Do This Instead of Over-Shopping on Black Friday!

November is officially upon us. And that can only mean one thing! No, not that we’re only a month away from the Christmas season, but that Black Friday is just around the corner.

This year falling on the 25th, you’ll soon be bombarded with adverts, discount codes and sales galore. So much so that even the savviest of eco shoppers may not be able to avoid the urge to buy into the consumption.

We don’t blame you. The temptation is strong to get ahead on that festive shopping or bag yourself that bargain piece of tech you’ve had your eye on. The truth is, if you’re buying something that you actually need, there’s no harm in getting it for a better price. However, if you’re sucked into buying unnecessary items simply because they’re cheaper (been there, done that…), it’s not good for your planet or your wallet. 

In fact, home deliveries in Britain alone over Black Friday are thought to equate to greenhouse gas emissions the equivalent of 435 return flights from London to New York!

So, if you’re looking to do your bit for Mother Earth this month, here are some things that you can do instead of over-shopping. Don’t worry, we’re not going to tell you to boycott the holiday completely… 

Get donating 

If you want to feel smug about clearing out, whilst everyone around you is hoarding in, this is the one for you! Donating old household items, clothes or anything else you’ve got lying around that you don’t use won’t only free up brainspace, it’ll stop items going to landfill too. 

Choose a charity shop nearby (British Heart Foundation even offers to collect your used goodies!) and clear some much-needed space in your sanctuary. The best part is, you might give the opportunity for someone else to get a Black Friday bargain, without actually having to shop the planet-harming sales. 

Support brands that share your values 

Like we said, buying for the sake of it can be beyond tempting at this time. However, try to remember that, as a consumer, you’re “voting” for the world that you want through your money. When you can afford to, try to buy from brands who share the values that you have.

There are a whole host of brilliant companies out there doing good. In fact, check out our rundown of some of our fave female-owned businesses here.

At Halcyon Naturals, we’re proud to be a business with a conscience. We always use vegan and cruelty-free ingredients, recyclable packaging and sustainably sourced essential oils. So if you’re a lover of mood-boosting scents and a home that smells amazing, head to our Black Friday section to enjoy our Limited Edition Specials. Get up to 25% off and some beautifully scented bundles from 22nd to 29th November 2022.

You can even nab a quarterly or yearly plan for our subscription box with a recurring 10% off! Delivered to your door, it contains a luxury candle and self-care item that we know you deserve. Just use the code BFBOX.

Get ahead on your Christmas shopping

Consumption doesn’t have to mean over-consumption! If you want to make the most of the Black Friday sales, without the unnecessary shopping, why not get ahead on your Christmas list? 

Make sure you have a clear idea of what you want to get for the people you love. Plus, try to support small when you can. As we said, by investing in items you were already going to purchase, there’s no harm in simply getting them at a lower price!

Our diffusers, room sprays and candles make the perfect festive gift, so be sure to check out the Halcyon Naturals sale if you know someone who would love one. 

Fill your time more wisely 

If you know that the digital “SALE” signs are going to be too strong of a temptation, don’t be afraid to simply avoid them, after you’ve got what you actually need. Spend some time offline (and away from the shops…) around the 25th, packing your day with activities that will fulfil you. 

Whether it’s a lovely long walk, a trip to see friends for drinks or an at-home pamper session, turn Black Friday into Self-Care Friday instead.

Or, if you’re feeling extra planet-conscious, counter the negative impacts of over-consumption by doing something good for the environment. For example, head down to your local beach and clear up any pieces of rubbish that you see. You could even make an event of it and get lots of people involved, with the help of Million Mile Clean. An estimated ​​8 Million tons of plastic enters our oceans every year and we dread to think how much of this is plastic packaging from online shopping. 

By refusing over-consumption and clearing up the mess it leaves behind, you can sleep easy.

Do you know of any brilliant, sustainable brands who are making Black Friday more Green this year? We’d love to hear about them, so drop us a DM on Instagram @HalcyonNaturals.

Sources: 

Forbes: This Is How Black Friday Hurts The Planet—But Attitudes Are Changing

Halcyon Naturals: 10 Womxn-founded businesses to support for International Women’s Day 2022

National Geographic: The world’s plastic pollution crisis explained