Black Friday is upon us. What used to be a one-day only sale of extreme markdowns has now morphed into what some people are calling "Black Week". With sales starting well before Thanksgiving Day and often extending past Cyber Monday, it feels extremely easy to be swept up in a shopping frenzy during the start of the Holiday season.
However, the roots of Black Friday are darker than most people remember (read more about the history of Black Friday here), and the consequences for such a surge in spending go largely ignored. Not only does Black Friday have extremely negative impacts on the environment (such as rises in emissions detailed here), it also feeds into consumer culture that exacerbates these impacts. Encouraging people to consume trends at a rapid rate by offering extreme discounts plays into a culture that makes the amount people buy far exceed how much people actually use what they buy (read more about consumer culture in our last blog post).
While the best option on Black Friday is to refrain from contributing to this culture, we acknowledge the desire to take advantage of good sales (especially from brands that may normally be out of budget). So, our team complied a list of the best sustainable sales that are happening during this weekend. We encourage you to use this list as a reference for finding pieces you were already planning to buy.
ABLE:
As one of the brands featured in VFW22, ABLE has long been committed to sustainable efforts and putting women at the forefront of their supply chain. Starting now, use the code ITMATTERS for 35% off full-price items, 40% off signature special items & up to 75% off sale items.
Our Team's Picks:
Baggu:
Since the origin of the brand in 2007, Baggu has put an emphasis on sustainable practices both through the materials they use and the way in which they operate their supply chains. Starting now, get 20% off sitewide.
Our Team's Picks:
Broken Planet:
The UK-based small brand creates streetwear that is made ethically with organic and recycled materials in limited quantities. Friday at 3pm EST, Broken Planet is releasing their "Broken Friday" drop, where items with minor imperfections will be sold at a discounted price in order to reduce material waste. Learn more about the drop via their Instagram.
Damson Madder:
Based in London, Damson Madder is committed to making styles that do not cost the earth. The brand uses organic cotton, recycled and repurposed fabrics in all of their garments. Starting now, use code DM30 to score 30% off sitewide.
Our Team's Picks:
Depop:
A known and loved online thrift store, Depop is a great way to sustainably source your holiday wish list. While there are no sitewide sales, the "Cyber Sale" tab is a great way to find prices up to 50% off from a variety of Depop's sellers.
Eileen Fisher:
Long recognized as a great spot for sustainable finds, Eileen Fisher is dedicated to doing things differently. The brand uses eco-friendly materials and has set a science-based target to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Starting now, take 50% off all sale items online.
Our Team's Picks:
For Days:
Priding themselves on circular fashion, For Days takes a unique approach to clothing. They design and produce all of their garments with "end-of-life" in mind. By making a 100% recyclable brand, they encourage you to send back your clothes after you use them (wear, tear, stains and all) in order to receive credit towards future purchases. Starting now, you can take up to 40% off sitewide.
Our Team's Picks:
Girlfriend Collective:
With an emphasis on body-inclusive activewear and athleisure, Girlfriend Collective uses recycled materials, like old water bottles and fishing nets, to make their products. Starting now, take 40% off sitewide.
Our Team's Picks:
MATE the Label:
With a 100% vegan product range and use of eco-friendly materials, MATE the Label offers naturally made basics designed by women for women. Starting now, take 30% off sitewide.
Our Team's Picks:
Patagonia:
The California-based outdoor clothing retailer is known for urging their customers to slow down consumption, especially during Black Friday. Learn more about this years initiatives via their "Let's Find a Better Way" resources, which includes links to repair clothes, shop second hand, and give back.
Reformation:
Known for being an environmental leader in the fashion industry, Reformation is proving that you can look good and protect the earth at the same time. Their use of eco-friendly materials and the implementation of their "RefScale", which breaks down each garments' impact on the environment, are just some of the things Reformation does to maintain their dedication to sustainability. Starting now, take 25% off sitewide.
Our Team's Picks:
The RealReal:
With a mission of extending the life of luxury goods, The RealReal offers an extensive range of consigned items. They are currently offering an up to 85% off sale and you can get 20% off with the code REAL.
Vestiaire Collective:
Another excellent site to pick up pre-loved items, Vestiaire Collective encourages consumers to give clothes a second life instead of buying new. Starting now you can get 10% off sitewide with code BETTERFRI.
Written by: Becca Morency
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