As one of the busiest shopping days of the year, there are usually two opinions when it comes to Black Friday: people either love it or they hate it. It’s a time that creates mass need for a discount and often unnecessary purchases.It has been calculated that ‘1 in 10 don’t use their Black Friday purchase’ (EthicalHour) as they are hasty sales. So this year we wanted to talk about how we can all  help turn Black Friday into a force for good!

There are so many wonderful counter campaigns out there, so let’s make a difference together.

Scroll down to see some of our favourite initiatives that you can take part in.

 

  1. Donate Instead

It’s been a strange old year and we have all clubbed together as one big community to get through the tough times.So, this Black Friday let’s continue the community spirit  and give to those in need instead of grabbing a bargain. This could be anything from giving to your local food bank to donating through amazing companies like Choose Love and Beam who help people across the world.

 

  1. #OptOutside Instead

Take a stand against Black Friday by taking in all that Mother Nature offers. Go for a hike or run in your favourite park – or even a 5 minute walk around the block. Doesn’t fresh air and beautiful scenery sound great! It’s not always easy to find the time, but it essential that we make sure we get outside, whether that be on a lunch break, before work or after work.

Tag your activity with #optoutside on social media to join the conversation and see what others are up to. 

 

  1. Shop Second hand: #Vintagefinds

In today's society, clothing and other items is treated as cheap and disposable, which is a huge problem for both the people and the planet. Choosing to shop second hand reduces our demand on the world’s resources, as well as loosens the grip of advertising and corporations on shaping our style and identity, and can reconnect us to the joy of using items and passing them on – and really making the most of the cost per wear!

Shopping second hand is also super fun! There is nothing like the joy of finding a well preserved, pre-loved piece at a bargain price. It might not be possible to visit charity and vinatge shops at the moment with lockdown, but there are now plenty of online shops like Gumtree, Depop, Ebay, Byrotation and many more!

 

  1. #ShopEthicalInstead

If you're going to shop this Black Friday we invite you to check out the @ethicalhour #shopethicalinstead campaign that elevates the voices of small independent brands. It’s an opportunity for you to  highlight great places you have shopped as well as discover new  brands and retailers that place workers’ rights and sustainability at the heart of their operations. 

Between the 23-30 November, for every order placed on Acala we'll plant 10 trees via our carbon offsetting partner Ecologi. A company pioneering reforestation across the globe, as well as heading up community projects and investing in natural climate solutions. They truly are a force for good and are making offsetting accessible for both businesses and individuals.

Visit our Ecologi forest HERE

 

  1. Embrace #buynothingday

Buy Nothing Day was set up twenty-five years ago as an alternative to the frenzied day of shopping and spending, and encourages people to take a stand against consumerism by not spending a penny. It was started in Canada in September 1992 as a day for society to examine the issue of over-consumption and the effects of human greed on the environment.

It is where you challenge yourself, your family and friends to switch off from shopping and tune into life. The rules are simple, for 24 hours you will detox from buying stuff - anyone can take part provided they pass a day without spending!

 

We will be posting more alternatives on our Instagram stories throughout the week, so keep an eye out and let’s use Black Friday as a force for good this year!

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