It’s the most exciting time of the year. 

You are so excited about the latest commodities for the lowest price of the year. New clothes, that new iPad you’ve been begging for, the fancy pair of Adidas Sambas you’ve always wanted. 

I also loved shopping on Black Friday with my mom and sisters. We would wake up super early to find some of the best deals at stores like JCPenney and American Eagle Outfitters, I had so much fun. 

This year, I decided to reduce my carbon footprint by skipping out on the deals.

Related: Out with Shein. In with sustainability. 

In 2024, 183.4 million people are expected to shop from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). The NRF expects shoppers to spend between $979.5 billion to $989 billion throughout November and December.

It’s time to start saving money and even donating to noble causes. 

Although shoppers will flock to the racks and buy products, this is where fast fashion does its worst, creating tons of cheap products that will most likely end up in the trash.

“Fast fashion and overconsumption perpetuates a cycle of exploitation of workers in some Third World countries,” said Carol Osborne, director of the Zimmerman Advertising Program. “Products are made cheap and are overproduced. Consumers overbuy these products for them to end up in landfills.” 

Consumerism creates lots of waste.

In 2023, Earth.org reported that Americans produce approximately 11.3 million tons of textile-related waste every year.  

Related: USF stadium will incorporate sustainability measures, Athletics director says

Next time you plan on going on a Black Friday shopping-spree, just picture the discounted item sitting in a garbage dump somewhere. 

Some people think on Black Friday you are getting the most bang for your buck, but really they are just falling for a marketing scheme.

“During major sales like Black Friday, people will buy large amounts of products because it is at a cheaper price, ” Osborne said. “They will buy things because it is nice to buy versus if they need to buy it.”

If you still want to participate in Black Friday, you can look for sustainable alternatives by thrifting or making handmade gifts for others. 

You can also participate in  Green Friday on Black Friday instead, which is a movement that encourages eco-friendly shopping habits by promoting sustainable products and reducing waste. 

Look for small-owned and local businesses because your money will go to your community and you get quality, environmentally-friendly, products.

So, let’s skip Black Friday. In turn, we can help save the environment and save our money too.