Every year, Black Friday is a spectacle in the United States and across the globe. As consumers are bombarded with huge discounts, they purchase goods to seemingly no end. However, many reports find that Americans are purchasing too much for our own good; overconsumption is already an issue, and the holiday season only exacerbates that issue. The sales that go on during Black Friday (and now, Cyber Monday) incentivize people to buy things that they simply do not need, and this creates tons of waste each year. But, overconsumption is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the holidays’ carbon footprint.
At this point, it’s no secret that fast fashion isn’t great for the environment. Despite marketing campaigns that boast sustainable clothing production, research has shown that fast fashion companies have a massive negative impact on the environment. And every year, these concerns get worse when Black Friday arrives. Now, this post isn’t meant to stop you from buying that thing you’ve been wanting for a while, or meant to persuade you to boycott any and all purchases of clothes. Rather, I think it’s worthwhile to simply take a quick second to think before you add something to your cart, whether it’s in person or online. Happy holidays!
