My Black Friday Strategy as a Conscious Consumer

Black Friday and Cyber Monday can be controversial in the sustainable and conscious community space. I know some people will tell you not to buy anything, but I think there are ways to go about it mindfully.

BFCM will look different for people depending on where they are in their conscious consumer journey, access to resources, and other factors!

Whether you’re boycotting or taking advantage of the sales, let’s try not to shame people!

Here is my strategy for participating thoughtfully.

I start a list in my notes app months before Black Friday Cyber Monday. This usually consists of larger items that we’re looking to buy for the home or holiday gift ideas. I put links to the direct product in my note.

Then when Black Friday and Cyber Monday rolls around I go to my list and click the product link to buy the item at a lower price.

I’m not on social media scrolling and being tempted. I’m not looking around the website to see what else is on sale. I’m just buying what I already planned to buy.

This strategy has really helped me reduce overconsumption and shop more mindfully.

I will browse small business website to look for gifts for loved ones! I think we should all be shopping small this time of year.

I also make a yearly list of Ethical & Sustainable Brands with Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. This can be helpful if you’re shopping for gifts!

I’ve also created a few resources for shopping responsibly during the holiday season.

• Is Black Friday Ethical?

• The Ultimate Socially Responsible Gift Guide

• Where to Shop Instead of Target and Walmart

• How to NOT Support Corporations During the Holidays

• How to Gift More Sustainably

• How to Avoid Overconsumption During the Holiday Season

• 20 Discount Codes for Ethical & Sustainable Brands to Save on Holiday Shopping

• How to Make Corporate Gifting More Sustainable

Hopefully my strategy and these resources helped give you some ideas on how to take part in a more conscious Black Friday!

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MEET THE AUTHOR

Emily Waddell is the founder of The Honest Consumer and an expert in conscious consumerism. She has been in the ethical and sustainable living space for over ten years. Emily has always been passionate about business for good and has a Bachelor degree in Social Entrepreneurship. When she’s not writing, Emily enjoys supporting small businesses, finding locally grown food at the farmer’s market, & practicing slow living.

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