The Environmental Impact of Black Friday
Material Extraction and Linear Economy
The linear economy thrives on a “take-make-dispose” model. This approach depletes finite natural resources, contributes to habitat destruction, and generates enormous amounts of waste. Over the past 50 years, global material use has more than tripled, and without systemic changes, resource extraction could grow by 60% by 2060—from 100 to 160 billion tonnes annually.
For example:
Extracting raw materials like minerals, metals, and fossil fuels leads to deforestation, soil degradation, and water pollution.
Manufacturing goods emits substantial greenhouse gases, exacerbating the climate crisis.
Once discarded, these products often end up in landfills or incinerators, further polluting the air, soil, and water.
Source: ReserachGate
Biodiversity Loss
The extraction and production processes required to fuel Black Friday sales directly threaten biodiversity. Forests are cleared for mining and agriculture, marine ecosystems are destroyed by waste and resource extraction, and pollution from industrial activity poisons habitats. This relentless exploitation endangers countless species and disrupts ecosystems critical to maintaining the Earth’s balance.
The Social Dilemma: Poverty and Consumption
While the environmental issues surrounding Black Friday are clear, it’s essential to acknowledge the reality for families living in poverty. With relative poverty rising globally—1.5 million Swedes living in relative poverty and 9.2% of Swedish children in child poverty, for instance—affordable deals on essentials can be a lifeline. For families on the margins, Black Friday can provide much-needed access to items like clothing, appliances, or school supplies.
No one should feel guilty for purchasing what they need during sales events, but as a society, we can work toward reducing consumption while transitioning to a circular economy.
The Circular Alternative
What Is a Circular Economy?
A circular economy minimizes waste by emphasizing repair, reuse, recycling, and sustainable production. Unlike the linear economy, it keeps resources in circulation for as long as possible, reducing the need for virgin material extraction and lowering environmental impact.
How to Shop Circularly
The Circular Monday campaign, celebrated on November 25 this year, offers inspiration for starting a circular journey:
Repair: Fix broken items instead of discarding them.
Reuse: Buy second-hand goods or rent instead of purchasing new.
Recycle: Choose products made from recycled materials.
Support Circular Businesses: Find ethical alternatives through initiatives like CircularMonday.com, featuring over 1,200 businesses committed to sustainability.
The Bigger Picture: Rethinking Consumption
Black Friday perpetuates a culture of endless consumption, increasing the demand for goods and driving up production. While younger generations are becoming more conscious of environmental impacts—with many citing sustainability as a reason to avoid Black Friday purchases—sales continue to rise globally.
In Sweden, Black Week (November 20–26 this year) is a period for holiday shopping, with sales projected to reach 8.7 billion SEK. Electronics, clothing, and beauty products dominate purchases, highlighting the need for mindful consumption.
How to Balance Needs and Sustainability
For those who can afford to skip Black Friday, consider reducing your footprint by:
Shopping Less: Reflect on whether you truly need an item.
Buying Circular: Opt for second-hand, refurbished, or rental options.
Choosing Quality: Invest in durable products that last longer.
Spreading Awareness: Share the benefits of a circular economy on social media using campaigns like #CircularMonday.
For families facing financial challenges, sales can offer critical support. The goal is not to shame anyone for participating but to encourage broader systemic change and more sustainable practices at every level of society.
Black Friday exemplifies the pitfalls of a linear economy, contributing to climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion. However, by embracing a circular economy, we can reduce these impacts and pave the way for a sustainable future. As Black Friday happening this week, let’s look ahead to Circular Monday on November 25 instead as a chance to rethink our consumption habits and commit to a healthier planet for all.