In a world where overconsumption runs rampant, Circular Monday serves as a refreshing counterbalance to the consumer frenzy of Black Friday. What started as a Swedish social media campaign in 2017, known as White Monday, has evolved into a global movement promoting a circular economy—a system that minimizes waste and maximizes the reuse of resources.

What Is Circular Monday?

Circular Monday is the antithesis of Black Friday, encouraging thoughtful, sustainable consumption rather than impulse purchases of goods that often end up in landfills. The name itself reflects this opposition: if Black Friday symbolizes wasteful overconsumption and linear economic practices, Circular Monday champions circularity, sustainability, and mindful living.

The campaign focuses on raising awareness about a circular economy, which is an economic model designed to keep resources in use for as long as possible by recycling, repairing, reusing, and repurposing. In this system, waste is minimized, and products are given new life instead of being discarded.

Why Participate in Circular Monday?

Support Sustainability: By choosing circular consumption, you contribute to reducing environmental degradation, resource depletion, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Save Money: Circular practices like repairing, renting, and buying second-hand are often more affordable than buying new products.
Promote Ethical Businesses: Many circular economy businesses prioritize fair wages, ethical production, and environmentally friendly practices.

How to Participate in Circular Monday

Here are some practical ways you can join the movement:

1. Choose Circular Businesses

Visit CircularMonday.com to explore over 1,200 circular businesses, organizations, and influencers—referred to as "buddies." These include second-hand stores, repair shops, and businesses offering rental or upcycled goods. By supporting these businesses, you are investing in a circular economy.

2. Repair and Maintain

Instead of replacing broken items, repair them. Whether it’s patching up clothing, fixing electronics, or servicing your appliances, repairing extends the life of products and reduces waste.

3. Buy Second-Hand or Upcycled Products

Check out thrift stores, online marketplaces, or businesses specializing in upcycled goods. You can often find unique, high-quality items while reducing demand for new resources.

4. Rent Instead of Buying

Need something for a short time, like tools or party decorations? Opt for rental services instead of purchasing. Many circular businesses now offer rentals for items you only use occasionally.

5. Sell or Donate Unused Items

Pass on items you no longer use to someone who can benefit from them. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, local swap groups, or donation centers make this easy.

6. Get Creative with DIY

Upcycle old items into something new and functional. For instance, transform worn-out clothes into reusable bags or refurbish furniture with a fresh coat of paint.

7. Spread the Word

Use the hashtag #CircularMonday on social media to share your participation and inspire others to join. The campaign has already reached millions worldwide, and every voice counts in amplifying the message.

From Awareness to Action

Circular Monday is more than a day; it’s a movement that encourages all of us to rethink how we consume. By supporting circular businesses, repairing and reusing, and spreading awareness, we can take meaningful steps toward a sustainable future.

Mark your calendar for Circular Monday and make the choice to consume differently—because every action matters in the journey to a circular economy.

Circular Monday: A Celebration of Circular Consumption