Black Friday, the day after Thanksg is the notorious American day of ultra-consumption. Break out your credit cards, because on the day after Thanksgiving there are sure to be big sales. Or, don’t.
It seems a bit counterproductive to be eco-conscious in your everyday life and then celebrate a day of mega-consumption, doesn't it? Well, you don't have to fall prey to the carbon-driven consumption of the big day.
In response to this contradiction, social activists turned Black Friday into Buy Nothing Day. They call it a day of in-activism: it makes the statement that participants reject a culture of consumption and waste. It was begun 20 years ago by Adbusters, a media foundation and global network of activists with an aim to “topple existing power structures and forge a major shift in the way we will live in the 21st century,” according to their website.
Buy Nothing Day is one of Adbusters’ major global campaigns with a goal of facing down capitalist and consumerist values. Not only do they call for a day of abstaining from shopping, they also encourage people to shut off their lights, keep their cars in park and turn off their phones and computers, eschewing a multitude of different daily consumption habits in order to change the way people think.
Obviously, this would be the greenest way to celebrate Black Friday, but it’s probably not for everyone. If you’re hitting the sales, there are a few simple things you can do to make Black Friday a little greener.
Carpooling is a great way to save gas and energy use. Instead of meeting your friends at the mall, drive together! Make sure you bring your own reusable shopping bag, or ask for a large paper bag with handles at your first stop, so you can use that bag the rest of the day and avoid the dreaded plastic bag.
When you’re choosing items, remember to look for eco-friendly fabrics and fair trade items. Be smart about what you buy and where it’s coming from.
If you’re shopping for others (the holidays are right around the corner!) choose green gifts that will help others join the fight to save the planet. Things like green gadgets (especially solar-powered ones), eco-friendly cookware, soy candles, handmade items made of recycled materials, or devices that will help them cut down on their own energy or water consumption are all gateways to get the people you love to go green.
Finally, always remember to recycle – shop vintage!
Source: BecauseAction.com
