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As Black Friday and Christmas are fast approaching many of us are tempted by flashy discounts and deals. But behind the big sale banners lies a reality: Black Friday encourages fast fashion and excessive purchasing, fuelling a cycle of buying things we don’t need, often at the cost of the environment.
At ZONE by Lydia, we want to inspire a different approach—one that values sustainability, conscious shopping, and a commitment to quality timeless items that last.
Why Black Friday Often Promotes Unsustainable Choices
Black Friday sales fuel impulse buying, leading to over-purchasing items that may end up unused or discarded. The fast-fashion industry benefits the most, producing cheap, mass-produced goods that quickly lose their appeal, contributing to a wasteful cycle. Fast fashion's hidden costs are steep, with impacts on the environment, from excessive water use to high carbon emissions, as well as unethical labour practices.
A Different Approach: Shop Consciously and Sustainably
By shopping thoughtfully, you’re making a statement against fast fashion and excessive consumerism. You’re choosing to support brands that prioritise your health and that of our planet focusing on quality over quantity. Here’s how to make more conscious decisions during flashy sales periods:
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Choose Timeless, Durable Products: Focus on items designed to last, with classic styles and durable materials that withstand regular use. This reduces the need to replace items frequently, saving both money and resources.
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Support Brands with Climate Commitments: Seek out brands that invest back into environmental causes. For example, at ZONE, we donate 1% of our annual revenue to environmental nonprofits through our 1% for the Planet membership, actively supporting initiatives that can actually make a difference.
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Prioritise Transparent Supply Chains: Look for brands with clear, sustainable supply chains. At ZONE, we ensure our products are ethically sourced and produced, from the farm to the final product, to maintain accountability at every stage.
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Consider Minimal Packaging: Opt for brands that use eco-friendly, plastic-free, or compostable packaging. Less wasteful packaging shows that the brand cares about minimising their environmental footprint.
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Look for Natural, Renewable Materials: Choose products made from renewable materials like hemp, cork, and organic cotton, which reduce the environmental impact and biodegrade after use.
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Ensure Ethical Labour Practices: Support brands that value fair labour practices and ensure safe, healthy conditions for workers. Sustainable shopping means considering the well-being of everyone involved in the production process.
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Shop Pool: Combine orders with friends or family to reduce the number of parcels in transit, helping to cut down on carbon emissions associated with individual deliveries.
This Black Friday, Buy Less And Buy Better
Choosing to shop sustainably doesn’t mean missing out on Black Friday savings—it just means approaching it mindfully and making conscious choices that benefit the environment, support ethical practices, and help us all find value in quality over quantity.
