Should we rebel against Black Friday?
- Clean up
- Declutter
- List the utility purchases (and gifts) that will save me money.
To give you an example concretely, last year, I noticed that I had a real need in the hygiene and cosmetics department.
I first cleaned out my cupboards and my pharmacy to clean it. I found lots of small pot bottoms that I had forgotten. As I put them together, I realized I had the equivalent of a jar of cream. So I avoided a purchase.
Next, I decluttered my cabinets. I made room, but not necessarily to better fill them. By doing the exercise, we are inevitably confronted with our waste… I realized that several purchases had been useless to me or that I had not consumed them quickly enough. Again, this got me thinking.
Then finally, I made a list of the purchases I really needed. I took advantage of the bargains and I was very proud of it. But a year later, I still have several of those unopened shampoos, creams and hair care jars. I note that I still overconsumed, even by targeting my needs. Luckily, as these are products that I use on a daily basis, they will not be wasted. But I admit that I fell into the trap. This year, I will therefore try to be more vigilant. I even try to avoid succumbing to the temptation of shopping.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the economic slowdown that are hitting us have made us aware of the impact of our purchases. We note the rise of a Black Friday counter-movement, also called Green Friday or No-Buy Day. Last year, the zero-waste boutique Terre à soi had the courage to close to raise awareness among its customers. to the negative impacts of Black Friday on the environment.
Overconsumption is buying objects that will be used very little to eventually be (quickly) thrown away. We waste resources, we fill up landfills, we deplete our wallets and harm the health of the planet.
In this period of inflation where everyone wants to save money, it is important to remain vigilant and not to jump on the first offer. Keep in mind that what costs you most is what you waste!
