium (a mushroom-like material), and even avocado pits.
Be a Packaging Detective
Plastic is a big problem for our planet, both in how it's made and how we get rid of it. Try to avoid products that have too much packaging, or packaging that can't be recycled. Buy fruits and vegetables loose instead of wrapped in plastic. And remember to bring your reusable or eco-friendly bags when you shop!
When you see sustainable packaging, it usually means they've thought about these things: materials made from 100% recycled or natural materials, a process that uses less energy and resources, designs that can be used again and again, and the ability to break down naturally in the soil without harming it.
There are lots of eco-friendly options out there, like packaging made from biodegradable and renewable materials, compostable mailers, recycled cardboard and paper, wool, mushrooms, and seaweed. These materials help us create less waste.
Ask Yourself: Do I Need This, or Do I Just Want It?
The title says it all, do you really need another pair of sunglasses or shoes? It's easy to give in to temptation, but the truth is that we're using up the Earth's resources faster than they can be replaced. We need to reduce our consumption by almost 50% to live in balance with nature.
Think carefully about every purchase and always ask yourself if it will bring you joy.
Go On a Treasure Hunt For Pre-Loved Items
Buying items that have been enjoyed by someone else is called “pre-loved shopping”. It's a great way to find something new without harming the planet.
You'll feel good about being “green” and not adding to the fast fashion problem. Not to mention, you might find some really special, one-of-a-kind items.
Choose Businesses That Care About The Environment
Look for companies that recycle and reuse materials. For example, all Shaka Love products are made from sustainably sourced and eco-friendly materials, with a 100% commitment to fair trade and ethical business.
More and more companies are becoming “green” because people like you care about the environment! Like the Green Friday movement has become popular and companies that join this movement close their stores or charge higher prices on Black Friday, and donate the profits to good causes.
Focus On Experiences, Not Stuff!
The key to happiness? Making memories with the people you love! Instead of spending your money on things, think about investing in doing things you enjoy.
You don't have to live a completely simple life, but maybe you could find joy in having fewer things, less clutter, and more time and space to experience life.
As Joshua and Ryan the founders of The Minimalists said, “We've found true happiness by living a simpler life. We all want to be happy, but minimalism teaches us to find happiness not through buying things, but through living life itself. It's up to you to decide what's truly important in your life”.
Final Thoughts
The planet needs our help, it's time to form green shopping habits and build a greener future. Thankfully, 60% of shoppers already think sustainability is important.
Follow the golden rule of RRR: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. And for an extra boost, add another “R” to the mix: Return some of your income to nature by supporting green projects like planting trees, protecting nature, or joining Shaka Love in its mission. A healthy planet means more resources for everyone.
You have the power to make a difference on Green Friday 2024! Use your buying choices to encourage businesses to become more sustainable.