Meet the antidote to the most consumerist day in the world.
What is Green Friday?
The movement began in 2015, driven by representatives of the European Commission with the aim of encouraging considered, responsible consumption.
With “Black Friday” established as the day of irresistible offers, a counterpart has emerged as a sustainable alternative, seeking to curb excessive consumption.
The initiative
This invitation to stop and think has reached large companies too. IKEA runs a buy-back campaign that encourages people to give a second life to what they already own: the company purchases used furniture and gives an IKEA refund card in exchange.
Meanwhile, with the textile industry reckoned to be the second most polluting of all, a number of leading brands are backing sustainable, better-quality purchasing. Adolfo Domínguez, for instance, has displayed outfits from its own collections of two decades ago alongside garments from “low cost” retailers.
Christmas, falling so soon after the great day of discounts, invites yet more excessive and pointless consumption. Be part of the change and help cut down on waste.
Conclusion
Green Friday is about more than buying from small sustainable brands to help them get ahead — although that is reason enough in itself. What matters is keeping in view what is genuinely essential. The world was made to be enjoyed, and caring for the environment belongs at the heart of every human being’s plans.
Author: Melissa Melgar, student on the Master’s in Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability at CMI.
