Black Friday originated in the USA and has long since conquered the whole world. Every year, massive discounts and special offers lure in and for many retailers it is the day with the highest sales. Electrical appliances and household goods are particularly popular. But behind all this shopping madness there is also a downside: overconsumption and increasing environmental pollution. But don't worry - we'll show you how you can shop on Black Friday this year with a clear conscience, without harming the environment.
The Dark Side of Black Friday
environmental and resource impacts
Black Friday has become a global phenomenon that fuels a consumer frenzy every year - with significant consequences for the environment. Many people buy things that they don't really need, which leads to an increase in the amount of garbage and a waste of resources. Electrical appliances and plastic products are particularly problematic, as they often end up in the trash after a short time.
The transport of the many orders also harms the environment. Millions of packages worldwide cause high CO₂ emissions, especially due to the many returns, which are often disposed of immediately. In the UK alone, Black Friday deliveries cause hundreds of thousands of tons of CO₂, comparable to hundreds of transatlantic flights. The enormous CO₂ emissions show that Black Friday is not only expensive financially, but also for the environment.
Sustainability problems in the context of resource consumption
The consumption of resources on Black Friday is enormous, especially in the production of electronics. The production of new devices requires large quantities of raw materials such as rare earths and metals, which has a major impact on the environment. The production of a laptop, for example, produces up to 200 kilograms of CO₂. Many of the products purchased have a short lifespan and quickly end up in the trash, which further pollutes the environment.
How to make Black Friday sustainable
Save resources with refurbished devices
Refurbished products are a sustainable alternative to new devices - especially on Black Friday, when consumption is particularly high. Refurbishing saves valuable resources and offers you an environmentally friendly way to purchase high-quality electronics.
According to the Study by Refurbed and Fraunhofer Austria At least the following savings potentials were determined using the iPhone 11:
- CO₂ savings: Over 54,000 tons of CO₂ could be saved simply by purchasing an iPhone 11 as a refurbished device. (Average value: 54.1 kg CO₂e per device)
- Avoiding electronic waste: Every refurbished iPhone 11 prevents around 169 grams of electronic waste. This waste is thus spared from the environment. (Average value per iPhone 11)
- water saving: Resource consumption also decreases in terms of water – around 10,380 liters per device are saved through refurbishment. (Average value per iPhone 11)
Why buy refurbished?
- Less resource consumption: Refurbishing eliminates the need to mine new raw materials and use rare earths. This protects the environment and reduces the CO₂ footprint compared to new production.
- Extended lifespan: Devices remain in circulation longer instead of being disposed of quickly – this reduces electronic waste and saves resources.
- Cheaper prices: Especially on days like Black Friday, refurbished devices are often significantly cheaper, but are technically flawless and come with a guarantee.
- Sustainable Consumption: Every purchase of a refurbished device supports the trend towards environmentally friendly consumption and creates awareness that not everything always has to be new.
An example of a newer flagship phone? We at Janado offer, for example, the iPhone 15 Pro refurbished – now cost-effective and good for the environment. This way you can not only save money, but also actively contribute to conserving our resources.
Reduce CO2 consumption with local shops
If possible, shop at local retailers. This not only saves CO₂ through shorter delivery routes, but also strengthens the regional economy. Many small shops also offer great Black Friday deals - often without the massive packaging waste that comes with online orders. In addition, by shopping locally you can ensure that you get exactly what you are looking for and thus avoid disappointment and returns. Direct contact with the sellers also allows you to ask questions and get better advice, which often leads to better purchasing decisions.
Consume more consciously
Before you buy something, think carefully about whether you really need it. Big discounts often tempt us to buy things that we don't use later. Make a list of the products you actually need - and stick to it. This way you can avoid unnecessary impulse purchases and ensure that you only buy what really makes sense. Conscious consumption not only means less waste, but also more appreciation for the things you own.
Conclusion
For many, Black Friday is a day of big discounts and bargains, but the downside for the environment can be significant. The massive consumption of resources, CO₂ emissions from deliveries and the huge amounts of waste are alarming. However, there are ways to make this day more sustainable. By consuming more consciously, opting for refurbished products and supporting local businesses, we can reduce the negative impact. Refurbished products offer a particularly attractive alternative as they both save resources and reduce environmental impact. Ultimately, it is up to us to rethink our consumption and make responsible choices. This way we can enjoy Black Friday without jeopardising the future of our planet.
