These Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals support sustainable and ethical brands.
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As the holiday shopping season approaches, it feels like the entire world is gearing up for the most anticipated sales of the year: Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. Traditionally known for deep discounts and a frenzy of consumerism, this weekend-long shopping sprint can also be an opportunity to align purchasing habits with a more sustainable mindset. Just like the big name brands, sustainable brands craft amazing gifts to wrap up (some gifts you you might even want to unwrap yourself). By supporting sustainable brands and shopping their sales instead of conventional brands, you can make a positive impact. So, we’re unwrapping why it’s essential to support these brands and giving you tips to shop consciously during the biggest sales of the season.
The Importance of Supporting Sustainable Brands
The big takeaway when it comes to the importance of supporting sustainable brands is that these brands differ from conventional brands because they take actionable steps to source and produce their products in a way that is better for the environment and the people who make them.
Sustainable brands prioritize eco-friendly materials. They often use biodegradable, natural, recyclable, and non-toxic materials instead of plastic-based materials and packaging. Biodegradable materials are organic cotton, linen, hemp, wool, aluminum, and wood. Plastic-based materials are polyester, nylon, and spandex. According to studies, plastic can take 20 to 500 years to decompose and is accumulating at an alarming rate causing a global plastic crisis. Natural materials can decompose in a matter of months, so choosing brands that prioritize these materials is one way to consciously shop to avoid contributing to plastic pollution.
There is also a focus on quality rather than quantity. Their products are made to be durable, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing waste. Some brands might even offer repair or recycling services to further ensure the durability of their products.
They also uphold fair labor practices. From the farmers who grow their cotton or skincare ingredients to the garment workers and artisans in their factories, workers are paid fair or living wages and are ensured safe working conditions. These brands will publish the certifications that verify their factories or they might share the names of the factories and artisans in the product description. This is a stark contrast to conventional practices that oftentimes exploit laborers. Supporting sustainable brands often means supporting local artisans and manufacturers. This boosts local economies and encourages community development.
By choosing to support sustainable brands, consumers send a message to corporations about the demand for sustainability, prompting more companies to adopt eco-friendly practices.
How to Shop For Sustainable Black Friday And Cyber Monday Deals
Shopping sustainably on Black Friday doesn’t have to be daunting. You don’t need to read every 50-page sustainability report or stress over whether you can trust a brand’s sustainable claims. We’ve put together a list of practical tips to help you shop consciously and enjoy the thrill of finding the perfect gift for your loved ones (or yourself).
- Plan Your Purchases: Create a shopping list prioritizing items you genuinely need and gifts you plan to buy. This will help you avoid impulse purchases.
- Research Sustainable Brands: Check to see if they offer a sustainability page on their website. Do they list factories? Do they mention materials? Do they mention goals? The more transparent a brand is, the more likely they are to have proof to back up their sustainable claims.
- Utilize Resources: Read sites like The Wellness Feed, Good On You or Environmental Working Group. These organizations research and assess the sustainable and ethical practices of brands for you.
- Set a Budget: Assign a clear budget for your shopping spree. This limits overspending while allowing you to focus on sustainable brands.
- Focus on Essentials: Shopping for yourself? Prioritize items that will contribute to your long-term wardrobe or lifestyle rather than fleeting trends.
- Prepare for Deals: Sign up for newsletters from your favorite sustainable brands to get early access to Black Friday deals.
- Opt for Local Brands: Shopping locally reduces carbon emissions associated with shipping and supports your community. Look for farmers’ markets, local artisan shops, and sustainable boutiques near you that may have Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals.
- Favor Second-Hand Shopping: Thrift stores and online platforms for resale allow you to find high-quality items at a fraction of the price. This not only supports a circular economy but also keeps products out of landfills. Vintage clothing, refurbished electronics, and gently used furniture are all fantastic options that contribute to sustainability.
Sustainable Black Friday And Cyber Monday Deals
Before the Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals roll around taking time to research sustainable brands can help you choose the perfect gift while supporting brands that align with your values. Look for companies that prioritize eco-friendly materials, ethical labor practices, and sustainable production processes.
Here are a few brands The Wellness Feed team has researched, interviewed, reviewed, and loved for their values in the past that have Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals offering up to 40% off.
Patagonia: Known for its environmental activism and durable outdoor wear.
Pact: Offers organic basics made in Fair Trade factories and shipped via Carbon offset programs.
Amour Vert: A sustainable fashion brand designing stylish clothing and accessories using organic, recycled, and natural materials. Each garment is sewn for durability and the brand offers a resell marketplace.
Typology: A French skincare brand featuring clean, clinically-proven ingredients and recyclable aluminium and glass packaging.
Parker Clay: A certified B-Corp handbag label supporting Ethiopian artisans through its Fair trade factories and educational programs.
Fuchsia Shoes: A sustainable brand of ballet flats crafted using zero-waste methods made by artisans.
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Bario Neal: A jewelry brand featuring ethically-sourced gold and gemstones that meet the highest Global standards.
Four Objects: A certified B-Corp slow fashion brand offering timeless pieces for a capsule wardrobe crafted from organic cotton, silk, linen, and RWS wool.
Christy Dawn: A slow fashion brand of vintage-style dresses, blouses, and sweaters made from regenerative cotton, deadstock, and natural materials.
Veja: A certified B-Corp sneaker brand featuring styles made from organic materials that are sustainably sourced.
Bombas: A certified B-Corp brand offering essentials- socks, slippers, underwear made from recycled and organic cotton.
Uncommon Goods: A certified B-Corp marketplace of local artisans selling their unique, handmade gifts.
As Black Friday approaches, there is more to consider than just the promise of discounts and deals. By prioritizing sustainability in your shopping practices, we can all can play a significant role in shaping a more ethical and environmentally-friendly consumer culture. By researching brands, creating thoughtful shopping lists, supporting local businesses, exploring online sales, and considering second-hand options, we’re not only enjoying the holiday shopping experience but also making a positive impact on the planet.
