Mindful black friday?

Every year I dread black friday. It stands for so much of what I do not. Black friday is the first Friday after thanksgiving in the USA, and was traditionally the busiest time of the year for stores as people are mid Christmas prep. We have grown accustomed to seeing images of people scrambling/ fighting for in store 'deals'  and of shop workers battling the panic buying.

If you try and live a sustainable life, you might feel conflicted about black friday. Some ethical brands may rely on black friday deals to clear stock, or make money to ride them through the quieter time. Is it possible to navigate black friday in a mindful/ ethical way without supporting mindless consumerism and the huge brands? Yes, I think to a degree and so here are some tips for a little bit more of an eco friendly black friday.

• Firstly, it is normal and OK to not 'use' black friday and carry on your day like usual. If you think and plan ahead and decide you don't need anything on black friday, you can do lovely alternate activities like those listed at the end.

• Avoid Amazon when possible, not just on black friday. Support small brands whenever and wherever possible.

• Make a list. I recommend always having a list anyway of things you need, to prevent compulsive purchases, to plan and to keep an eye on offers. Do I really need what I am planning to purchase? There is a handy list you could use below to make sure you keep track of things you need, you might choose to do a christmas present list too.

  
  

• Make sure you know what price it is usually, to compare against black friday prices.

• Do I like this brand? Would I usually buy it?

• Can I afford it?

• Keep an eye on small ethical brands, see if they are hosting a sale of things you would have bought anyway. Sometimes sales are essential for small businesses, and buying at a lower price might be the only access point to that brand. Also, I find it useful to listen to the small sustainable brands, their voice and how they feel about doing a sale. You can also support small businesses all year...

• 
  

• List things you are clearing out on online marketplaces, or have a look for things you need to buy.

• Am I caught up in the pressure of a short time frame sale? You should never feel pressure to make a purchase, if you feel that, take a step back.

• Identify if your shopping habits are unhealthy. Shopping addiction is called oniomania and there is help available if you find shopping uncontrollable.

  
  

Antidotes to black friday:

• Volunteer

• Have a lovely cup of tea

• Plan a walk on your local footpaths and notice what still has berries on, try and learn a new plant

• Use your Merlin app to try and find a new species of bird you haven't recorded before.

• Read a book from the library

• Ring a friend and have a catch up

• Do a free online yoga class

• Mend or care for something you already have, like polishing your favourite books

  
  

This blog post if written by me,