Black Friday takes place on the day after Thanksgiving in the USA. It is a shopping extravaganza that kicks off the festive period. What started back in the 1950s as a way to boost post-Thanksgiving sales has grown into a global phenomenon, now known for massive discounts and enticing sales. 

The trend crossed over to the UK and Europe in the early 2010s, thanks to big retailers like Amazon. Fast forward to today, and we’re spending staggering amounts. It is estimated that in 2023 the UK spent £13.3 billion during the Black Friday period. 

So, what is the environmental impact of this event?

Waste, waste and more waste 

All that shopping means there’s a lot of stuff and with it comes a huge increase in waste. In the US, waste production during Black Friday can jump by as much as 25 – 30%, mostly from packaging, shipping materials and products that are discarded soon after purchase.

Carbon emissions on the rise 

From factories ramping up production to delivery vans hitting the road nonstop, Black Friday has a serious carbon footprint. In 2023, Black Friday deliveries alone were expected to generate 429,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK and about 1.2 million tonnes across Europe. That’s nearly double the emissions of an average week!

Overconsumption of resources 

The lure of a deal that seems too good to miss often leads us to buy things we don’t really need. Every extra gadget or outfit adds to the demand for raw materials, energy and water which puts even more strain on our planet’s limited resources.

Plastic packaging overload 

Most online orders arrive wrapped in plastic packaging – bubble wrap, plastic envelopes and tape. With millions of parcels shipped during the Black Friday rush, that’s a mountain of single use plastics, much of which may not be recyclable. Unfortunately, a lot of it ends up in landfills, rivers or oceans.

Impulse buying and short lifespans 

Those irresistible discounts can make it easy to buy on impulse. But before hitting ‘add to cart’, it’s worth asking, “Do I really need this?”. Many Black Friday buys don’t stand the test of time, which means more waste and more pressure on the environment. 

Black Friday doesn’t have to be all bad. It’s a great opportunity to support sustainable brands, look for eco-friendly products, or choose secondhand options. Shopping more mindfully can still allow you to enjoy a good deal but without such a hefty environmental price tag.