It\u2019s Important to Know What You\u2019re Buying \u2014 and How it Affects the Earth<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s state the obvious right up front: Black Friday? Not that great for the environment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not only does it encourage the mass consumption of cheaply made consumer goods, but the sales incentivize people to drive all over town, guzzling gasoline (a fossil fuel) while they\u2019re at it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Luckily, you can take advantage of sustainable Black Friday deals and still be eco-friendly. It requires little more than a bit extra effort on your part to show your love for the earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
It may not seem like it, but the answer is a resounding \u201cYes.\u201d Environmentally conscious companies like Patagonia<\/a> and REI<\/a> have made waves in recent years by completely closing their physical stores and online outlets on Black Friday as a protest of what they see as celebrating over-indulgence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Over-indulgence isn\u2019t the only issue with Black Friday, though:<\/p>\n\n\n\n That last one proved especially true in the mid-2010s when big-box retailers started opening their doors to Black Friday shoppers at midnight Friday morning and sometimes even earlier, creeping into Thanksgiving Day proper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Luckily, you have a few options if you want to save<\/em> green when buying<\/em> green holiday gifts for the environmentalists in your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your friend or family member is genuinely eco-conscious, they will already have specific items on their holiday gift list. These folks pay attention to their carbon footprint, so they will have a clear idea of brands, products, and stores that put the environment first. Honor their eco-friendly values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n Start searching the internet for sustainable gift ideas \u2014 especially for the fashion-conscious \u2014 and you\u2019ll quickly see the same brands popping up in every green gift guide. Read those lists very closely, especially if they coincide with what you learned about your loved ones in tip #1. Our favorite sustainable brands include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For these brands, it\u2019s all about ethical sourcing of materials, fair wages for employees, and creating timeless, durable products made as environmentally friendly as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We always recommend buying local goods and services. The further they have to travel, the lower the carbon footprint of that purchase. But if you must buy from an online retailer, make sure you buy from the brand itself and not a third-party distribution center using a discount shipping company. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Many of those companies might offer reduced shipping fees and quick delivery, but they often reject eco-friendly practices in their facilities so they can reduce their overhead to provide you with that discount.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s a tip for sustainable shopping in general \u2014 if you see a common item sold for much cheaper in one place than in others, that cheaper retailer is probably cutting corners in terms of the environment and employee care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n1. Get Their Wishlist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
2. Buy From Trusted Brands<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
3. Stay Local<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
4. Purchase Items with Longevity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n