Black Friday, But at What Cost?


the real price tag of black friday

Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become cultural events built around urgency: buy now, ship fast, don’t miss out. A single weekend of discounts can make it feel like you’re falling behind if you don’t buy something — anything.

But beneath the deals and doorbusters is a cost we rarely see: the environmental impact of fast buying, fast shipping, and fast trashing.

more stuff, more waste

This annual shopping frenzy isn’t harmless. Every year, the environment pays the price.

Before you click “add to cart,” consider this:

  • 131.7 million Americans made a Black Friday purchase in 2024

  • Holiday deliveries generated an estimated 429,000 metric tons of CO₂ — equivalent to 435 flights from London to New York

  • Product returns spike by 143% in the days following the weekend

  • Discount electronics often break sooner, becoming e-waste that is rarely recycled

  • Overall holiday waste increases by 25%, driven by excessive packaging and unwanted items

Fast consumption doesn’t just strain our wallets — it overwhelms landfills, increases emissions, and accelerates resource extraction.

Slowing Down Is a Radical Choice

At Beaches Go Green, we believe sustainability isn’t about perfection — it’s about mindfulness. This season, choosing less can actually give you more: less stress, less waste, and more meaning.

Instead of spending, consider opting out of the frenzy altogether.

Meaningful Alternatives to Black Friday

Here are a few ways to celebrate without contributing to excess:

  • Participate in Buy Nothing Day

  • Spend time outdoors — at the beach, on a trail, or in your neighborhood

  • Host a family game night or movie marathon

  • Cook or bake something homemade

  • Volunteer or give back to your community

These moments don’t come with packaging, shipping emissions, or buyer’s remorse — but they do create lasting memories.

Choosing Connection Over Consumption

The holidays don’t have to be fueled by overconsumption. By slowing down and shopping with intention (or not shopping at all), we can reduce waste, protect our planet, and reconnect with what actually matters.

 

This year, let’s rethink the rush. 
Less stuff. More meaning.

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