Black Friday is here, and let’s be honest, it’s so easy to get caught up in the hype of massive discounts and tempting deals. I used to be the person who would wake up at the crack of dawn, coffee in hand, ready to snag every deal in sight. But over time, I realized my purchases weren’t always intentional, and worse, they often left me with things I didn’t need and an uneasy feeling about how much waste this one day generates.
So, this year, I’m flipping the script. Instead of impulsive spending, I’m practising mindful spending and celebrating Black Friday in a way that aligns with my values—sustainability, intentionality, and conscious living. If you’re looking to do the same, here are seven ways you can make this Black Friday less wasteful and much more meaningful.
One of the things I’ve learned over the years is how GOOD it feels to shop with intention. Black Friday often markets itself as a frenzy—grab what you can while it’s still there—but slowing down and asking yourself, “Do I really need this?” can make all the difference. I’ve started treating my shopping list as a reflection of my values. For me, that means prioritising items that are good for the planet and align with my lifestyle, like reusable products or sustainably crafted furniture. It’s not just about owning less; it’s about owning better.
My favourite part of Black Friday is hunting for brands that align with my values. It doesn’t have to mean buying from big-box stores. Instead, I look for sales from brands that prioritise sustainability, fair trade practices, or small-batch production. Take, for example, marketplaces like Our Better Planet. They curate eco-friendly and ethically sourced products, from sustainable fashion to home goods. Shopping from platforms like these ensures your money supports businesses that care about the planet. Check for certifications like Fair Trade, organic materials, or even handmade items crafted by local artisans. These purchases often feel more meaningful and have a story behind them.
I can’t stress enough how fulfilling it is to support small or local businesses during Black Friday. These businesses put so much heart into what they do, and by shopping with them, you’re directly supporting someone’s dream. Last year, I bought a handmade ceramic mug from a local artisan, and it’s still my favourite thing to sip badam milk from. These are the kind of purchases that add value to your life, and they often come with a much smaller environmental footprint than mass-produced goods. Shopping small isn’t just about the product; it’s about the relationship you build with the story behind it. There’s something so personal about receiving a handwritten thank-you note or knowing your purchase helps sustain a family business.
Okay, hear me out: secondhand shopping is a Black Friday hack not enough people are talking about. Whether it’s thrifting or finding upcycled goods online, you can score incredible deals while reducing waste. I’ve found vintage jackets, unique home decor, and even pre-loved books that I’ve gifted to friends—all for a fraction of the price and with zero guilt about their impact on the planet. Platforms like thrift stores or online resale sites make it easy to find high-quality items that are often one of a kind. Plus, there’s a thrill in finding something special that no one else will have. If you’ve never tried secondhand shopping, Black Friday is the perfect time to dive in.
This could seem extreme, but it’s so refreshing: you don’t have to shop at all on Black Friday. Instead, utilise the day to celebrate in different ways. You could spend time organising your home, renovating things you already own, or making homemade gifts for loved ones. I’ve taken Black Friday as an opportunity to reflect on what I already have and how I can make the most of it. Last year, I upcycle an old pair of jeans into a tote bag and gifted it to a friend. It was such a hit, and the process was incredibly rewarding. Sometimes the best way to celebrate is to create rather than consume.
If you’ve been meaning to refresh your wardrobe, Black Friday is the perfect time to invest in sustainable fashion. Unlike fast fashion, which often prioritises quantity over quality, sustainable brands focus on creating timeless pieces that last for years. I love the idea of having a capsule wardrobe—just a few versatile, high-quality pieces that work across seasons. And the best part? Sustainable fashion often comes with the added bonus of knowing the workers behind your clothes are treated fairly. It’s shopping with a conscience, and it feels so much better than snagging five shirts for the price of one and watching them fall apart after a few washes.
This rule has been a game-changer for me: for every new item I bring into my home, I let go of one thing I no longer use. It’s a simple way to prevent clutter and make space for things that truly add value to your life. On Black Friday, I use this mindset to guide my purchases. I think about how the new item will fit into my routine and whether it’ll actually improve my day-to-day. It’s not about denying yourself joy—it’s about redefining it. Joy isn’t in the rush of clicking “Add to Cart”; it’s in knowing the things you buy will bring you lasting satisfaction.
Black Friday doesn’t have to be about excess and waste. It can be a day to support the things you believe in, whether that’s sustainable brands, small businesses, or simply consuming less. By practising mindful spending, we can turn Black Friday into something more meaningful—not just for ourselves, but for the planet too. Imagine how powerful it could be if millions of us used this day to support sustainable businesses, make thoughtful purchases, or even just take a break from buying altogether.
So, this year, let’s shop intentionally, celebrate consciously, and make choices we can feel good about long after the deals are gone. Let’s redefine what Black Friday can be—less about urgency and more about thoughtfulness, less about quantity and more about quality. After all, every purchase we make is a vote for the kind of world we want to live in. Let’s make it one we’re proud of.
